Baby Roland is back: Boutique JUPITER-08, n/vision wavetable synths

The kawaii look of the mini Rolands in the Boutique series has returned. There’s one vintage remake — the JUPITER-08, this time with full polyphony and then some (up to 32 voices). And there’s something new: the n/vision wavetable synth.

Noiseferatu: open-source, 45 algorithms, like a KAOSS Pad from Hell

Sleepwalking? Unexplained seizures? Neighbors have a rodent and plague problem? Don’t worry, and don’t be spooked by what some nuns told you! You just need the handheld, open-source Scaepe – Noiseferatu DIY kit!

Peter Kirn - June 23, 2026

AudioWanderer noise maker is a glitchy, gorgeous, mysterious gem

You press a button to set it in motion, and from there, it’s anyone’s guess. The screen just makes glitchy patterns at you. The knobs and buttons do… something. Pressing the screen resets. But once it’s connected, the AW noise maker opens a wormhole to warped realms of sound.

Peter Kirn - June 10, 2026

Apple AirPods Max Spatial Audio mixing, “pro” uses, demystified

Peter Kirn - April 30, 2026

Casio’s SXC-1 handheld sampler is packed with fun, coming to Japan

Peter Kirn - April 23, 2026

Novation Launch Control finally brings back the smart, little encoder box

Peter Kirn - March 3, 2026

Akai MPC Live III: expressive pads come to the MPC grid; $1699 with new core

Peter Kirn - October 4, 2025

CDJ-3000X: first CDJ to go online; expanded usability, sound quality

Peter Kirn - September 9, 2025

“Deep calm”: Roland Mood Pan is a digital handpan

Peter Kirn - June 27, 2025