Voice Enhancement Assistant (VEA) plug-in by iZotope VEA offers an intuitive all-in-one vocal processing solution using the technology found in iZotope's RX, Ozone and Nectar software.

Voice Enhancement Assistant plug-in by iZotope VEA offers an intuitive all-in-one vocal processing solution using the technology found in iZotope's RX, Ozone and Nectar software.

Arturia’s AudioFuse 16Rig is excellent for the modern studios of synth lovers£1,159 / €1,299 / $1,499, arturia.com
Better known for its synth products, Arturia launched the AudioFuse interface in 2017, which instantly won fans with its innovative ergonomics, ease of use, and assortment of useful extras. The range has grown to include interfaces with progressively more inputs and outputs — with the desktop format Studio and the rack-mounted 8Pre — and now comes the impressively equipped flagship: the 16Rig.

READ MORE: SR Studio 1073-style preamp achieves a classic analogue sound at an extremely attractive price

Armed with a dazzling array of inputs, outputs and similarly useful extras, the 16Rig is for home and project studios with lots of external gear to plug in. It easily fends off competing products from the likes of MOTU and RME, but also comes at a reasonable price and is in strong supply. A recipe for sweet success – but how does the new leader of the AudioFuse gang fare in the wild?
Arturia AudioFuse 16Rig
What inputs and outputs does the AudioFuse 16Rig have?
Arturia has many bases covered with I/O, with 16 analogue line ins and 10 line outs. That’s ideal for leaving an array of external synths and drum machines plugged in and ready to go or, in a recording studio, for interfacing with a clutch of external mic preamps and outboard.
Handily, all line connections have digital trim adjustable in 0.1dB steps — perfect when lining up levels with external gear. Two parallel headphone sockets are forced to share the same feed and volume control, but there’s another easy way to set up multiple pairs of headphones — more on that later.
Also on the analogue side — around the front — are a couple of digitally-controlled mic preamps for when you don’t have boutique preamps plugged in. Two alternative TRS jack sockets offer multiple purposes; the most useful being passing an instrument level signal out for re-amping — ideal for sending clean guitar sounds to an amp or sending synths and guitars through a chain of pedals (and subsequently returned to inputs 1 and/or 2 at the front if required since these can be switched to instrument level).

Alternatively, during a tracking session, you can also use the Multi sockets as additional headphone outs. Or, switch them to line level for connecting gear that isn’t usually plugged in without diving to behind the rack. Finally, a stereo minijack input alternates with line ins 3-4, ideal for quickly plugging in mobile devices.
All of these forward-facing sockets alternate with corresponding ins and outs around the back. So, to help ease frustrations in the studio, you can switch between front and rear options without unplugging cables (you can even save presets in the software).
Digital expansion comes via two banks for ADAT ports, offering up to 16 extra ins/outs at sample rates of up to 48kHz. A word clock is provided to keep everything tightly clocked together.
Arturia AudioFuse 16Rig I/O
Can you plug MIDI devices into the AudioFuse 16Rig?
AudioFuse 16Rig has a pleasing range of MIDI options. As well as DIN sockets for in, out and thru, you can get your devices hooked up in other convenient ways. This includes a USB MIDI port and, for those analogue rarities, line outs can transmit CV data.
Speaking of USB, there are two extra hub sockets for chaining extra devices. Arturia seems to have thought of everything — all these features truly establish the interface as an all-in-one synth studio solution. Bravo!
Arturia AudioFuse 16Rig in use
What is the AudioFuse 16Rig like to use?
Getting going is simple. Download the control software and you can access the attractive bundle of the brand’s plugins including a nice Neve-style preamp with EQ, a plate reverb, plus the Analog Lab Intro sound collection.
On the hardware end, we’re suckers for a decent graphical user interface with metering. This one displays input and output banks with a clear screen layout. Preamp controls are also quickly accessed and easy to adjust without recourse to using the software.
But an annoying blip occurs with switching between meter screens; instead of using a quick access button to toggle between banks, you’re forced to scroll through the channels on screen with the rotary encoder until they reach the next bank; we hope the user experience here might be improved in a firmware update.

