Zebra 3 is here, a sprawling semi-modular plug-in that runs deep

What if an integrated plug-in instrument could rival even full-blown modulars? That’s the question posed by u-he’s Zebra 3, out now at long last for macOS, Windows, and Linux. It’s unlikely any other soft synth takes on just this much synthesis territory, or with this much depth. From spline-based morphing oscillators to physical modeling and […]

Devious Pocket: standalone, simple digital vinyl from any turntable

Skip the laptops and loads of proprietary hardware with an ultra-simple, portable, affordable add-on that turns any turntable into a digital vinyl turntable. That’s the pitch from NAP Works for crowdfunded, compact hardware built on open-source tech. It might do more than just impress digital vinyl DJs: this has the potential to win over even the CDJ crowd.

Peter Kirn - April 16, 2026

Liquid and hypnotic, Sinevibes’ Duality is a different breed of vibrato

By separating frequency spectrum emphasis from phase modulation, the “hybrid vibrato” Duality can create unique, clean, stereo-spinning pitch modulation. It’s one of Sinevibes’ most nuanced — but also most compelling — effects. I’ve been working with prerelease builds up to the final build — including watching the UI take shape! It’s really not so necessary […]

Peter Kirn - April 13, 2026

OpenShot 3.5: faster, more stable, more creative open-source video editor

Peter Kirn - April 3, 2026

That time NIN made a perfect ambient industrial soundtrack for Quake

Peter Kirn - March 18, 2026

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

Peter Kirn - March 17, 2026

Bitwig Studio 6 is out of beta, and the “workflow update” is worth the wait

Peter Kirn - March 11, 2026

The best way to learn Bitwig Grid, Serum 2 is in Japanese from LOBOTIX

Peter Kirn - March 5, 2026

The developer of Tweakbench wants to remake the DAW without linear time

Peter Kirn - March 4, 2026