Free emulations of 80s Alesis MIDIVERB II, MicroVerb, in plug-in form

Beloved by digital reverb buffs and shoegaze aficionados, not one but two classic reverbs are now in unofficial plug-in emulations — the MicroVerb and the MIDIVERB II. That includes the full range of MIDIVERB multi-effects, from gated reverbs to chorus and triggered flange, plus the grit and reverse of the Micro. Let’s travel back to the hottest gear of the late 1980s, for free.

You can now get eight of UA’s best plug-ins free, plus the free LUNA DAW

UAD Explore is a surprise. This is no “intro” or limited pack; eight stand-out Universal Audio plug-ins are available for free. That’s on top of the company’s free Luna DAW — though the plug-ins will also work in your DAW of choice, no special hardware required. For skill sharing or anyone lacking a budget now, that means access to some great tools.

Peter Kirn - April 15, 2026

Sonify data in Ableton Live with a free MIDI Tool; weather data walkthrough

Now, raw data can be a musical source in Ableton Live 12 Clips — for free. Manifest Audio’s Datafree shows the potential of Live’s Generators, transforming any pasted numbers into music and sound. There’s a deeper rabbit hole to go down, but here’s a great way to start. Let’s try it with freely accessible climate data and make some weather-based melodies.

Peter Kirn - March 25, 2026

Free experimental and ambient bank for Grainferno, plus sound design tips

Peter Kirn - March 13, 2026

On 303 Day, acid bassline love abounds, and some freebies, too

Peter Kirn - March 3, 2026

Essential mix: let an hour of tilde’s music energize you (then nerd out!)

Peter Kirn - February 27, 2026

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

Peter Kirn - February 24, 2026

Breaking: cave-like reflections in Robert Henke’s free Lanzarote Verb

Peter Kirn - February 16, 2026

Filter Delays, free Max for Live stereo effect from Robert Henke

Peter Kirn - February 15, 2026