Kramer Volante, Moog Messenger, Free Waves & Mastering Guitar Tone

LATEST IN MUSIC SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE

Kramer Volante Series Launched

Kramer introduces the new Volante Series, specifically designed for modern shredders. These guitars feature lightweight alder bodies with ergonomic carves for comfortable playability. The satin-finished, three-piece maple neck utilizes Kramer's KeyLock system for stability and enhanced tone transfer. A sculpted heel allows easy access to the 24 jumbo frets on the 25.5” scale, compound radius fretboard. Learn more about the Volante Series on the official Kramer website.

Volante Models and Hardware

The Kramer Volante Series includes HHFR, HSGT, Quilt HHFR, and Quilt HSFR models. Hardware varies; most feature a Floyd Rose 1000 Series tremolo for aggressive techniques, while the HSGT uses a two-point tremolo. Pickups are Kramer USA Neptunes (HH models) or a Neptune/Triton combination (HS models). Quilt versions boast AAAA maple tops. Prices start at £949/€1099, including a gig bag. Find the Volante HSGT in Triburst at Thomann.

RODE Enters On-Ear Market

RODE expands its audio lineup with the NTH-50, its first on-ear headphones aimed at producers, DJs, and content creators. Equipped with a custom 40mm dynamic driver and unique resonating chamber, they promise defined bass and clear highs with minimal distortion, even at high SPLs. Designed for comfort during long sessions, the NTH-50 features a lightweight headband and memory foam earpads. This modular design includes easily replaceable parts for durability. Discover the RODE NTH-50 on the official RODE product page.

SOMA Laboratory's Rustic Limited Edition

SOMA Laboratory unveils a limited 'Rust Edition' for its popular Pulsar-23 drum machine, Lyra-8 drone synth, and Cosmos looper. This special run features a unique, weathered aesthetic achieved through a specific oxidation process on the enclosures, offering an authentic industrial look. While the finish is new, the internal electronics remain identical to the standard versions. These exclusive instruments are available for order now, with shipping commencing on June 24, 2025.

Nallely Open-Source MIDI Companion

Introducing Nallely, a new open-source MIDI meta-synth system designed as a helpful companion for musicians and producers. Nallely facilitates the mapping of MIDI controllers and instruments, simplifying complex setups. It also supports the creation and utilization of virtual devices, such as LFOs and EGs, adding flexibility to your workflow. Learn more about this innovative system in the Synthopia article.

EHX Oceans Abyss Reverb

Electro-Harmonix introduces the Oceans Abyss Advanced Reverb Laboratory, a new hardware effect pedal. This unit is specifically engineered to provide users with a wide array of immersive reverb effects. Designed for deep sound sculpting, it promises to be a powerful tool for adding atmospheric depth to your audio.

DEALS

• Get the Safari Pedals Safari Power Pack, an 8-plugin toolkit for creative effects and vintage warmth, for $79 (reg. $332); offer ends May 23, 2025.

• Today is the last day for Spitfire Audio's Cannes Film Festival sale, offering up to 40% off sitewide until midnight (exclusions apply).

• IK Multimedia MixBox, a modular multi-effect plugin, is on sale for $19.99 at Plugin Boutique (reg. $99.99).

• AutoTune Unlimited subscribers gain early access to the new AI vocal cleanup tool Vocal Prep and can get a year for $180 (valued at $360).

• Save up to 25% on Ableton Live 12 via Ableton.com, with 15% off Standard and 25% off Suite/upgrades, before the offer ends May 20.

• Waves Audio offers a Free Plugin Bonus: spend $50 for one free plugin, or $80 for two, details here.

• Get the Sordina audio effect plugin by Libre Wave for 75% off, now $26 (orig $103), available on VSTBuzz.

• DarkFire plugin is currently 60% off, reduced from €69 to just €28; buy now.

• The BassRift plugin is available with a 60% discount, dropping from €79 to €32; purchase here.

• FireMaster plugin is on sale for 90% off, priced at €10 down from €99; learn more.

DEMOS, REVIEWS & TUTORIALS

• Recognized globally for her profound impact, Yoko Shimomura stands as one of the most iconic composers in video game music. Her distinct style has shaped the auditory landscapes of beloved franchises, solidifying her legendary status in the industry.

• Pointblank Music School has released two new free courses tailored for music producers using Logic Pro and Ableton Live. Each course features over 30 detailed video tutorials developed in collaboration with music industry experts to help users navigate their DAWs.

• Unlock your potential as a songwriter with an in-depth guide detailing the 7 essential steps for crafting a great song. This comprehensive resource breaks down the process from concept to completion, offering practical insights for musicians at any level.

• Achieve the perfect guitar tone for your track after recording by learning how to reamp like a pro in your DAW. Get expert tips from UA's Drew Mazurek on refining your sound post-performance.

• Discover the 'Grammy-proven' plug-in chains used to recreate the distinctive vocal sounds of artists like Billie Eilish, Stevie Wonder, and Dr. Dre. Learn the techniques behind these iconic tones without the guesswork.

• Explore 'The Art of Lofi' and see how producers like Dr. Dre and Iman Omari utilize the Retro Fi plugin in original productions to infuse tracks with 'real life and nostalgic magic'.

• Mastering right-hand techniques is fundamental for bass guitarists. This guide covers essential methods like fingerstyle, thumb technique, picking, and the advanced slap bass, explaining how position affects timbre and offering tips like the spider exercise to enhance dexterity and control.

• Get a hands-on introduction to the Chromaplane electromagnetic synthesizer with a new video guide. This tutorial provides a comprehensive overview of the instrument's capabilities, perfect for users looking to get started.

FREE

Deigneor has released Arrival, a free cinematic library inspired by the MicroFreak synthesizer. Designed for the full version of Kontakt, this library is available for download via the Pianobook platform, which hosts a large collection of free instrument libraries.

Tilr has released TIME-12, a free time modulation plugin for Windows, macOS, and Linux, offering pitch shifting, glitching, and tape-stop effects as an alternative to tools like GrossBeat.

Flandersh Tech introduces Lushtraq, a free four-band multiband compressor VST3 for Windows. It features adjustable bands with full compressor controls, external sidechain, per-band analog saturation with tape mode, master bus saturation, and an AI assistant providing genre-specific suggestions for dynamics and tone shaping.

Explore microtonal music with the free software instrument and MIDI controller Arithmophone, designed for touchscreen devices.