There are all these extra things you need in hardware rigs or Eurorack modular. You need to mix stuff together — and then add effects, and it’d be great to record, and you do still need to connect to your computer. Bluebox 1.5 fills out that wishlist with details that could make this an absolute must-have module or device.
Music
Lucid slices, stretches, and scrubs sound like no other granular FX
Talking granular effects is like talking ice cream — it’s all about the different flavors. So look at what Minimal Audio has given us: Lucid is a pulsing purple granular multi-effect. And it’s capable of everything from bleeding-edge and ambient drones to animated, tempo-synced rhythmic sliced mayhem. It’s in control when you want it — rhythmically, and in key — and totally extreme when you want that, too.
Organismi OR—1, free for iPad: breathing, stochastic pattern generator
OR—1 is an artful, generative MIDI sequencer maker. It’s free for iPad as an AUv3, with a desktop macOS version available for €19.99. And it’s an exquisite experience feeding these into synths.
Handmade experimental synths and DIY from Argentina’s Los Aparatos
From Tucumán, Argentina, Los Aparatos are constructing handmade synths and electronics education and DIY projects. And now you can ship their experimental synthesizer, Auduina MK2, internationally. Plus, those pink controls and creative projects are just irresistible. Let’s take a look.
otophon is a plug-in to play tones inside your head
This one’s for the heads, literally. Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) are sounds produced by your ear, ghostly tones emitted from inside the cochlea itself. The phenomenon has been employed in experimental music (and medical applications), but it has been hard to explore on your own — until now.
UR soul: John Jammin Collins’ story, Detroit’s story, as a call to action
Digging into the history of John “Jammin'” Collins, you hear a history of Detroit and the potential of music to give back. The techno and progressive soul legend’s journey is also intertwined with health. It all lands as a challenge to do something meaningful with our sounds and to care for the people around us.
Blind musician Jason Dasent worked with Roland to make a guide for V-STAGE
Jason Dasent, a blind, UK-based Trinidadian musician, producer, and globally recognized accessibility consultant, has teamed up with the Roland Future Design Lab. The result: a comprehensive accessibility guide to every control, jack, widget, and function on the V-STAGE performance keyboard. More like this — a plea to the whole industry. What’s interesting about this is […]
The TR-808 is getting an MSW open-source firmware and a Tubbutec mod
From Michigan, the land where the TR-808 met techno, comes an open-source effort to extend the 808’s life and expand its features. A new 808 firmware joins firmware for the TR-606 and TR-303. Meet SuperOS-808.From Michigan, the land where the TR-808 met techno, comes an open-source effort to extend the 808’s life and expand its features. A new 808 firmware joins firmware for the TR-606 and TR-303. Meet SuperOS-808.
There’s a major security hole in CDJs, Rekordbox; here’s what’s affected
AlphaTheta, the company the entire world still knows as “Pioneer,” has announced a major security vulnerability in many CDJ and XDJ models and all Rekordbox software for macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS. You should definitely patch your software, but what does this mean, exactly, and who’s affected? (Hint: it’s only an issue if you’re connected to a network.)
Strange, wonderful #808day creations from Japan — and a DIY D-Beam!
Our friends in the TR-808’s native country, Japan, never cease to honor the drum machine’s holiday in creative ways. So here’s this year’s haul from 808 Day (August 8), 2026.