SSL Oracle Console, Jeff Beck Les Paul, Waves V16 & Free Cakewalk Sonar!

LATEST IN MUSIC SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE

SSL Oracle Console Unveiled

Solid State Logic (SSL) has introduced the Oracle, a new analogue mixing console designed for modern audio production workflows. Available in 24 and 48 mono line input options, it features SSL’s PureDrive mic pres, switchable E/G Series EQs, and offers up to 112 inputs at mixdown with instant recall.

UA A-Type Enhancer Now Native

Universal Audio has released its A-Type Multiband Dynamic Enhancer plugin, now available natively and for UAD Spark subscribers. This plugin faithfully recreates the classic 1970s Dolby A-Type Model 361 noise reduction unit, known for its unique high-frequency enhancement dubbed the "Dolby A Trick."

Epiphone Revives Jeff Beck's Oxblood Les Paul

Epiphone has launched the Jeff Beck 1954 Les Paul, an "Inspired by Gibson Custom" model, bringing back the legendary "Oxblood" guitar. This new, more affordable version closely mirrors Beck's original, famously featured on his "Blow by Blow" album cover, in both aesthetics and internal components.

Waves V16 Update Released

Waves has unveiled its new V16 software update, bringing significant improvements for audio professionals. Key highlights of V16 include the introduction of Auto Makeup Gain, which automates gain compensation, and visual "plugin facelifts" that refresh the appearance of existing plugins.

Manson and Cort Expand Meta Series

Manson Guitar Works and Cort have introduced significant updates to the Meta Series MBM-2H range, Matt Bellamy's signature guitars. New additions include the return of the MBC-1 Red Sparkle finish, a new Satin Olive Green color with black hardware, and dedicated left-handed versions. Sustainiac-equipped variants are also available, maintaining premium features like a basswood body and Canadian maple neck.

DEALS

• Universal Audio's Half-Yearly Sale concludes June 30th, featuring UAD Custom Bundles from $25 and Native UAD plug-ins for $19.

• Emergence Audio's Infinite Summer Sale offers up to 50% off cinematic Kontakt instruments, including Quantum and Viola Textures.

• The ADSR Sounds Summer Sale is active, providing up to 90% off a wide range of sounds, plugins, and digital assets.

• Akai Pro's Virtual Summer Tour offers an extra 10% off ongoing deals using code SUMMER10, with offers ending July 31.

• ReValver Suite (5.1), featuring HeadRush's Amp Cloner technology, is now 80% off for advanced amp and effects modeling until July 31.

• Plugin Boutique is offering products from the OCELOT Series at a special promotional price of $29.

• Waves' Half Annual Sale features over 200 plugins at $34.99 each, plus a "Buy 2 Get 2 Free" offer with 100 additional free plugins.

• The MTM Summer Sale is now live, providing up to 80% discounts on their renowned audio mastering and mixing tools.

• UJAM's Usynth synthesizers, designed for instant inspiration, are on sale with up to 34% off, with single plug-ins at $19 and the full bundle at $99.

• Baby Audio's Transit 2, co-created with Andrew Huang, is an award-winning motion effects plugin available for $79.00 until June 27, 2025.

• Audio Damage's Other Desert Cities, a deeply creative delay with six algorithms and powerful modulation, is available for $39.00 until June 27.

• Factory by Sugar Bytes, a modular synthesizer for complex and organic sounds, is now $49 (62% off) for a limited one-week period.

DEMOS, REVIEWS & TUTORIALS

• Madame Gandhi shares valuable insights into music production, emphasizing the crucial roles of innovative sound design and integrating mindfulness practices for enhanced creativity.

• Witness Clarity Vx's impressive noise reduction capabilities as a video demonstrates its effectiveness against the challenging sound of a hair dryer, cleaning up audio with remarkable precision.

• Renowned mix engineer Preston “Prizzie” Reid, known for his work with Usher and Ye, provides an in-depth tutorial on how Silk Vocal enhances vocal sound and accelerates mixing workflow.

• Unlock better music production with an ultimate compression cheat sheet, offering essential go-to settings to demystify dynamics effects and improve your mixes.

• A new video guides users on maximizing Vapor Dimension's potential, illustrating how simple presets and subtle adjustments reshape leads, atmospheres, and drums for cinematic or lo-fi character.

• Recreate two iconic rhythmic delay structures, from David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance” and U2’s “Where the Streets Have No Name,” utilizing the Relab LX480 Dual-Engine and Sonsig ACE plugins. Watch the tutorial to learn these complex effects.

• Aspiring guitarists can master AC/DC's "Back In Black" by focusing on fundamental techniques like muted string pick scrapes and the song's repetitive E, D, and A chord progression. Discover the tab and tips for simplifying its iconic riffs.

• Two notes hardware users can unlock the full sonic potential of DynIR Cabinets by seamlessly integrating them with their devices via the Torpedo Remote software.

FREE

Plugin Boutique is offering a free copy of Wave Alchemy Pulse, an excellent opportunity for music producers to expand their sound library with this valuable audio tool.

Michael Moalem has released the MIDI CC Phone Controller for Android, a free application that transforms smartphones into wireless XY MIDI controllers for digital audio workstations (DAWs), addressing his personal need for such a device.

Cakewalk has re-released Sonar as a free digital audio workstation (DAW) for Windows users. This highly anticipated return features a new interface and updated rules, positioning it as a strong contender in the free DAW market.

Splash Sound has introduced Kalimba, a free virtual instrument for macOS and Windows. This release marks the second addition to their Play Collection, a series of lightweight instruments designed to simplify music production workflows.

AudioKit Pro has launched AudioKit Synth One J6, a professional-quality iOS synthesizer now available for free. Developed as a passion project, this instrument provides advanced synthesis capabilities for mobile music production.