Reason 14 arrives: Dark Mode, better Track workflow, RV-9 reverb, more

Reason 14 is out of beta now, with faster workflows and a bunch of new effects packed into the new RV-9 Reverb Station, plus Dark Mode. I’ve been testing the beta for a few weeks now. Here’s your snapshot guide to what’s new and how to upgrade.

Next-gen MPE: Expressive E adds smarter control, $999 MIDI keyboard

Expressive E is making its expressive, multi-dimensional keyboards more accessible, with 49- and 61-key controller Osmose options starting at $/€999. And across the full range, the company’s sound ecosystem is expanding with updated software, including the new Ctrl-e platform for sound. That means it’s easier to afford and get started with these unique MPE keyboards, and you’ll more quickly find ready-to-play sounds.

Peter Kirn - April 29, 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

Reason 14 beta: new Track Panel, reverb, Dark Mode, more

Peter Kirn - April 8, 2026

Bitwig Studio 6 is out of beta, and the “workflow update” is worth the wait

Peter Kirn - March 11, 2026

More Logic Pro 12 tweaks, MainStage 4 with Ableton Link: details

Peter Kirn - January 28, 2026

Logic Pro 12’s new harmonic intelligence and Chord ID: hands-on

Peter Kirn - January 28, 2026

Reason perpetual licenses now $199 for Rack, $299 for Reason

Peter Kirn - January 21, 2026

Cubase is Japan’s biggest DAW, and you need to watch this Japanese review

Peter Kirn - November 6, 2025