Audionautic | Covering the Latest in Music Production, Marketing and Technology

Steinberg is celebrating 30 years of VST by bringing back a collection of its classic early plugins, so we've downloaded them and we're going to see what they're actually like to use today.We'll be demoing the sounds, having a play with the instruments and effects, and talking about what these early VSTs were actually useful for.But rather than just looking at them as pieces of music-production history, we're interested in whether the limitations of these old plugins might actually be interesting today.Do simple instruments make you work differently? Have modern plugins become too complicated? And are there sounds in these early VSTs that we'd still happily use in a track?We'll be putting them through their paces and seeing what still holds up after 30 years of VST.The Synthesis COOP has a new LP out, check it here:https://tscoop.bandcamp.com/album/the-synthesis-co-op-volume-oneThanks to our Patrons who support what we do:Audionauts: Abby, Bendu, David Svrjcek, Josh Wittman, Paul Ledbrook, Matt Donatelli and Stephen SetzepfandtLars Haur - Audionaut ProducerJonathan Goode - Audionaut ProducerCheck out the new release from Sunwarper here:https://sunwarper.bandcamp.com/album/signal-fragmentsJoin the conversation:💌 [email protected] 🐤 Twitter @Audionautic📸 Instagram: @audionauticsounds📡Discord: https://discord.gg/kBxXb8pjaSunwarper: https://sunwarper.com​​​​​​Kh3rtis: https://kh3rtis.com

This week we're having a bit of a debate about studio upgrades.I'm making the case for moving from the Tascam Model 12 to the Model 16, while Eonlake is going to do his best to convince me that I absolutely don't need it.So we'll be looking at the reasons for upgrading, the reasons for sticking with what you've already got, and whether a bigger, more capable setup actually makes any difference to the way we work.More inputs, less cable swapping, having more of the studio permanently connected, changing the way we mix and work all useful reasons to upgrade, or just very convincing ways of justifying buying another piece of gear?And that's really the bigger question. At what point does a studio upgrade solve a genuine problem, and when are we just buying gear because we fancy something new?We'll put the case forward and see where we end up.What do you think? When is a studio upgrade actually worth it?Thanks to our Patrons who support what we do:Audionauts: Abby, Bendu, David Svrjcek, Josh Wittman, Paul Ledbrook, Matt Donatelli and Stephen SetzepfandtLars Haur - Audionaut ProducerJonathan Goode - Audionaut ProducerCheck out the new release from Sunwarper here:https://sunwarper.bandcamp.com/album/signal-fragmentsJoin the conversation:💌 [email protected] 🐤 Twitter @Audionautic📸 Instagram: @audionauticsounds📡Discord: https://discord.gg/eCtxzxTrJSunwarper: https://sunwarper.com​​​​​​Kh3rtis: https://kh3rtis.com

This week we're taking Ableton Live out of the studio and onto the stage.Ableton can be a sampler, sequencer, mixer, effects rack, instrument, looper and the brains behind an entire live setup. But having all those possibilities doesn't necessarily make for a good performance.We're digging into how Ableton can actually be used live, from Session View and clip launching to controllers, effects, routing, improvisation and the less glamorous question of reliability.How much should be prepared? How much should be improvised? What are we actually performing when the computer is doing so much of the work?Thanks to our Patrons who support what we do:Audionauts: Abby, Bendu, David Svrjcek, Josh Wittman, Paul Ledbrook, Matt Donatelli and Stephen SetzepfandtLars Haur - Audionaut ProducerJonathan Goode - Audionaut ProducerCheck out Survey Channel's New Release Here:https://surveychannel.bandcamp.com/album/macrozonesJoin the conversation:💌 [email protected] 🐤 Twitter @Audionautic📸 Instagram: @audionauticsounds📡Discord: https://discord.gg/g5ZKQuSdYSunwarper: https://sunwarper.com​​​​​​Kh3rtis: https://kh3rtis.com

Community Radio is back.This week we're putting the gear, plugins and production talk to one side and simply talking about music.Each of us has brought along tracks we've been listening to recently. Things we've discovered, rediscovered, become obsessed with, or simply can't stop playing.We'll talk about what grabbed us, where we found it, what we're hearing in the production and why these particular pieces of music have stayed with us.What have you been listening to lately?Join the conversation:💌 [email protected] 🐤 Twitter @Audionautic📸 Instagram: @audionauticsounds📡Discord: https://discord.gg/g5ZKQuSdYSunwarper: https://sunwarper.com​​​​​​Kh3rtis: https://kh3rtis.com

There are hundreds of reverb plugins available today. So why should anyone care about another one?This week we're exploring RocketVerb by Zak Sound, not just as a plugin demo, but as a starting point for a wider conversation about creativity and sound design.When does a reverb stop being a mixing tool and become an instrument in its own right? Do we really need more reverbs, or are we simply looking for new ways to be inspired?Join us as we put RocketVerb through its paces and discuss the role reverb plays in modern music production.Thanks to our Patrons who support what we do:Audionauts: Abby, Bendu, David Svrjcek, Josh Wittman, Paul Ledbrook, Matt Donatelli and Stephen SetzepfandtLars Haur - Audionaut ProducerJonathan Goode - Audionaut ProducerThere's a new compilation out, it deserves your attention:https://music.bonkwave.org/the-four-seasons-of-bonkwave-autumn-waves-2/Join the conversation:💌 [email protected] 🐤 Twitter @Audionautic📸 Instagram: @audionauticsounds📡Discord: https://discord.gg/g5ZKQuSdYSunwarper: https://sunwarper.com​​​​​​Kh3rtis: https://kh3rtis.com

