M-VAVE FM-1: a pocket FM synth that drops a DX-7 engine into your bag for under $80
The M-VAVE FM-1 packs a six-operator FM engine straight out of the Yamaha DX-7 playbook into a battery-powered pocket box selling for…
Music
Plugins like VRAC: 7 ways to turn any sound into a drum kit (free and paid)
VRAC popularised the art of “drumifying” any source. Here are seven plugins, free and paid, that push the idea further — from…
Novation Launchkey 88 MK4: the 88‑key controller that completes the MK4 range
Novation crowns its Launchkey MK4 range with a large-format 88-key semi-weighted model. OLED screen, 16 pads with polyphonic aftertouch, onboard creative tools:…
FL Studio 2026: Rebuilt FLEX, cloud backup and Gopher assistant in Image-Line’s annual update
Image-Line has released FL Studio 2026, its annual update, free for all licence holders. On the menu: a completely rebuilt FLEX, cloud…
Shear Electronics Relic: the discreet Oberheim OB-X clone enters production (≈ €14,000)
Nine years after first showing a prototype as he came of age, Jacob Brashears is finally moving the Shear Electronics Relic into…
BEATSURFING VRAC: the free plugin that turns any sound into a drum kit
There are free software tools that you install out of curiosity and uninstall the next day. VRAC, released under the banner of…
Behringer AKS Mini: the pocket synth that brings back the EMS Synthi AKS sound for €119
Announced more than three years ago, the Behringer AKS Mini has finally gone up for pre-order at €119. This small analogue synthesizer…
Korg NTS-4: the performance mixer with built-in effects that was missing from desktop setups (kit, €219)
Korg is quietly expanding its Nu:Tekt range with the piece it was missing: a mixer. The NTS-4 is a compact six-channel analogue…
Strymon TimeLine MX: the benchmark stereo delay moves to dual-engine and twelve machines
Strymon is relaunching the delay pedal that built its reputation. The TimeLine MX features a tri-core processor, a dual engine capable of…
EMW DX7000: the hardware FM sound player that replays Yamaha DX-7 patches for 365 dollars
Brazilian manufacturer EMW is launching the DX7000, a desktop FM synthesizer whose ambition can be summed up in one sentence: to instantly…