The PlayStation Vita just got a new sampling groovebox and synth

Sony may have abandoned the PS Vita, but homebrew is ready to keep it alive. And the gorgeous handheld gaming console now gets a new identity as an all-in-one groovebox — with free, open-source software. It even supports multichannel audio over USB via a custom kernel plug-in. Meet DS-8 Drumstream, portable beatmaker.

Remembering Kieran Foster; legendary Glitch2 effect now free

You may know Kieran Foster by his other aliases — illformed, dblue, MaDHaTTeR. That’s just how omnipresent he was as a light in electronic music communities, from the music and rave scene to software to Renoise. His sister has made his legendary Glitch2 effect free in his memory. Instead of pouring one out, you can crank up its sequenced sound-morphing powers and let his work live on.

Peter Kirn - August 2, 2026

The delicate, tiny sound machines in the world of Kuro Kasetto

From Mexico, Kuro Kasetto produces music with solenoids and machines that quivers and rustles as if it’s more flora than machine. It’s a world of “tiny sounds” and a source of exquisite escape.

Peter Kirn - July 24, 2026

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

Peter Kirn - July 22, 2026

This free Ableton Extension slices up chunks of audio for Move, Live

Peter Kirn - July 17, 2026

Ableton Live and Push can now run on Linux, unofficially

Peter Kirn - July 15, 2026

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

Peter Kirn - July 6, 2026

Download a book on Dutch electronic music history, Philips and beyond, free

Peter Kirn - July 3, 2026

Pac-Man, Befaco RANDOM8, and more free modules of VCV Rack

Peter Kirn - June 18, 2026