Music tech Software Tech
OB-Xf, free and open-source Oberheim-inspired synth, is now in beta
Here’s a good way to start 2026: the folks at Surge Synth Team now have their free and open-source OB-Xf synth in beta status in nightlies, with 1.0 just around the corner. And that means this long-running project is just about ready for primetime, bringing a fully open instrument inspired by the 1979 Oberheim OB-X. […]
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Autodafe has an explainer on getting JE-8086 up and running
What’s your New Year’s Resolution? I mean, use more music software, obviously. Why, someone has some other goals? Let’s get you started with Autodafe, who posted a handy guide to getting up and running with the JE-8086 reverse-engineered emulation of the Roland JP-8000 (and I’ve updated that guide, too).
Peter Kirn - December 31, 2025
Music tech Software Tech
A free emulator of Roland JP-8000 and the love of supersaws and trance
Digital preservation is the new challenge for synths, just as it is in areas like games. And the Roland JP-8000 got a big leg up with a free and open source release from The Usual Suspects available this month, the JE8086. It’s one of several recent emulations, so let’s talk about why the 1998 synth […]
Peter Kirn - December 30, 2025
Gear Music tech Software Tech
The best holiday, end-of-year deals on software and gear you can still get
Peter Kirn - December 29, 2025
Deals Gear Modular-Analog Music tech Software Tech
Tweakbench plug-ins return after 20 years, from NES to ambient
Peter Kirn - December 18, 2025
Music tech Software Tech
Sinevibes Skew, 3-playhead reverse delay, improved and now free
Peter Kirn - December 17, 2025
Music tech Reviews Software Tech
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