NI’s new Massive XL is nicely overstuffed but easier to morph, mutate, and play

What do you get the music synth user who’s got everything? Here’s what: mutation and generation options that actually lead you into more tweaking, not away from it. Plus goodies from the original Massive and PPG, and some of our favorite NI effects. Massive XL feels like the sequel Massive X wanted to be. Here’s a first hands-on — at just the right time, with a $99 intro price.

Inside NI Absynth 6.2 and its updated workflows for exploring sound

This month, Absynth got two updates that refine its UI and editing navigation, freeing you up to shape your sound. Product designer Hannah Lockwood and Absynth creator Brian Clevinger join us to talk about the work they did on that. I already knew Hannah and Brian were really passionate about their craft, so let’s get our tour from the source — and dive into more Absynth sonic frontiers.

Peter Kirn - October 27, 2026

Expressive E Osmose meets Elastic OSC; playing with MPE

There’s something magical about playing sounds with polyphonic expression. It means translating sound ideas directly to your hands and improvising live, rather than having to go back and edit those ideas in later or take your hands off the keyboard to turn a knob. Here’s a look at playing the presets I made for Elastic OSC using Expressive E’s excellent Osmose keyboard.

Peter Kirn - May 22, 2026

Generative analog: Cyma Forma’s Alt soundscape synth takes shape

Peter Kirn - November 17, 2025

Waldorf Microwave 1 synth is on iPad, and it’s an instant favorite

Peter Kirn - October 24, 2024

Much-leaked MPC Key 37 arrives, and it’s likely to be a crowd-pleaser

Peter Kirn - February 6, 2024

Elastic Melody for iOS now does MIDI – here it is with MeeBlip

Peter Kirn - January 30, 2024

3rd Wave, wavetable synth beast, does MPE and is now in desktop form

Peter Kirn - September 21, 2023

Free sqsl Canvas app connects iPad to Eurorack

Peter Kirn - July 31, 2023