Setting up line inputs and mixing through analogue gear is a breeze with trim levels and input gain offering fine control and being easily recallable. This is especially flexible when you’re sending the signal through a chain of outboard processors and want to drive the outboard in the analogue domain but bring the signal back to the A/D converters at a sensible level.
The control software offers useful versatility in setting up a headphone mix using either the pre-defined cue mix or via aux sends. There’s a learning curve, but the upside is that you can set up more than one independent alternative mix.
Sadly, the loopback implementation is poorly documented — there’s no easy way of finding out how it works without searching out third-party demos on YouTube.
Monitor controller features — not always present on this type of interface — provide useful alternative speaker switching from any line out pair, dim, plus two physical buttons (mute and a multifunction button switchable between dim, mono and alt speakers). However, there’s no talkback and you can’t assign the monitor dial to multiple pairs of line outs — really limiting if you’re working with a surround setup.
Arturia AudioFuse 16Rig alongside other gear
How does the AudioFuse 16Rig sound?
With a mic plugged in, there’s plenty of clean gain with the impression of slightly more high-end detail when compared to our Audient iD44.
16Rig’s converters all measure well in the specs and this manifests itself in noise-free, crystal-clear sound when playing back audio and looping it through outboard gear. Meanwhile, the headphone preamp has loads of level — switchable sensitivity is also a bonus here — so you hear the fine detail of everything you’re tracking.
Core Audio is used on MacOS rather than a proprietary driver, so the interface is not going to compete with RME’s ultra-low latency figures, if it matters to you.

Should you buy the Arturia AudioFuse 16Rig?
Minor grievances aside, Arturia has hit the target perfectly with the AudioFuse 16Rig, and then some. The interface combines a range of analogue ins, outs and ADAT interfacing just as other products do, at a highly competitive price.
But then there’s the array of neat features that truly help seal the deal: a couple of mic preamps, basic monitor controls, multi-outs with re-amp capability as well as an array of MIDI, CV and USB options. Oh, and genuinely useful bundled software, which might find regular use in sessions.
Synth heads and hybrid mixing fanatics will be licking their lips at all this goodness. We predict that many-a patch cable will be dropped in amazement even, and then quickly consigned to the cupboard.
Key features

USB-C connectivity with two-way USB Hub
16 analogue inputs
2 mic preamps with digital gain, phantom power and instrument level option
10 analogue outputs
2 multi-out sockets
Headphone preamp with parallel 3.5mm/6.3mm sockets
Dual ADAT ins/outs
Wordclock in/out (BNC and minijack Clock Out)
MIDI in/out/thru plus USB MIDI connector
Basic monitor controls (mute, alternate monitor switching and multi-function button)
Comes with USB cables, power supply, desktop and rack ears

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Eight Songs To Chase Those January Blues AwayWhen the temperature drops and the hours of sunlight slowly slip away, it can be be tough to keep your spirits up. Music is the way to embrace this quieter season rather than bemoan it. While some of these songs bring up themes that can be helpful when the winter is getting you down, hopefully they'll all bring a spark of light to the winter darkness, or at the very least help you embrace it.

Pitchfork is laying off staff, merging with Condé Nast’s GQMusic is losing another trusted source as publisher Condé Nast “merges” Pitchfork with its men’s magazine GQ. Respected Pitchfork editor-in-chief Puja Patel will exit along with an unspecified number of. Continue reading
The post Pitchfork is laying off staff, merging with Condé Nast’s GQ appeared first on Hypebot.

Land Moto accelerates its electric bike battery play with $3M infusionCleveland-based electric motorcycle startup Land Moto is looking to diversify by powering up the battery design side of its tech, and has raised $3 million (on top of $7 million raised last summer) to do so in 2024. Land’s primary product is a striking electric motorbike called the District, which sits somewhat at the intersection […]
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Republic Records makes chart history, with 8 of the Top 10 albums on the Billboard 200 for two straight weeksRepublic Records' 2024 is off to a flying start
Source

A different kind of streaming fraud: Over 1m ‘manipulated’ tracks are on audio streaming servicesPex’s Rasty Turek believes the issue of ‘modified audio’ could be fixed by the DSPs
Source

Kali Audio announces LP-UNF Ultra Nearfield Studio MonitorsKali Audio has announced the LP-UNF Ultra Nearfield studio monitors. Similar to Kali’s IN-UNF, the LP-UNF is made for people working in desktop environments with limited space and ability to get loud. 

The LP-UNF is sold as a pair of speakers, with a primary speaker that houses the amplifier, electronics, and input section and a passive secondary speaker. Each speaker uses a 3.5-inch woofer and 1-inch textile dome tweeter, and measures 6.5 x 7.5 x 10 inches, taking up minimal space on a desktop. At the prescribed listening distance of 0.8 meters - about arm’s length - the LP-UNF delivers 85 dB max SPL with 20 dB dynamic headroom and has a frequency response from 37 Hz to 25 kHz. 

The LP-UNF is made to suit a wide spectrum of desktop applications. It includes tunings for optimizing the speakers’ sound to desktops whether the monitors are sitting directly on the desk, on desktop monitor stands, on the built-in stands found on recording desks, or even on speaker stands behind the desk. For all the of desktop applications, you can further optimize the sound for whether you’re against a wall or further out into the room. 

