Layoffs to cost Spotify $140M – $155M as its stock continues to riseIt was another down day on Wall Street, but Spotify [NYSE: SPOT] stock rose 2.65% on Tuesday, after a jump of 7.46%. Monday. The sharp uptick came after the streamer. Continue reading
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Moog Music Mariana Mariana is a dual-layer synthesizer, allowing you to mix together two completely different synthesizer sounds that can dynamically complement each other or be played duophonically. Each... Read More

Moog Debuts New Bass Synthesizer for iOS, macOS & WindowsBorn from the depths of Moog Music's legacy in bass synthesis, Mariana breathes new life into electronic sound design techniques for the modern player or producer.  

A powerful creative companion, Mariana is designed for intuitive audio layering and processing, merging the soul of Moog bass with user-friendly technology for all digital creators. Optimized for vibrant bass sounds, Mariana invites users to dial in tones that span genres, easily form modulation pathways to create complex timbres, and sculpt distinct sounds that sit perfectly in any mix with built-in effects and compression. 

Mariana: The Next Evolution of Moog Bass 

Mariana is a dual-layer synthesizer, allowing you to mix together two completely different synthesizer sounds that can dynamically complement each other or be played duophonically. Each layer is built around two oscillators with precise and inventive controls to make your bass tone punch through a mix and stand out from the rest, with a sub-oscillator adding even more low-end weight. Two resonant Moog filters and a third filter specifically for the sub-oscillator let you shape your sound, adding warmth while rolling off high frequencies or pushing up the resonance for added bite. With stereo oscillators and crossover filter functionality, Mariana is optimized for quickly fine-tuning stereo content while simultaneously preserving a powerful mono bass foundation. 

Warm tube, tape, and overdrive saturation and a tight compressor add heaviness and glue to your bass lines while an illuminating real-time metering section lets you monitor your sounds and dial them in to a professional standard. Flexible built-in delay and chorus effects operate on separate layers and can expand the stereo image of your sounds while preserving a solid mono signal with high-pass filters. Whether designing your own bass tones from scratch or using one of the 200 included presets as a starting point, Mariana is an accessible and versatile tool for any modern production environment. And although Mariana is optimized for bass, it is fully capable of producing strong leads, punchy percussion, and multidimensional effects, making it possible to craft an entire song using this single instrument. 

Mariana’s intuitive user interface is designed for quick and efficient workflow while being fully equipped with three LFOs, three envelopes, and two random generators per layer. Combined with a creative and extremely deep modulation editor, Mariana excels at in-depth sound design and sounds that dynamically evolve over time. Nearly every parameter of Mariana can be modulated internally via MIDI, MPE, and virtual CV to build an interconnected ecosystem right in your DAW. With an optimized resizable user interface, expressive on-screen keyboard for iPad and standalone desktop versions, and seamless integration into any DAW (digital audio workstation), Mariana is the most accessible way to add the unmistakable Moog bass sound to your productions. 

Get started with Mariana here.

Exploring Mariana’s Key Sound Design Features 

Mariana includes all the tools necessary for creating deep, pulsating, professional bass sounds and more. Tone layering, parallel filtering, cross-over control, doubling and detune, compression, dynamic saturation, and surgical stereo placement are all built into Mariana for streamlined, recallable access to your favorite bass chain—without needing to load up additional processors. 

Modern Moog Bass: Mariana pulls from the lineage of classic Moog bass instruments (Minimoog Model D, Minitaur) to deliver a new bass synthesizer with cutting-edge features for sculpting powerful bass lines. 

Dual Layers: Two separate synthesizer layers allow for complementary sound stacks or independent duophonic playing that can be mixed together. 

Deep Modulation: A vast array of modulation sources, destinations, controllers, and functions with a deep mod matrix editor allow for complex modulation of nearly every parameter of Mariana. 

Intuitive Interface: A beautiful, resizable, and user-friendly interface gives you effortless control over your bass sounds. 

Metering and Compression: Built-in effects, compression, and metering let you add punch to your bass sounds and dial them in to a professional standard. 

Interconnectivity: Mariana can interact with the Moogerfooger Effects Plug-ins via virtual CV, creating a modular Moog ecosystem right in your DAW. 

Flexibility: Mariana can be used as a plug-in within your DAW, as a standalone app you can control via MIDI without the need for a DAW, and as an iPad app with an expressive on-screen keyboard controller. 

