Play together with Ableton Live, pt. 2: playing in time

Get together in a space, and play as an ensemble, not just a soloist. Oh yeah, and we can probably even do better than just mashing play at the same time (though sometimes that works)! Sync, Link, Link Audio, let’s explain how to make it work so you can get to the jam.

Free emulations of 80s Alesis MIDIVERB II, MicroVerb, in plug-in form

Beloved by digital reverb buffs and shoegaze aficionados, not one but two classic reverbs are now in unofficial plug-in emulations — the MicroVerb and the MIDIVERB II. That includes the full range of MIDIVERB multi-effects, from gated reverbs to chorus and triggered flange, plus the grit and reverse of the Micro. Let’s travel back to the hottest gear of the late 1980s, for free.

Peter Kirn - April 27, 2026

Every kind of sonic mayhem: Soundtoys Decapitator, Radiator, Devil-Loc

Soundtoys’ Decapitator, Radiator, and Little Radiator (they’re different!) each is capable of nuanced saturation, compression, drive, and tone for mix tasks. Or you can unleash bloody murder. So if you’re in the need of a way to direct rage into sound for some reason — we’ve got you.

Peter Kirn - April 27, 2026

MSteppySnap for Ableton Live makes modulation playable, maleable

Peter Kirn - April 24, 2026

Ableton has a rare flash sale with 25% off for a week, including upgrades

Peter Kirn - April 23, 2026

Zebra 3 is here, a sprawling semi-modular plug-in that runs deep

Peter Kirn - April 21, 2026

Absynth 6.1: Audio modulator, LFO retrigger, sound content, more

Peter Kirn - April 17, 2026

Devious Pocket: standalone, simple digital vinyl from any turntable

Peter Kirn - April 16, 2026

You can now get eight of UA’s best plug-ins free, plus the free LUNA DAW

Peter Kirn - April 15, 2026