This week’s music production news digest highlights a range of tools and techniques for enhancing creativity and workflow, from vintage-inspired guitar tones to modern mixing solutions and experimental instruments. Here are the key stories:
- Universal Audio released a UAFX chain tutorial for emulating Jimi Hendrix’s “Hey Joe” guitar tone, using their Lion ’68 Amp and effects like the 1176 compressor and Studer A800 tape machine. This showcases how digital plugins can recreate classic analog sounds for modern producers. Credit: Universal Audio.
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- MNTRA Instruments launched ONDE an instrument plugin based on the Ondes Martenot, offering 127 presets for evolving sonic textures in film scores and ambient music. It emphasizes interactive audio for immersive sound design. Credit: MNTRA Instruments.
- Mastering The Mix shared a tip for fixing buried vocals in choruses, though details were sparse in the source. This hints at common mixing challenges and the demand for quick solutions in production. Credit: Mastering The Mix.
- Blue Cat Audio demoed their Miaow Wah auto-wah plugin, which responds automatically to playing without an expression pedal, simplifying wah effects for guitarists. Credit: bluecataudio.
- BLEASS promoted their Multiband Compressor for sidechain ducking specific frequency bands, such as high-mids, to make kick drums cut through mixes without boosting. This offers a precise alternative to traditional mixing techniques. Credit: BLEASS.
- Black Salt Audio announced an exclusive coaching call for Artist Pass members, where a mix coach provides feedback on member mixes, emphasizing community and professional development. Credit: Black Salt Audio.
- Bitwig featured a video by MStimming demonstrating the power of macros in their DAW, highlighting workflow efficiency and creative modulation possibilities. Credit: Bitwig.
- Big Fish Audio released Digital Daydreams, a synth pop construction kit with 15 kits and over 3.3 GB of content, blending 80s nostalgia with modern pop for versatile production. Credit: Big Fish Audio.
- Ben Osterhouse experimented with ORCΛ and piano for polyrhythms, showcasing how esoteric tools like the ORCΛ programming language can inspire unconventional music creation. Credit: Ben Osterhouse.
- BeatSkillz offered a tutorial for Synthwave Drums V3, a plugin with pre-processed 80s drum sounds and a sequencer for quick retro beat-making. Credit: BeatSkillz.
Overall, this roundup reflects a trend toward blending vintage aesthetics with digital convenience, from emulating classic gear to using advanced tools for mixing and sound design. Producers are increasingly seeking both inspiration and efficiency, with a focus on community learning and experimental approaches to stay creative in a competitive landscape.
