BOSS DS-1W is the DS-1’s first solid-state distortion pedal update in decades

BOSS’ signature DS-1 from 1978 is still in production today. But for the first time since the late 80s, the DS-1 has got a new, entirely solid-state analog update.

Max makers Cycling ’74 are out in the hills teasing something involving RasPi

Cycling ’74 posted a cryptic teaser tweet that – well, has a pretty suggestive ending.

Bitwig unveils Spectral Suite audio effects add-on bundle – here’s a video tour

Spectral Suite is Bitwig’s first paid add-on for Bitwig Studio, focusing on sonic exploration in the frequency domain. It’s a nice-looking collection, and we’ve got a hands-on look from Mylar Melodies.

Elektron’s Song Mode is already making ambient music to chill out to; OS updates at a glance

Elektron’s Song Mode for Digitakt, Syntakt, and Digitone chains together patterns beyond the 64-step limit – and there’s some beautiful ambient music from a Syntakt owner to prove it. That’s not all in the OS update, so here’s a complete rundown of new features.

Studio One 6: video track, collaboration, new effects, mixing controls; review roundup

The latest in DAW news: PreSonus’ Studio One has added a bunch of features, including improved collaboration and video scoring and some fun new devices. Here’s what’s new and what folks are saying.

Madrona Labs’ plug-ins are now all M1-M2 Apple Silicon native

A big drop for owners of Macs with Apple Silicon: Madrona Labs has updated their innovative plug-ins as Universal Binaries. The developer reports a 30%+ boost in voice count compared to the Rosetta 2 Intel versions.

Smode, the all-in-one live show visual designer, gets a big update, Unreal grant – in videos

Smode is a powerful real-time compositing tool built for stage, projection mapping, and live use. That sounds out of reach, but designer licenses start at 60€ – and oh yeah, keep an eye out for Unreal Engine integration.

KORG SQ-64 poly sequencer now on $199.99 fire sale in USA, and discounted worldwide

KORG is again moving a big volume of gear through Reverb.com on a steep discount, with the SQ-64 polyphonic sequencer at US$199.99 (40% off).

After Later’s modules impress: a complex oscillator line, new takes on Mutable Instruments

Module makers Lenny and Clarissa are making a name for their After Later Audio line. Up for fall: all the best bits of a complex oscillator made more modular, and a growing line of reboots of now-discontinued Mutable Instruments modules.

Niche no more – Dials by AudioThing, Hainbach proves test equipment models can be essential

Amidst a sea of plug-ins modeling the same gear, Dials not only breaks from the pack but proves Hainbach’s beloved device collection serves everyday tasks, too. It’s a chance to rethink approaches to dynamics processing, saturation, filtering, and even what you want out of a channel strip – through the mirror of the distant past.