MOTU DP12 arrives, adding Dolby Atmos and more to a DAW classic

MOTU’s DP doesn’t get a lot of hype — it just quietly remains a favorite for everything from scoring to post-production. DP12 has deep Dolby Atmos support, an Arrangement Strip, and lots of other welcome additions to this Mac and Windows DAW.

Elgato’s Stream Deck as a DAW companion; new Reaper controller

Elgato’s Stream Deck, a push-button desktop controller with interactive color keys and software shortcuts, has quietly become an ideal DAW accessory. Take, for example, this thoughtfully designed addition from Granite Coast Studio for the inimitable Cockos Reaper.

Peter Kirn - September 15, 2026

Virtual rendering of the Sting UI with knobs, piano roll view, and smiley face, angled next to a Novation Launchpad controller with light-up grid.

Eminently controllable, accessible by design, Sting is now a plug-in

Now this is how to do generative melodies. Add expression. Get control with your hands. Make melodies accessible — including if you’re blind and visually impaired. Sting, the beloved maker of acid melodies and other patterns, is confined to Max for Live no more: now, it’s available as VST3, AU, CLAP / macOS, Windows, Linux.

Peter Kirn - September 8, 2026

Scales among updates to the free Ardour DAW — with tuning on the way

Peter Kirn - September 7, 2026

Septabee, an insane-looking free Linux/Windows DAW with pomegranates

Peter Kirn - September 3, 2026

End-of-summer sales on gear and software

Peter Kirn - August 30, 2026

Reason now offers 15 Reason devices, plus Rack Extensions access, for free

Peter Kirn - August 27, 2026

Lucid slices, stretches, and scrubs sound like no other granular FX

Peter Kirn - August 19, 2026

otophon is a plug-in to play tones inside your head

Peter Kirn - August 14, 2026