DIY + Unusual Gear Music tech Tech

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.

Strange, wonderful #808day creations from Japan — and a DIY D-Beam!

Our friends in the TR-808’s native country, Japan, never cease to honor the drum machine’s holiday in creative ways. So here’s this year’s haul from 808 Day (August 8), 2026.

Peter Kirn - August 9, 2026

Gear Music Music tech Tech

VST is 30 years old, and Steinberg is giving away some of its earliest plugins

It’s the format that changed software music making forever: the VST plug-in format turns 30 this year. Steinberg is giving away updated versions of Neon, CS-40, Karlette, VB1, and LM7 — some of its earliest plug-ins — to celebrate. And that means you can run these vintage instruments (plus one tape delay) on your modern Mac or PC.