Category Archives: Music Tech News

All the hot news on music technology from around the world.

Experience the future of DJing with VirtualDJ's revolutionary StemSwap feature, enabling real-time stem isolation and creative mixing.

VirtualDJ Unleashes Revolutionary StemSwap Technology

DJing revolutionaries, prepare for the game-changing feature that will transform your sets forever.

The future of DJing has arrived with a groundbreaking advancement that’s set to redefine creative mixing. Following the industry’s recent moves towards AI-powered music innovations, VirtualDJ’s latest release promises to revolutionize how DJs interact with music, offering unprecedented control over track elements.

Last weekend, while DJing at a tech conference afterparty in San Francisco, I wished I could isolate the vocals from a French house track to layer over a techno beat. The timing of this release couldn’t be more perfect – it’s like VirtualDJ read my mind!

Revolutionary DJing Technology Transforms Music Mixing

VirtualDJ has just dropped their 2025 version, and it’s not just another update. The star of the show is their new StemSwap Sampler feature, which lets you capture and swap stems between tracks in real-time. Picture grabbing vocals from one track and seamlessly laying them over another’s instrumentals – pure mixing magic!

This game-changing technology allows DJs to isolate and mix various track components like vocals, instruments, kicks, and hi-hats on the fly. The software automatically mutes corresponding stems when you layer new ones, making real-time remixing smoother than ever. You can even capture multiple stems simultaneously, perfect for creating those killer mashups.

The best part? VirtualDJ is keeping it accessible. The software is free for non-professional use, and professional DJs with previous licenses get the 2025 upgrade at no extra cost. They’ve also added a smart feature to lock sampler banks, preventing accidental overwrites during your creative flow.

Level Up Your Mix Game

Ready to push your DJing skills into the future? The StemSwap Sampler is more than just a new feature – it’s your ticket to unlimited creative possibilities. Whether you’re a bedroom DJ or a club veteran, this tool opens doors to mixing techniques we’ve only dreamed about. Share your thoughts below – how would you use this game-changing technology in your sets?


Quick DJ Tech FAQ

Q: What is StemSwap Sampler?

A: StemSwap Sampler is VirtualDJ 2025’s new feature that enables real-time recording and playback of isolated track elements like vocals, drums, and instruments, allowing seamless stem switching between songs.

Q: How much does VirtualDJ 2025 cost?

A: VirtualDJ 2025 is free for non-professional use. Professional DJs with existing licenses receive the upgrade at no additional cost.

Q: Can I capture multiple stems at once?

A: Yes, VirtualDJ 2025 allows simultaneous capture of multiple stems, such as vocals and kick drums, for creative mixing combinations.

Musical AI and Beatoven.ai launch groundbreaking platform ensuring fair compensation for copyrights to music in AI-generated content

Ethical AI Finally Respects Music Copyrights

Revolutionary partnership transforms how copyrights to music shape AI’s creative future.

As the music industry grapples with AI’s rapid evolution, a groundbreaking partnership emerges to protect artists’ rights. This milestone follows the recent unified stand for ethical AI music creation, marking a transformative moment in music technology history. Finally, creators might get their fair share.

As a performer who’s recorded with Madonna and played at prestigious venues, I’ve witnessed firsthand how crucial copyright protection is. Recently, I discovered one of my opera performances was used in an AI training set without permission – a wake-up call that made this issue deeply personal.

Revolutionizing Music Copyrights in the AI Era

Musical AI and Beatoven.ai are joining forces to create an unprecedented AI music generator that actually respects copyrights to music. This game-changing platform, launching in 2025, will be trained on over 3 million licensed songs, ensuring fair compensation for rights holders.

The system mirrors streaming royalties, with artists receiving revenue shares based on AI-generated output usage. It’s all completely legal and licensed, marking a stark contrast to recent lawsuits where major labels like Universal and Sony have challenged unauthorized AI training practices.

According to Musical AI CEO Sean Power, this partnership proves that generative AI can be both legal and profitable while compensating original creators. The platform will exclusively serve enterprise clients as a white-label service, setting new standards for ethical AI music generation.

