Gear Music Music tech Tech
Reading Rainbow, the Buchla synth’s “MARF,” and a prototype’s live debut
Hold on for a wormhole between different nerd universes. Steve Horelick, the prolific composer behind the music for Reading Rainbow, meets the classic Buchla 200, meets a new prototype of an official recreation of the Multiple Arbitrary Function Generator (MARF). Also, Star Trek. Let’s explain what those things are for those who don’t know — and talk about how you can join a special event live online.
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Watch what Herbie Hancock had to say about technology in 1984
It’s time to dig into the archives. I’d seen this before, but it hits differently now. Herbie Hancock jams out in the studio with Quincy Jones in a 1984 film. It’s notable for what Herbie says with his music, with his approach to the machines, and with how he thinks about humans.
Mortal FM Kombat: Plogue’s meticulous OPMZ Yamaha emulation totally slaps
We’re awash with emulations at the moment, but this one is on another level. The chip that powered everything from Yamaha’s little-known CX5M computer to the best 80s FM synths and video game masterpieces gets a long-awaited (unofficial) rendition on your computer, and it’s just about perfect — both as a instrument plug-in and an ultra-authentic player for classic games. And where this emulation started was physical, not virtual: a workbench, vintage gear and documentation, research, and physical labor.
Peter Kirn - September 28, 2026
Music tech Reviews Software Stories Tech
Free emulations of 80s Alesis MIDIVERB II, MicroVerb, in plug-in form
Peter Kirn - April 27, 2026
Music tech Software Tech
Massive power, every format: the BB-777 brings back a boombox icon
Peter Kirn - March 27, 2026
Tech
Here’s Laurie Spiegel introducing Music Mouse in the 1980s
Peter Kirn - February 16, 2026
Music tech Software Tech
ANIMEVOX by castpixel is a free retro anime-style sound fx generator
Peter Kirn - January 18, 2026
DIY + Unusual Gaming Music tech Software Tech Web
