Declan McGlynn

London

Freelance Music Tech Writer and Consultant at Rolling Stone UK

Freelance Writer at Freelance

Music tech writer & consultant @rollingstoneUK @residentadvisor @djmag @google @dazed @water_and_music @point_blank Substack: https://t.co/FoCNSw8ozq

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Articles

20 plug-ins under £200* that have become an industry standard

1 month ago | djmag.com | Declan McGlynn

When it comes to music-making tools, the term ‘industry standard’ can feel a bit like a contradiction. After all, certain instruments have become inseparable from particular genres, while other EQs or compressors might work perfectly on a wayward vocal, but aren’t suitable for the master buss. Then there’s the small matter of taste and preference, with thousands of micro-decisions adding up to what eventually gives you your sound.
Roland’s SP-404 MKII now works with Serato DJ Pro

1 month ago | djmag.com | Declan McGlynn

Roland’s SP-404 MKII is now compatible with Serato DJ Pro. Users simply need to update the popular handheld sampler to the latest SP firmware in order to control Serato directly from the unit, with built-in integration and pre-mapped controls. You can also use the SP as an audio interface once you’ve connected it to Serato. The unit can be used in several ways to control Serato.
Roland’s SP-404 MKII now works with Serato DJ Pro

1 month ago | flipboard.com | Declan McGlynn

Roland’s SP-404 MKII is now compatible with Serato DJ Pro. Users simply need to update the popular handheld sampler to the latest SP firmware in order …
Tiny acquires majority stake in Serato as part of $66m deal

1 month ago | djmag.com | Declan McGlynn

Canadian tech investment firm Tiny has acquired a majority stake in the DJ tech company, Serato. Tiny now owns 66% of the long-running New Zealand software business, paying $66m. Pioneer DJ’s parent company AlphaTheta had been attempting to buy the company since July 2023, but the New Zealand Commerce Commission blocked the acquisition in June 2024 on the grounds of “lessening competition” in the DJ space. Both AlphaTheta and Serato said they would appeal the decision at the time.
Reason Studios announces free version of much-loved beat slicer, ReCycle

1 month ago | djmag.com | Declan McGlynn

Reason Studios — the Swedish tech brand formerly known as Propellerhead — has announced a free-to-use version of its much-loved sample editing software, ReCycle. Originally released in 1994, ReCycle was one of the first dedicated beat slicers. It allowed loop manipulation, slicing, and replaying of transients without affecting the source material’s original tempo. The groundbreaking tool was key to electronic music’s development throughout the ’90s.
You can now DJ with Apple Music using rekordbox, Serato and more

1 month ago | djmag.com | Declan McGlynn

Apple Music has been added as a streaming service to key DJ software like rekordbox DJ, Serato, and DENON’s Engine DJ platform. The service was already available through Algorridim’s djay app. The new addition brings Apple Music’s 100-million-strong catalogue directly into your DJ performance software, meaning you can search for tracks, browse through Apple’s curated playlists, create and import your own playlists, and import tracks into your library to play later.
You can now DJ with Apple Music using rekrodbox, Serato and more

1 month ago | djmag.com | Declan McGlynn

Apple Music has been added as a streaming service to key DJ software like rekordbox DJ, Serato, and DENON’s Engine DJ platform. The service was already available through Algorridim’s djay app. The new addition brings Apple Music’s 100-million-strong catalogue directly into your DJ performance software, meaning you can search for tracks, browse through Apple’s curated playlists, create and import your own playlists, and import tracks into your library to play later.
Moog and UJAM collaborate on new $19 charity plug-in

1 month ago | djmag.com | Declan McGlynn

Moog and UJAM have teamed up on a new plug-in called Vox Humana. The plug is priced at $19, with all proceeds from the sales going to the Bob Moog Foundation, a non-profit organisation set up by Bob Moog’s daughter Michelle Moog-Koussa. The plug channels a very specific preset used on Gary Numan’s iconic track, ‘Cars’, originally played on the Polymoog synth.
Xfer Records launches long-awaited Serum 2

1 month ago | djmag.com | Declan McGlynn

Xfer Records has announced Serum 2, the long-awaited update to one of the most popular soft synths ever made. A free update for existing Serum license holders, version two comes with a host of new additions, updated engines, a vast library of sounds and much more. Originally launched in September 2014, Serum became a favourite with electronic music producers for its complex wavetable sounds and powerful modulation capabilities.
Ableton announces latest update to Live, 12.2, with new Auto Filter and more

1 month ago | djmag.com | Declan McGlynn

Ableton has announced the latest version of Live, 12.2. It is available to download now as a public beta. 12.2 brings significant updates to some long-running Devices inside Live and tweaks to its hardware partners, Move and Push. The biggest change for electronic music producers is likely the complete revamp of Auto Filter, Live’s long-running filter audio effect.