From May 4 – August 18, you can see pieces by Teenage Engineering at the Art Of Noise exhibition being held at SFMOMA in San Francisco.

Also among the works on show will be graphic and industrial design, as well as large-scale installation pieces curated for the Art Of Noise. As the name suggests, the exhibition will showcase works representative of the technological evolution of music appreciation.

You can expect to see some exciting and outlandish experimental pieces, alongside groundbreaking engineering examples, as well as historical promotional concert and album artwork.

Teenage Engineering at Art Of Noise

The idea behind the Art Of Noise follows the journey of design and its role within music over the years. The show reaches deep into the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) collection to adorn the Floor 7 galleries.

The exhibition is comprised of a haul of 800 pieces including, 150 album covers, 550 posters, 100 design pieces, and four installations providing a unique audio-visual experience.

Design has the ability to revolutionize and strengthen our relationship to sound. This unique exhibition shows how trailblazing graphics and design objects fuel our bonds to music and help us develop lasting memories of fleeting musical phenomena. Art of Noise also manifests our goal to create captivating exhibitions that connect contemporary culture with art and design from a wide range of makers and perspectives.

Christopher Bedford, Helen and Charles Schwab Director of SFMOMA

From product design to technological engineering and beyond, you can expect a wealth of enthralling music-adjacent artworks with immersive installations from the likes of Yuri Suzuki, Devon, Turnbull, and Teenage Engineering.

In addition, you can take in the SFMOMA collection of music posters and album art from Bonnie MacLean, Milton Glaser, Takenobu Igarashi, Victor Moscoso, Reid Miles, Laini (Sylvia) Abernathy, Emmet McBain, and many more.

This exhibition is a chance for visitors to reflect on our collective experience of music as visualized through expressive and often cutting-edge design. The San Francisco Bay Area has been an influential center for graphic and industrial design, including audio products that merge aesthetics and engineering, and era-defining posters and flyers. SFMOMA’s design collection reflects these local strengths, as well as iconic designs from around the world, which can be seen in the hundreds of surprising and familiar works on view in Art of Noise.

Joseph Becker, SFMOMA associate curator of architecture and design

Art Of Noise opens May 4, tickets available at SFMOMA.org

More about Teenage Engineering at Art Of Noise:

• SFMOMA Official Page
• All about Teenage Engineering
• Teenage Engineering on Thomann
• SFMOMA on YouTube

*Note: This article contains promotional links that help us fund our site. Don’t worry: the price for you always stays the same! If you buy something through these links, we will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!

The post Teenage Engineering featured at Art Of Noise, San Francisco appeared first on gearnews.com.

Brian Eno Turntable II is the musician and producer’s latest work. It isn’t a record but a record player that glows and changes colours. But is it worth £20000?

Brian Eno Turntable II

You may not know this but musician and producer Brian Eno is also an accomplished visual artist. His latest work is Turntable II, a functional record player that changes colours and glows from within. 

Not Just Another Green World

Eagle-eyed readers will remember a story we ran at the end of 2021 about Eno and a set of light-bright turntables. As the name of the new work indicates, Turntable II is indeed the follow-up to that original series. Like the first, Brian Eno Turntable II features acrylic LED lights that cycle through a preprogrammed psychedelic array of colours – and not just green either.

My LEDs In The Bush Of Ghosts

Eno refers to the changing hues of Turntable II as a Colorscape and he’s apparently influenced by James Turrell, Mondrian and the early 20th century Russian avant-garde. He often works with light, such as with his Light Box series, and the slowly cycling colours of Turntable II recall his long-form ambient works.

Here Come Warm RPMs

Aside from being a work of art, Turntable II is also a functioning record player. It has a proper tone arm and plays records at speeds of 33 1/3 and 45 RPM.

Being a work of art rather than a mass-produced consumer product, Eno has limited Turntable II to 150 units worldwide. Before you check your bank balance though, get ready for the sticker shock: the price is £20000.

Want to see it for yourself? The Paul Stolper Gallery shows the fancy record player from February 13 to March 9, 2024 in London.

More Information

• Paul Stolper home page
• More of Brian Eno’s artwork
• More turntables

The post Brian Eno Turntable II – Spin the light fantastic with this fantastically expensive turntable appeared first on gearnews.com.

