Mods for everyone: inMusic is opening up MPC, more new gear to coders

You may have seen Akai tease an “open-source” MPC keyboard running vibe-coded mods. But there’s more coming—a lot more. inMusic, parent of Moog, Akai, Numark, Alesis, Denon, and others, promises that many of its 22 product launches coming in January will be open to modders and developer. That suggests a sweeping change in approach for […]

NI’s new Massive XL is nicely overstuffed but easier to morph, mutate, and play

What do you get the music synth user who’s got everything? Here’s what: mutation and generation options that actually lead you into more tweaking, not away from it. Plus goodies from the original Massive and PPG, and some of our favorite NI effects. Massive XL feels like the sequel Massive X wanted to be. Here’s a first hands-on — at just the right time, with a $99 intro price.

Peter Kirn - October 27, 2026

Inside NI Absynth 6.2 and its updated workflows for exploring sound

This month, Absynth got two updates that refine its UI and editing navigation, freeing you up to shape your sound. Product designer Hannah Lockwood and Absynth creator Brian Clevinger join us to talk about the work they did on that. I already knew Hannah and Brian were really passionate about their craft, so let’s get our tour from the source — and dive into more Absynth sonic frontiers.

Peter Kirn - October 27, 2026

NI after NI: which brand is where, and who owns whom

Peter Kirn - July 17, 2026

iZotope is now joining founder-owned AV software house Boris FX

Peter Kirn - July 2, 2026

Absynth 6.1: Audio modulator, LFO retrigger, sound content, more

Peter Kirn - April 17, 2026

Native Instruments statement on continued support for customers and partners

Peter Kirn - January 29, 2026

Plugin Alliance says it is “business as usual”

Peter Kirn - January 28, 2026

Native Instruments GmbH is in preliminary insolvency

Peter Kirn - January 27, 2026