#musiccomposerformedia

[andronicmusicblog]

Unleash Your Creativity with These Top Free Plugins and Freeware for Black Friday 2023

Music production tools are continuously expanding, providing a vast range of tools and techniques to create exceptional soundscapes. Although premium plugins and software often grab the attention, numerous freeware gems can elevate your production to new heights. This month, we have compiled a list of fifteen outstanding free tools that offer exceptional versatility and value, catering to a diverse range of musical needs.

We have compiled a list of the best online deals for Black Friday.

1. Tape It - Denoiser: Restore Clarity to Your Recordings

Background noise and unwanted artifacts can often hinder the pristine quality of your audio recordings. Tape It - Denoiser, a web-based tool, tackles this issue head-on, employing advanced algorithms to remove noise while preserving the integrity of your original signal. Its intuitive interface and straightforward workflow make it a breeze to use, ensuring that your audio shines through with newfound clarity.

tape.it

2. Outobugi - Dynastia: Multiband Compression Mastery

Multiband compression is an indispensable tool for achieving balanced and dynamic mixes. Outobugi - Dynastia, a free multiband compressor, provides exceptional control over your audio, allowing you to refine the dynamics of specific frequency bands with precision. Its flexible parameters and intuitive design make it a powerful addition to your mixing arsenal.

outobugi.com

Outobugi Dynastia free multiband compressor

3. BFD Drums - BFD Player: Unleash Realistic Drum Sounds

Drum sounds are the backbone of countless musical genres, and BFD Drums - BFD Player delivers a wealth of authentic and impactful drum samples. This free drum instrument features a vast library of meticulously recorded drums, cymbals, and percussion, offering a wide range of grooves and fills to enhance your productions. Its intuitive interface and versatile features make it a valuable tool for drummers and producers alike.

bfddrums.com

4. Ohm Force - Frohmager: Sculpt Your Soundscapes with Low-Pass Filtering

Low-pass filters play a crucial role in shaping the tonal characteristics of your audio. Ohm Force - Frohmager, a freeware low-pass filter, provides a versatile toolkit for crafting the desired sonic atmosphere. Its diverse range of filter types, modulation options, and customizable parameters enable you to create unique and evolving textures, adding depth and dimension to your sounds.

www.ohmforce.com

5. Samplab - TextToSample: Transform Words into Sounds

AI-powered tools are revolutionizing music production, and Samplab - TextToSample is a prime example. This innovative freeware application allows you to generate audio samples directly from text, transforming your creative ideas into unique sonic elements. Its simple interface and powerful algorithms make it an inspiring tool for experimentation and exploration, adding a touch of magic to your sound design process.

samplab.com

6. Surge: Wavetable Synthesis Versatility

Delve into the world of wavetable synthesis with Surge, a freeware wavetable synthesizer that offers a vast array of sounds and features. Its intuitive interface and comprehensive editing options empower you to create a wide range of textures, from classic analog emulations to futuristic soundscapes. With its extensive library of wavetables, oscillators, and modulation options, Surge provides endless possibilities for sonic exploration.

surge-synthesizer.github.io

7. Vital: Additive Synthesis for Unique Sounds

Embrace the power of additive synthesis with Vital, a freeware additive synthesizer designed for crafting unique and evolving sounds. Its intuitive interface and powerful synthesis engine make it easy to create a vast array of textures, from shimmering pads to complex lead sounds. With its extensive modulation options and comprehensive editing tools, Vital offers a versatile tool for sonic experimentation and sound design.

vital.audio

8. Tyrell N6: Warm Analog Emulation

Relive the warmth of classic analog synthesis with Tyrell N6, an emulation of the iconic Roland Juno-60 synthesizer. This freeware instrument captures the essence of the original hardware, delivering authentic analog sounds that evoke a sense of nostalgia and sonic richness. With its intuitive interface and emulation of the Juno-60's iconic chorus and arpeggiator, Tyrell N6 adds a touch of vintage charm to your productions.

u-he.com

9. Spitfire Audio - LABS: High-Quality Orchestral Sounds

Expand your sonic palette with Spitfire Audio - LABS, a freeware orchestral instrument that features a wide range of high-quality samples. This collection includes a variety of string, brass, and woodwind instruments, meticulously recorded in world-

labs.spitfireaudio.com

Have Fun!