With the release of the new Zoom Essential series recorders, the previous Zoom recorder models are reduced in price by up to 45 percent!

If the specs of these models fit your needs as a musician, content creator, or field recording enthusiast, then this is a great opportunity to save. Remember, with the new models incoming, this offer is only available while stocks last!

Zoom Recorder Deals

There’s a range of offers available, so let’s take a closer look to find out a bit more about which Zoom recorders have discounted pricing:

H1n

The entry-level Zoom H1n 24-bit 96 kHz recorder is ideal for interviews and for use as a digital dictaphone for recording voice memos. The built-in X/Y microphones capture at an astonishing quality in both WAV and MP3.

This ultra-lightweight device weighs only 60g and offers portable operation with two AAA batteries for up to 10 hours. Recordings are stored on micro SD and micro SDHC cards with a capacity of up to 32 GB.

Meanwhile, you can also use the H1n as a portable audio interface. With this function, you have access to the onboard mics and AD conversion, as well as the ability to edit audio quickly in your DAW.

• Save 45% on the Zoom H1n now at $53,40

Zoom H1n

Available for $53.40 at

H4n Pro

The H4n Pro is a 24-bit 96 kHz multitrack recorder, with adjustable integrated stereo condenser mics, as well as a pair of preamps and phantom power for additional mics.

In addition, the onboard audio engine includes a digital mixer with effects from the G5n. This enables you to create an ultra-realistic production sound for a podcast or interview using individual mics for capturing speech and built-in mics for ambience.

With this kind of setup, you can record four tracks to an SD or SDHC card, or use the H4n Pro as an audio interface to record directly into your DAW.

• Get 29% off the H4n Pro now at $179

Zoom H4n Pro (Black)

Available for $179 at

H5

The Zoom H5 has been a widely used recorder throughout the global film industry for years, preferred for its versatility and compact size.

Like the H4n, you can record four tracks of audio simultaneously. However, the H5 offers interchangeable microphone capsules so you can use the best microphone for your application in any situation.

In addition, the H5 provides features like mid-side decoding and it can be powered by a NiMH rechargeable battery. Meanwhile, the onboard effects include a compressor, a limiter, and a high-pass filter.

• Save 30% on the Zoom H5 now at $179

Zoom H5

Available for $179 at

H6

The larger Zoom H6 is an extremely flexible and expandable 6-track recorder and audio interface. The H6 uses interchangeable mic capsules like the H5, but it has an extra pair of XLR combo preamps, and you can expand the inputs with the EXH-6 module.

Not only does the H6 record to SD and SDHC cards, but it also supports SDXC cards with a capacity of up to 128 GB. For portable use, it requires four AA batteries, which are included in this offer from Thomann.

The H6 was the flagship of the previous line of Zoom recorders, and it still holds up as a versatile portable recording tool for applications like music, content creation, media journalism, location sound, and more.

• Get 34% off the Zoom H6 now at $207

More about Zoom Recorder Deals:

• All about Zoom
• More Deals

*Note: percentage discounts may vary according to your region and currency conversion rates on the day of purchase. Displayed percentage discounts are guidelines only.

The post Zoom Recorder Deals: Up to 45% off Field Recorders! appeared first on gearnews.com.

Ok, the headline might be a little exaggerated. Because computers equipped with Windows dominate the market. There are just as many pro users who use computers with Windows OS for music production as there are amateurs. But how come the advertising for Windows machines is different? There are very few ad campaigns, no sensational claims (compared to Apple)?

It happens a lot that you read negative threads and posts in blogs, forums, and communities about Windows machines. These are mainly about problems, constant updates, installation issues, and driver incompatibilities. But is this really the case? There are several answers to this question.

Microsoft Windows as an operating system

How come Microsoft Windows is installed on so many computers so casually with so little “fanfare”? If you compare that to the die-hard Apple fan base who is always on the hunt for any small leak about the next macOS? Of course: Apple’s strategy has always been based on marketing “gags”.