Shape Tomorrow’s Music Industry

The future of music creation stands at a crossroads, and you’re invited to be part of this revolutionary change. Whether you’re an artist, producer, or music enthusiast, your voice matters in shaping how AI and music coexist. What role will you play in this new era of ethical music generation? Share your thoughts and let’s create a fairer future for all musicians.


Quick FAQ Guide

How does the new AI music generator compensate artists?

Artists receive revenue shares based on how their music is used in AI-generated outputs, similar to streaming royalties. The system is fully licensed and tracks usage for fair compensation.

When will this licensed AI music platform launch?

The platform is scheduled to debut in the second half of 2025, offering enterprise-level access to legally trained AI music generation capabilities.

How many songs will the AI system be trained on?

The system will be trained on more than 3 million licensed songs, loops, samples, and sounds, all properly authorized and compensated.

Discover how your Spotify account transforms with AI-powered storytelling, creating personalized podcasts from your music listening habits

Spotify Account Gets Mind-Blowing AI Makeover

Your Spotify account just evolved into an AI-powered storyteller of your musical journey.

Hold onto your headphones! Spotify is revolutionizing how we experience our musical memories with an AI twist that’ll blow your mind. Just when you thought music streaming couldn’t get more personal, Spotify’s latest update transforms your listening habits into an intimate AI-narrated journey.

As a performer who’s shared stages with Madonna and recorded at legendary venues, I’m fascinated by how AI is personalizing our musical experiences. Last week, I spent hours diving into my own Spotify account’s AI-generated story, laughing at how it perfectly captured my eclectic journey from opera to electronic music.

Your Spotify Account Gets an AI Storytelling Boost

Spotify’s latest Wrapped feature is serving up some seriously cool vibes with their new AI-powered podcast feature. Using Google’s NotebookLM, your Spotify account now creates personalized audio recaps that feel like you’re listening to a podcast about your music journey.

The feature’s available in seven countries, including the U.S. and U.K., letting both free and premium users save or share their AI-generated clips on social media. Plus, they’ve added new social sharing options for TikTok feeds and Stories, perfect for showing off your musical taste.

But wait, there’s more! Premium subscribers can now generate AI playlists based on their Wrapped experience, and the new ‘Your Music Evolution’ feature tracks up to three distinct musical phases throughout your year. With Spotify’s audiobook catalog doubling to over 300,000 titles, your listening experience is more diverse than ever.

Level Up Your Music Journey

Ready to discover your musical story in a whole new way? Your Spotify account is no longer just a playlist machine – it’s your personal music narrator, powered by cutting-edge AI. Share your AI-generated story with friends, compare musical journeys, and dive into the conversation. What surprising insights did your Spotify AI reveal about your music taste? Let’s hear your story!


Quick FAQ on Spotify’s AI Feature

Q: How do I access the new AI podcast feature in Spotify?
A: Find it on your Spotify Home screen – it’s available for both free and premium users in seven countries including the US and UK.

Q: Can I share my AI-generated Spotify recap?
A: Yes! Save the audio clip to your device or share directly to social media, including TikTok feeds and Stories.

Q: What’s included in the AI-generated recap?
A: It covers your top songs, artists, genres, and listening patterns, presented as an engaging conversation between AI hosts.

Discover FL Studio 2024.2's powerful new features, including Transporter plugin and real-time loop swapping. Learn how to master your production.

Master FL Studio Like Never Before

FL Studio’s latest update unlocks mind-blowing possibilities for music producers worldwide.

The music production world is buzzing with excitement as Image-Line drops FL Studio 2024.2, packed with game-changing features. Just like we witnessed with recent remix platform innovations, this release promises to transform how producers create and shape their sound.

As a music tech enthusiast, I remember my first encounter with FL Studio at CCRMA. The interface initially seemed overwhelming, but after discovering its pattern-based workflow, I found myself producing tracks faster than ever before. The journey from bewilderment to mastery was absolutely worth it.