[andronicmusicblog]

Navigating the Game Industry Job Market: Uncovering some of Top Job Websites

The video game industry, a realm of creativity, innovation, and endless entertainment, offers a dynamic and exciting career path for passionate individuals. With its ever-expanding reach and the continuous demand for skilled professionals, finding the right job in this field can be a rewarding endeavor. To help you navigate this exciting landscape, we've compiled a list of the top job websites specifically tailored to the video game industry.

If you're trying to find a job in the game industry, it can be difficult to know where to start looking. Fortunately, there are several top job websites that focus specifically on game industry jobs. In this article, we will uncover some of the best job websites to help you navigate the game industry job market. GameDev.net: A Comprehensive Resource for Game Developers GameDev.net stands as a comprehensive resource for game developers, offering a plethora of job listings, industry news, and community forums. Its job board features a wide range of positions, from programming and design to animation and audio. Additionally, the community forum provides a valuable space to network with industry professionals, seek advice, and gain insights into the latest developments in the field.

www.gamedev.net

Gracklehq: A Curated Collection of Game Industry Jobs Gracklehq, a website dedicated to curating game industry jobs, offers a targeted approach to your job search. Its team of experts handpicks relevant job postings from various sources, ensuring you're presented with high-quality opportunities that align with your skills and interests.

gracklehq.com

WorkWithIndies: A Niche Platform for Indie Game Developers

WorkWithIndies caters specifically to indie game developers, providing a platform to connect with like-minded individuals and find opportunities within the indie game community. Its job board features positions at indie studios, offering a unique chance to be part of a smaller, more agile team and contribute to creative and innovative projects.

www.workwithindies.com

Gamedevmap: A Visualized Representation of Game Industry Jobs Gamedevmap provides a unique and interactive way to explore game industry jobs. Its job map feature visualizes job openings worldwide, allowing you to easily identify opportunities based on location, company, and role. This visual representation makes it easy to spot potential matches and narrow down your search.

audioandmusic.wordpress.com

Additional Resources for Game Industry Job Seekers

Beyond these top job websites, consider exploring these additional resources to further enhance your job search:

LinkedIn: A professional networking platform that provides access to a vast network of gaming professionals and industry insiders.

Twitter: A microblogging platform that offers a real-time pulse of the video game industry, with job postings, industry trends, and company announcements.

Indeed: A global job aggregator that provides a comprehensive database of gaming job opportunities from various sources.

Remember, your job search is a journey, not a race. Take your time, explore your options, and network with industry professionals to find the perfect opportunity that aligns with your skills, interests, and career aspirations. With dedication and perseverance, you'll successfully navigate the game industry job market and embark on a fulfilling career in this dynamic and exciting field. Good Luck!

[andronicmusicblog]

Mortal Kombat 1: A Soundtrack that Captures the Brutal Essence of the Game

The realm of video game music boasts numerous iconic soundtracks, but few have achieved the legendary status of Mortal Kombat 1's score. Composed by Wilbert Roget, this groundbreaking work perfectly encapsulates the game's intensity, brutality, and dark atmosphere, becoming an integral part of the Mortal Kombat experience.

A seasoned musician and producer, Wilbert Roget approached the Mortal Kombat project with a unique blend of musical expertise and a deep understanding of the game's world. His mission was to create a score that not only complemented the gameplay but also enhanced the overall atmosphere, immersing players in the violent realm of Mortal Kombat.

A Musical Tapestry that Evokes Tension and Excitement

Roget's masterful score is a fusion of genres, drawing inspiration from electronic music, industrial sounds, and even classical influences. The main theme, "A New Era," sets the stage for the game's intense battles, with its pulsating techno beats and driving synths. Tracks like "The Pit" and "Goro's Lair" instill a sense of foreboding and unease, utilizing haunting melodies and ominous soundscapes.

The score's diversity extends to its instrumentation. Roget employed a wide range of instruments, including traditional orchestral pieces, synthesizers, and even percussion instruments like garbage cans and metal sheets. This eclectic mix of sounds further enhances the game's unique atmosphere.

