HMGAudio

The latest wave of music technology news delivers a powerful trio of updates, spanning the raw energy of live metal guitar tones to the sophisticated integration of AI-driven session musicians. At the forefront of high-gain performance, Blackstar Amplification has released an in-depth interview with Nige Rockett and Jeff Williams of the legendary thrash band Onslaught. Filmed at the Call of the Wild festival, the conversation dives deep into the duo's gear philosophy and the surprising capabilities of the St. James amplifier. Rockett’s candid reaction—"I couldn't believe what came out of that St. James amp"—underscores the video's focus on capturing iconic tube tones for the modern stage.

Shifting from hardware to software, Cherry Audio is teasing a major release with a new video titled "Still the ①." The announcement hints at a return to the sounds that helped define an era, inviting viewers to subscribe and stay tuned for what is shaping up to be a landmark product launch for 2026. This nostalgic nod promises to resonate deeply with producers seeking classic textures.

Rounding out the roundup, Celemony has unveiled a detailed walkthrough for Tonalic within Cubase and Nuendo. This new ARA plugin, developed in close cooperation with Steinberg, provides real session musicians that play along to any song. The tutorial covers the full workflow, demonstrating how Tonalic brings authentic, adaptive performances directly into the DAW—a significant leap for composers and producers seeking human feel without the logistical hurdles of live recording.