otophon is a plug-in to play tones inside your head

This one’s for the heads, literally. Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) are sounds produced by your ear, ghostly tones emitted from inside the cochlea itself. The phenomenon has been employed in experimental music (and medical applications), but it has been hard to explore on your own — until now.

In 1975, BBC spelled out how MUZAK — and musical power – worked, maybe

It’s a master class in Western “common practice” music and its power. It decodes complex music theory and its impact on the mind. It’s also got some deeply entertaining action with a bearded psychiatrist operating a reel-to-reel machine and filters. Let’s watch this 1975 episode of BBC’s Horizon on the science of music and MUZAK.

Peter Kirn - October 3, 2025

3D masses, springs, soundmakers: Anukari physics-based instrument

We’ve got physical modeling for instruments, so why not pair them with physical modeling in 3D objects? Anukari is the latest instrument to do that, with lovely-looking modeled visuals and the ability to run as a plug-in as well as standalone.

Peter Kirn - May 4, 2025

Mathematician explains resonant frequencies and how not to spill coffee

Peter Kirn - January 4, 2024

“High” and “low” pitch are not universal; sometimes there are crocodiles

Peter Kirn - November 26, 2023

Fluss: Hainbach and Bram Bos teamed up on an iOS granular app, and it’s an instant gem

Peter Kirn - December 5, 2022

The Commodordion: 8-bit instrument made of taped-together C64s and floppies

Peter Kirn - October 24, 2022

Hot visual patch summer: cables.gl adds character camera control, new physics, remote viewing

Peter Kirn - June 10, 2022

Bitwig Studio 4.1: color palettes, note FX with physics and more, Sampler release chaining

Peter Kirn - November 4, 2021