FL Studio 2024.2: A Game-Changing Update for Producers

The latest FL Studio update is seriously turning heads in the production community! The new Transporter plugin is revolutionizing how we approach looping effects, while the real-time loop swapping feature through FL Cloud is pure genius. Plus, the plugins now scale up to stunning 8K resolution, perfect for those massive studio displays.

Image-Line’s commitment to accessibility shines through with their Cyber Monday deals. The Producer Edition drops to $139 from $179, while the All Plugins Edition sees a massive 30% discount, now just $314 instead of $449. The FL Cloud subscription also gets a sweet price cut, with Plus and Pro plans available at $49 and $99 respectively.

What’s really exciting is the addition of low-latency monitoring mode and the deeper MIDI editing capabilities. Image-Line’s CEO Constantin Koehncke emphasizes their focus on making music production both easier and more enjoyable, especially with AI becoming increasingly prevalent in the industry.

Level Up Your Production Game

Ready to elevate your music production journey? FL Studio 2024.2’s powerful new features and current discounts make this the perfect time to dive in. Whether you’re a bedroom producer or an established artist, these tools can transform your creative process. Share your FL Studio experiences in the comments below – what feature excites you the most?


Quick FL Studio FAQ

Q: What’s new in FL Studio 2024.2?

A: The update includes the Transporter looping plugin, real-time FL Cloud loop swapping, 8K resolution scaling, and low-latency monitoring mode.

Q: How much does FL Studio cost now?

A: During the Cyber Monday sale, prices range from $139 for Producer Edition to $314 for All Plugins Edition, offering up to 30% discount.

Q: Is the FL Studio update free for existing users?

A: Yes, all FL Studio users get free lifetime updates as part of Image-Line’s policy.

Discover the hidden device capturing San Francisco's street music: from Taylor Swift to Bill Withers, explore Mission District's sonic diary.

Mission District’s Secret Music Spy Revealed

Hidden in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District, a mysterious device captures today’s musical heartbeat.

In an era where music discovery keeps evolving, San Francisco’s streets are becoming living laboratories for sonic exploration. Just like the recent YouTube Music’s innovative approach to personal music discovery, a new project is revolutionizing how we experience our city’s soundtrack.

As a performing musician, I’ve always been fascinated by the spontaneous musical moments that emerge from city streets. Last week, while performing at a Mission District café, I noticed passersby stopping to Shazam my original composition – little did I know there was an automated witness to this musical exchange!

Street Pole Becomes San Francisco’s Musical Detective

A brilliant tech enthusiast named Riley Walz has transformed a simple street pole into a musical time capsule. This innovative creator installed a solar-powered Android phone running Shazam 24/7, creating what he calls the ‘Bop Spotter.’ What’s even cooler? The entire setup only cost about $100!

The device is already capturing an incredible diversity of san francisco events today, identifying everything from Taylor Swift’s ‘Wildest Dreams’ to Aventura’s ‘Cuando Volveras.’ It’s like having a musical diary of the neighborhood, documenting the soundtrack of city life in real-time.

Perhaps the most magical discovery was catching Bill Withers’ ‘Just the Two of Us’ floating through the Mission at 3 AM – a beautiful testament to the neighborhood’s round-the-clock musical soul. All these musical moments are automatically uploaded to a website, creating a living archive of the Mission’s evolving soundscape.

Your Role in the Mission’s Musical Story

Isn’t it fascinating how technology can capture the spontaneous symphony of our streets? Next time you’re strolling through the Mission, remember that your musical choices might become part of this unique urban archive. What song would you want the Bop Spotter to catch you playing? Share your dream Mission District soundtrack in the comments below!


Quick FAQ about the Bop Spotter

How does the Bop Spotter work?

The Bop Spotter uses a solar-powered Android phone running Shazam 24/7 to identify songs played in San Francisco’s Mission District, automatically uploading the data to a website.

Is the Bop Spotter recording conversations?

No, the device only captures and identifies music using Shazam’s song recognition technology. It doesn’t record or store actual audio.

How much did this project cost?

The entire Bop Spotter setup cost approximately $100, making it an affordable way to document the neighborhood’s musical culture.

