Sting 2.1 makes the most fun pattern, arp, acid maker even more funner

It’s the crazy-good acid maker, but more than that: Sting is fun for spinning all kinds of melodic and rhythmic patterns. (I’m constantly putting it on percussion tracks.) Now Iftah’s back with a Sting 2.1 update with new arpeggiator and pattern features. And it’s still pay-what-you-want / pay-what-you-can.

Get Universal Audio’s 610 tube channel strips for free — DSP or native

For a limited time, you can grab UA’s 610-A and 610-B models for free, emulating tube amps, transformers, and EQ circuitry in software form. That includes both the UAD Native version you can run anywhere, plus the DSP version that integrates with their Apollo hardware. Here are some details.

Peter Kirn - January 13, 2026

Get dark and strange with this free GodHatesGodRecords compilation

Out of Belgium, there’s a murky, forbidding free underground netlabel that has survived from another era. It’s aggressively anti-algorithmic, soul-chillingly dark in its aesthetics, and committed to free culture and commons like if social media and AI never happened. And it’s perfect for a frozen European night, wherever you might be.

Peter Kirn - January 10, 2026

What’s new in the DIY world of Music Thing’s Workshop System

Peter Kirn - January 7, 2026

JW-Modules free Grains, Buffer are must-downloads for VCV Rack

Peter Kirn - January 6, 2026

A free emulator of Roland JP-8000 and the love of supersaws and trance

Peter Kirn - December 30, 2025

Sinevibes Skew, 3-playhead reverse delay, improved and now free

Peter Kirn - December 17, 2025

Shae O. Omonijo’s free series on critical thinking, staying human, in the AI age

Peter Kirn - December 17, 2025

Soundtoys is giving away free plug-ins for 12 days, starting today

Peter Kirn - December 8, 2025

CDM Newswire

brings together the latest breaking news on music, technology, gear, and live visuals. Got a project, found a news tip, or want to share your product? Submit to us directly.

Submit to CDM NEWSWIRE