Hitsquad News for Musicians

Giving your music the right space and ambiance can spell the difference between good and great music production.

Freeware multi-platform music production software Audacity is updated to v2.0.6, featuring various improvements and bug fixes.

Propellerhead announces the release of the 8th version of their popular DAW software Reason, now with refreshed interface and faster workflow.

Novation introduces Audiohub 2x4, an audio interface that doubles as a USB hub, ideal for electronic music production.

ATC releases two new nearfield reference monitors - the SCM20ASL Pro Active V2 and the new SCM20PSL Pro Passive.

Studiologic introduces the second iteration of the Numa Organ, with more vintage organ models, more effects and improved patch editor.

Mackie has started shipping the new Creative Reference multimedia monitor line, with two new models to start with - the CR3 and CR4.

Focusrite announces the upcoming release of the Scarlett Solo, said to be the company's most affordable audio interface to date.

IK Multimedia releases the iKlip Stage, a free score management and page turning app for the iPad.

Genelec releases the 1237A and 1238A Three-way Smart Active Monitors (SAM), with built-in intelligent tuning compensation.

RØDE introduces the NT-USB studio-grade microphone with built-in USB connectivity, fully compatible with Windows, Mac and iOS. UPDATE: 6 July 2016 - This microphone has won the top spot in the Gearank guide to the Top 10 Best USB Microphones!

Novation unveils the bigger and updated Launchpad Control XL, their latest controller hardware designed for Ableton Live.

IK Multimedia announces the availability of the new iRig MIDI 2, their 2nd generation MIDI interface for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Mac/PC.

M-Audio updated Oxygen for 2014, these new portable MIDI keyboards feature more controls, improved layout and bundled synth software.

Roland's AIRA System-1 Plug-out Synthesizer is now available, and the first software "plug-out" SH-101 is revealed.

IK Multimedia releases iRig Voice, a vocal microphone for iOS and Android Devices, available in 5 different colors.

Mackie introduces two new SRM series speakers, the SRM750 1600W Dual 15" powered loud speaker and the SRM2850 1600W Dual 18" Powered Subwoofer.

Here are the best of the currently available affordable studio monitors which are perfectly suited for home recording setups

Aerodrums, the fully functional drum kit that utilizes motion capture technology to let you play drums on air, is now available.

Scott R. Garrigus expands his series of DAW software guides with his latest book, the SONAR X3 Power!

Waldorf announces that the new 2-Pole analog filter, which we featured as one of our NAMM 2014 top picks, is now shipping!

Focusrite introduces the new Saffire Pro 26 FireWire/Thunderbolt audio interface, featuring 18 inputs and 8 outputs.

Simmons Drums introduce their new flagship model SD1500KIT electronic drums, a 6-piece drum kit with hi-hat and 3 multi-zone cymbals.

Elektron is now shipping Analog Rytm, a multi-voice drum machine with support for audio samples.

Arturia announces the availability of the new Beatstep, a space-saving portable controller and step sequencer.

Moog Music partners with Paxahau to co-produce Moogfest 2014 at Asheville, North Carolina, on April 23 to 27, 2014.

Fender Audio introduces three new portable audio systems - the Passport Conference, Passport Event and Passport Venue.

Korg introduces the LP-180 Digital Piano, a compact modern piano that requires less space and doubles as a house decor.

Music production software Bitwig Studio is finally released with demo versions available for three major operating systems - Windows, Mac OS X and Linux.

Ableton launches Ableton University Tour, a series of free music production educational events at universities around the world.