Zayn Malik sued for alleged copyright infringement over ‘Better’Lawsuit filed by musician and songwriter Patrick Simmons, who goes by the stage name Havyn
Source

TikTok generated over $2bn in the UK and Europe last year – more than doubling YoYA new annual filing, reviewed by Music Business Worldwide, reveals how platform's business performed in multiple key markets.
Source

Instagram Broadcast: What is it and how can musicians benefit?A brand-new social media feature has just dropped and it could be the best new way for artists to keep in touch with fans.
MusicTech has taken a deep dive into Instagram’s new feature Broadcast to find out how it can be of use to musicians and their fan bases.

READ MORE: Modal Electronics confirms insolvency and goes into administration

What is Broadcast?
In simple terms, Instagram’s Broadcast allows creators to send direct messages to their followers about announcements, behind-the-scenes content, event details and more. This can also expand to voice notes, videos, reels, and Q&As.
Followers who join the channel are able to react to messages and interact with polls, but they are not able to send any messages back.
It could be a good tool for musicians as it looks to be a good way of sharing exclusive content directly to those who care the most, and create a strong community within Instagram.
How does it benefit musicians and fans?
Instagram’s Broadcast feature is an interesting tool for musicians because a creator can create multiple channels, whether that be to give personal updates and messages to fans (like an Instagram story), or even about upcoming releases, tour dates and more.
Users have the option to either accept or deny the request to join a Broadcast channel, which allows artists to connect with the fans that want to engage.
There is also the option to add collaborators to channels, so more than one person can control what is being said in the chat, including other band members, tour managers, and even select fans.
It’s intriguing to see how DJs are using the newest feature too. DJ Patrick Topping has used it so far to promote a competition, while Friend Within is using the platform to share screen recordings of what he’s working on on Ableton Live. On the other hand, DJ Boring has used it so far to put out a poll about what new merch his fans want to see.
From our experience, Broadcast does feel more personal to connect with an artist this way – at least compared to using stories or posts. As the artist is speaking directly to those that want to hear from, it’s a great way for fans to build a closer relationship to their favourite artist, and for the artist to understand what it is the fans want to know, see and hear.
The post Instagram Broadcast: What is it and how can musicians benefit? appeared first on MusicTech.

HoRNet HoRNet Tape MK2 The new HoRNet Tape MK2, a software emulation of the classic tape saturation effect that left an indelible mark on music production from the 1960s through the 1990s. This update replicates... Read More

Avid Pro Tools Sketch Pro Tools Sketch is now available as a new window in the Pro Tools application (version 2023.9 and later) and as a free iPad app from the Apple App Store. Capture and play with... Read More

Avid release Pro Tools Sketch Avid have announced the release of Pro Tools Sketch, a new non-linear, clip-based creation window in Pro Tools that is also available as a free iPad app.

The best audio interfaces to buy in 2023: 10 best interfaces under $250After already dropping cash on a microphone, headphones and maybe even a new DAW, spending even more money on an audio interface with bells and whistles can feel like unnecessary pain for your wallet. However, it’s an essential component in most recording setups if you actually want to plug that microphone in!
These are our picks for the best audio interfaces you can grab for under $250. While most of these sit in the two-channel range, some offer extra ins and outs or something a bit different, from novel hardware features to enticing software bundles.
The Best Audio Interfaces under $250

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)
Audient EVO 8
PreSonus Revelator io24
Arturia MiniFuse 4
Universal Audio Volt 176
Solid State Logic SSL 2+
Audient iD4 MKII
MOTU M2 2×2
Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD
IK Multimedia iRig Pro Duo I/O

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. Image: Focusrite
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) is a 2-channel USB 2.0 audio interface renowned for its exceptional recording capabilities. With a 24-bit / 192 kHz resolution and impressive 120 dB dynamic range, it ensures high-quality sound. Featuring two Scarlett microphone preamps with 69 dB gain, +48V phantom power, and the Air function for added brilliance, it’s perfect for vocals and instruments. User-friendly features like Auto Gain, Clip Safe, and Dynamic Gain Halos simplify volume control. Compact and bus-powered with USB-C connectivity for both PC and Mac, it includes the Hitmaker Expansion Software Bundle for comprehensive music production.
Features:

Exceptional 24-bit / 192 kHz sound
Two instrument/line and two mic inputs (XLR)
69 dB gain, +48V phantom power
Easy recording, no clipping
Ideal for mobile recording
Price: $227