A Soundtrack that Transcends the Game's Boundaries

The impact of the Mortal Kombat 1 score extends far beyond the game itself. Its catchy tunes, memorable melodies, and brutal atmosphere have made it one of the most iconic video game soundtracks of all time. The score has been praised for its originality, its ability to capture the essence of the game, and its enduring appeal.

The soundtrack's influence can be felt in various forms of media, from remixes and covers to its use in trailers, commercials, and even other video games. It has become a cultural touchstone, recognized by fans and music enthusiasts alike.

A Legacy of Innovation and Influence

Wilbert Roget's score for Mortal Kombat 1 stands as a testament to his musical talent and his understanding of the power of sound in storytelling. His work set a new standard for video game music, inspiring countless composers and leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

[andronicmusicblog]

beatBread Expands Funding Opportunities for Songwriters with New Songwriting Advance Division

Utah-based music funding platform beatBread is expanding its reach to songwriters with the launch of its new Songwriting Advance Division. This division will provide advances of up to $3 million to songwriters against the publishing rights on their catalog or catalog plus future songs.

This initiative is a significant step forward for beatBread, which has traditionally focused on providing funding to artists and independent labels. The company's expansion into the songwriting space is a response to the growing demand for financial support among songwriters, who are often overlooked by traditional music lenders.

"Songwriters are the backbone of the music industry, but they are often the ones who struggle to make a living from their craft," said beatBread CEO Keith Wall. "The Songwriting Advance Division is our way of leveling the playing field and giving songwriters the resources they need to succeed."

The Songwriting Advance Division will be led by Spencer LeBoff, a music publisher and former BMG executive. LeBoff has a deep understanding of the music industry and a proven track record of success in working with songwriters.

"I'm excited to be joining beatBread and leading the Songwriting Advance Division," said LeBoff. "I believe that beatBread has the potential to revolutionize the way songwriters are funded, and I'm looking forward to working with our team to make this vision a reality."

The Songwriting Advance Division is just the latest example of beatBread's commitment to empowering creatives in the music industry. The company has a number of other initiatives in place to support artists and songwriters, including its Artist Advance program, its Label Advance program, and its Marketing and Artist Services program.

"We believe that creatives deserve more access, choice, transparency, and leverage in the music industry," said Wall. "Our goal is to provide the resources and support that creatives need to succeed, and the Songwriting Advance Division is a major step in that direction."

For more information about beatBread's Songwriting Advance Division, please visit the company's website.

Additional Information

beatBread's Songwriting Advance Division is open to all songwriters, regardless of experience or genre.

The company's advance terms are flexible and can be tailored to the specific needs of each songwriter.

beatBread's repayment terms are also flexible and can be structured in a way that is comfortable for the songwriter.

This initiative is a valuable resource for songwriters who are looking for financial support to help them achieve their goals. beatBread's Songwriting Advance Division can provide songwriters with the resources they need to create and release their music, and to build their careers.

[andronicmusicblog]

Ubisoft and Immutable Partner to Develop Large-Scale Web3 Gaming Ecosystem

Ubisoft, one of the world's leading video game companies, has announced a partnership with Immutable, a leading blockchain technology company, to develop a large-scale ecosystem for web3 games. This partnership marks a significant step forward in the development of web3 gaming, as it brings together two industry leaders with a shared vision for the future of gaming.

The partnership will focus on the development of a platform that will provide developers with the tools and resources they need to create and deploy web3 games. The platform will also provide players with a seamless experience, allowing them to easily access and play web3 games.

What is Web3 Gaming?

Web3 gaming concept

Web3 gaming is a new type of gaming that is based on blockchain technology. This means that players will own their in-game assets, such as characters, items, and land. Players will also be able to trade and sell these assets with other players, creating a truly decentralized and player-driven economy.

Why is This Partnership Important?

This partnership is important for several reasons. First, it brings together two industry leaders with a proven track record of success. Ubisoft has a long history of developing high-quality video games, while Immutable is a leading blockchain technology company.

Second, this partnership will help to accelerate the development of web3 gaming. The platform that Ubisoft and Immutable are developing will make it easier for developers to create web3 games and for players to access and play them.

What Can We Expect from This Partnership?

We can expect to see several new web3 games released in the near future as a result of this partnership. We can also expect to see the development of new tools and resources for web3 game developers.

This partnership is a major milestone in the development of web3 gaming. It has the potential to revolutionize the gaming industry by giving players more control over their gaming experience and by creating a truly decentralized and player-driven economy.

