Music Production Forum

Here's an in-depth look at the Casio MT-70, a 'forgotten gem' electronic keyboard/synthesizer from the early '80s.… Read More Casio MT-70 – A ‘Forgotten Gem’?View the full article

Here's an in-depth, hands-on demo of the upcoming Polyvera synthesizer, a hybrid synth design.… Read More Suonobuono Polyvera Synthesizer Hands-On Demo View the full article

In this week’s edition of Software Deals, you’ve got the chance to grab the Arturia V Collection X for half the regular price! Other bargains are coming from McDSP, Steven Slate Audio, and Cherry Audio. Arturia’s massive V Collection is truly a must-have for any producer. The bundle includes all of the developer’s acclaimed software instruments, from emulations of analog and digital classics to the innovative Augmented series. With over 10,000 presets, this collection has got you covered no matter what style of music you produce. And if you don’t have this essential bundle in your arsenal yet, you can now get it for half the regular price! Until March 30, the Arturia V Co…

Production Expert and Klevgrand are currently offering Klevgrand’s Richter Tectonic Compressor (normally $70) for free. Richter is a macOS and Windows release for AAX, AU, VST, and VST3. Production Expert announced the giveaway in a post dated March 15, 2025. The company didn’t list an end date for the giveaway, but as the plugin is [...] View post: Klevgrand’s Richter Tectonic Compressor is Now FREE for a Limited Time View the full article

Milkboy’s Baldwin “Fun Machine” Organ sample library for Decent Sampler is now available for free. Do you want the warm analog sound of a mid-70s organ from the legendary Milkboy the Studio in your DAW? Then you should look into the free sound library of samples from the Baldwin Interlude Model 155, also known as [...] View post: Get the free “Fun Machine” Organ sample library for Decent Sampler View the full article

Xfer Records Serum has been around forever and remains one of the most popular soft synths of the last decade. Now, they have released Serum 2. Tomislav reviewed the original release way back in 2015, and one of my favorite lines from that review is: “It is a rare example of a complex instrument that is [...] View post: Xfer Records releases Serum 2; has the ultimate wavetable synth just got better? View the full article

After five years, the Moog Subsequent 25 has run its course. Initially unveiled at NAMM 2020 as an affordable take on the Subsequent 37, the Subsequent 25 will now no longer be in production. Production of the Subsequent 37 will continue as normal. The discontinuation became effective on 13 March. “We will be indefinitely suspending production of Subsequent 25 and offering the remaining available units through our global dealer network,” the company announced on its website... The post “We will be indefinitely suspending production”: Moog’s Subsequent 25 has been discontinued appeared first on MusicTech. View the full article

One of the most recognizable synthesizer sounds ever can now be yours with the UJAM and Bob Moog Foundation Vox Humana. Get the sound, support a great cause! Some synth sounds are so legendary, even non-synth nerds can recognize them. The Yamaha DX7’s E. Piano 1 is up there, as is the Minimoog in full Rick Wakeman flight. But towering above them all is Vox Humana, one of the presets on the Moog Polymoog Keyboard. Released in 1978, the Polymoog 280a (as it’s also known) is the sound that defines Gary Numan’s international hit ‘Cars’. I’ll bet you’re hearing it right now in your head... The post UJAM and Bob Moog Foundation Vox Humana: New Plugin Recreates the Famous Polymo…

For the last few weeks, software synth fans have had their suspicions that Serum 2 has been on the horizon. From Serum 2 mentions on the Xfer Records website to extensive communication from creator Steve Duda, it seemed the next generation of the legendary synth was imminent. Since its launch nearly 11 years ago in September 2014, Xfer Records’ Serum software wavetable synth has become a favourite among music producers. Championed by the likes of deadmau5, Skrillex, Martin Garrix and more of the world’s top producers, Serum is touted for its versatility and superior sound… The post Serum 2 is finally here: new features, pricing and everything else you need to know appeare…

