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

It was arguably the moment the boombox peaked: the GF-909/GF-777 from Sharp boasted dual cassettes, radio, and massive sound. Now, Bumpboxx has decided to reboot that boom box for 2026, with a modern machine that can do everything — CDs, tapes, radio, USB, Bluetooth connectivity, the works. It could be a holy grail across every generation burned out on soulless streaming and ready to love music all over again.

Minimal Audio Wave Shifter hands-on: warped frequency modulator effect

Minimal Audio’s tasty Wave Shifter was one of the best upgrades in their Current 2.0 synth. The various stereo shifter/FM/AM/ring modulation tools make a lot of sense as a standalone effect plug-in, too – and now that’s just what we get. Here’s a look.

Peter Kirn - February 12, 2025

3x new firmware for Noise Engineering’s Alia oscillator – and Cursus is back

The Cursus was lifted; now it returns. Following their release of the 10HP Alia oscillator module, Noise Engineering is repeating the formula: unveil one new firmware release and bring back two favorites.

Peter Kirn - January 22, 2024