Elektron has a major update for Digitakt in 1.50 — now with Machines, as Octatrack, Model:Cycles, and Syntakt. Those bring sample warping, slicing, chopping, looping, repitching, and forward/reverse playback. Plus you get fixed-step recording and the ability to insert sample rate reduction pre- or post-filter.

If we can connect to artists through albums, especially as producers ourselves, why not through instruments and effects, too? A new release from Bari, Italy hard core/hard techno artist Carbone comes in the form of a software collaboration. And the results are suitably grimy and fantastic.

Over 60 years after its invention, FM synthesis is still full of surprises. And that’s what makes the free MS-2 synth plug-in fun.

Dutch designer Rob Hordijk inspired many instrument creators before his death last fall. Meng Qi is one of those moved by his work. He has just released an alternative firmware for his Wingie2 that allows it to behave like Hordijk’s beloved Blippoo Box.

What if a custom oscillator had its own chorus-y pitch drift tape wobble effect? So far, that sounds delicious. Sinevibes are posting some new teasers of their DENSE custom oscillator for the KORG ‘logue platform.

As our Ukrainian friends and family have endured a year of full-scale war, here are some of their voices. For them and to all those resisting violence and occupation, here’s some space for them to be musicians and artists, even in the face of terror.

Forget buying licenses, In-App Purchases, or subscriptions. The future is a fistful of quarters and heading down to the Music Arcade! Meet the Beat Machine arcade machine from Endlesss.

Roland has built one packed instrument to celebrate 50 years of the company’s synths. The SH-4d sports eleven synth oscillator models in one box – from SH-101 and JUNO-106 to new cross FM and wavetable synths. But it’s still hands-on, battery-powered, and costs US$649. And there’s a twist, literally: D-MOTION motion control means you can pick up the synth and play it by moving it around.

The flagship CV/gate and MIDI sequencer from endorphin.es is now available in its own “ultralight” aluminum 42HP housing – atop last year’s V2 update and recent smaller tweaks. All your step sequencing and polymetric and polyrhythmic needs are here.

This graphic will definitely not reassure folks who are afraid of Eurorack buttons that have multiple functions. But there is now a visual cheat sheet for Noise Engineering’s Mimetic Digitalis sequencer. And stick around for tips on switches and – believe it or not, actual musical form!