Septabee, an insane-looking free Linux/Windows DAW with pomegranates

Suddenly, a bunch of the producers I follow are buzzing about the music-mangling possibilities of Septabee, a free DAW for Linux and Windows developed “in secret” over “20,000 hours.” And it looks like insane fun: a bonkers dataflow interface and “violently unfinished” early-access software available through an intentionally broken website that autoplays music and makes you hunt for the click zone like it’s 1994.

Test what you’re hearing, scientifically: free ABX testing website

Can you really tell the difference between encoding methods? Two different kick drum emulations? 16-bit versus 24-bit? These aren’t subjective questions: you can actually test them–with science. (Science!) Here’s a site that lets you create your own ABX tests, or try some pre-built ones. Argue about other stuff instead!

Peter Kirn - August 24, 2026

Organismi OR—1, free for iPad: breathing, stochastic pattern generator

OR—1 is an artful, generative MIDI sequencer maker. It’s free for iPad as an AUv3, with a desktop macOS version available for €19.99. And it’s an exquisite experience feeding these into synths.

Peter Kirn - August 18, 2026

The PlayStation Vita just got a new sampling groovebox and synth

Peter Kirn - August 6, 2026

VST is 30 years old, and Steinberg is giving away some of its earliest plugins

Peter Kirn - August 4, 2026

Free BEAST Repeat for Ableton Live is so good, you’ll switch genres to IDM

Peter Kirn - July 22, 2026

Audio Damage ShinRonin, now free, is a throwback to 2003 plug-in design

Peter Kirn - July 6, 2026

Turn Ableton Push 3 into a single expressive percussive surface, free

Peter Kirn - June 15, 2026

Free: Minimal Audio Hybrid Filter, and some tips on how to use it

Peter Kirn - May 19, 2026