Laurie Spiegel’s Music Mouse, the Mac’s first instrument, in Eventide reboot

It’s 1986. Laurie Spiegel creates something unlike any software available at the time — an “intelligent,” algorithmic composer you can play as an instrument, for Mac, Amiga, and Atari ST. You’re at NAMM, and it’s 2026. Surprising everyone, Eventide announces they’re working with Spiegel to bring the original software to modern computers, preserving a breakthrough moment in digital music making. The mouse is back.

Reason perpetual licenses now $199 for Rack, $299 for Reason

As expected, LANDR is adding plug-ins, mastering, and distribution services to the Reason+ subscription. Here’s the surprise: Reason Rack is available as a standalone, perpetual purchase for the first time ($199), with Reason perpetual licenses lowered to $299. (There’s also a new subscription for just Reason Rack.)

Peter Kirn - January 21, 2026

CR-78, more BOSS pedals: Roland adds more software for this Mad World

More vintage Roland gear is bound for official plug-in versions. Here’s the surprise: the CR-78 gets the nicest, most detailed software rendition yet. We also round out those nice BOSS pedals. It could be just what you need for some extra classic Roland gear in the software rig.

Peter Kirn - January 21, 2026

ANIMEVOX by castpixel is a free retro anime-style sound fx generator

Peter Kirn - January 18, 2026

littlescale’s Simple Audio Editor: a free, no-install audio editor in your browser

Peter Kirn - January 18, 2026

Fractiv wants to make granular sound easier to shape, sculpt, and play

Peter Kirn - January 16, 2026

ENDOGEN: a deep experimental exploratorium of lowercase synthesis

Peter Kirn - January 15, 2026

Sting 2.1 makes the most fun pattern, arp, acid maker even more funner

Peter Kirn - January 15, 2026

Bandcamp is taking a stand against generative AI; will it work?

Peter Kirn - January 14, 2026

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