Find deals at thomann.de.
Audient EVO 8
Audient EVO 8
The EVO 8 from Audient offers the same satisfying, easy-to-use interface and Smartgain feature as its smaller siblings, making it a superb choice for beginners. However, its four quality mic preamps open up a whole host of possibilities that just aren’t possible with two inputs, including stripped-down drum recording or experimenting with multiple close and ambient mics when tracking guitars. Just like other Audient interfaces, there’s a decent (albeit single) DI input with a JFET transistor stage that makes instruments sound less clinical when plugged straight in. As well as support for two pairs of studio monitors, there are also two headphone outputs – pretty rare at this price.
The EVO 8 over-delivers on both quality and quantity of features, achieving a perfect score of 10/10 in our review. Bus-powering via USB-C adds to convenience and portability, and Audient’s ARC bundle is always worth checking out, particularly when Sonarworks’ headphone and room correction software is bundled in.
Read our full review.

Price: $229
Inputs: 4 mic/line combo inputs; 1 instrument input (6.3 mm)
Outputs: 4 TRS line outputs (6.3 mm), 2 headphone outputs (6.3 mm)
Mic preamp gain range: 58 dB
Notable features: Smartgain; JFET DI; ARC software bundle
Maximum sample rate: 96 kHz
Connection: USB 2.0, USB-C connector

Check out the EVO 8 via thomann.
PreSonus Revelator io24

The PreSonus Revelator io24 is a desktop, wedge-shaped interface that comes as a big surprise at its price point. With two digitally-controlled mic preamps, on-screen feedback and metering and a suite of built-in DSP effects, it makes tracking vocals and instruments a more pleasurable experience. The DSP also provides crucial tools for podcasters or streamers who want to shape their incoming mic sound with EQ, compression and a noise gate, and extensive loopback support is another bonus for this type of user.
Bus-powering makes the io24 a great proposition for music on the move, while the PreSonus Studio Magic software bundle rarely disappoints, including full software instruments, genuinely useful audio effects, and an entry-version of the Studio One DAW.
Read our full review.

Price: $199 (although frequently discounted)
Inputs: 2 mic/line/instrument combo inputs
Outputs: 2 TRS line outputs (6.3 mm); 1 headphone output (6.3 mm)
Mic preamp gain range: 60 dB
Notable features: digital gain control; onboard DSP effects; MIDI in/out; strong software bundle
Connection: USB 2.0, USB-C connector

Find out more at thomann.
Arturia MiniFuse 4

Building upon its success in the synth hardware market, Arturia has gained fans in the audio interface world too with its AudioFuse line intended for pro users. The more recent MiniFuse interfaces include all the essentials, partnered – as you’d expect – by an attractive software bundle taken from the brand’s own, extensive plugin collection.
MiniFuse 4 is a four in/four out interface that has two combination mic, line and instrument preamps, plus a further two line ins for connecting the likes of an external synth or mic preamp. On the output side, there are four line outs, meaning you can drive two pairs of studio monitors or for hybrid mixing, send signals out from the extra line outs to analogue hardware (e.g. returning to the interface via line ins 3 and 4). There are two headphone outs, MIDI sockets, a handy main volume knob, and LED meters on the front. A two-port USB-A hub is another very useful extra, but you need to add an external DC power supply to put this into action; otherwise, the interface will work happily on bus power.
Read our full review.

Price: $219
Inputs: 2 mic/line/instrument combo inputs; 2 additional TRS line inputs (6.3 mm)
Outputs: 4 TRS line outputs (6.3 mm); 2 headphone outputs (6.3 mm)
Mic preamp gain range: 60 dB
Notable features: USB hub; MIDI in/out; choice of black and white colours; strong software bundle
Maximum sample rate: 192 kHz
Connection: USB 2.0, USB- C connector

Find out more at Thomann.
Universal Audio Volt 176

If you only need to plug in a single mic, but you want to max-out on both quality and vibe, then the Volt 176 from Universal Audio has you covered. As well as a Vintage mode switch for saturation based on the brand’s high-end 610 valve preamp, the input includes a characterful analogue compressor modelled on the much-loved 1176. As you’d expect from Universal Audio, conversion is no slouch either; the Volt handles sample rates up to 192kHz.
The significance of the 176’s compressor function is brought home in our review: “Make no mistake – this is a proper analogue compressor that does a fine job of recreating the 1176’s musically sympathetic transparency and responsiveness, and it’s rare to see input conditioning of this sort on any audio interface, let alone one that’s so affordable. It’s a stroke of genius that’s sure to make Volt as popular in home studios as Apollo is for the pros.”
Read our full review.

