Freebie: Valhalla’s SpaceModulator is a luscious flanger/doubler plug-in

The fine plug-in-smith of Valhalla gives us another free plug-in. And this time, it’s a gorgeous flanger / doubling effect, perfect for thickening up your tracks.

Here’s how to master rhythms and polyrhythms with free modules in VCV Rack

Discover the wonders of the QUAD ALGORITHMIC RHYTHM module from Frozen Wasteland. We’ll learn how to compose rhythms, trigger them live, and more – all with free modules and VCV Rack.

Dreadbox meets Sinevibes, in compact Typhon analog synth + sequencing + fx

Those gnarly Dreadbox analog oscillators and filters keep popping up in new places. This time, it’s a collaboration with Sinevibes – and it makes for a compact, jam-friendly, portable synth for 349 EUR.

Output’s Thermal is a layered, multi-effects distortion – psycho, but precise

Finally, it’s the software distortion we’ve been waiting for. No silly graphics, no fake hardware effects, no blunt-instrument processing. Thermal is distortion as actual sound design tool.

Find refuge in the woods with happy new tears’ Sonic Hibernation, then remake your face

Like it or not, we’re now in it for the long haul as post-human isolated COVID-19 creatures. Here’s a soundtrack project to help you find refuge – and a guide to remaking your virtual face, and what it might mean.

Trigger Songs in Ableton Live, on Novation Launchpad and Ableton Push

Okay, you’re ready to play a live set in front of a camera and stream. Or you want to finally finish some songs by actually playing. Here’s the solution – ready for your hardware grid.

Techno sound at night: FBK on finding his voice, being stronger together

This is not a museum. This is not a time to wax poetic about FBK’s stellar 25-year career. Because FBK has things to say with a steady parade of new releases, now. So if you don’t know Kevin yet – now is a great time to discover him.

Cosmos and sound and art: join the Space Art Summer School, in Moscow – virtually

A unique new international event online will connect musicians, artists, researchers, and technologists with space exploration’s history – and future. And you can apply to join.

Start making sense: just use ‘in’ and ‘out’ for MIDI clock, if in doubt

To agree on a change, it’s helpful not just to agree on what you’re removing, but also its replacement. So, here’s an easy solution: in, out.

The Mac will now have the same chip architecture as an iPad, so what does that mean for us?

Apple’s announcement of moving the Mac from Intel to ARM is no surprise. But here are the details most relevant to your tools – and why we’re in a new era on both the PC and the Mac.