[andronicmusicblog]

Universal Audio Opens Doors to Creative Music Production with Free DAW

Universal Audio has made a significant move in the music production realm by offering its digital audio workstation (DAW), LUNA, for free to all Mac users. Previously only accessible to those who purchased Universal Audio hardware, LUNA is now readily available to anyone seeking a powerful and versatile DAW for their creative endeavors.

This decision reflects Universal Audio's commitment to empowering music creators of all levels, providing them with the tools they need to bring their musical visions to life. LUNA is packed with features that cater to both beginners and seasoned producers, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of musical styles and production workflows.

With unlimited track recording capabilities, LUNA empowers users to capture and refine their musical ideas without any limitations. Its integrated mixing tools provide a comprehensive set of options for shaping and polishing audio tracks. Additionally, LUNA's compatibility with control surfaces and plugins opens up a world of possibilities for hands-on control and sonic exploration.

To complement the free DAW offering, Universal Audio has introduced the LUNA Pro Bundle, a collection of UAD plugins and LUNA extensions. This bundle provides access to a vast array of high-quality audio effects and virtual instruments, further enhancing LUNA's capabilities and enabling users to achieve professional-sounding productions.

The combination of LUNA's free availability and the LUNA Pro Bundle's comprehensive plugin collection marks a significant step forward in Universal Audio's mission to support music creators. By removing barriers to entry and providing access to powerful tools, Universal Audio is empowering a new generation of producers to explore their creativity and bring their musical ideas to the world.

[andronicmusicblog]

BandLab Distribution Empowers Artists with Seamless Music Distribution and Royalties Retention

BandLab, a leading platform for music creation and collaboration, has launched a groundbreaking feature called BandLab Distribution, empowering artists to seamlessly release their music on major streaming platforms while retaining 100% of their royalties. This game-changer marks a significant step forward in BandLab's mission to streamline the artistic journey and equip creators with the tools they need to succeed.

With BandLab Distribution, artists can effortlessly distribute their music to a global audience, reaching listeners on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, TikTok, and more. This eliminates the complexities and costs often associated with traditional music distribution, enabling artists to focus on their craft and connect with their fans.

"The success of BandLab users powering the charts continues to amaze us," said Meng Kuok, CEO and co-founder of BandLab Technologies. "Launching digital music distribution fully to our BandLab community represents a significant step towards fulfilling our mission to streamline the artistic path and empower creators at every stage of their journey."

BandLab's dedication to artist empowerment extends beyond music distribution. The platform offers a suite of marketing and artist services, as well as access to exclusive career opportunities. Additionally, BandLab Distribution is available now on the web and is rolling out progressively across Android and iPhone devices globally.

"We firmly believe that artists, regardless of where they are in the world, should have access to tools that enable them to maximize the potential of their creativity," Kuok added.

Christiaan Kröner, President of FUGA, BandLab's distribution partner, echoed Kuok's sentiment. "BandLab has made pioneering steps in the music industry to provide independent creators with the tools they need to make, share and promote their music with fans across the world," Kröner said. "FUGA is proud to continue its longstanding partnership with BandLab Technologies and provide its own proprietary technology and service offering as the backdrop to BandLab's distribution infrastructure. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the BandLab team in a shared commitment and mission to empower global creators."

BandLab Distribution is available to creators with a paid membership, costing $14.95 per month. For more information, visit BandLab.com.

[andronicmusicblog]

Destiny 2 Music and the Future of This Game

Music has always been an important part of the Destiny experience. From the soaring orchestral pieces that accompany the game's cinematics to the ambient soundscapes that fill the world of Destiny, the music helps to create a sense of wonder and excitement.

One of the things that makes Destiny's music so special is its diversity. The game's composers have drawn on a wide range of influences, from classical music to electronic music, to create a unique and memorable score. The result is a soundtrack that is both epic and intimate, and that perfectly captures the spirit of the game.

In recent years, Destiny's music has become even more ambitious and innovative. The team at Bungie has experimented with new technologies and recording techniques to create a truly immersive and engaging musical experience. For example, the soundtrack for the game's Beyond Light expansion features a number of dynamic music systems that allow the music to change and adapt to the player's actions and the environment around them.