The legendary Yamaha CS-80 synthesizer, famous for the Blade Runner soundtrack, gets an unprecedented 50% price cut to $61,227

Legendary Yamaha CS-80 Halves Its Price

The iconic synthesizer that shaped Blade Runner’s sound gets an unexpected price cut.

In a shocking turn of events that’s making waves through the synthesizer community, one of the most legendary instruments ever created has just become slightly more attainable. Just as we witnessed with the Klon Centaur’s recent clone, iconic gear sometimes becomes more accessible.

Years ago, while interning at CCRMA, I had the rare privilege of playing a CS-80. The weight of history beneath my fingers was palpable, and that rich, warm sound still haunts my dreams. Though I couldn’t afford one then (or now), that experience forever changed my perspective on analog synthesis.

The Legendary CS-80’s Unprecedented Price Drop

Hold onto your patch cables, because a Reverb listing has just slashed the price of a second-hand Yamaha CS-80 by a staggering $61,227. That’s right – the synthesizer that gave Vangelis’s Blade Runner score its iconic sound is now available for half its original asking price.

The new price tag sits at $61,227, which still puts it firmly in the luxury category. But what you’re getting is pure synthesizer royalty. With its polyphonic aftertouch, dual-layer voice architecture, and those legendary patch editing parameters, the CS-80 remains the undisputed king of cinematic sound.

Vangelis himself declared it the most important synthesizer of his career, and Imagine Dragons’ Wayne Sermon recently expressed deep regret at passing up a chance to buy one. The instrument’s value has historically only increased, making this 50% discount a truly remarkable opportunity for the right collector.

Your Chance to Own Synthesizer History

Whether you’re a serious collector, a film score composer, or simply a passionate synth enthusiast, this price drop represents a rare moment in music technology history. While still far from affordable for most, it’s a reminder that even legendary instruments can sometimes become more attainable. What would you create with this piece of musical history? Share your dream patches in the comments below!


Quick CS-80 FAQ

What makes the Yamaha CS-80 so special?

The CS-80 is renowned for its polyphonic aftertouch, dual-layer voice architecture, and rich analog sound. It was famously used by Vangelis in the Blade Runner soundtrack and is considered one of the most expressive synthesizers ever made.

How many Yamaha CS-80s were made?

Yamaha produced approximately 820 CS-80 synthesizers between 1977 and 1980. Due to their limited production run and legendary status, they’re extremely rare and highly sought after.

What is the current market price for a CS-80?

The Yamaha CS-80 typically sells for around $100,000-$120,000. With the current discount, one particular unit is available for $61,227, representing a 50% price reduction.

Discover Behringer's $69 Klon Centaur clone: legendary overdrive tones at an affordable price. Features germanium diodes and transparent drive.

Legendary Klon Centaur Gets Budget-Friendly Clone

Guitar enthusiasts, Behringer’s new Klon Centaur clone promises mythical tones for pocket change.

The legendary Klon Centaur, a holy grail of overdrive pedals, has captivated guitarists for decades. Now, Behringer dares to democratize this sought-after tone with their new clone. Just like we witnessed with Cherry Audio’s ambitious collection, affordable alternatives are reshaping music gear accessibility.

During a recent studio session at Stanford’s CCRMA, I experimented with running a Klon clone through various synths. The results were unexpectedly magical – adding warm harmonics to my typically pristine electronic soundscapes. It’s fascinating how guitar pedals can transform electronic music production!

Unveiling the Legendary Klon Centaur Clone

Behringer’s new Centaur Overdrive is making waves in the guitar community with its jaw-dropping $69 price tag. This affordable clone promises to deliver the mythical ‘transparent overdrive’ that made the original Klon Centaur famous.

The original Klon Centaur, designed by Bill Finnegan in 1994, became a legendary piece of gear with only 8,000 units ever made. These rare pedals now fetch up to $9,000 on the second-hand market! Guitar legends like John Mayer and Jeff Beck swear by its unique tone-shaping abilities.

Behringer’s clone features high-quality Germanium diodes and impressive headroom, aiming to capture that elusive Klon magic. The pedal offers versatility from subtle clean boost to roaring overdrive, making it an attractive option for both studio and live applications.

