SAMPLED▌ FRONT AND CENTER
Is LUNA Really Free? The Free DAWs Worth Downloading on Mac, Windows and iPad
Universal Audio's LUNA now costs nothing on Mac and Windows. Here is what that gets you, plus the other free DAWs worth your time, including Sampledex on iPad, Mac and Windows.
// also right now
GearWhat Equipment Do You Need to Start a Video Podcast at Home?
A home podcast studio built from gear I actually use: a 4K webcam, a pair of tracking PTZ cameras and the headphones every broadcast booth already owns.
FeatureIs Sampledex for iPad a Real Free DAW, and What Can It Do?
Robert Clemons has brought Sampledex from the Mac to the iPad as a free download. Here is what it does, what it can't do, and who it's for.
// from the dispatch
Are BMANI Wireless Earbuds Good for Making Music on the Go?
I use a pair of budget BMANI earbuds with the new free Sampledex DAW for iPad to sketch beats anywhere. Here's what works, what doesn't, and how to get around Bluetooth lag.
Why Is Outkast Suing Ovrkast, and Who Is the Judge Hearing the Case?
André 3000 and Big Boi's trademark company says producer Ovrkast agreed to change his name and then didn't. The case landed in front of Judge Eleanor Ross, who was reprimanded this summer. Here's what's at stake.
Is Qobuz Now Labeling AI-Generated Music, and What Does It Mean for Artists?
Qobuz began tagging AI-generated albums in its app on September 24 and says 60% of streams on those tracks are fraudulent. Here's how the label works and why independent artists should care.
What Is AutoTune Advanced, and Does It Finally Keep Vocals Sounding Human?
Antares just released its new flagship tuner, with an engine built to keep a singer's vibrato and a live mode under 1 ms. Here's what's new, what it costs, and who should buy it.
What's New in Sampledex 0.18.2, and Can You Now Switch the AI Off?
The free beatmaker DAW's September 23 update adds an AI On/AI Off choice at launch. Here's what changed, what hasn't, and who it's for.
What Are the Best Free DAWs in 2026?
GarageBand, Waveform Free, Cakewalk, Pro Tools Intro — and Sampledex, a new free beta DAW for Mac beatmakers with an AI coproducer that runs offline.
Why Is Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour Falling Apart?
Macklemore was pushed off the bill for saying 'Free Palestine.' Within 48 hours every remaining support act — and Sheeran's own backing band — walked. Here is what happened and what it tells working musicians about who really controls a stage.
UMG Is Suing DistroKid Over AI Slop: Does It Put Your Releases at Risk?
Universal sued the biggest independent distributor this week over AI-generated uploads and infringement. Here is what the filing actually says, and what independent artists should do about it.
How Do You Sample Music Legally Without Getting Sued?
What clearance really means, the two permissions you need, what it costs, and the legal ways to sample when you have no budget.