Unreal Engine 5.8 is a major audio release, despite Epic staffing cuts

Epic layoffs in March cut deep into the audio and music teams. But there’s hope that their work will live on in Unreal Engine and MetaSounds, via what is arguably the most innovative sound work built into any game engine. Unreal Engine 5.8, now in preview, features a bunch of powerful tools for working with sound, one of the biggest sound releases yet. Here’s a look at what’s in that roadmap.

Apple AirPods Max Spatial Audio mixing, “pro” uses, demystified

Apple now offers two USB-C models of the AirPods Max 2 that support live mixing with Spatial Audio. Are there production uses for Apple’s flagship consumer headphones? Let’s explain.

Peter Kirn - April 30, 2026

Happy 20th to Imogen Heap’s Speak for Yourself

Imogen Heap is always up to exciting new things, but let’s take a moment to celebrate 20 years ago. Her landmark Speak for Yourself turns 20, and it’s getting. a proper part with a vinyl release (at last), a remaster, and even the chance to listen to “Hide and Seek” in Spatial Audio on Apple Music. Good timing, too: the TikTok generation has made “Headlock” a surprise second smash from this album. Now the full record gets a second life.

Peter Kirn - July 18, 2025

Logic Pro for iPad, Mac: Flashback Capture and a slew of subtle tweaks

Peter Kirn - May 28, 2025

Happy Monday; immerse your workday and soundscape in Severance

Peter Kirn - March 17, 2025

After update, iLoud MTM is an economical way to feed Dolby Atmos’ need for speakers

Peter Kirn - November 19, 2021

Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro news: 8K, object tracking, spatial audio, and still free updates

Peter Kirn - October 18, 2021

Apple’s Spatial Audio experience comes together with head tracking, even for stereo music

Peter Kirn - September 22, 2021

Spatial sound, Suzanne Ciani, a free workshop online, and the joy of quad, with KamranV

Peter Kirn - June 23, 2021