Erica Synths is reimagining a modular synth you’ve probably never heard of. In the late 1970s, Dutch publication Elektor Magazine put out something it called the Elektor Formant as a series of DIY kits. That modular system is getting a full reimagining and reboot from Erica Synths.

This has got to be one of the quickest routes to sheer drum happiness inside Ableton Live ever. Meet the pay-what-you-want/donationware Vertex by aorist (aka Tom Duncalf). It’s a bit like a Moog DFAM, but in the Live idiom, with a bunch of extras. You just need this one. Trust us.

I love this idea: take your LUTs (color Lookup Tables), and mess with them creatively via code. Resolume covers the technique in their latest tutorial, though you could also drop these into other environments (or your video editor). They’ve also got a how-to on packaging Wire presets, taking advantage of that functionality.

Eventide has quietly made their excellent H9 CrushStation free for a limited time, with code PIRATE100 — a $99 savings. I’m not sure how long it’ll last, but it’s worth grabbing and we’ve got some tips on mapping PS5 controllers to this and other Eventide plugs. Let’s get crushing.

Sonic Pi creator Sam Aaron is building something new. It’s early days, but Tau5 promises to be a “next-gen” creative coding environment. You can use it with your favorite tools, including Ableton Live, hardware, TidalCycles, Hydra, and others. And you never have to feel alone: you can jam with others, code with friends, and even code with AI — or keep it all-human if you prefer. Let’s explain.

Nope, this is not a contact mic. Intellijel added an omni microphone inside a 2HP module — the same microphone type as you’ll find in phones and other mobile gadgets. And that turns out to be a good idea.

Here’s the Roland news we really need: Bandai is expanding the ridiculously detailed miniature gear for miniature capsule machines. There’s a tiny TR-808, plus the JC-120 Jazz Chorus and Blues Cube Artist 212 amps and the JUPITER-X. Gotta catch ’em all. Here’s the full view. You’ll need to find a capsule machine, of course, so […]

Roland has largely shifted product announcements to other dates, but 808 Day is still a party. And every year brings some left-field surprise. This year, it’s animated films. But that’s perfect for your 808 Day celebration, even if it’s just a party of you, a drum machine, and a night off.

You think you know the 808? Listen to how Mr. Tadeo Kikumoto, Roland’s lead developer at the time, talks about what went into the machine. That walks through origins, from kick to claps, in this excerpt from the book Inspire the Music: 50 Years of Roland History, thanks to publisher Bjooks.

Four artists/researchers, three collectives: Leilani Hermiasih, Ari Wulu, Andreas Siagian, and Wok The Rock; Gayam 16, Instrumentasia, and Yes No Klub. Starting today through August 17, they’re launching the first GAUNG electronic and experimental music festival in Yogyakarta, switching on a “power station” for the scene across Indonesia. It’s a different way to run a festival — even a different way to understand what a festival is — so let’s take a look at what they’re doing.