The upcoming release of The Final Shape expansion is sure to bring with it even more amazing music from Destiny's composers. The studio has already released a few samples of the new soundtrack, and they are simply breathtaking. The music is more atmospheric and cinematic than ever before, and it perfectly captures the sense of excitement and anticipation for the game's epic conclusion.

While it is true that Bungie recently laid off some of its employees, including composer Michael Salvatori, the studio has assured fans that the music of Destiny 2 is in good hands. The remaining members of the music team are incredibly talented and experienced, and they are committed to producing high-quality music for the game.

Overall, the future of music in Destiny 2 is very bright. Bungie has a team of passionate and creative composers who are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in game music. With the release of The Final Shape expansion, fans can expect to hear some of the best music that Destiny has ever had to offer.

Here are some specific examples of how Bungie is innovating with music in Destiny 2:

Dynamic music systems: These systems allow the music to change and adapt to the player's actions and the environment around them. For example, the music might become more intense during a combat encounter, or it might become more somber during a sad scene. This can create a more immersive and engaging experience for the player.

Unique musical themes: Bungie is creating more unique and memorable musical themes for specific characters and locations in Destiny 2. This will help to make the world of Destiny 2 feel more alive and believable. For example, the character of Zavala has a very distinctive musical theme, which helps to define his character and his role in the game.

New technologies and recording techniques: Bungie is experimenting with new technologies and recording techniques to create a truly immersive and engaging musical experience. For example, the soundtrack for the game's Beyond Light expansion was recorded using a technique called "binaural recording." This technique creates a very realistic and three-dimensional soundstage, which makes the player feel like they are actually inside the game world.

I am confident that Bungie will continue to innovate with music in Destiny 2 in the future. The studio has a proven track record of producing high-quality music for the game, and it is clear that the team is committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in-game music.

[andronicmusicblog]

Google researchers use off-the-shelf earphones to measure heart rate

Researchers at Google have found a way to use off-the-shelf active noise-canceling earphones to measure heart rates. Using ultrasound technology, the earphones can bounce low-intensity ultrasound waves off the ear canal and detect how the skin surface moves as blood pumps through, accurately measuring heart rate without the need for additional sensors or compromising battery life. This breakthrough could potentially revolutionize heart rate monitoring.

In a breakthrough that could revolutionize heart rate monitoring, researchers at Google have found a way to use off-the-shelf active noise-cancelling earphones to measure heart rate.

The new technique, called audioplethysmography (APG), uses ultrasound technology to bounce low-intensity ultrasound waves off the ear canal and detect how the skin surface moves as blood pumps through. This allows the earphones to accurately measure heart rate without the need for additional sensors or compromising battery life.

Current heart rate monitoring technology typically relies on photoplethysmography (PPG), which uses light pulses to measure blood activity. PPG is a reliable and widely used method, but it has its limitations. For example, it can be affected by factors such as skin tone, ambient light, and movement.

APG, on the other hand, is less affected by these factors, making it a more robust and versatile heart rate monitoring solution.

In a study published in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering, the Google researchers demonstrated that their APG-based heart rate monitoring system was able to accurately measure heart rate in a variety of real-world conditions, including during exercise, sleep, and even while the user was wearing sunglasses or a hat.

The researchers also found that the system was able to measure heart rate in individuals with darker skin tones, which is a challenge for some PPG-based systems.

The Google researchers believe that their APG-based heart rate monitoring system has the potential to be integrated into a variety of wearable devices, including earphones, headphones, and smart glasses. This could make it easier and more convenient for people to track their heart rate throughout the day.

Potential applications of APG-based heart rate monitoring

APG-based heart rate monitoring has a number of potential applications, including:

Fitness tracking: APG could be used to track heart rate during exercise, providing users with real-time feedback on their workout intensity.

Health monitoring: APG could be used to monitor heart rate for signs of health problems, such as arrhythmia or heart failure.

Sleep tracking: APG could be used to track heart rate during sleep, providing insights into sleep quality and the impact of sleep on overall health.

Stress monitoring: APG could be used to track heart rate variability, which is a measure of how the heart rate changes over time. Heart rate variability can be used to assess stress levels and track the effectiveness of stress management strategies.