Preset Library: A vast library of presets covering a wide range of musical styles and genres provides a starting point for users to dive right into musical creation—or transform stock presets into something completely unique. 

For more about Mariana, visit Moog’s software website at software.moogmusic.com.  

Moog’s History of Bass Synthesis in Electronic Music 

Synthesized bass has transformed the way we hear and enjoy music for the better part of the last century. 

Spanning genres and styles, Moog has been synonymous with electronic bass since the 1960s. Bernie Worrell’s Model D revolutionized funk music and paved the way for West Coast hip-hop. Giorgio Moroder’s use of Moog bass to craft “I Feel Love” by Donna Summer brought with it a defining moment in disco. Rush’s Geddy Lee established the archetypal sound of prog rock with the help of Model D and Taurus. Synthesized bass has been a fixture of Trent Reznor’s sound (solo and with Nine Inch Nails), thanks in large part to his personal connection with the Minimoog Voyager.  

Bass has been the foundation for the sound and power of Moog instruments for decades. In a new video narrated by actor, writer, producer, and comedian H. Jon Benjamin, Moog invites you to journey through moments of the past and into the future of bass with a soundtrack built using all sounds from Mariana.  

Experience the Sounds of Mariana 

Whether using Mariana on iOS, macOS, or Windows, any player of any experience level can get started with the instrument by exploring its 200 included presets.  

Spanning genres and styles suitable for any creator, these sounds were professionally designed by Moog’s in-house Product team and electronic artists like Kyle Hall, Erin Barra, Bad Snacks, and Lisa Bella Donna. 

Listen to a selection of these sounds here. 

Free Guided Tutorial Videos 

Moog has teamed up with Thavius Beck, an experienced digital educational content creator, to demonstrate the depth and dynamic features of Mariana for users new to sound design in the software space. In this hour-long deep dive, Thavius breaks down specific aspects of the synth while making a full song exclusively using Mariana. This tutorial will provide Mariana users with a clear overview of the instrument, what makes it unique, how to approach sound design, and tips to build a complete track with this new synthesizer. Watch the video on Moog’s YouTube. 

Plus, Moog debuts three new guided walkthroughs to its informative Demo Library series on YouTube. Each demonstration highlights a unique way to use Mariana as either a standalone instrument or within a multi-effects environment inside commonly used DAWs like Ableton. Visit the Moog Demo Library to watch.  

Developing a Modern Moog Bass Synthesizer 

Moog Music has long been a pioneer in electronic bass, from the iconic Minimoog Model D to the Taurus Bass Pedals, Sub Phatty, and Minitaur. Mariana continues this tradition in the form of a groundbreaking software synthesizer for iOS, MacOS, and Windows.  

Following the success of last year’s Moogerfooger Effects Plug-ins release, the Product team at Moog in Asheville, NC, has been hard at work on the next great-sounding Moog software synthesizer. Moog’s small group of software engineers brought this vision to life working closely alongside in-house industrial design, branding, and product experts to ensure Mariana looks, sounds, and behaves with the quality and character of every bass-forward Moog instrument before it. 

Optimized for vibrant bass sound, Mariana is a powerful tool for artists and musicians across all genres and workflows. Explore this instrument here. 

Limited-Time Introductory Pricing: Mariana Is Now 50% Off 

Mariana is now available to download and explore on Moog’s website, through the App Store, and with trusted Moog partners worldwide. For a limited time, Mariana is only $14.99 USD (regularly $29.99) for iOS mobile devices and $49 USD (regularly $99) for macOS/Windows use.  

To get started, visit software.moogmusic.com! 

More about Moog Music Moog Music is the world’s leading producer of theremins and analog synthesizers. The company and its customers carry on the legacy of its founder, electronic musical instrument pioneer Dr. Bob Moog. Learn more here. 

Jack Antonoff talks Taylor Swift, AI, his new management – and how to avoid deals with the devilMBW’s World’s Greatest Songwriters series meets Jack Antonoff, one of the most successful songwriters of the modern age...
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Platone Studio DJ Filter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gf_y_i7q2B4&ab_channel=PlatoneStudio DJ Filter Platone Dj Filter is a simple and Free tool allowing you to control LP/HP with... Read More

HarbourView ups credit facility capacity by $100m to buy more music rightsHarbourView’s credit facility capacity has been increased to $300m
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SRM Sounds launch Max Richter Piano Ground-breaking composer Max Richter has announced the launch of SRM Sounds, a new company which...