I get to see so much cool music-making and sound-wrangling gear here at MusicTech that it can feel like I’ve seen it all. Not that I’m jaded, mind you — I’m regularly impressed, often delighted, and occasionally blown away. It’s just that surprises are more rare. The post “Perhaps the best tool ever created for producers of soundtracks and ambient music”: Beetlecrab Tempera review appeared first on MusicTech. View the full article

It’s in the name: The Roland GO:PIANO 88 came out in 2019 as a compact, lightweight, and easy-to-use digital piano for beginners and anyone looking for a highly portable alternative. Now, the manufacturer has introduced the newly refreshed GO:PIANO 88. What’s new? Roland’s GO series stands for easy-to-use and portable instruments and tools designed with beginners in mind. The GO:PIANO first appeared in 2017 in a 61-key version, with the 88-key model joining the line-up two years later. Now, Roland has released a new version of the GO:PIANO 88. The post Roland GO:PIANO 88: The Ultra-Portable Digital Piano Gets a Makeover appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full articl…

Afrobeats, a vibrant music genre originating from West Africa, has become a global phenomenon, influencing artists and producers worldwide. Characterized by its infectious rhythms, danceable beats, and diverse influences from traditional African music to contemporary pop and hip-hop, Afrobeats has transcended its regional origins to captivate audiences around the world. This blog explores the rise of Afrobeats, its key characteristics, and its impact on the global music scene. View the full article

After 11 years of waiting, Xfer Records has finally released Serum 2! The legendary wavetable synthesizer has been completely redesigned and expanded with numerous new features. While the original is known for its clear sound quality, intuitive operation and flexible sound design, the new version takes the concept to an even higher level with new features. And that’s really impressive after the first version! In addition to an improved oscillator architecture and expanded effects routing options, Serum 2 now offers an arpeggiator and clip sequencer that greatly enhance the creative workflow. Most importantly, the update is free for all existing Serum users – a move that …

'Perspectives on Jazz Synthesizer Improvisation' provides a deep analysis of synthesizer solos by fusion pioneers Jan Hammer, Joe Zawinul, George Duke, Chick Corea, and Michael Brecker.… Read More Perspectives On Jazz Synthesizer ImprovisationView the full article

D2MS is designed with performance and improvisation in mind, letting you process drum performance data to control sequences and execute a wide range of performance-altering functions.… Read More Free Augmented Drumming Tool For Monome Norms, D2MSView the full article

SRM Sounds, in collaboration with composer Max Richter, has introduced Valley Forge, a new virtual instrument inspired by the '70s sci-fi film Silent Running.… Read More SRM Sounds & Max Richter Intro ‘Valley Forge’ Virtual Instrument, Inspired By Silent RunningView the full article

Phoenix-based Eurorack manufacturer Blue Lantern Modules shared this preview of a complete lineup of 5U/MU synth modules.… Read More Blue Lantern Modules Intros Complete 5U Synth Module LineupView the full article

Here's an in-depth look at the Moog Liberation and the rise of the keytar.… Read More The Moog Liberation & The Rise Of The KeytarView the full article

Erica Synths has introduced Echolocator, a hardware stereo delay effect, with an algorithm developed by 112db. … Read More Erica Synths Intros Echolocator Hardware Stereo Delay Effect View the full article

Sound Magic has introduced DynamicX, a dynamic processor that enables you to design your own gain reduction curve, offering a straightforward way to control and shape complex or nonlinear dynamics.… Read More Sound Magic Intros DynamicX Surround Version, With Up To 7.1 ProcessingView the full article

FAC Clipper features both a full-band clipper that processes the entire spectrum and a multi-band clipper, allowing you to independently clip low, high, or both frequency bands.… Read More FAC Clipper For iOS, Mac & Vision Pro Offers Simple Solution For Optimizing LoudnessView the full article

ORU Audio released Petrichor, a granular effect for creating stuttery, glitchy, ethereal sounds. It’s free using the code “NEONRAIN.” The plugin, compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux, runs in the plugdata environment as either VST3, LV2, CLAP, or AU. Plugdata is both free, open-source, and easy to install. Petrichor features three different sound engines that run in [...] View post: Get ORU Audio Petrichor granular delay for Plugdata for free in limited time offer View the full article