Price: $199
Inputs: 1 combo mic/line/instrument input
Outputs: 2 TRS line outputs (6.3 mm); 1 headphone preamp (6.3 mm)
Mic preamp gain range: 55 dB
Notable features: Vintage preamp mode based on 610 tube preamp; onboard 1176 style compressor
Maximum sample rate: 192 kHz
Connection: USB 2.0, USB-C connector

Find out more at thomann.
Solid State Logic SSL 2+

Solid State Logic (aka SSL) brings the spirit of its venerable analogue mixing consoles to the home studio desktop. Controls are simple, with an emphasis on fuss-free recording and playback, the Legacy 4K option on each preamp simulating the vibe of the 4000 series console, featuring a flattering high shelf boost plus subtle harmonic distortion. Our money is on the enhanced, ‘plus’ version with its additional headphone preamp, extra line outs and on-board MIDI, however, the standard SSL 2 is also available for around $50 less and has the same preamp options to inject mojo into any mix.
The combination of quality hardware plus the bundled SSL Native plugins is incredibly attractive, as Adam Crute explains in our review: “When the 4K effect is used in combination with the SSL Native plug-ins, your recordings should be blessed with a touch of class, and this is what truly helps the SSL 2 and 2+ stand out from much of their competition.”
Read our full review.

Price: $229
Inputs: 2 combo mic/line/instrument inputs
Outputs: 2 TRS line outputs (6.3mm); 2 additional line outputs on RCA; 2 headphone preamps (6.3mm)
Mic preamp gain range: 62 dB
Notable features: Legacy 4K EQ/saturation option on preamps; strong software bundle
Maximum sample rate: 192 kHz
Connection: USB 2.0, USB-C connector

Find out more at thomann.
Audient iD4 MKII

Audient’s iD4 MKII remains a firm favourite with those starting out, as well as professionals who want to mix at home with the same sound as their larger Audient studio setups. The interface offers a single Audient console-grade preamp and a JFET instrument input for direct recording. It’s bus-powered over USB 3.0 (Type C) and has really high quality converters that achieve an impressive 126dB of dynamic range in the digital-to-analogue end of the conversion.
Although it doesn’t have two discrete headphone preamps, you can feed two pairs of headphones the same mix using the parallel jack and mini-jack sockets on the front. Audio enthusiasts in the UK and Europe are lucky to be able to go one step further and bag the larger iD14 MKII for around £190/€219 street price!
Read our full review.

Price: $199
Inputs: 1 combo mic/line input; 1 instrument input
Outputs: 2 TRS outputs (6.3 mm); 1 headphone preamp with 2, parallel sockets (6.3 mm and 3.5 mm)
Mic preamp gain range: 58 dB
Notable features: Audient console preamp; JFET DI; impressive dynamic range; ARC software bundle
Maximum sample rate: 96 kHz
Connection: USB 3.0, USB-C connector

Find out more at thomann.
MOTU M2 2×2

Healthy levels are a crucial element to recording success, and the MOTU M2 2×2 tackles this with a full-colour LCD screen with meters for all inputs and outputs. The interface offers two multi-function inputs and direct input monitoring on both channels. Conversion quality is notable, achieving a dynamic range of 120dB on line outputs for pristine quality playback. Adding on to that, the M2 2×2 also comes with useful software, including two DAWs and a 6GB library of loops and sounds to jump-start your music-making.

Price: $200
Inputs: 2 mic/line/instrument combo inputs
Outputs: 2 TRS line outputs (6.3 mm), mirrored on 2 RCA; 1 headphone output (6.3 mm)
Mic preamp gain range: 60 dB
Notable features: impressive dynamic range; MIDI in/out
Maximum sample rate: 192 kHz
Connection: USB 2.0, USB-C connector

Behringer U-Phoria UMC 404HD

Options do start to get limited when you’re looking for a low-cost interface with more than two inputs. The Behringer U-Phoria UMC 404HD fulfils this brief and more. It gives you four inputs, each with sensitivity-pad-equipped MIDAS preamps. For flexible integration with external hardware, there’s also an unbalanced insert point on each input – otherwise unheard of at this price level – as well as MIDI connectivity.