Robust inputs include stereo TRS for use with professional audio gear, 3.5mm for use with consumer equipment, USB-C for direct use with a computer or tablet, and Bluetooth 5.1 for casual listening. The USB-C connector will also allow users to keep firmware up to date as Kali adds features and improvements to the LP-UNF. 

The LP-UNF uses much of the same technology as Kali’s best-selling LP-6 and LP-8 V2 speakers. A 3-D imaging waveguide is employed to create a detailed, lifelike stereo image where all of the elements of the mix can be clearly perceived in space. The large front-firing port tube uses a unique. fluid dynamics derived shape that eliminates port noise and compression. This allows you to place the speakers against walls without worrying about adverse effects on the port’s performance. Like the larger LP-Series speakers, the LP-UNF uses Kali’s 2nd Wave amplifier technology for low noise, low distortion, and high dynamic range. 

The LP-UNF is available now in the United States, with an MSRP of $299 for the pair. More information can be found at KaliAudio.com/lp-unf  The post Kali Audio announces LP-UNF Ultra Nearfield Studio Monitors first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

IK Multimedia introduce iRig Stream Mic USB The new iRig Stream Mic USB makes many of the features found in their popular iRig Stream Mic Pro available at a lower price point.

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NAMM 2024: IK Multimedia’s new iRig Stream Mic USB is an “accessible” recording solution for musicians and streamersNAMM 2024: IK Multimedia has released a “more accessible” version of its iRig Stream Mic Pro – the iRig Stream Mic USB – which offers a “refined solution” for sharing your voice and music.
The iRig Stream Mic USB offers a unidirectional, cardioid pattern, which the brand says is ideal for focusing in on the speaker or singer, and rejecting any background noise. It also hosts an adjustable gain and selectable high-pass filter for eliminating rumble.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about the IK Multimedia UNO Synth Pro X

Media players, keyboards, mixers, turntables, soundboards and more can be connected to the product via a “high-grade” stereo 3.5 mm audio input, which can be found directly on the mic. A monitoring mix control allows users to blend the direct or recorded audio via the headphone output.
A Loopback feature allows audio – such as backing tracks or sound effects – from a Mac/PC to be mixed into any recording or stream. Its headphone output offers direct monitoring and lets users check levels with any app, and its 16-bit, 48 kHz converters are said to offer “broadcast-ready” sound for both the mic and stereo aux input.
Each input has its own volume control, so users can make quick adjustments if needed when live on camera. It operates in stereo and pre-mixes multiple sources of audio down to a stereo track, ready to send to streaming apps such as Instagram, Facebook, or Twitch.

iRig Stream Mic USB is powered by its host. It includes a USB-C to USB-C cable, plus audio and video recording app, iRig Recorder 3 LE (iPhone/iPad/Android), plus MixBox CS (iPad) and MixBox SE (Mac/PC) – a suite of effects including dynamics, EQ, reverb and others.
Back in 2021, we rated the iRig Stream Solo and iRig Stream Pro an 8/10 in our review. We noted that both products were highly portable for recording and broadcasting on the move or in smaller spaces, and suggested that streamers should look at the Solo while musicians may prefer the Pro model.
iRig Stream Mic USB is available now for $/€99.99. It ships with a table stand and USB-C cable for Mac, PC, iPad and iPhone 15. Find out more at IK Multimedia.
The post NAMM 2024: IK Multimedia’s new iRig Stream Mic USB is an “accessible” recording solution for musicians and streamers appeared first on MusicTech.

New BandLab Licensing service gives creators “unparalleled avenues to monetise their music”BandLab, acknowledged as the world’s largest social music creation platform, has unveiled BandLab Licensing, a new programme to help users monetise their music.

READ MORE: BandLab’s Meng Ru Kuok: “I think there will be over 1 billion music creators by 2030, potentially even sooner”

This initiative is designed to provide musicians with avenues to monetise their music while retaining full artistic control. BandLab Licensing offers a comprehensive licensing solution, covering synchronisation for various mediums such as film, TV, games, and advertising, along with extending streaming licences for exclusive, rights-cleared content.
Musicians on BandLab can now find opportunities to showcase their music on preferred platforms and in popular shows, thereby amplifying their exposure, potential earnings, and fan base. This development is an extension of ReverbNation’s Sync Licensing programme, known for facilitating placements with renowned brands and on well-received shows.
Meng Ru Kuok, CEO & Co-founder of BandLab Technologies, highlights the importance of this launch in a press release, stating, “The launch of BandLab Licensing marks a significant milestone in the expansion of offerings available to BandLab users.
“It not only opens up new revenue streams for our creators and a new at-scale partner for the music supervisor and licensee community, but also strengthens our purpose to democratize and grow the value of music creation worldwide. With BandLab Licensing, our users’ music becomes the soundtrack to the world’s creative, consumption, and connection experiences.”
BandLab is on a mission to provide real opportunities for artists on its platform, it seems. In November 2023, it partnered with FUGA to launch BandLab Distribution, which aids its users in distributing their music to platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, TikTok and more.
Find out more about BandLab Licensing at licensing.bandlab.com.
Editor’s note: BandLab Technologies and MusicTech are both a part of Caldecott Music Group.
The post New BandLab Licensing service gives creators “unparalleled avenues to monetise their music” appeared first on MusicTech.

