Autor: Producer Gang

At pointblank, we take learning seriously, but we have way more fun doing it. From deconstructing chart-topping tracks to recreating iconic sound effects from blockbuster films, we make learning relevant, creative, and immediately applicable. In this video, our lecturer James Malone summons his inner Kaiju as he recreates Godzilla’s iconic atomic-charge sound effect in Ableton Live using nothing but stock plugins. From analysing the original sound to rebuilding it from scratch, James walks you through his process, breaking down how to match timbre, tone, and modulation with precision. Inspired to recreate iconic sound effects of your own? Why not take your…

Gianni Chiarello, a UK-based guitarist and educator with a wealth of experience in the music industry, has released Nice Stomps! Plugins – a collection of free guitar-based plugins for macOS, Windows, and Linux. From Berklee College of Music to iconic studios and stages around the world, his résumé has some stellar highlights. Gianni has put that knowledge and experience to good use as a music tutor and through the release of several guitar tuition guidebooks. You can check out some of Ginanni’s jazz/funk/rock-inspired music on his website; I love Breaking Point from the album Gianni Chiarello & The Same Beat.…

Image Image Credit Christopher Polk/Contributor via Getty Images Image Alt Soulja Boy at the BMI R&B/Hip Hop Awards in Los Angeles Image Size landscape-medium Key Takeaways: Soulja Boy confirmed an exclusive streaming deal with Twitch competitor Kick. The rapper called himself “the new face” of Kick during a livestream announcement. Kick’s creator-friendly revenue model and platform tools are attracting major talent. Soulja Boy is taking his livestreaming ambitions to Kick. On Monday (Jan. 19), the “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” hitmaker went live to confirm a new partnership with the Twitch rival. “We live right now on Kick.com … It’s official,…

Image Image Credit Johnny Nunez / Contributor via Getty Images Image Alt Lil Uzi Vert attends Megan Thee Stallion’s Pete & Thomas Foundation Gala at Gotham Hall on July 16, 2025, in New York City Image Size landscape-medium Key Takeaways: Lil Uzi Vert’s sideline appearance in Fernando Mendoza’s jersey created a viral crossover moment between Hip Hop and college football. Uzi and their girlfriend, JT, were rooting on opposite sides, with JT repping her hometown Miami Hurricanes. Indiana won the title 27-21, and fans dubbed Uzi “Lil Hoozi Vert” after the appearance. What have Lil Uzi Vert and JT been…

Developer Decadebridge has offered several free instruments, which includes BalterLITE for macOS and Windows. We’ve featured a few Decadebridge releases over the years, with the most recent being Shallow Grave in September, 2025. If you haven’t checked it out already, Shallow Grave is a cascading filter plugin for macOS and Windows. This time, we’re looking at BalterLITE, a free two-channel sample player for macOS and Windows. The plugin comes in AU and VST3 formats. Before I proceed, the developer has noted that BalterLITE has been tested on an Intel-based Mac and works; however, some Mac users on newer systems have…

Image Image Credit Barry Brecheisen/Contributor via Getty Images Image Alt A$AP Rocky performs at Lollapalooza Image Size landscape-medium Key Takeaways: A$AP Rocky’s 2026 world tour supporting Don’t Be Dumb spans 42 dates across North America and Europe. The “Don’t Be Dumb On Tour” highlights Rocky’s evolution as a visual artist and fashion icon. Tickets go on sale next Tuesday (Jan. 27), with stops in major cities like Chicago, Toronto, Paris and more. A$AP Rocky is taking Don’t Be Dumb straight from release week into arena mode. On Tuesday (Jan. 20), the Harlem rapper announced his 2026 “Don’t Be Dumb On…

Sync Audio has released Fractiv, a granular effect and sampler instrument for macOS, Windows, and Linux. It is designed for intuitive and repeatable granular processing rather than randomness, which is the main focus of many other granular tools. Fractiv works by continuously capturing incoming audio into a rolling buffer (up to 10 seconds) and then letting you manipulate that material in real time. You can feed it live audio on a mixer insert, freeze the buffer at any moment, or load audio files directly via drag-and-drop or the built-in file browser. This makes it suitable for resampling workflows (obviously), but…

Image Image Credit NBC / Contributor via Getty Images and The Chosunilbo JNS / Contributor via Getty Images Image Alt A$AP Rocky during an interview with Jimmy Fallon and Tim Burton attends the Netflix series “Wednesday – Season 2” press conference at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul in Jongno-gu Image Size landscape-medium Key Takeaways: A$AP Rocky jokingly shared he had to “basically stalk” Tim Burton to secure the Don’t Be Dumb album cover. The final artwork blends urban sci-fi with German expressionism, which Rocky calls “ghetto futurism.” The collaboration reflects Rocky’s long-standing interest in cinematic visuals and high-concept design. A$AP Rocky…

Developer Riot Audio has released Industry Lite, a free cinematic synth/sampler for Kontakt Player. Industry Lite is the little brother of the premium Industry instrument (£119), and it runs in the free Kontakt Player v8.7 or higher. Industry Lite is listed at £3 (a donation to help the developer with bandwidth costs), but you can claim the instrument for free using the code industry-free. If you’re into cinematic instruments for Kontakt Player, check out Audio Imperia’s Glade, too. Industry Lite offers a three-layer sound design engine to create complex sounds and textures. Each layer has independent modulation, movement, envelope, and…

Tape Fiasco is a brand-new plugin from Jonas Eriksson that combines three distinct time-based effects: Stretch, Stutter, and Varispeed. I haven’t had much time with Tape Fiasco since installing the plugin, but I have to say right off the bat, it’s a lot of fun! Whether you’re using all three effects simultaneously or one at a time, you can instantly push and push your sound wherever you want to take it. Before I get into the three effects a bit more, there is a caveat. While Tape Fiasco is available in AU and VST3 formats for macOS and Windows, the…