The PlayStation Vita just got a new sampling groovebox and synth

Sony may have abandoned the PS Vita, but homebrew is ready to keep it alive. And the gorgeous handheld gaming console now gets a new identity as an all-in-one groovebox — with free, open-source software. It even supports multichannel audio over USB via a custom kernel plug-in. Meet DS-8 Drumstream, portable beatmaker.

Bastl’s Kastle 2 and Citadel Eurorack are now DIY kits, open source platforms

It started with Kastle 2, Bastl Instruments’ cute and clever handheld. It could be a multi-effect, a sample player, a synth. Then Citadel modules came along and did those things in Eurorack. Now, Bastl’s got a surprise: you can buy these as DIY kits, and a big chunk of the Raspberry Pi-powered platforms are being released as open source. Here are all the details.

Peter Kirn - January 21, 2026

MeeBlip geode synth is back in an ultra-limited Nightshade Edition

“I’ve been too long, I’m glad to be back”: our MeeBlip geode synth is finally available again in a limited, 100-unit run. For the Nightshade Edition, we’ve given it an all-black livery and aluminum knobs, and we’re hand-signing and numbering every synth.

Peter Kirn - September 5, 2024

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

Peter Kirn - January 30, 2024

How to use the Pioneer DJ DJM-V10 to sync your DJ set with MIDI (finally)

Peter Kirn - January 11, 2024

Build smart, custom mechanical keyboards for MIDI – or really tiny Ableton Live control

Peter Kirn - July 9, 2021

TouchOSC next-generation is here, and it’s an awesome touch controller for everything

Peter Kirn - June 7, 2021

Nonlinear Labs C15, ultra-expressive keyboard instrument, adds recording and USB MIDI

Peter Kirn - June 7, 2021

Endorphin.es go live-friendly with new sequencer, multiband processor

Peter Kirn - March 30, 2021