And they somehow captivate (almost) everyone – positively or negatively. There is a whole culture and industry around Apple leaks, which are sometimes created from the thinnest rumor. Some of the VIP analysts and “leakers” now make a lot of profit from that. Even if the possible leak is not real at all.

It’s different with Windows. For quite a few many people, the OS just sits on their hard disk and runs in the background. In addition, most companies use Windows on their own company computers. And many schools use Windows in the classroom. So all of us should actually be subtly infected with the Windows “virus”. All kinds of laptops and desktops are delivered with a Windows license. In comparison, Apple computers can usually only be found in their own stores, or at Apple retailers.

The Windows OS has attracted plenty of negative attention in recent years due to constant and lengthy update orgies. Even though it runs well most of the time, or does it? Unlike macOS, Windows is not tied to a computer from the same manufacturer. Of course, Microsoft also manufactures its own computers (Surface) and relies on countless companies that develop and sell products for this OS.

Compared to Macs, you can select just about any component of a new PC yourself, you can even build a whole system, if you’re nerdy enough. However, this also means that the operating system cannot boost performance if the overall package is cheaper. That’s why an Apple computer is in the high-price range right from the start.

So which OS is it?!

Apple fans like to talk and post openly about their MacBooks, iMacs, or Mac Pros. And therefore, they also talk about the latest macOS. It’s free advertising for Apple. And this closed system makes it easier for Apple to integrate/supply drivers. The internal hardware (usually) runs without problems.

Self-assembled Windows PCs, on the other hand, contain an infinite number of component combinations. Microsoft cannot provide an all-encompassing driver solution for all combinations. Of course, this also means that Windows users must install and configure third-party drivers themselves. And that can create a plenty of errors.

So there are many positive, but also opposing arguments for both camps. Everyone can decide for themselves whether they want to spend a lot of money on a ready-made machine with a customized OS. Or they’d instead choose a DIY version for a fraction of the price that can be easily upgraded later.

To summarize: I hear from both user bases in the music scene that Windows and macOS computers are equally popular. Windows fans are just less open about it. There also seem to be problems on both platforms (who doesn’t have problems with technology?). And the Linux scene is also getting bigger and bigger with more software on offer.

My take on operating systems: Windows vs. Apple

My OS “life” started with a Commodore C-64, followed by an Amiga 500 and then an Atari 1040ST. Because of the computing power and my curiosity about the first audio plugins, I then switched to a Windows computer – as a student, I definitely couldn’t afford an Apple Mac back then.

After entering the music business, I “had” to buy my first Mac in order to stay compatible with the machines from my colleagues. Then I was infected. Furthermore, my family’s use of iPhones and iPads has kept us in the Apple cosmos. Because synchronizing data (calendars, messages, notes, and more) in my private life and exchanging pictures, videos, and other data packages works pretty well between the iDevices and macOS. So why change? Because: Never change a running system.

Which system do you work with? And what role does “either/or” play for you? Let us know in the comments!

More in Microsoft and Apple

• Microsoft website
• Apple website
• More from Apple
• More from Microsoft

Originally published on Gearnews.de by Marcus Schmahl, translation by Julian Schmauch.

The post Why even bother with Windows (rather than Apple)? appeared first on gearnews.com.

GEMA, combined with its French counterpart SACEM, has conducted a study on the expected economic impact of AI, with astounding results.

According to the study, by 2028, the presence of AI-generated music in the market could result in as much as a 30 percent drop in sales.

GEMA AI Study: What do the numbers reveal?

The survey covered around 15,000 songwriters and publishers who are current GEMA and SACEM members. Besides an analysis of the state of the current market, 16 experts were interviewed by Berlin media consulting firm, Goldmedia.

With the growth of AI within the music sector as aggressive as it is, the results of the GEMA AI study don’t exactly paint a pretty picture. The 27 percent drop in sales predicted for GEMA and SACEM members amounts to approximately € 2.7 billion.

The feedback from the study was resoundingly grave, too. Up to 71 percent of the members surveyed view this change in climate as so significant that they don’t see a future earning a living the same way they did in the music industry.

What’s even more telling is that by 2028, the global market share of generative music is set to grow from its current $300 million size to over $3 billion.