Price: $179
Inputs: 4 mic/line/instrument combo inputs; 4 unbalanced insert points
Outputs: 2 main XLR/TRS outputs; 4 line outs on TRS/RCA; 1 headphone output (6.3 mm)
Mic preamp gain range: unknown
Notable features: MIDI in/out
Maximum sample rate: 192 kHz
Connection: USB 2.0, USB-A to USB-B cable

IK Multimedia iRig Pro Duo I/O

Lugging around a clunky interface doesn’t quite make sense if you plan to record through a smartphone or tablet. The pocketable iRig Pro Duo I/O presents a solution to this issue, with multiple inputs, plus Lightning, Type A and Type C USB cables to interface with most devices right out of the box. It’s not the most recently-released product in the list, but nonetheless an enduring, easy-to-use and flexible mobile solution.
You get two analogue combo inputs, both with independent gain controls and phantom power. It also offers 3.5mm MIDI in/out ports, a pair of line outputs and a headphone preamp too. As for power, you can go with bus power via USB, or opt for two AA batteries.

Price: $230
Inputs: 2 mic/line/instrument combo inputs
Outputs: 2 TRS line outputs (6.3 mm); 1 headphone output (3.5 mm)
Mic preamp gain range: 50 dB
Notable features: MIDI in/out on 3.5 mm mini-jacks; AmpliTube SE & TONEX SE amp simulators included
Maximum sample rate: 48 kHz
Connection: USB 2.0, USB-A, USB-C & Lightning cables

Find out more at thomann.
For more buyer’s guides, head to musictech.com.
The post The best audio interfaces to buy in 2023: 10 best interfaces under $250 appeared first on MusicTech.

Skrillex will play at Berghain this OctoberA decade ago, the thought of brostep sensation Skrillex gracing the decks at Berghain would have raised eyebrows, but in 2023, that’s precisely what’s happening.

READ MORE: Berlin announces €947 million culture fund to support new clubs and cultural spaces

Due to take place in October, Skrillex is set to perform at record label PAN’s 15th-anniversary party at the infamous Berlin nightclub, which has become famous around the world for its thunderous techno, extensive 48hr parties, strict door policy and debaucherous adult delights.
The event will feature a diverse lineup, including Tzusing, Crystallmess, and Amnesia Scanner, who will join Skrillex on the Berghain floor. Upstairs at Panorama Bar, the label’s founder, Bill Kouligas, will perform alongside Dj Babatr, Yves Tumor, Doss, Objekt, and more.
This is far from the first time an unexpected act has performed at Berghain, which is usually home to more underground techno acts. In 2018, Kylie Minogue performed with a full band at the club, saying it “lived up to expectations”. Lady Gaga once hosted an album listening party in its Halle am Berghain room and Skepta has also performed a grime show there.
In 2022, Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk was turned away from the club by its infamously selective doorman, Sven Marquardt. In a tweet afterwards, Musk wrote, “They wrote PEACE on the wall at Berghain! I refused enter. [sic]”. Felix da Housecat was also refused entry in 2015, tweeting “U fucked with thee [sic] wrong person @berghain”. Even Richie Hawtin has been refused entry.
If you’ve been tracking Skrillex’s return to form this year, you might not actually be too surprised by his Berghain appearance. The producer released his first album in nine years earlier this year. He’s also performed a number of big DJ sets, in New York’s Times Square and at Coachella and recently performed at Tilburg’s Draaimolen Festival as part of a rare B2B with techno hero, Blawan.
Skrillex’s DJ set at the PAN event at Berghain will take place on 27 October. As with most of its events, tickets are only available on the door. Find out more at ra.co.
The post Skrillex will play at Berghain this October appeared first on MusicTech.

NFTs promised to save music; now, they are officially WORTHLESSPromoters of NFTs promised that they would ‘revolutionize the music industry’ and provide a much-needed funding source for musicians. While I never quite drank a full glass of the Kool-Aid,. Continue reading
The post NFTs promised to save music; now, they are officially WORTHLESS appeared first on Hypebot.

‘If I ran Spotify…’ How to improve the world’s top music streamerRob Abelow of Where’s Music Going shares eight things he would change if he ran Spotify, the world’s most popular streaming music platform. What would you do to make Spotify. Continue reading
The post ‘If I ran Spotify…’ How to improve the world’s top music streamer appeared first on Hypebot.

Indies artists Nightly celebrate release in a unique and intimate wayThe rising indie pop band Nightly has made a name for themselves with infectious melodies and vulnerable lyrics, but they also know a lot about how to stay connected with. Continue reading
The post Indies artists Nightly celebrate release in a unique and intimate way appeared first on Hypebot.

Elon Musk once crashed a Grimes recording session for Cyberpunk 2077 with a gun, demanding a cameoElon Musk allegedly once crashed a Cyberpunk 2077 recording session with a gun when ex-girlfriend Grimes was recording her dialogue for the game, a new biography has revealed.

