Tech - Mixmag Asia

Alma is the 3D-printed, battery-powered synth for toddlers

Non-stop looping, responsive sliders & clear visual cues make it easy for very young users to experiment with pitch, tempo, & sound

Ableton launches Rent to Own as new way to obtain Live 12 Suite

A 24-month payment plan that gives producers a permanent license once completed

IKEA releases colourful Bluetooth speakers in new Teklan line

The SOLSKYDD & KULGLASS collections combine striking patterns, flexible placement options & multi-speaker connectivity

Spotify launches new feature to import playlists from rival platforms

It comes after YouTube Music and Apple Music rolled out similar features over summer

Tech

"Big three" major labels sign licensing deal with AI start-up KLAY

The AI-powered streaming service says its models will be trained "entirely on licensed music"

Audima Labs’ MIDI instrument Sway turns movement into music

A gesture-powered unit packed with 16 sensors, eighty LEDs & deep software mapping that’s drawing heavy demand

Spotify's acquisition of WhoSampled sparks fears of "sample snitching"

The streaming giant acquired the community-driven database platform as part of its new SongDNA feature

Review: AlphaTheta OMNIS-DUO

AlphaTheta’s debut all-in-one DJ system redefines spontaneity with battery power, Bluetooth mixing and a striking, user-friendly design

Teenage Engineering channels soundsystem culture with EP-40 Riddim sampler

It comes loaded with artist-designed drums, basslines, keys, effects, and multi-sampled instruments, plus a temporary bundle with the EP-2350 Ting microphone

AlphaTheta halts rollout of CDJ-3000 firmware update following reports of "deleted" playlists

Several artists have complained of "disastrous" issues as a result of the recent CDJ-3000 firmware update, which was originally landed on October 21

Malaysia strengthens AI push with new Nvidia data centre in Johor

The large-scale facility marks a US$2.36 billion collaboration aimed at supporting public AI services & sovereign AI development

The Demon Box translates everyday objects into distinctive sound signatures

Eternal Research’s debut synth is ready to ship next month

HEDD Audio marks 10 years with a golden take on its classic studio monitors

Limited to 100 pairs, the TYPE 05 A-CORE EDITION X combines HEDD’s AMT tweeter with an 18k gold finish (plus an extra surprise for one lucky buyer)

Spotify claims ICE ads about "dangerous illegals" don't violate advertising policy

The streaming platform claims the recruitment ads are "part of a broad campaign" from the US government

Polygonia teams up with Dycide and FTP Doctor to launch new audio anaylsis tool

Inspect allows you to analyse “your favourite music” and customise it

Telepathic Instruments’ cult-favourite synth, Orchid, launches globally

The chord-generating instrument co-founded by Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker returns after two instant sellouts with new sounds, effects & plugin support

Nik Bentel Studio turns handbags into soundsystems

The Tati Fête Speaker & Mixer Bags are made from clear acrylic & fitted with real, working components for a portable DJ setup

Roland unveils new flagship drum machine, TR-1000 Rhythm Creator

Built on the legacy of the TR-808 and TR-909, the new instrument is Roland’s first in 40 years with “true analogue voices”

Spotify announces AI crackdown, removes 75 million tracks from platform

The streaming platform has shared a statement around new AI protections

CMF Headphone Pro debuts with 100-hour battery life & adaptive active noise cancellation

The US$99 over-ear headphones from Nothing's sub-brand also feature fast charging plus an Energy Slider for quick bass & treble adjustments

Daniel Ek to step down as CEO of Spotify

The move comes following boycott calls against the platform over Ek's significant investment in military tech start-up, Helsing