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Teenage Engineering TX-6 mini mixer is now a standalone portable recorder. And, you can now play the built-in synth chromatically from a Bluetooth MIDI keyboard

Teenage Engineering has released a free firmware update for the TX-6 Field Mixer that turns it into a portable digital audio recorder.

Teenage Engineering TX-6 mini mixer already had a surprising amount of functionality within its slight frame – effects, a DJ mode and even a built-in sound generator – and now its first firmware update has turned it into a standalone portable recorder.

Additionally, there are new MIDI features: external MIDI control of all parameters and the option to play the built-in synth chromatically from a MIDI keyboard. Bluetooth MIDI support is now included, so you could connect that keyboard wirelessly.

New in TX–6 firmware update 1.1.4:

• USB mass storage disk record/playback for 24-bit 48 kHz stereo wav files, including armed recording with automatic start on audio detect.
• PO-sync output on aux and cue, with selectable 8th note for PO-sync and 16th note for modular systems.
• External midi control of all TX–6 parameters, for complete remote control over midi.
• Extended midi support for synth mode to play the synth chromatically using midi notes from an external keyboard.
• Added ‘scenes’ to save and load all settings.
• USB audio multiple sample rate support: 48 kHz and additionally 44.1 kHz, for compatibility with MPC live etc.
• BLE midi clock in/out support with clock routing settings.
• BLE host mode to connect peripherals like BLE midi keyboards.
• Switchable aux and cue outputs, to be able to utilize the higher output level of the aux jack if needed for high impedance headphones.
• Added balanced mono input mode in addition to the stereo / mono / split modes.
• Parameters keep their values until a knob is moved, making it easier to switch knob config without undesired behavior.
• No snap back of the freeze FX parameter. click to reset instead.
• Smoother change of FX I send.
• Stability bugfix for usb midi host mode.
• USB audio mode set on menu exit, instead of directly

It’s a free download at the TE website.

Today, Polyend released firmware version 1.6 for the Tracker.

New feature, MIDI Synth Mode:

• New Delay (now with longer Feedback and added Filter).
• Improved looks (new font, with an option to select Original/New in the Config menu).
• New bright Monochrome display theme.
• Faster pattern increment/decrement in Song mode when using Shift + Jog Wheel.
• MIDI Synth Mode (press the Shift + Instrument Parameters keys shortcut to enter, check the manual for more information) – lets you use Tracker as an 8-voice polyphonic synthesizer.
• Added option to export .pti instrument samples to wave files..

Detailed changelog and the firmware update file are available on the Polyend website.

The Collective from Focusrite has announced FAST Balancer — a plugin they say is designed for bringing tracks to life, with an AI-driven EQ and simplified controls.

This “instant EQ” joins earlier offerings of FAST Verb, FAST Equaliser, FAST Compressor, and FAST Reveal.

One-click, instant EQ. Using Fast Balancer, music makers can have excellent sounding vocals and instruments in seconds. With trouble-free controls, even the less-experienced user’s track will become release quality.

Balanced by AI. The AI-powered plugin is trained on over 500,000 real-world audio files stemming from vocals, electric and acoustic guitar, bass, drums, and more.  FAST Balancer analyzes the user’s audio — taking all of its knowledge — and applies unique settings with the instrument profile in mind. Users can balance the frequency spectrum of their voice and instruments in one click, having them polished instantly to a professional-sounding mix, without needing to tweak settings.

Set the tone, instantly. Users can set the tone that’s right for the instrument, then select how much of FAST Balancer’s EQ is affecting the track audio with the Intensity slider. From strong to subtle, position the slider to what sounds best for the track, and get a frequency balanced mix on the fly. Users can choose between Warm, Neutral, and Bright to add an instant flavour to their instruments so that they can capture the mood for their mix and stay in the creative flow.

FAST Balancer is free for Focusrite- and Novation-registered hardware owners via the customer portal. For customers who are not registered, the plugin is available for $49.99/€49.99/£39.99.

Find out more info on the Focusrite website.