Vinyl industry opposes ‘dramatic’ shift in music store sales reportingThe Vinyl Record Manufacturing Association (VRMA) and the Vinyl Alliance have joined forces to oppose Luminate and Billboard’s upcoming changes to how music sales are calculated from independent retailers. Data. Continue reading
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Dixon Beats Releases FREE DB1 Plugin Inspired By The Casio SK-1 Toy Keyboard
Dixon Beats releases DB1, a FREE Casio SK-1 emulation for macOS and Windows, Casio’s SK-1 sampling keyboard first appeared in 1985, and I think it’s fair to say the little 32-key synth has aged well. At the time of its release, Casio never intended for the SK-1 to be a world-beater; it was a bit [...]
View post: Dixon Beats Releases FREE DB1 Plugin Inspired By The Casio SK-1 Toy Keyboard

Art With Me stands out as Art Basel invades Miami with sets from Channel Tres, Polo & Pan, and moreThe Art Basel celebration of music, art, and culture takes over Miami again this week, and the three-day Art With Me festival promises to be a highlight. The famed multidisciplinary festival. Continue reading
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HoRNet ThirtyOne MK2 Is FREE Today Only
HoRNet Plugins offers the ThirtyOne MK2 (€20,99 value) plugin as a FREE download until midnight on December 6 (GMT+1). ThirtyOne MK2 is a 31-band spectrum analyzer with a built-in graphic equalizer and Auto EQ functionality. I prefer using parametric EQs for mixing, but ThirtyOne MK2 surprised me with its intuitive spectrum analysis display and surprisingly [...]
View post: HoRNet ThirtyOne MK2 Is FREE Today Only

In new online course, Vulfpeck’s Jack Stratton asks: “Does mixing matter?”Does mixing matter? To put it simply – yes. But also no.
Determined to teach the world the intricate nuances of a great mix, Vulfpeck’s Jack Stratton has announced his own mixing masterclass course. While the quality of a mix may potentially impact the marketability of a track, Stratton’s approach puts an emphasis on understanding the integrity and charm of a song above all else.

READ MORE: Moog’s Mariana software bass synth is “the next evolution of Moog bass”

“A strong mix is the most important thing, a strong mix is the least important thing,” he explains. “It’s about duality.”
Rather than focusing just on the technicalities of mixing, Stratton’s ‘Vulf Sound’ masterclass aims to fine-tune a mixer’s creative instincts. The masterclass emphasises the importance of a strong mix, while still encouraging producers and engineers not to obsess over a mix too much; understanding what a track has to offer and emphasising its unique appeal is paramount.

To highlight the transformative potential of a mix, Stratton talks of Diana Ross’ 1980 hit, I’m Coming Out. Playing the track, he notes that the final mix is “dance-y, powerful” – but it’s not actually the original mix pieced together for the track.
Apparently, Ross thought the original sounded too much like Chic, and decided to travel to Detroit and get it re-mixed with Motown Records. The resulting track is the smash hit we all know and love – and the original mix would lay untouched for years, until it was finally released in 2017.
The original Chic-esque version boasts a stronger, funky bassline, the signature sound of Nile Rodger’s charismatic bass playing far heavier in the mix. The mix is a harder-hitting disco banger, more punchy than the soulful charm of the final mix.
But does a heavier mix always equate to a stronger song? Not necessarily. “If you can hear the joy in the playing, if you can hear everything clearly… the mix almost becomes secondary to the performance,” Stratton reflects.
The ‘Vulf Sound’ approach encourages mixers to truly understand what each unique track has to offer. Will a heavy mix strengthen the track, or is a rawer, stripped-back sound better suited?
“I’m no Rick Rubin,” Stratton jokes, “but I know that it’s all about duality… Do I love pop, do I hate pop? Do I love tape, do I hate tape?” 
He calls this duality the ‘Ronson/Gabe Roth Duality’, alluding to Mark Ronson and Gabriel Roth’s collaboration on the mix of Amy Winehouse’s Rehab. While Roth treads a more raw, funky, live-focused path, Ronson has a more forward-thinking, Pro Tools-savvy mindset. The balancing of these two abilities, the dualistic approach, allowed the track to shine.
The Mixing Masterclass is set to provide even more insightful ideas surrounding the nature of mixing, hopefully encouraging a new breed of sharp, creative mixers to flourish.
The course has 25% off its $250 price tag until the end of the year with code BLACKFRIDAY. For more info, head to Vulf Conservatory.
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Moog unveil Mariana soft synth Moog's latest release aims to provide users with access to their classic bass sounds in software form. 

