Cherry Audio Joins AI Initiative, United Plugins Drops Cyberdrive Core, and Hip-Hop Production Secrets Revealed

The music tech world takes significant steps into AI territory this week as Cherry Audio joins a 50+ organization coalition focused on ethical AI development in music creation. United Plugins introduces Cyberdrive Core plugin featuring 64 distortion models for just €9. Meanwhile, a new tutorial showcases Grammy-winning producer Focus demonstrating how to enhance hip-hop tracks using Abbey Road plugins. Plus grab free premium urban ambience recordings from BOOM Library. Read on for more music tech news, reviews, and exclusive deals to upgrade your studio setup!

LATEST IN MUSIC SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE

Cherry Audio Joins AI for Music Initiative

Cherry Audio has partnered with over 50 leading music organizations as part of the AI for Music initiative. This coalition focuses on the Principles for Music Creation with AI and emphasizes a commitment to protecting human creativity while exploring innovative ways for AI to empower and support artists.

United Plugins Releases Cyberdrive Core

United Plugins has released Cyberdrive Core, a streamlined version of their Cyberdrive distortion plugin. Cyberdrive Core features the same 64 distortion models as the original, categorized into Analogue Simulations, Shape & Crush, and Doom & Freak. It is available for an introductory price of €9 until the end of March and is free for existing Cyberdrive owners. The plugin is compatible with all major DAWs on Windows and macOS.

Peak Techno - Presets for Orbit

Peak Techno – Presets for Orbit is a collection of 50 generative presets for ADSR Orbit. The pack is inspired by Eli Brown, Bart Skils, Charlotte de Witte, Amelie Lens, and Jay Lumen. It delivers acid-drenched sequences, powerful leads, and thundering rhythms.

DEALS

• SoundID VoiceAI by Sonarworks is currently on sale, offering a 20% discount on this innovative product by Sonarworks. This promotion provides an excellent opportunity to acquire SoundID VoiceAI at a reduced price.

• Symphonic Orchestra + Hollywood Choirs by EastWest Sounds is currently on sale, presenting a great opportunity to acquire these powerful tools for your music production arsenal.

• Aviram Harp Guitar by Aviram Dayan Production is currently on sale with a significant discount of 87% off.

• BB Tubes can bring a professional feel to your music. Now available for $34.99, it's a cost-effective way to enrich your sound.

• OmniBEATs Collection by Audiofier offers 51% off. This series aims to expand cinematic percussion by combining classic electronic drum machines with newly created organic and synthetic sounds.

• The Classic Collection by Fluidshell Design is on sale for a limited time. It is now only $35 (reg. $140).

• Harmony Bloom MIDI Generator by Mario Nieto World is on sale for 60% off.

• Symphonic Orchestra + Hollywood Choirs by EastWest Sounds is on sale for 80% off.

• Black Salt Audio is having a sale on their top selling plugins. For a limited time, Silencer, Clipper, Low Control, and Drum Bus are on sale for $34 each. These are the go-to tools for producers and mixers worldwide, helping shape professional mixes with ease. The sale ends February 28 at 11:59 PM EST.

• Waves has launched a new online mastering service that uses an advanced AI mastering engine and is offering a sale on its top plugins for producing, mixing, and mastering. Customers can get a free plugin bonus with purchases of $50 or more.

DEMOS, REVIEWS & TUTORIALS

Kiive Audio has recently released a new video on their YouTube channel, offering viewers a detailed guide on EQ techniques for achieving crystal-clear vocal mixes. This tutorial is designed to help both amateur and professional audio engineers refine their vocal tracks.

Producing Hip Hop with Abbey Road Plugins showcases 3x Grammy-winning producer Focus… (Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar, Anderson .Paak) as he enhances a hip-hop track. He incorporates saturation and a vintage feel using plugins modeled from Abbey Road Studios' mixing consoles, tape machines, rare hardware, and signature production effects.

Making Sia’s “Unstoppable” with Producer Jesse Shatkin offers a behind-the-scenes look with Grammy-nominated producer and songwriter Jesse Shatkin (Miley Cyrus, Lizzo). Jesse dissects the creation of Sia’s hit song "Unstoppable," which he produced, and shares his creative process, industry journey, triumphs, and challenges.

Why Your DAW Needs a Touch of Analog and How to Do It with Plugins explores how to enrich your DAW with analog-inspired character. It guides you in crafting music that resonates with warmth and engagement, enhanced by depth and the distinctive charm of analog audio.

Crafting Immersive Soundscapes for Video Games and Motion Pictures explores the crucial role of sound design in storytelling for video games and motion pictures. It details how immersive soundscapes pull audiences into a scene, making a world feel alive through layering real-world recordings with evolving textures, spatial effects, and dynamic automation.

Audified emphasizes the importance of modulation effects in guitar playing, highlighting how bands like Van Halen, Whitesnake, Metallica, and Def Leppard used chorus, flanger, and phaser to create iconic sounds. It also promotes Audified's ToneKnob TriMod plugin as a tool for achieving these legendary tones.

FREE

BOOM Library is currently offering 5 premium urban ambience recordings from their URBAN EUROPE Stereo collection at no cost. These immersive audio captures range from peaceful side streets to vibrant public squares, delivering authentic atmospheric elements to enhance your creative work. Fully mastered and ready for implementation, these versatile soundscapes integrate seamlessly into films, video games, and audio productions.