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

In 1976, Suzanne Ciani reported back to the USA’s National Endowment for the Arts with a report on her compositions, in the form of a modular cookbook. Now you can read her notes and follow along using entirely free software, complete with sound examples. I love overusing the cookbook metaphor, maybe just because food is […]

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

Geert Bevin’s terrific MIDI Tape Recorder precisely captures MIDI performances, including MPE, verbatim — not the slightest variation in sound. v2.0 adds a host of new features, plus a standalone version alongside the existing AUv3 plug-in. It’s low-level, direct CoreMIDI capture of what you played, exactly as you played it, with every expression intact. And it’s and open source.

Peter Kirn - August 31, 2026

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

From Michigan, the land where the TR-808 met techno, comes an open-source effort to extend the 808’s life and expand its features. A new 808 firmware joins firmware for the TR-606 and TR-303. Meet SuperOS-808.From Michigan, the land where the TR-808 met techno, comes an open-source effort to extend the 808’s life and expand its features. A new 808 firmware joins firmware for the TR-606 and TR-303. Meet SuperOS-808.

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

Pac-Man, Befaco RANDOM8, and more free modules of VCV Rack

Peter Kirn - June 18, 2026

With Latent Terrain, crack open AI and explore neural synthesis in Max

Peter Kirn - June 17, 2026

Wish granted: VCV Rack’s Plateau is now a Eurorack module from 4ms

Peter Kirn - May 7, 2026

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

Peter Kirn - May 5, 2026