Free: 4ms VCV Rack ROMplers put gobs of drums under voltage control

The library for the free and open source VCV Rack has been on fire lately. But this one is a standout: 4ms has a sprawling library of ROMpler modules based on classic drum-machine samples. And don’t let the “ROMpler” part fool you: those samples are ready for full voltage control.

This free tool lets you create interactive, live graphic scores in Ableton Live

It might blur the line between VJ/animation tool and score generator. But SIGN/e lets you produce graphical scores that live inside an Ableton Live session, as abstract shapes appear and shift in time with the electronic music. And with the right players, it looks like a godsend — free, provided you can run Max for Live.

Peter Kirn - May 15, 2026

Wish granted: VCV Rack’s Plateau is now a Eurorack module from 4ms

It was bound to happen. Now Eurorack hardware is emulating your computer. How the tables have turned! Or, um, mesas. But if you haven’t experienced Plateau yet, get ready to find out why it’s an instant favorite reverb — and one that a whole lot of people will want in their Eurorack skiff, too. Plateau, meet 4ms Mesa.

Peter Kirn - May 7, 2026

dadamachines tbd 16: a groovebox that’s compact, capable, and open by design

Peter Kirn - May 5, 2026

Spring cleaning: free up space by deleting duplicate plug-ins

Peter Kirn - April 27, 2026

OpenShot 3.5: faster, more stable, more creative open-source video editor

Peter Kirn - April 3, 2026

Michigan Synth Works has an open-source 303 processor and a new kit

Peter Kirn - March 3, 2026

plugdata, cyclone get major updates — free stuff for patchers and end users

Peter Kirn - February 24, 2026

Ardour 9.2, free and open DAW, grants user wishes — Region FX, anyone?

Peter Kirn - February 23, 2026