Your Turn to Experience the Legend

Ready to add some legendary tone to your setup without breaking the bank? The Behringer Centaur Overdrive opens up new sonic possibilities for musicians at all levels. Whether you’re a bedroom producer or touring artist, this affordable clone might just be your gateway to that mythical Klon sound. What’s your take on budget-friendly clones of legendary gear? Share your thoughts and experiences below!


Quick FAQ about the Klon Centaur

Q: How much did original Klon Centaurs cost?

A: Original Klon Centaurs were initially sold for around $225. Today, these rare pedals can fetch up to $9,000 on the second-hand market.

Q: What makes the Klon Centaur special?

A: The Klon Centaur is famous for its ‘transparent’ overdrive sound that preserves the guitar’s original tone while adding warmth and sustain, using custom-made components and hand-wired circuits.

Q: How does Behringer’s clone compare to the original?

A: Behringer’s Centaur Overdrive features similar Germanium diodes and circuit design, offering comparable tonal characteristics at $69, versus the original’s current market value of $9,000.

Discover your musical identity with YouTube Music's 2024 Recap - featuring animated cards and personalized stats for your favorite ways to play music

YouTube Music Reveals Your Secret Listening Soul

YouTube Music unveils a mesmerizing way to play music through personalized time capsules.

Get ready for a musical journey that’s more personal than ever before! YouTube Music’s latest feature transforms how we play music and reflect on our listening habits. Just like artists are challenging algorithmic constraints, this update celebrates authentic musical connections.

As a performer who’s recorded with Madonna, I know the thrill of discovering your musical identity. Last week, my YouTube Music Recap labeled me as ‘The Life of the Party’ – fitting for someone who went from opera stages to electronic music studios!

Your Musical Journey Unleashed: YouTube’s Revolutionary Recap

YouTube Music’s 2024 Recap breaks new ground with animated cards that dance to your favorite beats. Gone are the static displays – now your music statistics pulse with life, creating an immersive audiovisual experience.

The platform introduces three game-changing features: personalized taste summaries that capture your musical mood, timeline highlights showing your monthly favorites, and unique alter-egos like ‘The Hometown Hero’ or ‘The Hopeless Romantic’ based on your listening patterns.

For podcast enthusiasts who love to play music and spoken content, there’s more good news: the Recap now includes your top podcast highlights, showcasing your five most-listened shows alongside your music stats. This comprehensive overview paints a complete picture of your audio journey.

Your Musical Story Awaits

Ready to discover your musical alter-ego? Your YouTube Music Recap is more than just statistics – it’s a celebration of your unique taste and journey through sound. What musical personality will you unlock? Share your musical identity in the comments below, and let’s compare our audio adventures!


Quick FAQ About YouTube Music Recap

How do I access my YouTube Music Recap?

Open the YouTube Music app, look for the banner invitation, or navigate to your profile and select ‘Your Recap.’ Then tap ‘get your recap’ to view your personalized statistics.

What new features are included in the 2024 Recap?

The 2024 Recap features animated cards, personalized taste summaries, monthly timeline highlights, musical alter-egos, and podcast statistics.

How often is the Music Recap updated?

YouTube Music Recap provides an annual summary of your listening habits, typically released at the end of each calendar year.

Transform your mixing game with KORUS's revolutionary platform. Mix songs like never before with intuitive controls and pro-quality stems.

Revolutionary Platform Unleashes Your Remix Dreams

Ready to mix songs like a pro? KORUS just revolutionized music remixing forever.

The world of music remixing is experiencing a seismic shift with KORUS’s groundbreaking platform. Much like how Hook revolutionized social media remixing, this new technology is breaking down barriers between artists and fans, offering unprecedented creative freedom.

As a performer who’s spent countless hours in recording studios, I’ve always been fascinated by remixing. Last year, while working at Stanford’s CCRMA, I discovered how stem separation could transform a simple cover into something entirely new. The possibilities were endless, just like what KORUS is offering now.

