Waldorf Microwave 1 synth is on iPad, and it’s an instant favorite

Microwave’s wavetable synthesis with unique, snappy envelopes and idiosyncratic filter and converters now comes to the iPad. That could make an ideal way to play the Microwave on the go – especially with AUv3 support.

Elektron’s new shiny: Digitone II hardware sequel, Syntakt 1.3 firmware

Elektron is here with (maybe) a reason to sell old Elektron gear and buy something new with Digitone II. That news comes right on the heels of a big 1.3 firmware update, if you’d rather make existing gear better.

Black Noise modules faithfully recreated on VCV Rack – for free

Black Noise just recreated three of its Eurorack modules in software form, including the analog computer-inspired, multifunctional Cosmos. There are even some new features and detailed recreations of the hardware, but incredibly, the whole pack is free and open source (and runs in the free VCV Rack).

Chop, gliss, LFO, filter, select: Sonic Bloom explains Live 12.1 MIDI tools

Ableton Live’s new MIDI tools can be really useful – if you can get the hang of them. For that, we turn to long-time educator Madeleine Bloom for a breakdown.

VDMX6 can now remove backgrounds, blur and overlay faces, and more

VDMX6 promised new features on a new foundation, and Vidvox is already delivering. Protect the identity of faces in video, remove backgrounds, generate QR codes, and more.

Ableton Move guide: tips, tricks, questions answered, hacks

Move, the all-new compact all-in-one hardware platform from Ableton, got your attention – whether you loved it, hated it, or just weren’t sure. So here’s still more detail on Move: what it can do, what it can’t, how it compares, and some tips and hacks for getting more out of it even at v1.1.

AAS has a bunch of free patches for Multiphonics CV-2 modular

Applied Acoustics Systems’ Multiphonics CV-2 can be like having a carefully curated hardware modular rig on your computer – uniquely balanced, doing less with more. AAS has a new free pack showing off those capabilities, launching with a live jam and a bunch of discounts.

Remembering Lilian Schwartz, digital artist who embraced humanity

We mark the loss of Lilian Schwartz this week at age 97. She’ll be remembered for her impact on the craft of artmaking with computers and her vision for how to push human skill in digital media. And you can dive deep into her work online; here’s a set of links.

Transit 2 from Baby Audio, Andrew Huang: more FX, “Motion Modes”

Billed at launch as a “transition designer,” it was clear from the start that Transit 2 was a multi-effects workstation. Now, the Baby Audio / Andrew Huang collab has delivered on that with new effects and Motion Modes, making this a “motion effects playground.”

Modor DR-2, Belgian beast of a drum machine, now does basslines, too

Modor’s DR-2 is a monster truck of digital drum machines. Apart from being massive physically, it’s got brutal sounds — aggressive filters, pounding kicks — and its developer keeps packing in more. The latest update now adds bass models to the many features lurking behind this panel.