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 […]

Pigments 6: modal engine, vocoder, more expand this synth playground

Pigments 6 is available now. With a new synth engine, a vocoder, and expanded filters, modulation, and granular capabilities, Arturia’s sound design playset is deeper than ever. But it’s never overwhelming, and this release is the most refined yet. Here’s a review.

Peter Kirn - January 28, 2025

Reason Studios’ Objekt is a physical modeling synth with plenty of twists

It’s not every day we get a new, full-featured physical modeling synth. So welcome to Objekt, a new Reason Rack Extension – and possibly the most notable instrumental addition to Reason in years.

Peter Kirn - May 11, 2023