Listen to three hours of “Mad” Mike Banks, plus a chat with Waajeed

Benji B did this interview in 2017, but it’s even more essential in 2026: Mike Banks talks about the meaning behind techno music, with legendary tracks mixed right in. And let’s go around the corner to hear from Waajeed and the Underground Music Academy from this summer.

The TR-808 is getting an MSW open-source firmware and a Tubbutec mod

From Michigan, the land where the TR-808 met techno, comes an open-source effort to extend the 808’s life and expand its features. A new 808 firmware joins firmware for the TR-606 and TR-303. Meet SuperOS-808.From Michigan, the land where the TR-808 met techno, comes an open-source effort to extend the 808’s life and expand its features. A new 808 firmware joins firmware for the TR-606 and TR-303. Meet SuperOS-808.

Peter Kirn - August 11, 2026

Strange, wonderful #808day creations from Japan — and a DIY D-Beam!

Our friends in the TR-808’s native country, Japan, never cease to honor the drum machine’s holiday in creative ways. So here’s this year’s haul from 808 Day (August 8), 2026.

Peter Kirn - August 9, 2026

The PlayStation Vita just got a new sampling groovebox and synth

Peter Kirn - August 6, 2026

VST is 30 years old, and Steinberg is giving away some of its earliest plugins

Peter Kirn - August 4, 2026

Unfiltered Audio Battalion drum synth, FX in VCV Rack are a revelation

Peter Kirn - June 9, 2026

dadamachines tbd 16: a groovebox that’s compact, capable, and open by design

Peter Kirn - May 5, 2026

Akai’s pint-sized MPC Sample has already gotten a couple of updates

Peter Kirn - April 13, 2026

Elektron is the latest firm to be acquired by private investment capital

Peter Kirn - April 8, 2026