Conclusion

The development of APG-based heart rate monitoring by Google researchers is a significant breakthrough that has the potential to revolutionize the way we track and monitor our heart health. By using off-the-shelf active noise-cancelling earphones, APG-based heart rate monitoring is convenient, affordable, and non-invasive.

As APG technology continues to develop and mature, we can expect to see it integrated into a wider range of wearable devices, making it even easier for people to track their heart rate and improve their overall health and well-being.tunesharemore_vert

[andronicmusicblog]

Spotify Unveils New Royalty Payout Model to Support Working Artists

Spotify has introduced changes to its royalty payout model to ensure more money goes to working artists. These changes, effective from early 2024, include a minimum threshold of annual streams before tracks can generate royalties, penalties for fraudulent activity, and a minimum play-time length for non-music noise tracks to generate royalties. The goal is to demonetize tracks earning less than five cents per month. With over 100,000 new tracks uploaded daily, micro-payments quickly add up. The money saved will be redistributed to artists with more popular tracks. Spotify also plans to crack down on fraud and discourage non-music noise content that abuses the system. The company aims to move $1 billion in royalty payments to legitimate artists and rights holders.

Spotify, the world's leading music streaming platform, has announced a new royalty payout model that aims to ensure that more money goes to working artists. The new model, which will take effect in early 2024, includes three key changes:

Minimum threshold of annual streams: Tracks must have a minimum of 1000 annual streams before they can generate royalties. This is designed to demonetize tracks that are not being listened to very often, which can lead to micro-payments that add up quickly.

Penalties for fraudulent activity: Spotify will penalize artists who engage in fraudulent activity, such as stream manipulation. This is to protect the integrity of the streaming platform and ensure that artists are being paid fairly.

Minimum play-time length for non-music noise tracks: Non-music noise tracks, such as white noise and nature sounds, must have a minimum play-time length of 30 seconds before they can generate royalties. This is to discourage the uploading of short noise tracks that are designed to exploit the royalty system.

Spotify estimates that the new royalty payout model will move $1 billion in royalty payments to legitimate artists and rights holders over the next five years. The company is committed to supporting working artists and ensuring that they are fairly compensated for their music.

How the New Royalty Payout Model Works

The new royalty payout model is based on a system called Streamshare. Under Streamshare, all subscription revenue is pooled together and then distributed to artists and rights holders based on the number of streams their music receives. The more streams an artist has, the more money they earn.

Under the new model, tracks must have a minimum of 1000 annual streams before they can start generating royalties. This is designed to demonetize tracks that are not being listened to very often, which can lead to micro-payments that add up quickly.

Spotify is also taking steps to crack down on fraudulent activity, such as stream manipulation. Artists who are caught engaging in fraudulent activity will be penalized, which could include having their royalties withheld or their accounts terminated.

Finally, the new model also includes a minimum play-time length requirement for non-music noise tracks. Non-music noise tracks, such as white noise and nature sounds, must have a minimum play-time length of 30 seconds before they can generate royalties. This is designed to discourage the uploading of short noise tracks that are designed to exploit the royalty system.

What This Means for Artists

The new royalty payout model is good news for working artists. By demonetizing tracks that are not being listened to very often and cracking down on fraudulent activity, Spotify is freeing up more money to distribute to artists and rights holders.

Artists who have a significant following can expect to see an increase in their royalties under the new model. However, artists with smaller followings may see a decrease in their royalties if their tracks do not meet the minimum threshold of annual streams.

Overall, the new royalty payout model is a positive step towards ensuring that working artists are fairly compensated for their music. Spotify is committed to supporting working artists and ensuring that they have the resources they need to succeed.

[andronicmusicblog]

Baby Audio acquires Denise Audio

I honestly liked Baby Audio since their debut. I got most of their plugins, and they sound fantastic. Spaced Out, IHNY, and TAIP have all unique flavors and give character to my productions. I might write an article only about this, but we have news today!

The LA music software company Baby Audio has acquired Berlin/Amsterdam-based Denise Audio. Baby Audio plans to revamp the Denise catalog and improve its existing DSP. The acquisition will allow Baby Audio to have two brands and fuel future research and development for new plugins. CEO Rob Stegeman is pleased with the deal and is excited to pursue new opportunities. Denise Audio users can expect improvements and new product releases.

