1010music Bluebox 1.5 mixer module and desktop is your do-everything tool

There are all these extra things you need in hardware rigs or Eurorack modular. You need to mix stuff together — and then add effects, and it’d be great to record, and you do still need to connect to your computer. Bluebox 1.5 fills out that wishlist with details that could make this an absolute must-have module or device.

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

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

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

Peter Kirn - February 6, 2026

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

Peter Kirn - November 10, 2025

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

Peter Kirn - October 9, 2025

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

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