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.

From Éliane Radigue to West Coast, Homework is a patchable wonder

It’s a modular week, yes, but here are things you can never have too much of: great food, open beaches, modular environments, and Giorgio Sancristoforo sound playgrounds. So here’s Homework, a 4-track cassette recorder, retro effects including granular processor and tape echo, and modular synths inspired by Buchla and ARP. It’s all you need to recreate some Éliane Radigue-inspired drones and float away on a sea of noise.

Peter Kirn - May 4, 2026

You can now get eight of UA’s best plug-ins free, plus the free LUNA DAW

UAD Explore is a surprise. This is no “intro” or limited pack; eight stand-out Universal Audio plug-ins are available for free. That’s on top of the company’s free Luna DAW — though the plug-ins will also work in your DAW of choice, no special hardware required. For skill sharing or anyone lacking a budget now, that means access to some great tools.

Peter Kirn - April 15, 2026

Electro-Harmonix pedal classics are now available in plug-in form

Peter Kirn - March 31, 2026

CR-78, more BOSS pedals: Roland adds more software for this Mad World

Peter Kirn - January 21, 2026

Get Universal Audio’s 610 tube channel strips for free — DSP or native

Peter Kirn - January 13, 2026

Rage with the machine: Pigments 7 with new filters, new FX, sound features

Peter Kirn - December 16, 2025

KORG’s 1995 Trinity, 1977 PS-3300, SGX-2 piano now in software

Peter Kirn - October 28, 2025

What to know about the Roland TR-1000, from voices to slicing to samples

Peter Kirn - October 1, 2025