CR-78, more BOSS pedals: Roland adds more software for this Mad World

More vintage Roland gear is bound for official plug-in versions. Here’s the surprise: the CR-78 gets the nicest, most detailed software rendition yet. We also round out those nice BOSS pedals. It could be just what you need for some extra classic Roland gear in the software rig.

Fractiv wants to make granular sound easier to shape, sculpt, and play

More, granular — less random. That’s the pitch from Fractiv, a new sampling granular instrument and effect from Sync Audio. Just when you thought you couldn’t squeeze more ideas out of granular sound, they’ve got some smart ideas, including a more playable, precise interface, and grain-based modulation. Mac, Windows, and Linux. Here’s a first look.

Peter Kirn - January 16, 2026

Get Universal Audio’s 610 tube channel strips for free — DSP or native

For a limited time, you can grab UA’s 610-A and 610-B models for free, emulating tube amps, transformers, and EQ circuitry in software form. That includes both the UAD Native version you can run anywhere, plus the DSP version that integrates with their Apollo hardware. Here are some details.

Peter Kirn - January 13, 2026

Tweakbench plug-ins return after 20 years, from NES to ambient

Peter Kirn - December 18, 2025

Sinevibes Skew, 3-playhead reverse delay, improved and now free

Peter Kirn - December 17, 2025

Rage with the machine: Pigments 7 with new filters, new FX, sound features

Peter Kirn - December 16, 2025

Soundtoys is giving away free plug-ins for 12 days, starting today

Peter Kirn - December 8, 2025

Airwindows VerbThic, VerbTiny let you go even more rabid for reverb, for free

Peter Kirn - December 3, 2025

Hainbach and AudioThing made the HP Word Generator into sonic software

Peter Kirn - November 18, 2025

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