Music tech Reviews Software Stories Tech

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.

Elektron is halting sharing of mods and hacks on its forums; official comments

Music gearmaker Elektron last week announced it would not allow sharing hacks and modifications for its devices on its official Elektronauts forum or social media channels. In a statement, the company says a sudden surge in firmware hacking, apparently driven at least in part by AI, helped motivate the decision. Here are the details.

Peter Kirn - September 23, 2026

Gear Music tech Stories Tech

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

Electro-Harmonix has collaborated with plug-in maker MixWaves to bring four signature pedals to plug-in form. Big Muff, Memory Man, Electric Mistress, and Small Clone are now coming to your DAW, not just your pedalboard, individually or as a bundle.