Synplant’s new PhenoType tech uses neural nets for more alien patches

It’s the absolute opposite of “AI” as you’ve seen it. There’s no online connection, no giant data set. And here, neural nets help you to escape generic presets and defaults — not lead you into them. The new PhenoType for Sonic Charge Synplant will help you precisely define the ear-bending alien sounds you want to create in words. CDM got an early look.

Spring cleaning: free up space by deleting duplicate plug-ins

It turns out you don’t need VST2 and AU and AAX and CLAP versions of the same plug-in. Here’s a free, fast command-line tool that gets rid of them in a hurry, with options for particular configurations, on macOS.

Peter Kirn - April 27, 2026

How to run Bitwig Studio on the Steam Deck gaming console

You’d be hard-pressed to build a better handheld-sized computer. Artist nbor has turned his Steam Deck gaming handheld from Valve into a compact step-sequencing powerhouse, and he shares the script and tips you need if you want to do the same.

Peter Kirn - December 11, 2025

Trigger Songs in Ableton Live, on Novation Launchpad and Ableton Push

Peter Kirn - June 25, 2020

Fake a $30k pro video controller with an APC40 or Beatstep and Davinci Resolve

Peter Kirn - October 15, 2018

Ableton or FL Studio or Bitwig, Maschine Jam integrates with everything

Peter Kirn - December 9, 2016

Video Walkthrough: Maschine Meets Ableton Live in New Template

- January 11, 2013

Cells 2.0 Melds Renoise with Ableton Live-Style Clip Launching

Peter Kirn - February 6, 2012

Ableton Live-Style Performance Interface, Scripted Entirely in Renoise: Cells!

Peter Kirn - December 5, 2011