Laurie Spiegel’s Music Mouse, the Mac’s first instrument, in Eventide reboot

It’s 1986. Laurie Spiegel creates something unlike any software available at the time — an “intelligent,” algorithmic composer you can play as an instrument, for Mac, Amiga, and Atari ST. You’re at NAMM, and it’s 2026. Surprising everyone, Eventide announces they’re working with Spiegel to bring the original software to modern computers, preserving a breakthrough moment in digital music making. The mouse is back.

Radio Shack’s TRS-80 now has polyphonic MIDI and a tracker

The Tandy Corporation-manufactured, Radio Shack-sold TRS-80 computer debuted in 1977. But now you can now add full polyphonic MIDI support thanks to George Philipps and Michael Wessel. And it’s already transformed into a serious live instrument and production tool. Assembly cost: about $35. The TRS-80: a tool for the 2020s.

Peter Kirn - June 2, 2025

Dirty, punchy, free: this plug-in rendition of the Korg Poly-61 is raw and perfect

The 1982 Poly-61 was a grimy, cheap, raw-sounding quintessential 80s synth. It doesn’t have any of the star power of other Korg instruments or rivals from Roland and Sequential. So instead of a commercial remake, what we get is free. But it’s fantastic. It’s way better than you’d expect from a free plug-in. Meet the Full Bucket Music FURY-68.

Peter Kirn - May 6, 2025

Alternative histories, realized: someone built a working 80s Apple prototype

Peter Kirn - December 9, 2024

Logic Pro surprise: authentic recreation of 1982 Quantec Room Simulator

Peter Kirn - November 14, 2024

Free Alesis MIDIVERB impulse responses: pristine 80s trash

Peter Kirn - November 30, 2023

Suzuki is re-releasing the electronic autoharp Omnichord to celebrate its 70th anniversary

Peter Kirn - March 28, 2023

1977’s Bell Labs Alles synth demo came pre-Crumar, features Laurie Spiegel cameo

Peter Kirn - February 21, 2023

Oberheim is back with OB-X8, combining three 1980s legends into one analog polysynth

Peter Kirn - May 10, 2022

CDM Newswire

brings together the latest breaking news on music, technology, gear, and live visuals. Got a project, found a news tip, or want to share your product? Submit to us directly.

Submit to CDM NEWSWIRE