plugdata 0.9.2 is huge update for this free sound exploration powerhouse

plugdata, the visual programming environment for sound and media based on Pure Data (Pd), is becoming its own scene. It’s a great place to start patching your own sonic experiments, and if you haven’t already done that, you should. But it’s also becoming a treasure trove of free and paid tools and toys for musicians even if you never touch the wires inside. v.0.9.2 makes that better for developers and users alike. And did I mention it’s free, on Mac, Windows, Linux, and iOS/iPad?

LOCD is the free phase lock effect you didn’t know you needed

Ewan Bristow, the indie underground developer of free and inexpensive effects, has done it again. LOCD uses phase locking for brain-splitting distortions and spectral sound design. And you can’t put a price on that — so Ewan didn’t.

Peter Kirn - September 4, 2025

Three free spectral synths to try after the new Serum spectral oscillator

Spectral resynthesis is having a moment now that it’s one of the new oscillator types in the mighty Xfer Serum 2. If you’re looking for other ways to get your spectral resynthesis on – or you’re a Serum user who just can’t get enough – here are three free tools to sink your FFTs into.

Peter Kirn - March 19, 2025

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