The Market Impact of AI is a concern, but there’s more to it…

According to the data from Goldmedia, 35 percent of the participants surveyed are already reliant on AI in one form or another. Furthermore, the amount who are under the age of 35 is significant too.

However, it’s important to distinguish the data between those who use AI-assisted software in the composition stage, the production stage, and the distribution stage, where AI is helpful in the marketing process.

All in all, of the survey participants who are already reliant on AI technology for their work procedures, 13 percent do so for creative applications, 19 percent use it in production, 13 percent use it in peripheral tasks like marketing, and 11 percent for other uses. Also, the use of AI processes varies completely amongst different music genres.

Overall, of those surveyed who already work with AI, 13 percent also use the tools for creative work, 19 percent for the production process, 13 percent for supporting measures such as marketing, and 11 percent for other use cases. The use of AI also varies greatly depending on the genre among those surveyed.

While 54 percent of those involved in electronic music are already using AI technology, this is followed closely by Hip-Hop and RnB, and then advertising.

It’s not a surprise that acoustic music styles like folk, world music, or chanson use AI in the production process up to 30 percent less than other genres. Overall, the GEMA AI Study has been revealing to say the least.

The Response to the GEMA AI study

The music rights organization GEMA protects the intellectual property rights of approximately 90,000 musicians in Germany. Meanwhile, a total of 210,800 are covered by its French equivalent, SACEM.

On one side, we are investigating the impact of AI technology within the music marketplace, which is already a widespread phenomenon. Meanwhile, we cannot lose sight of the main agenda of the GEMA AI Study.

Some believe that there should be a change in the legislature surrounding music rights, and are urging politicians to look after the rights of songwriters more carefully. At the moment, there is still no official regulation of music rights when songs are used in the process of training AI programs, and the financial ramifications of this.

Despite all the gripes that artists have with platforms like Spotify, there is no solution at present for dealing with the predicted torrent of AI-generated music on digital platforms.

Currently, around 120,000 songs per day are published on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Amazon Music, and Deezer, with an average of 100 million songs per platform catalogue.

Just for reference, since the launch of the app in 2017, Mubert has generated over 100 million songs as a single platform, and Boomy with an additional 18 million. Were these tracks to be published on platforms like Spotify, we’d see an even more rapid devaluation of the current marketplace where artists are already competing with podcasts and other content formats.

More about GEMA, SACEM, and the study:

• Official Press Release from GEMA
• Report from Goldmedia
• More about Spotify

The post GEMA AI study predicts a 30% drop in sales for producers by 2028 appeared first on gearnews.com.

The cassette comeback keeps on growing. Even more prominent artists are starting to release their albums on tape, and it seems like there is a new cassette label every other week. So, it’s not just vinyl. And with We Are Rewind’s new take on the Walkman, the Portable BT Cassette Player, you even get Bluetooth functionality.

Direct recording and Bluetooth – The Portable BT Cassette Player from We are Rewind

For those of you in the know who are wondering why we’re reporting on this now: Following loads of releases from NAMM 2024 and CES 2024, this modern take on the legendary Walkman is getting new attention. Tape is back for good.

After vinyl sales skyrocketed last Christmas to the biggest weekly sales since the eighties, retroists attention turned to cassette tapes as well. Many recent releases on tape often sold out rather quickly. Even the major record labels are turning their attention to the revival of the second analog medium. The hype is real. And We are Rewind’s Portable BT Cassette Player might be the one retro-modern take on the Walkman to look out for.

How much Walkman is too much Walkman?

Every portable tape cassette player has to ultimately face being compared to the Walkman – Sony’s giant success in the eighties set a benchmark in terms of durability, audio quality, and design that is tough to surpass. And with the recent release of the completely analog FiiO CP13, we saw a well-designed portable cassette player, that lacked any modern features whatsoever.

With the Portable BT Cassette Player, you get Bluetooth 5.1 for a wireless connection, the ability to record audio directly to tape through its 3.5mm input, and even a rechargeable battery. The compact cassette player comes with a lithium battery that can power the little box for up to twelve hours.