Transform Your Mix Dreams with KORUS Protocol

The new KORUS platform is changing how we mix songs, starting with Richie Hawtin’s iconic track ‘EXhale’. Using their intuitive DNA Pack system, you can manipulate five key elements: drums, bass, chords, melody, and harmony.

The interface features a genius XY graph system where effects blend seamlessly at each corner. Moving the cursor creates unique combinations, while keeping it centered maintains the original sound. It’s all powered by KOR Protocol’s advanced AI and IP management system.

Besides Hawtin’s track, KORUS offers three other amazing remix packages, including works from Imogen Heap and Sound Fractures. The platform, launched in 2023 as BeatKOR, boasts impressive backing from industry giants deadmau5, Hawtin, and Beatport.

Your Creative Journey Starts Here

The future of music creation is collaborative, innovative, and accessible. Whether you’re a seasoned producer or just starting your musical journey, KORUS opens doors to endless creative possibilities. Ready to reshape the sound of tomorrow? Share your remix ideas below – I’d love to hear what you’re planning to create!


Quick FAQ

Q: What is KORUS and how does it work?

A: KORUS is an interactive music platform that lets you remix songs using five main elements: drums, bass, chords, melody, and harmony, through an intuitive XY interface for effect control.

Q: Which songs are available to mix on KORUS?

A: Currently, KORUS offers four remix packages including Richie Hawtin’s ‘EXhale’, Imogen Heap’s ‘What Have You Done To Me?’, and works from Sound Fractures and Black Mirror.

Q: Do I need professional experience to use KORUS?

A: No, KORUS is designed for all skill levels, featuring an intuitive interface that makes remixing accessible while offering depth for experienced producers.

Explore Cherry Audio's massive Synth Stack 5 collection featuring 29 virtual instruments in an exciting synthesizer video showcase.

Cherry Audio Unleashes Massive Synthesizer Collection

A groundbreaking synthesizer video reveals Cherry Audio’s most ambitious virtual instrument collection yet.

The world of virtual synthesizers just got exponentially more exciting with Cherry Audio’s latest release. As someone who recently covered the auction of Prince’s iconic synthesizer, I can’t help but marvel at how far digital emulation has come.

During my time at CCRMA, I’ve spent countless hours comparing hardware synths to their virtual counterparts. Nothing beats the joy of discovering a perfectly modeled vintage synth that captures those warm, authentic tones we all chase after in our productions.

Epic Synthesizer Bundle Revolutionizes Music Production

Cherry Audio has just dropped their most impressive collection yet with Synth Stack 5, packing an incredible 29 virtual instruments into one massive bundle. This isn’t just any collection – we’re talking about 23 vintage synth emulations, three original synthesizers, and legendary drum machines and organs.

The bundle includes the critically acclaimed Mercury-6, a meticulous recreation of the Jupiter-6 analog synth, alongside the PS-3300 emulation of KORG’s rare semi-modular beast. They’ve even thrown in GPFree, a lite version of Gig Performer 5, perfect for live performances.

Here’s the kicker – this entire collection, valued at nearly $1,300, is available for just $499. That’s less than $17 per instrument! Plus, if you’ve already got some Cherry Audio gear, you’ll get even sweeter deals with their price reduction system.

Create Your Sonic Legacy

Whether you’re a seasoned producer or just starting your musical journey, Synth Stack 5 opens up a world of creative possibilities. From classic analog warmth to modern digital precision, these tools can transform your production game. What iconic sounds will you create with this massive sonic arsenal? Share your experience with these virtual instruments in the comments below!


Quick FAQ Guide

Q: What’s included in Cherry Audio’s Synth Stack 5?

A: Synth Stack 5 includes 29 virtual instruments: 23 vintage synth emulations, 3 original synthesizers, plus drum machines, electric pianos, and organs, with over 10,000 presets.

Q: How much does Synth Stack 5 cost?

A: The bundle costs $499, offering nearly $1,300 worth of instruments at less than $17 per product. Additional discounts apply for existing Cherry Audio customers.

Q: Can I use these synthesizers for live performance?

A: Yes! Synth Stack 5 includes GPFree, a lite version of Gig Performer 5, specifically designed for live performance and session musicians.