Synplant’s new PhenoType tech uses neural nets for more alien patches

It’s the absolute opposite of “AI” as you’ve seen it. There’s no online connection, no giant data set. And here, neural nets help you to escape generic presets and defaults — not lead you into them. The new PhenoType for Sonic Charge Synplant will help you precisely define the ear-bending alien sounds you want to create in words. CDM got an early look.

Unfiltered Audio Battalion drum synth, FX in VCV Rack are a revelation

At attention! Unfiltered Audio has taken their deep drum synth and favorite effects and remade them as VCV Rack modules. This is instabuy territory ($10-20 a la carte or an intro pricing of $30 for the set, compatible with the free Rack).

Peter Kirn - June 9, 2026

Chaotic vocals, polyrhythmic grooves — meet the every something plugins

Imagine crossing vocal synthesis with a rungler, vocal circuits entangling with each other like they’re “speaking in tongues.” Or enveloped grooves that bend and twist with liquid controls, shaped with tuplets and polymeters. Creator Jelle Akkerman is launching every something plug-ins today with two new tools, Glosso and Artikulation. Here’s your guide to both.

Peter Kirn - June 3, 2026

Ableton Extensions will let you code your own tools and actions for Live

Peter Kirn - June 2, 2026

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

Peter Kirn - June 1, 2026

Niseko is a gorgeous, instant must-have additive synth for Ableton Live

Peter Kirn - May 29, 2026

Microtonality is the big trend of the 16th century — ask Nicolà Vicentino

Peter Kirn - May 28, 2026

monome at 20: memories of the grid, in pictures

Peter Kirn - May 28, 2026

The joy of Splines, a module that can make anything from curves

Peter Kirn - May 26, 2026