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With Opal Drums, Denver-based producer Mux Mool and UK turntablist Jon1st are reshaping how electronic duos approach performance. Their debut single, “Burning Hammer,” introduces a world where lush, cinematic sound design meets raw, tactile percussion. The project combines the spontaneity of live musicianship with the precision of modern production, building a conceptual narrative around alien monoliths, transformation, and human curiosity. At the center of Mux Mool’s process is Maschine, a controller that has shaped both his solo work and his collaboration with Jon1st. As a longtime user, he relies on it for sketching rhythms, building performance-ready sequences, and maintaining continuity between the studio and the stage. It has become the centerpiece of his creative workflow, allowing him to move fluidly from writing to performing without losing energy or intent... The post Mux Mool on Maschine, Opal Drums, and the future of live electronic performance first appeared on Native Instruments Blog. View the full article

2025 was probably the best year ever for free VST plugins. And that’s not an exaggeration. We covered well over 200 free plugins on BPB this year, ranging from simple utilities to genuinely mind-blowing tools that rival (and sometimes outperform) commercial software. Narrowing that list down wasn’t easy, but after months of testing, mixing, and [...] View post: These are my 15 favorite FREE music production plugins from 2025 View the full article

A recent discussion in the mobile DJ community on Reddit has highlighted something that experienced DJs have been noticing at gigs far and wide: 90s Eurodance is rapidly becoming the new 80s. Those anthems from 2 Unlimited, Haddaway, Snap!, and Corona that once filled provincial nightclubs are now getting the same response that “Don’t Stop … Continued The post Mobile DJs: Why 90s Eurodance Is Your New Secret Weapon appeared first on Digital DJ Tips. View the full article

2025 was a busy year, but when looking back, it seemed to be a fairly quiet year when it came to big, new releases. This could be down to the fact that, post-COVID, there was a glut of releases in 2024, so this year may well have been some sort of rebalancing. That’s not to say there wasn’t some cool stuff going on and being released, so I decided to look back over the last 12 months and pick out some things that stuck in my mind and my ears. Naturally, this is a purely subjective list, so why not let me know your 2025 synthy highlights in the comments! ... The post My Highlights of 2025 – The Big Winners of My Year appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article

Turn your pictures into music with these wild examples of visual synthesis: hardware and software synthesizers that use images to generate sound. Making sound with images may sound like a contradiction, but there is a thin but persistent thread throughout the history of electronic instruments that allows you to do just this. Whether this is shining a light on drawings to create sound with sine waves, or dropping image files into a plugin, there are a number of different ways to make music with pictures. Here are five visual synthesis instruments that I’ve come across. Have you found any others? Let me know in the comments... The post Visual Synthesis: 5 Synths to Make Crazy Sounds With Images appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article

This video explores modular improvisation along with sounds triggered through sonification of plants' electrical conductivity. … Read More ‘Plant Music’ With PlantWave & The Plantasia Moog ModularView the full article

The post What do you eat in your country after a big night out? appeared first on Pioneer DJ. View the full article

Here's a modern take on the Novation Nova Desktop, a virtual analog synthesizer, introduced in 1999.… Read More Novation Nova Desktop Vintage Synth ReviewView the full article

