Music By Mattie has released magic.METER, a free vocal-analysis plugin that compares vocal mix measurements against data from 3,054 hit songs. A useful reference tool for vocal balance, provided it supports rather... productlondon.com/music-by-m…

DistroKid has confirmed it removed tracks following claims from Universal Music Group. Independent producers should keep ownership records, sample clearances and collaborator permissions ready if a release is challenged. productlondon.com/distrokid-…

SQ8L has returned as a free unofficial 64-bit beta for macOS, Windows and Linux. The Ensoniq SQ-80 emulation was previously limited to 32-bit Windows VST, but producers should factor in its beta and reconstructed... productlondon.com/sq8l-64-bi…

Orra Audio has released Orra Key, a free macOS and Windows plugin that detects sample and loop keys, previews compatible chords and exports MIDI chords via drag and drop. A practical utility for building around... productlondon.com/orra-key-f…

Arturia has released the free AstroLab 2.0 firmware update, adding Sound Edit, 60+ new sounds, new instruments and performance improvements. A practical update for producers and live performers who want more control... productlondon.com/arturia-as…

Bubblegum is a free polyphonic pitch-editing plugin that can move, tune and stretch individual notes inside chords. It could give producers and mix engineers a more accessible way to correct pitch and timing in... productlondon.com/bubblegum-…

The US Copyright Office has launched an inquiry into music-streaming fraud. For producers and rightsholders, fraudulent plays can dilute the royalty pools paid from legitimate streams. No specific remedies have been... productlondon.com/us-copyrig…

Italy's consumer watchdog is investigating Suno's terms of service over reported concerns including content licensing, price changes, account termination and US-based arbitration. Producers should watch what this... productlondon.com/suno-italy…

Sony Music says it has asked platforms to remove more than 260,000 AI deepfakes impersonating artists. For producers releasing AI-assisted music, voice and identity consent, clear permissions and accurate... productlondon.com/sony-music…

Novation has launched FLpad and FLpad Mini, dedicated FL Studio pad controllers developed with Image-Line. Both add 64 RGB pads plus sequencing, pattern and transport controls, while FLpad adds velocity-sensitive... productlondon.com/novation-f…

Germany's highest civil court has addressed the pastiche exception in the Kraftwerk 'Metall auf Metall' sampling case. For producers, it is a Germany-specific ruling on unlicensed sampling, not a general... productlondon.com/kraftwerk-…

Applied Acoustics Systems has released AAS Player 2.0, a major redesign of its free sound-player instrument plugin. The update adds more controls for producers working with supported AAS sound libraries. productlondon.com/aas-player…

Spitfire Audio has released Phoenix, a hybrid synth created with BT and built from material in the producer's private archive. A new sound-design tool for electronic producers, composers and sound designers. productlondon.com/spitfire-a…

BandLab has upgraded AutoMix for existing projects. The AI-assisted tool analyses audio and MIDI tracks, then adjusts volume and panning for a faster rough balance before manual mix decisions. productlondon.com/bandlab-au…

Native Instruments has announced Maschine 3.7, described as a major free update for Maschine 3. Existing users should watch for the full release notes to see the confirmed beat-making workflow changes. productlondon.com/native-ins…

LEWITT has introduced the LW6 Wireless Studio Headphones, using ultra-low-latency UWB technology. For producers and recording engineers, the question is whether wireless monitoring can finally be practical for... productlondon.com/lewitt-lw6…

Suno has launched v6, a new generation of its AI music model. For producers, the important questions now are what is confirmed for workflow, access and commercial-use rights before treating it as part of a... productlondon.com/suno-v6-ai…

SH Labs says 40% of more than one million releases it analysed in July showed signs associated with AI use. That is not proof the tracks were AI-generated, but it raises practical questions for producers about... productlondon.com/sh-labs-ai…

Arturia has released the free MiniFreak 5.0 update for MiniFreak hardware and MiniFreak V. Three user-requested upgrades bring new options for synthesis, preset building and DAW-based sound design. productlondon.com/arturia-mi…

Universal Audio has launched LUNA 3.0 alongside UAD Spark Studio, a subscription that includes the fully equipped LUNA Studio and additional tools. A new DAW and subscription-workflow decision for recording,... productlondon.com/universal-…