Baby Audio has recently acquired Denise Audio, a plugin company. The acquisition was not planned, as the former is an independent company with no external investors or private equity influence. However, they were presented with an opportunity to acquire Denise Audio on fair terms and realized that their plugins were more powerful than they were perceived to be. This led to a decision to make the acquisition, as they saw a clear opportunity to work with all the amazing DSPs and improve on everything that was lacking. Having two brands will also fuel future research and development for plugins, allowing them to hire more specialized developers and release more experimental products.

CEO Rob Stegeman, who founded Denise Audio in 2018, said that after five years in the plugin industry, he wanted to pursue other passions. Stegeman started looking for a new owner of Denise Audio who would carry on – and improve upon – their work with respect for the user base and new ideas for the future. Baby Audio was the perfect buyer, as he admired their attention to detail and product quality. He expressed confidence that they would continue the journey for Denise Audio and take the brand further. He also mentioned that he is happy with the deal and excited to share what he has coming in the near future.

Baby Audio has already rebuilt all Denise plugins for compatibility with the most recent operating systems and is looking to release new products based on the existing Denise Audio catalog and DSP. Operating two brands will give them the bandwidth to do things with improved muscle and purpose, allowing them to continue increasing the ambition level for Baby Audio with a more extensive development team while treating Denise Audio as a playground for bringing out esoteric concepts, as this is aligned with the brand’s profile. Learn more about Baby Audio at babyaud.io.

[andronicmusicblog]

PlayStation 5 has been given a temporary reduction in price in Europe.

In Europe, the PlayStation 5 has recently received a mild price cut. On the UK's PlayStation Direct site, the standard version of the console is now priced at £404.99 (approximately $521), down from the original price of £479.99.

Other retailers, such as Amazon, have listed it at £399.99. However, the reduced price and duration of the sale may differ depending on the location of purchase in Europe. This price drop is noted as the largest so far for Sony's console. There are speculations that the console's price might also decrease in the United States soon. It was previously reported that Sony plans to temporarily reduce the price of the disc-based console from $499 to $449. The recent announcement by Sony that the PS5 has sold over 40 million units since its release in November 2020 suggests that a price cut could help increase sales and balance out the challenges the console has faced in its first year, including supply chain and component issues. The decision to cut the price of the PS5 raises questions about the future of the console. There were reports last year that Sony plans to release a slimmer PS5 model with a detachable disc drive that would be a middle ground between the standard PS5 and the disc-less version that both released in 2020. Additionally, Sony has revealed plans to release other PS5 accessories in the near future. One of these is the Access controller, a new controller designed for players with disabilities that will feature a customizable layout and will be available for $89.99 starting December 6.

[andronicmusicblog]

Newly released documents from Sega of America dating back to the mid-90s provide insight into the company's business practices, particularly regarding the Sega Saturn console. These documents contain emails from then-CEO Tom Kalinske, which reveal that console manufacturers have employed consistent strategies over the years despite evolving consoles. For instance, one email highlights the importance of featuring relatable individuals in Sega Saturn ads. At the same time, other mentions preempting Nintendo's claim that its upcoming Nintendo 64 console would be the "Ultimate Game Machine." The PDF also indicates that a critical strategy in the 1997 fiscal year was positioning Saturn as a high-tech console and making Sega's website the leading, most excellent, and best place to visit for internet gaming. 

During the 90s, the console wars became a popular marketing tactic, and the Sega Saturn was particularly successful in Japan. Kalinske's emails reveal that Saturn was selling out so quickly in Japan that retailers couldn't keep up with the sales rate. However, the emails also indicate mismanagement between Sega of America and Sega of Japan, which led to communication issues and limited media coverage of the console and its games on both sides. Additionally, staff in North America struggled with the limited marketing budget and the challenges of creating internet-related peripherals. The full 272-page PDF, which includes details about canceled Sega Saturn ports and marketing plans, is available for review here.

[andronicmusicblog]

The 2020 Semi-Modular Beat Machine, developed by musician Yotaro Shuto, is set to be released this month. It is designed to generate a variety of sound/sequence variations from a single idea and allows users to make complete beats on one screen. The machine features various instruments and sequencing options, with MIDI, OSC, and keyboard control. It also supports Ableton Link. Pre-orders are available for $119.99.