What we can’t tell from the pictures or the video is how it sounds. If it matches the noise-reduced Dolby C, the Hi-fi sound of yesteryear. That remains to be heard. There have been some concerns about the quality of the tape motor of many of these new portable cassette players, but if you’re a LoFi-kind-of guy or girl, this might be just the thing. We do wish the Portable BT Cassette Player had any kind of playback speed control or Bluetooth multipoint capability so you can listen to the latest mixtape with your friend.

What does the Portable BT Cassette Player cost?

The Portable BT Cassette Player from We are Rewind costs 133 GBP / 150 Euros / 164 USD. You can order one in three different colors from their website: orange, blue, or grey.

And if you’ve got a cassette player already, and you need blanks, check out these blank tapes from Thomann*.

RTM FOX C60 Type 1

Customer rating:

(72)

Available for 6.49 € at

RTM FOX C90 Type 1

Customer rating:

(15)

Available for 7.85 € at

EQ Professional C-90

Customer rating:

(9)

Available for 6.90 € at

Splicit Capture C-60

Customer rating:

(6)

Available for 5.80 € at

More on We are Rewind and cassettes

• The latest from We are Rewind
• Website

* This post contains affiliate links and/or widgets. When you buy a product via our affiliate partner, we receive a small commission that helps support what we do. Don’t worry, you pay the same price. Thanks for your support!

The post Retro Meets Bluetooth: We Are Rewind Portable BT Cassette Player appeared first on gearnews.com.

The NAMM 2024 show is just around the corner, and we have the latest, breaking news on all the hottest releases. Bookmark this page to keep up with our rolling news coverage of the latest music tech releases, as they happen!

NAMM 2024 will be running from January 25-28 at the Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, California.

If you’re unfamiliar with the event, NAMM is a trade conference that has brought together manufacturers, professionals, and equipment dealers in the music, audio, and events sectors for over 100 years.

NAMM 2024 Rolling News Feed

As usual, we’ll be keeping a rolling news feed in the run up to, and for the duration of the NAMM 2024 show. Be sure to bookmark this page to keep up to date on the latest news at a glance!

Just to recap, let’s go check out some of the highlights from last year’s NAMM 2023 show:

• Yamaha DM3 live digital console
• WesAudio ng76 compressor
• Oeksound Soothe Live
• Warm Audio WA-MPX compressor
• Neumann KH 120 II studio monitor
• Hammond XK-4 portable organ
• Endorphin.es Ghost and Golden Master effects pedals
• ICON DAW controllers

What could we see at NAMM 2024?

From budget to high-end audio, we’ve had some exciting new gear releases recently like the new Focusrite Scarlett 4th Gen range, the Focal Trio6 monitors, and the Rupert Neve Designs Master Bus Transformer.

That being said, NAMM 2024 promises to be one of the biggest shows in recent years. So in the meantime, we’re theorizing as to what we could see on the showroom floor.

Will the big synth brands like Roland and KORG have something in store for us? Or will Waldorf steal the show with an insane monster synth we didn’t know we needed?

What are your theories and which products are you hoping to see launched? Please let us know in the comments below!

More about NAMM 2024:

• Attend NAMM 2024
• Become an exhibitor

Video:

*Note: This article contains promotional links that help us fund our site. Don’t worry: the price for you always stays the same! We will receive a small commission if you buy something through these links. We appreciate your support!

The post NAMM 2024: The latest news on the hottest releases. Catch it all here! appeared first on gearnews.com.

With the recent price drops its popular H-Series of handy field recorders, it very much seemed like something new was bound to come out from Zoom. And here it is, the new and updated Zoom Essential Series. The three models H1essential, H4essential, and H6essential all come with 32-bit float, a color display, a host of accessibility features, and much more.

Zoom Essential Series: H6essential with 32-bit float, optional Timecode and a new capsule system

Zoom’s flagship field recorder in the H-series has been significantly updated. Internally, it’s now able to record up to six tracks at a time with 32-bit float bit rate and 96 kHz sample rate, thus practically eliminating the danger of digitally clipped recording. In addition, H6essential has a dual AD converter, and it comes with a next-generation 3.0 capsule system – in this case, a X/Y mic capsule that captures sound up to 135 dB SPL.

