Music tech Software Tech
OB-Xf, free and open-source Oberheim-inspired synth, is now in beta
Here’s a good way to start 2026: the folks at Surge Synth Team now have their free and open-source OB-Xf synth in beta status in nightlies, with 1.0 just around the corner. And that means this long-running project is just about ready for primetime, bringing a fully open instrument inspired by the 1979 Oberheim OB-X. […]
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A free emulator of Roland JP-8000 and the love of supersaws and trance
Digital preservation is the new challenge for synths, just as it is in areas like games. And the Roland JP-8000 got a big leg up with a free and open source release from The Usual Suspects available this month, the JE8086. It’s one of several recent emulations, so let’s talk about why the 1998 synth […]
Peter Kirn - December 30, 2025
Gear Music tech Software Tech
Etsuko’s Eterna for monome norns, an elegant 6-voice slice instrument
In its bones, Eterna for monome norns returns to some of the original success of monome: doing imaginative, intuitive, musical things with slices. A single audio file transforms via 6-voice sampler/sequencer and 12-page interface into everything from delicate ambient textures to detailed grooves.
Peter Kirn - December 26, 2025
Gear Music tech Tech
Open Steinberg: VST3 and ASIO SDKs now have open source licenses
Peter Kirn - October 29, 2025
Motion Music tech Software Tech
Free GATE-12 gives you envelopes and patterns on Mac, Windows, and Linux
Peter Kirn - May 13, 2025
Music tech Software Tech
Mix and patch ChowDSP’s tape modeling for free in VCV Rack
Peter Kirn - March 10, 2025
Music tech Software Tech
Synthstrom Deluge synth-sampler-sequencer is now open source, GPLv3; details
Peter Kirn - May 10, 2023
Gear Music tech Tech
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