There’s a new way for AI and 3D. Instead of just feeding us a more automated version of what we now have, it starts to make immersive graphics production more like music production – complete with live jamming with others. NVIDIA’s offerings still lean heavily toward specialized use, but it’s fascinating to watch that playful thread woven into their announcements.

The UNO Synth Pro and Synth Pro Desktop each offer a wealth of possibilities with their analog oscillators and filters, external audio input, and digital control and software. Here’s your guide to hooking them up, maximizing their sounds, and getting ready to jam and play live.

The KORG MS-20 has long been the cure for the common filter. Arturia has now made their model of it available as an independent plug-in, packed with extras, so you can use it anywhere. And for a limited time, it’s free, so let’s grab it and have a look and how to get going.

Some of that brain-bending research from Paris’ famed IRCAM is coming your way in plug-in form – even (partly) for free. It’s a spectral remixing, sound morphing, audio shaping powerhouse that landed from some advanced alien civilization, but it’s usable by humans, whether we’re ready for this power or not.

The latest plug-in from Swedish boutique maker Klevgrand takes their idiosyncratic instrument line to a new level. Tomofon is wave/sample based, but not a wavetable synth or sampler. And the sounds it makes can be realistic, quirky, expressive, and bizarre.

bela has unveiled its new Eurorack module, a light-up, high-precision touch controller with pressure and looping.

Palestine-born, Berlin-based artist Dirar Kalash faced an accident after a gig without health insurance. But an outpouring of support is providing hope and recovery – a testament to the influence he has on experimental and electronic artists internationally. Get to know Dirar, his friends, and how to help.

None other than legendary Roger Linn is here, regularly unearthing powerful expressive techniques on his Linnstrument. And there’s more – he even talks to users monthly via Zoom.

The best-known projection mapping tool now lets you do more with lasers. Oh, and if you’re not qualified to mess with those, there’s a bunch of other stuff, too.

It’s the most on-sale time of the year. You know the drill – but here are some select picks out of the flood, including some sales on tools that happen only this week, both for music creation and live visuals.