Hallo, Sonic Odyssey readers. It is I, Gianni Oberhausen, Intern Third Class (acting). This week, Herr Randall attempted to show me the ways of America, and my brain is still reeling. First, we watched The Naked Gun (2025) — a film of such chaotic slapstick that I briefly thought America was a nation governed by police detectives who fall down stairs professionally. I was truthfully not sure if it was comedy or true crime. Or both? Confusing. Then came heavyweight boxing: two enormous British men pummeled each other for two minutes until one collapsed, cheered on by thousands as if this was the peak of civilization. Even more confusing. Finally, Herr Randall produced a stack of microphones, aimed them at an amplifier loud enough to rattle my sternum, captured a burst of white noise, and proclaimed he had “made an impulse response.” At this point, I was convinced he was not merely an engineer, but some kind of Appalachian tone wizard. Deeply confusing. That did not prevent me from sharing all of this on TikTok, however.
I am beginning to suspect this entire country runs on confusion. (You are not wrong, Gianni)
Herr Randall assures me these are “limited-time bargains.” I remain suspicious. Why would a plugin that is normally $199 suddenly cost $29, unless sorcery is involved? Regardless, you may inspect these alleged savings yourself on the Plugin Boutique Deals page.
🎶 Recommended Reading
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A breakdown of today’s most popular beginner DAWs, what they do well, and who they’re for.
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Tips, gear, and techniques for capturing great performances outside a fancy studio. (Gianni insists recording at home means using AirPods and yelling into the void — we are correcting this misconception.)
Reviews & Roundups
Warm Audio Fen-Tone Ribbon Mic Review — MusicRadar
A flexible ribbon mic with strong overall delivery and Warm Audio’s knack for vintage-leaning character. (I am way too susceptible to this sort of thing. Oh, you're making a new ribbon mic? It's based on a vintage model I've never heard of until now? I'll take two!!)
Novation Launch Control XL 3 Review — MusicRadar
Hands-on MIDI control for Ableton Live and beyond, redesigned and refined for 2025. (Even has a Kensington lock for when your intern tries to "accidentally" take it home)
Franklin Audio RA-20 SS-6 MkII — Sound On Sound
Stereo swtiching and re-amping, hand-made down under
Ear Trumpet Labs Wanda Review — Sound On Sound
A boutique condenser mic with serious visual flair and unique sound character. (SHINY)
What Guitar Case Should You Buy? — Gearnews
Hard or soft case? Gearnews breaks down the pros and cons of protecting your beloved axe.
Neural DSP Mantra Review — Rekkerd
Neural gets in the vox game. (Hopefully they didn't make a horribly confusing short movie to promote this)
News
Robert Plant Explains Why He Turned Down Led Zeppelin Revival — MusicRadar
Mr. Plant is, apparently, quite removed from the rock/metal world.
AEA Launches RPQ503 SnaqBox — Sound On Sound
500 series preamp and 2 slot chassis
Native Instruments Releases Electric Ruby Deluxe — Sound On Sound
New virtual guitarist for Session Guitarist, focused on soulful electric textures.
Erica Synths Elektor Formant DIY Kit — Gearnews
The Elektor Formant has been revived and you can build your own!
Fail Tape Plugin (Free for a Limited Time) — Rekkerd
A cassette filth plugin that’s free if you’re quick.
Melino Soft Synth — Synthtopia
A new software synth with six classic-inspired instruments under one roof.
Behringer BM-11M Filter Preorder — Synthtopia
Moog-inspired filtering for pocket change. (At least it only KIND OF looks like the originals. Did Uli learn anything from the Klon lawsuit? No. No he didn't.)
Trends
Slipknot Catalog Sale Rumors — MusicRadar
Slipknot might sell their catalog for £120M. Clown masks and cash piles incoming. (Are they selling the masks, too?)
Apple Mac Pro M4 Tech — Gearnews
Apple’s next workstation refresh sparks debate about power vs. price. (Be prepared to take out a HELOC to buy one. At least they don't look like trashcans anymore 🤷🏼♂️)
Gen Alpha Has No Interest in Rock — Hypebot
A survey suggests Gen Alpha doesn’t care about guitars. (They are wrong, but try telling them that.)
Until next time: keep your cables phase-aligned, your plugins updated, and if your intern starts calling you a tone wizard, just lean into it.
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The latest echoes and spaces to make your mixes shine.
