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

Free emulations of 80s Alesis MIDIVERB II, MicroVerb, in plug-in form

Beloved by digital reverb buffs and shoegaze aficionados, not one but two classic reverbs are now in unofficial plug-in emulations — the MicroVerb and the MIDIVERB II. That includes the full range of MIDIVERB multi-effects, from gated reverbs to chorus and triggered flange, plus the grit and reverse of the Micro. Let’s travel back to the hottest gear of the late 1980s, for free.

Peter Kirn - April 27, 2026

Massive power, every format: the BB-777 brings back a boombox icon

Peter Kirn - March 27, 2026

Here’s Laurie Spiegel introducing Music Mouse in the 1980s

Peter Kirn - February 16, 2026

ANIMEVOX by castpixel is a free retro anime-style sound fx generator

Peter Kirn - January 18, 2026

Forget channel closures: watch every decade of MTV music videos online

Peter Kirn - January 8, 2026

How Elizabeth Parker wove the score of 1984’s The Living Planet

Peter Kirn - August 28, 2025

How to get started with SoundThread and CDP: wild free sound tools

Peter Kirn - August 27, 2025