Massive power, every format: the BB-777 brings back a boombox icon

It was arguably the moment the boombox peaked: the GF-909/GF-777 from Sharp boasted dual cassettes, radio, and massive sound. Now, Bumpboxx has decided to reboot that boom box for 2026, with a modern machine that can do everything — CDs, tapes, radio, USB, Bluetooth connectivity, the works. It could be a holy grail across every generation burned out on soulless streaming and ready to love music all over again.

Akai’s MPC Sample is compact, $399 — let’s compare it to an original MPC60!

It’s real, it’s adorable, it’s an MPC you can hold in your hand, and it costs just $399. Tiny desks now accommodate whole studios. But now that Akai has shared the full specs for MPC Sample — why not compare it to the original 1988 MPC60, spec-for-spec?

Peter Kirn - March 24, 2026

Native Instruments issues a statement; likely closer to acquisition

Native Instruments this morning issued a statement that its restructuring is moving along, including advancing insolvency proceedings and “an active M&A [mergers and acquisitions] process that is progressing well.” Translation for humans: there’s a good chance we’ll see NI acquired soon, and by some company or companies in the audio tech space.

Peter Kirn - March 19, 2026

1010music shares live setup ideas for Bento

Peter Kirn - March 19, 2026

Max for Move: run RNBO patches on Ableton Move — like Granulator III

Peter Kirn - March 17, 2026

Sitka’s excellent Gravity clock Eurorack module is now open source

Peter Kirn - March 12, 2026

Video guide to accessibility in Ableton Move, Move Everything – Andre Louis

Peter Kirn - March 8, 2026

Novation Launch Control finally brings back the smart, little encoder box

Peter Kirn - March 3, 2026

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

Peter Kirn - March 3, 2026