Furthermore, you can now sync the field recorder through an optional Bluetooth dongle and have it create Time code. This way, it is much easier to sync recordings on the flagship of the Zoom Essential Series to video. Like the other two new devices, the H6essential also comes with a host of accessibility features.

Now, you can navigate its menus with audible descriptions, which makes it more accessible for the visually impaired. The H6essential can also act as an audio interface while connected to a PC, Mac, iOS, or Android device and simultaneously record onto its SD card (up to 1 TB). Zoom lists the field recorder’s RRP at 391.51 Euros or 342 GBP (both including VAT), and it’s slated to be released in Q2 2024.

H4essential and H1essential: 32-bit float, Color LCD, Accessiblity

The two other field recorders in the new Zoom Essential Series, the H4essential and the H1essential, are both.. ahem.. essentially dialed down versions of the new H6essential. Just like the big guy, they offer 96khz/32-bit float recording and the aforementioned accessibility features.

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The H1essential has an upgraded OLED display, which is still monochrome. It can record up to two tracks at a time, one with its built-in X/Y-mic array that can handle up to 120 dB SPL. The compact field recorder also comes with new features for overdubbing, pre-recording, and a new mono mode for interviews. It’s also slated to come out in Q2 with an RRP of 129.71 Euros or 114 GBP.

With the H4essential, a color display comes to one of Zoom’s most popular field recorders. This entry in the Zoom Essential Series can still record four tracks at a time, still offers two additional XLR inputs, and just like the H6hessential, it can be synced to your video equipment through an optional Bluetooth dongle. This field recorder is also coming out in Q2 2024, with an RRP of 260.61 Euro or 209 GBP.

With Zoom deliberately choosing to name this series “Essential”, it’s not unlikely that further down the line, we’ll also get a “Pro”-Series with additional features. If you’re in the market for a new field recorder and your’re simply too impatient to wait for the new models, the three current ones are on offer at Thomann right now.

Zoom H1n

Customer rating:

(422)

Available for 59.00 € at

Zoom H4n Pro Black

Customer rating:

(128)

Available for 199.00 € at

Zoom H6 Black

Customer rating:

(151)

Available for 229.00 € at

More on the Zoom Essential Series

• More on Zoom at Gearnews
• Website

* This post contains affiliate links and/or widgets. When you buy a product via our affiliate partner, we receive a small commission that helps support what we do. Don’t worry, you pay the same price. Thanks for your support!

The post Zoom Essential Series: H1, H4, and H6 Field Recorders with 32-bit appeared first on gearnews.com.

Apple has announced that it will pay up to 10% higher royalties for tracks available on Apple Music in spatial audio. This means you’ll receive more money if you mix in 3D! The change will take effect with the royalty payouts coming up at the end of January 2024. Apple’s goal is to promote the spatial audio format and reward artists and producers who put in the extra time and effort to mix in the new format.

10% more Money for Tracks mixed in Spatial Audio

Spatial Audio has been available on Apple’s streaming service since 2021. The tech giant has also added spatial audio mixing features to Logic Pro. And now you can make extra money if you use these features: Starting at the end of this month, Apple will pay up to 10% more for tracks released on Apple Music in spatial audio. This was first reported in a newsletter from Bloomberg in December 2023.

Yesterday, Apple followed this up with a newsletter to its label partners, saying that the spatial audio format is rapidly gaining acceptance among top-tier producers and artists. Moreover, 80% of the songs that reached Apple Music’s Global Daily Top 100 in the past year are reportedly already available in Spatial. Apple also said that more than 90% of Apple Music listeners have already listened to music in the format, and that spatial audio plays have more than tripled over the last two years.

And here’s the best bit: The higher royalties will reportedly also be paid for plays in traditional stereo. All that matters is that a track is available in Spatial. If that’s the case, all plays of that track will receive the higher payout, no matter the listening format. Regardless of what you might think of streaming and streaming royalties in general, we think that’s actually pretty decent on Apple’s part.

More about Apple Music and Spatial Audio

• Bloomberg newsletter
• Related news from Music Business Worldwide
• More from Apple

Videos about Spatial Audio on Apple Music

The post Apple Music & Spatial Audio: Higher Royalties for Tracks Mixed in 3D appeared first on gearnews.com.