We're back!After a summer away from the weekly schedule, we're catching up on everything we've been exploring in the studio, the music we've been making, and the lessons we've learned along the way.We're also discussing a significant development from Traxsource and TIDAL, who have both introduced new approaches to identifying AI-generated music. What does this mean for musicians, producers, and the future of digital music platforms?Finally, we're sharing some exciting changes coming to Audionautic in the weeks ahead and giving you a look at the direction we're taking the show.It's great to be back.Thanks to our Patrons who support what we do:Audionauts: Abby, Bendu, David Svrjcek, Josh Wittman, Paul Ledbrook, Matt Donatelli and Stephen SetzepfandtLars Haur - Audionaut ProducerJonathan Goode - Audionaut ProducerThere's a new compilation out, it deserves your attention:https://music.bonkwave.org/the-four-seasons-of-bonkwave-autumn-waves-2/Join the conversation:💌 [email protected] 🐤 Twitter @Audionautic📸 Instagram: @audionauticsounds📡Discord: https://discord.gg/sDvGEDNBMSunwarper: https://sunwarper.com​​​​​​Kh3rtis: https://kh3rtis.com

This week, we’re talking about the subtle growth that happens over years of making music:the things we’ve quietly improved at without really noticing.From trusting our ears more, to simplifying workflows, finishing tracks more naturally, and becoming more comfortable creatively, this episode is about the small changes that shape us over time as producers and musicians.A more honest conversation about music production, creativity, and the reality of being stuck.Thanks to our Patrons who support what we do:Audionauts: Abby, Bendu, David Svrjcek, Josh Wittman, Paul Ledbrook, Matt Donatelli and Stephen SetzepfandtLars Haur - Audionaut ProducerJonathan Goode - Audionaut ProducerThere's a new compilation out, it deserves your attention:https://music.bonkwave.org/the-four-seasons-of-bonkwave-autumn-waves-2/Join the conversation:💌 [email protected] 🐤 Twitter @Audionautic📸 Instagram: @audionauticsounds📡Discord: https://discord.gg/KJHkz3b4SSunwarper: https://sunwarper.com​​​​​​Kh3rtis: https://kh3rtis.com

This week we revisit the story of Native Instruments following the announcement that the company is being acquired by inMusic.After insolvency proceedings earlier this year, the future of Native Instruments, iZotope, Plugin Alliance and Brainworx appeared uncertain. Now, a new chapter begins.We discuss:What this acquisition means for musiciansThe importance of Native Instruments’ legacyThe growing consolidation of music technology companiesWhether software ecosystems are becoming too important to failThen in our round robin segment:“What’s something you wish someone had told you earlier about music production?”A reflective discussion on growth, mistakes, creativity and the realities of learning to make music over time.Join the conversation:💌 [email protected] 🐤 Twitter @Audionautic📸 Instagram: @audionauticsounds📡Discord: https://discord.gg/8FpkdFmx6Sunwarper: https://sunwarper.com​​​​​​Kh3rtis: https://kh3rtis.com

This week we’re diving into the new features in Ableton Live 12.4 with a live demo and discussion.We’ll be exploring:Link Audio for real-time collaboration over local networksImprovements to Stem SeparationUpdates to Erosion, Chorus-Ensemble and DelayThe new Learn View systemWorkflow changes across Push, Move and NoteWe’re less interested in reading release notes and more interested in asking:How useful are these tools in actual music-making situations?Join us as we test features, experiment live, and discuss where Ableton continues to push the platform.There's new music on Triplicate Records, check it out:https://jonnyfallout.bandcamp.com/album/the-subconsciousJoin the conversation:💌 [email protected] 🐤 Twitter @Audionautic📸 Instagram: @audionauticsounds📡Discord: https://discord.gg/A5XNK9JFQSunwarper: https://sunwarper.com​​​​​​Kh3rtis: https://kh3rtis.com

This week we’re looking at a new update from YouTube that allows creators to replace copyrighted music with AI-generated tracks.On the surface, it solves a real problem. Content stays live, claims are resolved, and the process is faster than ever.But what does this mean if you’re the one making the music?We shift the conversation away from creators and toward musicians, exploring what happens when music becomes something that can be instantly swapped, replaced, and abstracted into “vibe” rather than identity.This isn’t about AI replacing artists. It’s about what happens when there’s no longer a need to engage with them at all.There's New Music on Shady Ridge Records, check it out:https://rsndrone.bandcamp.com/album/perpetuity-1Join the conversation:💌 [email protected] 🐤 Twitter @Audionautic📸 Instagram: @audionauticsounds📡Discord: https://discord.gg/A5XNK9JFQ

Not every session works.This week we talk about what actually happens when nothing is clicking in the studio. The moments where ideas don’t land, progress stalls, and you’re left wondering whether to push through or walk away.Do you try to fix it, or start again?Do bad sessions mean something’s wrong, or are they just part of the process?A more honest conversation about music production, creativity, and the reality of being stuck.Thanks to our Patrons who support what we do:Audionauts: Abby, Bendu, David Svrjcek, Josh Wittman, Paul Ledbrook, Matt Donatelli and Stephen SetzepfandtLars Haur - Audionaut ProducerJonathan Goode - Audionaut ProducerThis beautiful Compilation Deserves your attention:https://dustopianfrequencies.bandcamp.com/album/celebrating-the-bat-chapter-2-into-the-nightJoin the conversation:💌 [email protected] 🐤 Twitter @Audionautic📸 Instagram: @audionauticsounds📡Discord: https://discord.gg/8FpkdFmx6Sunwarper: https://sunwarper.com​​​​​​Kh3rtis: https://kh3rtis.com