Zebra 3 is here, a sprawling semi-modular plug-in that runs deep

What if an integrated plug-in instrument could rival even full-blown modulars? That’s the question posed by u-he’s Zebra 3, out now at long last for macOS, Windows, and Linux. It’s unlikely any other soft synth takes on just this much synthesis territory, or with this much depth. From spline-based morphing oscillators to physical modeling and […]

Liquid and hypnotic, Sinevibes’ Duality is a different breed of vibrato

By separating frequency spectrum emphasis from phase modulation, the “hybrid vibrato” Duality can create unique, clean, stereo-spinning pitch modulation. It’s one of Sinevibes’ most nuanced — but also most compelling — effects. I’ve been working with prerelease builds up to the final build — including watching the UI take shape! It’s really not so necessary […]

Peter Kirn - April 13, 2026

Find whole worlds inside samples: Baby Audio Grainferno deep dive

Per-grain processing, automatic pitch controls, drag-and-drop modulation, and audio-rate oscillations — Grainferno proves there are still unexplored frontiers in granular synthesis and hand-crafted DSP. It’s addictive to add the synth to projects, drag in sounds, and see what you can discover.

Peter Kirn - March 11, 2026

The developer of Tweakbench wants to remake the DAW without linear time

Peter Kirn - March 4, 2026

Ardour 9.2, free and open DAW, grants user wishes — Region FX, anyone?

Peter Kirn - February 23, 2026

Poly Flanger: a guide to Minimal Audio’s new tunable 8-voice FX

Peter Kirn - February 18, 2026

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

Peter Kirn - January 21, 2026

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

Peter Kirn - January 16, 2026

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

Peter Kirn - January 13, 2026