READ MORE: Elon Musk’s X platform files to dismiss music publishers’ $250 million copyright lawsuit

Walter Isaacson wrote in the biography that Musk crashed the session – Grimes played pop star Lizzy Wizzy in the game – with a “two-hundred-year-old gun”, demanding that he was given a cameo.
“I told them that I was armed but not dangerous,” Musk has said about the moment, while Grimes has shared that the “studio guys were, like, sweating”.
The game developers CD Projekt Red did appear to give him a cameo in the end, lending his likeness to a non-playable character who enters the bathrooms at Arasaka Corporation at the beginning of the Corpo lifepath in the game.
The protagonist has the option to ignore the NPC, or they can ask them why they’re staring. Either way, he doesn’t respond, and simply leaves the bathroom.

Meanwhile, the biography also features a number of previously unreported anecdotes from Musk’s life, including an occasion on which he asked ex-girlfriend Amber Heard to dress up as Mercy, a character from the Overwatch franchise.
Not only that, but the biography also shares the name of Musk’s third child with Grimes, Techno Mechanicus.
Last month, Grimes spoke out about artificial intelligence in an interview, sharing concerns. While she’s even launched her own AI software – Grimes AI – she does have some worries surrounding the technology.
“We should go to the edge of creativity. But I think we should do it very carefully,” she said. “The thing that freaks me out is that AI can remove incentives for learning. LLMs (large language models) are great, but I would maybe only have them in school. Is that something that I want my kids to have access to 100 per cent of the time? Probably not.”
The post Elon Musk once crashed a Grimes recording session for Cyberpunk 2077 with a gun, demanding a cameo appeared first on MusicTech.

Lauten Audio announce the Snare Mic Lauten Audio's latest offering is a compact FET capacitor microphone that has been designed exclusively for use on snare drums.

Get SSL DrumStrip and Harrison Drum Flow For Only $34.99
Plugin Boutique offers the SSL DrumStrip and Harrison AVA Drum Flow bundle for $34.99 during a limited-time sale. The 90% discount offer expires on September 26th. I will admit I don’t have many processors intended for a singular workflow. I don’t have any guitar or vocal-centric plugins in the swelling folders on any computer. However, [...]
View post: Get SSL DrumStrip and Harrison Drum Flow For Only $34.99

Modal Electronics confirms insolvency and goes into administrationModal Electronics, known for its compact hardware synthesisers, has confirmed that it is insolvent and will be going into administration.
In a statement released yesterday (20 September), Modal announced that it is in the process of a “comprehensive restructuring” with the aim to “future proof” the company. However, Government records indicate that the company went into administration on 8 September 2023.

READ MORE: Tycho reveals new album for 2024 with collab features from Kaelin Ellis

The official press release explains that all current employees of Modal Electronics will remain employed and were “involved in planning the restructuring”. The company has also stressed that the current ARGON8 and COBALT8 synthesisers as well as the MODALApp will “continue to play an important role in the future”.
“This complex restructuring process opens up unimagined opportunities for Modal Electronics to make the company more economical and even more customer-friendly,” explains Christian Stahl, temporary managing director of Modal Electronics. “We want creativity to continue in the coming years with extensive concepts for new, exciting products of musicians.”
Modal has also stressed that all current synthesisers will stay in the portfolio, and it wants to continue releasing synths in the future.
Despite the company’s determination to see the “restructuring” as a good thing, one former employee has come forward with some choice words about Modal and founder Philip Taysom.
“Apologies but this is great news,” ex-employee Finlay Shakespeare says on X. “[Founder] Philip Taysom has had this coming for a long time – compulsive liar, misogynist and outright scumbag. I’m glad I jumped ship when I did, against all of his advice that I’d never make it work.”

Apologies but this is great news.Philip Taysom has had this coming for a long time – compulsive liar, misogynist and outright scumbag.I’m glad I jumped ship when I did, against all of his advice that I’d never make it work https://t.co/ieEwHqOJty
— Finlay Shakespeare (@FinShakespeare) September 20, 2023

While much of this is hearsay, former CEO Paula Maddox has also spoken about the difficult working environment created by Taysom, telling Focusrite that her former “business partner did not respond well to the news” of her coming out, “urging them to delay any public announcements or procedures to avoid impacting synthesiser sales”.
Model Electronics has been contacted for comment.
The post Modal Electronics confirms insolvency and goes into administration appeared first on MusicTech.