You can now snap up Softube’s Transient Shaper for just $10, down from $89, in an 89% off deal at Audio Deluxe. The sale ends on April 2, 2025, and you can check the remaining time by looking at the countdown on the product page. The deal is exclusively available on the Audio Deluxe website. [...] View post: Softube Transient Shaper is Just $10 in 89% Off Deal at Audio Deluxe View the full article

Krotos’ CEO and founder, Orfeas Boteas, has written a blog on the subject of AI, in which he has addressed concerns that the brand’s tools will replace sound designers. Known for its popular Studio software and plugins like Dehumaniser and Reformer, Krotos launched the “world’s first” commercial AI image-to-sound feature – the Ambience Generator V2 – back in January. At the time, MusicTech reached out to Krotos to learn more about its use of AI, and which it stressed to us is not generative. The post “No AI-driven feature will ever replace your taste, expertise, and storytelling ability – those are what make you exceptional”: Krotos CEO addresses AI concerns from sound de…

Automation is a producer’s superpower. It lets you create hyper-detailed sound design, lifelike expression, and fluid arrangements. Without it, your projects can feel like a static collection of loops and sounds, lacking that all important spark. But while automation is powerful, it can also be technical, fiddly – even downright boring. In this article, we’ll help you ascend the learning curve with a comprehensive introduction to automation in music. We’ll explain exactly what automation is in music, explain the best ways to apply it, and suggest creative methods for using automation in your productions. We’ll demonstrate each tip with audio examples, so you can hear exac…

Despite having access to some of the world’s finest hardware synths, Hans Zimmer says that the vast majority of his work is created using just one software synthesizer. The 67-year-old composer, known for crafting some of the most iconic film scores in cinematic history, isn’t one to get caught up in the analogue versus digital debate. Speaking to Rick Beato, Zimmer explains why the U-He Zebra, specifically the Dark Zebra HZ, remains his favourite virtual instrument to date. The post “90% of what I do is done on one software synth”: Why Hans Zimmer is “not a big analogue versus digital guy” appeared first on MusicTech. View the full article

Are you looking to upgrade your production rig with a new drum machine/sampler? If so, you’ve picked the perfect time. Two top-quality units are discounted by $200 apiece at Reverb for a limited time: Native Instruments’ Maschine MK3 and Elektron’s Digitakt e25 Remix Edition. The Maschine MK3 comes as Reverb Certified Pre-Owned B-stock – with Native Instruments Certified Refurbished Quality – priced at $399, down from $599. The post Time for a new drum machine? Native Instruments’ Maschine MK3 and Elektron’s Digitakt e25 Remix Edition are both $200 off at Reverb appeared first on MusicTech. View the full article

Hans Zimmer, the legendary composer behind some of the most iconic film scores of all time, has claimed that his music is “not original”. In a new, wide-ranging interview with Rick Beato, the multiple Academy Award and Grammy-winning composer reflects on his artistic process, influences, and the creative philosophies that shape much of his work. Asked to pick one of his scores whereby the music and visuals are “married perfectly”, Zimmer points to the track The Journey to the Line from the 1998 Terrence Malick war film The Thin Red Line as one that works “really well”. ... The post Hans Zimmer says his music is “not original”: “My music is a subtotal of everything I’ve he…

Welcome to the BPB Community Weekly Freebie Thread for March 17–23, 2025! 😊 Read the Thread Guidelines 💬 This section of our community is where BPB readers can share links to the latest freeware news and deals with fellow music producers in the comments. Thank you for contributing! To keep the discussion helpful and relevant, please [...] View post: 💬 🔥 Weekly Deals & Freebies Thread View the full article

Welcome to the BPB Community Weekly Production Thread for March 17–23, 2025! 😊 This week’s topic is: COMPRESSION. Feel free to ask our team and fellow BPB readers for help about any compression-related production issues. Also, you can share your compression tips, tricks, and ideas with others. Thank you! Read the Thread Guidelines 💬 This section [...] View post: 💬 🎹 Weekly Production Thread: Compression View the full article