These LEGO Sennheiser HD25 DJ headphones are just a concept – for now​​Hungarian designer Tamás Borján, known for designing DJ gear made of LEGO, has now built a pair of LEGO Sennheiser HD25 DJ headphones.

READ MORE: NAMM 2024: The hottest rumours and latest announcements from this year’s show

Borján, who last year constructed a pair of LEGO Pioneer CDJ 2000 Nexus and a DJM 900 Nexus mixer, revealed the headphones on Instagram, writing, “I thought the DJ equipment wouldn’t be complete without a nice pair of headphones.”
“The Sennheiser HD25 is an iconic piece among DJs”, he continues, “it is beloved by a lot of users around the world. I was also using these while I was DJing.
“This Lego version has the mechanical features of its real counterpart. The earphone can be rotated and the 2 bands can also be rotated to help make a perfect fit for anyone,” he says.

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A post shared by Tomasso Builds (@tomassobuilds)

According to the designer, the LEGO headphones consist of 350 pieces. While it’s sadly just a 3D render for now, he plans to build the headphones “for sure” in the future.
This creative journey began in July 2023 when Borján unveiled his playable Pioneer CDJ 2000 Nexus concept on the LEGO Ideas platform, where creators can submit designs for potential commercial products. Achieving 10,000 supporting votes can lead to the consideration of ideas for production, with creators earning 1 per cent of product royalties upon success. Currently, Tomasso Builds’ LEGO Ideas CDJ 2000 campaign boasts over 8,200 supporters, placing him just under 1,800 votes away from official consideration. Vote via ideas.lego.com.
Image: LEGO Ideas
Borján’s impressive LEGO constructions aren’t the only musical equipment to be made using toy blocks. In 2022, Brick Technology, a YouTube channel, crafted a fully functional drum machine entirely from Lego Technic pieces that can play Taylor Swift and Blur. Using a Roland TD-9 drum module and piezo pickups, the machine has a pianola-style rolling mechanism as a sequencer, utilising Lego Technic pins to create drum patterns.
Well, we for one can’t wait to see if Tamás Borján ends up making his Sennheiser headphones a LEGO reality.
Until then, keep up to date with actual headphone releases via MusicTech. 
The post These LEGO Sennheiser HD25 DJ headphones are just a concept – for now appeared first on MusicTech.

Moog Moogerfooger plugins are on sale at just £30 for a limited timeWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. For more information on how this works click here.
For a limited time, a selection of Moog Moogerfooger time effects plugins are available for over half their original price at £30 each.
The deal, redeemable at Plugin Boutique, sees the price of the Moogerfooger MF-104s Analog Delay slashed by 62%, while the Moogerfooger MF-103S 12 Stage Phaser is discounted by 57%.
READ MORE: Universal Audio UAD bundles are 90% off until the end of today!
Based on the original hardware pedals of the same name, the Moogerfooger plugins bring the classic Moog sound into your DAW at a fraction of the price. A second-hand Moogerfooger MF-104s hardware pedal, for example, could set you back as much as £2,000 — over 66 times the price that Plugin Boutique has it on sale for. Not bad!
The MF-104s plugin brings a Bucket Brigade Device (BBD)-style delay to your DAW, with delay times ranging from 40ms to 800ms. As Plugin Boutique says, this plugin has been designed to “capture all of the warm, organic texture and character of the original analogue delay circuitry, while adding 21st-century flexibility and ease of use.”
Meanwhile, the MF-103S 12-Stage Phaser emulates the original 6-stage/12-stage voltage-controlled Phaser which Plugin Boutique says brings “not only the psychedelic enveloping sound of the original, but also the organic way in which the parameters interact to create a musical playing experience.”
Both plugins sport CV interconnectivity, stereo functions, and presets, and support for running multiple instance simultaneously.

When the Moogerfooger plugins were first announced in late 2022, Moog said, “The new Moogerfooger S-series plugins have been lovingly recreated to impart the same lush, distinctive tones of the original analogue circuits and can now be used in DAW-based environments. Great for audio engineers, guitarists, sound designers, synthesists, [and] composers — the ultimate creative and versatile tool.”
Get the plugins from Plugin Boutique until 22 January 2024.
Check out more music technology deals. 
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