Moog’s Mariana software bass synth is “the next evolution of Moog bass”Moog has launched Mariana, a software bass synthesizer available as an app for iOS, or as a plugin for macOS and Windows for complex and “vibrant” bass sounds.

READ MORE: Get this free Synthesizer Expander Module plugin from Cherry Audio today

Using Mariana, you can dial in tones that suit a range of genres, combine synth sounds and create ear-catching, complex timbres that, the brand says, will “sit perfectly in any mix” with the help of built-in effects and compression. Check out more in this H. Jon Benjamin-narrated trailer, the voice behind the protagonists in US series Bob’s Burgers and Archer. 

Mariana lets you layer multiple bass sounds. Each layer offers three LFOs, three envelopes, and two random generators. There’s also a sub-oscillator so you can reinforce the presence of your low-end and two resonant Moog filters and a dedicated sub-oscillator filter. These “add warmth while rolling off high frequencies or pushing up the resonance for added bite”, Moog says.
There’s a robust modulation editor so you can intricately shape dynamic modulation paths, with virtually every parameter being made editable via MIDI, MPE, and virtual CV within the DAW for an integrated user experience.
Credit: Moog
Moog gives you a range of built-in effects and metering so you can add punch to your bass sounds or make them sit within your mixes better. There’s a warm tube, tape, an overdrive saturation, a tight compressor and real-time metering. The synth also offers built-in delay and chorus effects across separate layers, broadening stereo imaging while maintaining a robust mono signal via high-pass filters.
Mariana has 200 presets that suit loads of genres. These can act as inspiring starting points which you can of course transform into something completely unique. In terms of usability, Mariana apparently has a “beautiful” interface that’s resizable and easy to use.
If you’re looking to use Mariana in your DAW, the plugin will cost you $49 for a limited – but unspecified – time, returning to its usual price of $99 after this. The iOS app version will set you back $14.99, jumping back up to the regular price of $29.99.
Find out more at Moog Music.
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Bath’s iconic grassroots venue Moles to close after 45 yearsBath music venue Moles is sadly closing after 45 years. The 220-capacity grassroots club provided a stage to artists such as Oasis and Ed Sheeran during their early careers.
Moles opened in 1978 on New Year’s Eve, and went on to form a vital part of the blossoming careers of many musicians who went on to make it big. These include Manic Street Preachers, Blur, Pulp, The Cure, Wolf Alice and more.

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The venue announced the news in a post on social media shared earlier today (5 December). Its statement reads: “Today, we are heartbroken to announce that Moles, in its current form, is closing, effective immediately. It’s an incredibly difficult decision for our team, the staff, the local community, and the artists who, over the years, have created such an incredible history of music.
“We’ve weathered many things over the years, including a fire and a pandemic in the last 10 years alone, but this cost of living crisis has crippled the grassroots music sector. Although that is not the only problem, it has accentuated it. Huge rent rates, along with massively increased costs on everything from utilities to stock, are all factors.”
It continues, “This has been compounded by our customers also feeling the impact of the crisis. We are not the only grassroots music venue to close in the past year. Over 120 other venues have closed as well, which is over 15 percent of the sector. Places that mean as much to others as Moles means to us.”

The venue also reinstates that the live sector at arena level is having a “bumper year” with record profits. “There needs to be a major shake-up of the live sector, with the big players supporting the grassroots where it all begins to secure that pipeline of talent,” it argues. “This is something that Music Venue Trust has been saying for years; maybe now the industry will listen.
Moles was one of the last venues remaining from the first Oasis tour. It also formed part of the estimated 366 grassroots venues played by Sheeran before he made it big. 150 of those have now closed. “This decimation of the sector has to stop now. Unless bands have these stages to play, where will they hone their talents and become these huge artists that fill these arenas and stadiums around the world?”
It later adds, “Thank you to everyone who has ever worked here; we achieved a lot, and it couldn’t have been done without them. And all the bands and DJs that have played, and all of you who came down, bought a ticket, and danced and sang, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Today, we are heartbroken, but the good memories will last forever, and for that, we will always be grateful.”
Read the full statement below:

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