Absynth creator Brian Clevinger on synths, emotions, and “weird-ass ideas”

We have updated hardware classics, so why not software? Absynth’s original creator, Brian Clevinger, weighs in on what motivates his instrument creations and what strikes emotional resonance. From Native Instruments, Hannah Lockwood joins to talk about the user interface and the collaboration.

Audacity 4: a glimpse of a new, more modern UI for the free audio editor

Audacity always had some appealing features, not least of which being free and open source. But a glimpse inside the design work being done on Audacity 4 suggests it could become something else: a slick, efficient wave editor that just happens to be free. This UI breakdown will be of interest to anyone pondering UI/UX in creative tools.

Peter Kirn - October 6, 2025

Cluster v3, Sinevibes’ multi-filter sequencer, goes deep

The simple, immediate UI of Cluster, the fourth plug-in in Sinevibes’ Dynamic Collection, belies a deep engine. Yes, this is a multi-filter with a sequencer, and yes, with the same ability to sketch in ideas quickly or roll the dice. But you can push the filters inside to open up worlds of sounds.

Peter Kirn - September 29, 2025

Soundtoys 5.5 update, free window resizing, everything explained

Peter Kirn - July 23, 2025

Max 9: new coding and livecoding, new visuals, and Ableton’s sound tools

Peter Kirn - October 30, 2024

Bitwig Studio now has some gorgeous themes, thanks to user mods

Peter Kirn - July 11, 2024

Ableton Live 12: a guide to everything that’s new

Peter Kirn - November 14, 2023

Make Ableton Live easy on the eyes in low light – with a retro 80s & 90s look

Peter Kirn - October 4, 2023

Arturia FX the latest to get the Elisabeth Homeland Ableton Live wrapper treatment, and whoa

Peter Kirn - April 26, 2023

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