The TR-808 is getting an MSW open-source firmware and a Tubbutec mod

From Michigan, the land where the TR-808 met techno, comes an open-source effort to extend the 808’s life and expand its features. A new 808 firmware joins firmware for the TR-606 and TR-303. Meet SuperOS-808.From Michigan, the land where the TR-808 met techno, comes an open-source effort to extend the 808’s life and expand its features. A new 808 firmware joins firmware for the TR-606 and TR-303. Meet SuperOS-808.

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.

Peter Kirn - August 6, 2026

Push Hack, very unauthorized access to Push 3’s display, files, MIDI, and more

If you don’t like unauthorized hacking, this isn’t for you. If you don’t like things built with AI-assisted coding agents, this isn’t for you. But if you’re up for a very unofficial hack that gives you full takeover access to Push 3’s display, drives, MIDI, and more, Federico Pepe has just unveiled Push Hack. Here’s […]

Peter Kirn - August 3, 2026

DeafMan transforms Ableton Live with custom colors, interactive editor

Peter Kirn - July 29, 2026

Ableton Live and Push can now run on Linux, unofficially

Peter Kirn - July 15, 2026

Making music on the TI graphing calculator — and a TI-inspired plug-in synth

Peter Kirn - March 6, 2026

Ableton Move hardware, compact grid-based standalone groovebox, running Move Everything, showing overlay of (streamed) display wit OB-Xd open source Oberheim model and cutoff parameter

Move Everything hacks Ableton Move for custom devices — and accessibility

Peter Kirn - February 19, 2026

Bastl’s Kastle 2 and Citadel Eurorack are now DIY kits, open source platforms

Peter Kirn - January 21, 2026

Watch as a telephone is transformed into a DIY analog drum machine

Peter Kirn - January 9, 2026