New, playful arpeggiator features for Sequential Take 5, Oberheim TEO-5

The 5-voice Sequential and Oberheim hybrid analog/digital synths each got an OS update last week, and their playful new arpeggiator features are a reminder of why we love both brands. Think ten new arp modes and a dizzying new feature called “whiplash,” plus other new firmware features.

Two by two: microKORG2 2.0 splits, slices, rewards — and does Sinevibes

The microKORG2 had the immediacy and cute factor of the microKORG, but even at its still-economical price, we needed more. And wow, did we get it. The logue SDK means this is an adorable synth that can load custom oscillators and effects — including Sinevibes creations. This could be the new “it” keyboard for the masses. It’s even got Achievements. (Really.)

Peter Kirn - October 9, 2025

Torso S-4’s 2.0 OS makes it the performance sampler it wanted to be

Torso Electronics S-4 already looked compelling – hard-core granular sampler hardware just when that genre needed a boost. But we were waiting on the 2.0 OS to deliver on that promise. Now it’s here, with macros, scenes, varispeed recording, unlimited sample length, dynamic modulation, and more.

Peter Kirn - June 18, 2025

Free Roland SH-4d 2.0 update: new oscillator models, pattern chaining

Peter Kirn - May 12, 2025

Elektron’s new shiny: Digitone II hardware sequel, Syntakt 1.3 firmware

Peter Kirn - October 23, 2024

Modor DR-2, Belgian beast of a drum machine, now does basslines, too

Peter Kirn - October 14, 2024

Osmose 2.0 makes this expressive MPE instrument more navigable, powerful

Peter Kirn - September 5, 2024

Polyend Tracker Mini 2.0: synth engines, PERC drum synth, more of everything

Peter Kirn - July 1, 2024

Ornament & Crime, open module, gets new powers in Phazerville 1.7

Peter Kirn - February 20, 2024

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