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

At attention! Unfiltered Audio has taken their deep drum synth and favorite effects and remade them as VCV Rack modules. This is instabuy territory ($10-20 a la carte or an intro pricing of $30 for the set, compatible with the free Rack).

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

tbd 16 does everything the other standalone grooveboxes do, but in a handheld form factor, built as an open platform that you’re free to customize, mod, and hack. Choose the engines and apps you want to use. And get them all on a compact, standalone device that rivals big-name competitors in a fraction of the […]

Peter Kirn - May 5, 2026

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

It seems like just yesterday we were ogling the launch of Akai’s inexpensive, ultra-portable standalone MPC …okay, three weeks. But Akai delivered some important updates in the 1.3 firmware, available today, on top of V1.2.1 (in case you blinked). Here’s what’s new.

Peter Kirn - April 13, 2026

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

Peter Kirn - April 8, 2026

Modor DR-2 – a delicious, overlooked drum machine – adds trig conditions

Peter Kirn - February 6, 2026

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

Peter Kirn - January 21, 2026

Yep, Akai has a honkin’ huge new flagship MPC XL — gallery

Peter Kirn - January 20, 2026

Stylophone Voice, AA-powered sound-bending sampler + sequencer + FX

Peter Kirn - January 19, 2026

Watch as a telephone is transformed into a DIY analog drum machine

Peter Kirn - January 9, 2026