dadamachines tbd 16: a groovebox that’s compact, capable, and open by design

tbd 16 does everything the other standalone grooveboxes do, but in a handheld form factor, built as an open platform that you’re free to customize, mod, and hack. Choose the engines and apps you want to use. And get them all on a compact, standalone device that rivals big-name competitors in a fraction of the […]

RNBO 1.3.0, now a powerful RasPi raw MIDI tool – plus, chats with Max artists

Cycling ’74 quietly released an update for RNBO, their tool for patching sound for web, plug-ins, and hardware. Here’s a look at what’s new, plus their lovely Office Hours series with artists like Jessica Ekomane and Suren Senevirante (My Panda Shall Fly).

Peter Kirn - May 18, 2024

Under-the-radar Bandcamp picks, in a time of flood waters and self-discovery

Repeat after me: there’s never too much music. So sure, while artist are not always hyped, a particular music project isn’t associated with anything trending or might be tough to package – the sounds hit you. Here are some picks for Bandcamp Friday you very possibly won’t see elsewhere, but … you don’t need to, because you’re here.

Peter Kirn - September 1, 2023

Don’t miss an epic live set from Giant Swan, and more of their rich sound world

Peter Kirn - December 21, 2020

New Faderfox, from mixer-style controllers to RGB insanity

Peter Kirn - June 22, 2018

This free B-side from Machinedrum is the perfect thing for the solstice

Peter Kirn - June 21, 2017

Elektron’s Digitakt is a compact drum machine, sequencer, sampler

Peter Kirn - January 19, 2017

A year in music starts 2017 with the best of 2016

David Abravanel - January 5, 2017

Elektron sell off the final Machinedrum, Monomachine

Peter Kirn - June 15, 2016