Mangle everything: modulated mayhem in circuit-bent Sinevibes Malfunction v3

This is why you get intimate with code, line by line. Artemiy at Sinevibes obsessed over details, breaking a filter model by rewiring its internal connections — and now, with v3, giving it precise modulation in a wide variety of shapes. Now, like kids kicking over a sandcastle, we can take that handiwork and apply it to total, absolute destruction.

XEN FX LAB: sequel to Zen Delay adds tweakable spring tank, dub mode

XEN FX LAB is a follow-up to a software hit (and hardware, before that), adding a modeled spring reverb, strike for “knocking” the virtual tank, and a dub button for adding dub-style throws, plus significant performance optimizations all round. And yeah, it’s time for more wild drones and dubs and echoes and the lot. macOS, Windows; VST3, AU, standalone; also on iOS.

Peter Kirn - October 29, 2026

NI’s new Massive XL is nicely overstuffed but easier to morph, mutate, and play

What do you get the music synth user who’s got everything? Here’s what: mutation and generation options that actually lead you into more tweaking, not away from it. Plus goodies from the original Massive and PPG, and some of our favorite NI effects. Massive XL feels like the sequel Massive X wanted to be. Here’s a first hands-on — at just the right time, with a $99 intro price.

Peter Kirn - October 27, 2026

Free Friday: GForce’s superb Axxess instrument is free until December

Peter Kirn - October 23, 2026

Free Friday: D16 is turning 20 and they’ve got a new free stereo delay

Peter Kirn - October 23, 2026

Max 9.2: V8 FFTs, better Windows support, Ableton abl goodies, more

Peter Kirn - October 14, 2026

Time-bending, granular-powered HyperWarp: hands-on, free pack

Peter Kirn - October 6, 2026

West Coast, with penguins: Aaltoverb on Linux; Aalto 2 coming soon

Peter Kirn - October 4, 2026

Pure Data (Pd) 0.57 inbound, enduring free software for tinkering with sound

Peter Kirn - October 2, 2026