Stretch keys — Novation rounds out the MK4 Launchkey range with 88 keys

Novation’s Launchkey remains a go-to, no-hassle standard for MIDI controllers. Now they’ve rounded out their MK4 lineup with an 88-key model that adds the extra octaves without the weight or bulk that usually entails. They opted for semi-weighted keys to keep from bulking up.) It’s the compact MK4, all stretched out. Here’s the latest on the full MK4 lineup.

Fractiv wants to make granular sound easier to shape, sculpt, and play

More, granular — less random. That’s the pitch from Fractiv, a new sampling granular instrument and effect from Sync Audio. Just when you thought you couldn’t squeeze more ideas out of granular sound, they’ve got some smart ideas, including a more playable, precise interface, and grain-based modulation. Mac, Windows, and Linux. Here’s a first look.

Peter Kirn - January 16, 2026

FL on the Web: hands-on, Image-Line tells us what it all means

A Web-native version of FL Studio generated a lot of buzz — and some confusion. Was this replacing the desktop version? (Absolutely not.) Was it part of some larger AI play? (Mostly Suno users seemed to think that.) Image-Line responded to my questions with their side of this — and I took the new Web UI for a spin.

Peter Kirn - December 22, 2025

Fruity Loops Web! FL Studio arrives in a browser beta, with full compatibility

Peter Kirn - December 15, 2025

Vara Osiria Belich is taking Phase Plant to gestural, mangled frontiers

Peter Kirn - November 20, 2025

FL Studio 2025: Mixer add and delete, AI help, more plugins, Python scripts

Peter Kirn - July 10, 2025

Happy Monday; immerse your workday and soundscape in Severance

Peter Kirn - March 17, 2025

Novation Launchkey MK4 range, hands-on: perfect DAW companions?

Peter Kirn - August 29, 2024

Lower your blood pressure, raise your vibration: eu-IV’s tape beats

Peter Kirn - January 22, 2024