Akai Force 3.0.5 is huge: new macros, MIDI multis, linear arrangement, Ableton import, more

There’s nothing like a good, healthy rivalry. And Akai are back in a big way with Force 3.0.5, which transforms how their standalone hardware works as a hub for gear, arrangement tool, and hands-on creation device. 3.0.5 is a point-release firmware update, but the changes here aren’t just small tweaks or improvements. Think more like […]

Maschine’s new Clips make free-form arrangement easier – first look, and Maschine+ answers

Maschine’s still not exactly a DAW – but it doesn’t lock you into cookie-cutter arrangement any longer. And that’s good news whether you’re eyeing the new standalone Maschine+ or you’re an ongoing user of Maschine software.

With the TR-06 606 and TR-6S baby 8S, what’s what in Roland drum machines?

606 Day in October! Last week Roland unveiled their new TR-06 and TR-6S. So if you’re in the market for a little drum machine, how do they stack up?

AI-powered face tracking comes to Notch, and more streaming goodies from NVIDIA

We’ve gotten the suck-y, boring dystopian future. Let’s get the cool futuristic sci-fi stuff, too, and use it in streams, eh? Face tracking in Notch, noise removal in VST3, and hardware-accelerated video transmission without capture cards. Uh… yes, please, all of that. NVIDIA has been the belle of the ball this year, with insanely powerful […]

Inside the Guthman prize’s take on future instruments – and you’ve still got time to apply

For the first time ever, the prize that celebrates the future of musical instrument tech is fully online and global. Here’s a look at why that matters – and yeah, if you’re thinking of applying, you just got an extension to this Thursday.

Sequential Prophet-5 is the best possible remake of a legendary synth; here’s why

In a sometimes ugly world, there is this beautiful synthesizer. Not just a simple remake, Sequential’s Prophet-5 lets you literally dial in the vintage spirit. The best-loved instrument from Dave Smith is back.

Teenage Engineering’s new product is an insane radio boom box with some surprises

Teenage Engineering has been teasing the OB-4 – sparking speculation that they might have a new instrument. Instead, we get a radio/boom box. But in typical Teenage fashion, it’s not quite what you’d expect.

MadMapper 4.0: huge upgrade for the definitive light and projection mapping tool

MadMapper 4 is here with a host of improvements. And the timing could actually be ideal – projection mapping and (especially) light mapping are alive in pandemic times, and an essential lifeline to those earning a living doing them.

Launchpad Pro gets a big update, with unquantized recording, legacy customizations, more

If you were wondering which grid to get, Launchpad Pro MK3 is now a pretty easy answer. New firmware sweetens the deal for the one 8×8 grid that also runs standalone – no computer needed.

Terror, fear, techno: Femanyst’s Into Darkness comp is terrorcore for a new generation

Not just faster bpm. Not just harder. At the edge of hardcore techno, producers explore the catharsis that comes from screams – screams you can dance to.