Mixxx could unlock free and open standalone DJing — but, like, stable

Daniel Schürmann of the long-running libre/free DJ software project Mixxx has a compelling proposal for uniting efforts to develop their DJ software on embedded hardware, from emerging cheap “open” hardware to DIY projects. It could mean a chance for openness to have a moment — while avoiding the chaotic slop of countless separate forks and hacks.

sndstation will transform cheap gaming consoles into music handhelds

Cheap handheld gaming consoles now often pack surprising processing power. But many risk ending up as e-waste. A new open-source project is turning them into powerful Linux music workstations, instead, complete with the ability to run plug-ins—and original games, too. Oh, and the project has some familiar faces involved. Here’s an exclusive first look.

Peter Kirn - October 30, 2026

Beads, last of the Mutable Instruments modules, is now open source

Beads, the granular “texture synthesizer” that was Emilie Gillet’s follow-up to the legendary Clouds, is now fully open source. That completes the final missing piece in open-source code and free licensing for Mutable Instruments’ iconic and influential range of Eurorack modules.

Peter Kirn - October 12, 2026

Pure Data (Pd) 0.57 inbound, enduring free software for tinkering with sound

Peter Kirn - October 2, 2026

Cook every day: read Suzanne Ciani’s 1976 Buchla Cookbook, for free

Peter Kirn - September 21, 2026

MIDI Tape Recorder, precise capture, now standalone for macOS, iOS

Peter Kirn - August 31, 2026

The TR-808 is getting an MSW open-source firmware and a Tubbutec mod

Peter Kirn - August 11, 2026

The PlayStation Vita just got a new sampling groovebox and synth

Peter Kirn - August 6, 2026

The delicate, tiny sound machines in the world of Kuro Kasetto

Peter Kirn - July 24, 2026