(https://jamesm.blog/music-production/best-software-synths-2025/) Software synthesizers in 2025 are a study in contrast and creativity - flagship instruments with deep sonic universes, hybrid engines merging sampling with synthesis, and tools that make sound design feel like both art and play. Below is a panoramic view of the top soft synths this year, each with its release timing and why it matters to your creative workflow. Spectrasonics Omnisphere 3 – Released October 21, 2025 Omnisphere’s long‑anticipated third chapter landed in late October, and it’s already a touchstone for sound designers across genres. With tens of thousands of patches, integrated granular and wavetable engines, expanded effects, and deep hardware connectivity, it’s arguably the most versatile all‑purpose instrument on the planet. Its release capped a year where hybrid sonic exploration became mainstream. Serum 2 – Released March 17, 2025 Serum’s next evolutionary leap arrived in March 2025, turning its wavetable core into something far more expansive. The update brought spectral morphing, multisample and granular oscillators, and richer modulation - all while retaining the fluid workflow that made the original such a hit. Pigments 7 – Released December 16, 2025 Arturia’s flagship synth piggybacks on its hybrid heritage with a major version bump right at the end of the year. Pigments 7 brings a redesigned audio‑reactive Play View, new tone‑shaping tools (including Rage, Ripple, and Reverb filters plus a Corroder effect), more presets, expanded wavetables, samples and noise sources, and in‑app sound design tutorials that shorten the learning curve - update available to existing users for free. (kvraudio.com) Phase Plant 3 – (2025 Updates) Kilohearts’ modular beast continues to evolve through 2025 with deeper routing, extended modulation, and creative blocks that feel like building your own synth architecture. There isn’t a single “release day” splash this year, but the cumulative updates push this tool further into experimental territory. UVI Falcon 3 – (2025 Workflow Enhancements) Falcon remains UVI’s flagship hybrid synthesis and sampling environment. This year’s refinements leaned into workflow improvements - faster loading, more expressive scripting options, and expanded additive and spectral engines that make it a favourite for cinematic and ambient scoring. VPS Avenger 2 – (2025 Evolution) Avenger’s second generation continues its path as a performance‑oriented powerhouse. With live macro morphing, new oscillator choices, and a creative grid for fast sound sculpting, it’s an excellent choice for producers who want both stage immediacy and deep textural sound design. Vital Pro 2 – (2025 Update) Vital’s 2025 refresh added deeper wavetable morphing and AI‑assisted content generation while keeping CPU use light. It remains one of the most expressive wavetable synths around. Native Instruments Absynth 6 – (2025 Revival) Native Instruments revived Absynth in 2025 with expanded synth engines and polyphonic expression (MPE) support. Its focus on evolving, cinematic pads and complex timbres makes it ideal for scoring and ambient work. Cherry Audio Spirit – (2025 Reissue) Cherry Audio brought the quirky Crumar Spirit into the plugin age with a faithful sonic character and modern conveniences. It’s not a blockbuster release, but it’s a fun and characterful addition to any soft synth collection. Closing Thoughts What sets 2025 apart isn’t just feature lists or spec sheets - it’s integration and expressivity. Synth engines interweave sampling, granular processing, and spectral manipulation. Interfaces are more dynamic and interactive than ever. And tools like Pigments 7 are teaching users as they play, turning complex sound design into a tactile experience. Whether you’re scoring films, designing textures, or producing club‑ready tracks, this year’s synth roster delivers both power and inspiration.

https://jamesm.blog/music-production/top-5-grooveboxes-2025/ Grooveboxes are island universes of music creation — sequencing, sampling, synthesis, and performance all in a single box. They let you sketch ideas, build full tracks, jam live, and take your studio wherever you want. In 2025, they’re more powerful and diverse than ever.(musicradar.com) Roland MC-707 (£1,013) The MC‑707 is a flagship groovebox from Roland with a ZEN‑Core sound engine that packs thousands of presets, drum kits, effects, and routing options. Its strength lies in pattern and clip‑based sequencing, deep effects, and live remixing capabilities. Each track can be assigned Tone, Drum, or Looper engines, and you can arrange your patterns into complete songs right from the hardware. The MC‑707 also has strong mixing features, send/return loops, and plenty of audio and MIDI connectivity. It’s a studio and stage workhorse, ideal for electronic, hip‑hop, and multi‑genre performance rigs.(musicradar.com) Native Instruments Maschine+ (£749) Maschine+ brings NI’s mature software ecosystem into a standalone groovebox format. Its pad‑centric workflow is excellent for groove‑oriented composition, beat making, and melodic pattern work. You get NI’s huge library of instruments and effects built in, plus support for expansions. Maschine+ shines for producers who like to sketch full arrangements by layering instruments, sampling, and sequencing all from a performance‑oriented interface. It can also function with a computer, but it’s fully capable on its own.(thomann.co.uk) Elektron Digitakt II (£729) The Digitakt II is an evolution of Elektron’s classic groovebox formula. It pairs deep sampling, powerful effects, and an inspiring sequencer in a compact package. You get 16 flexible tracks (which can be audio or MIDI), multiple filter types, sample manipulation tools like stretch and grid modes, and Elektron’s signature parameter locks. The sequencer is rhythmically expressive, supporting complex patterns and performance tweaks that make every playback lively and dynamic. While not as “DAW‑like” as the MPC One+, its creative workflow keeps many producers coming back for spontaneous ideas and sonic experimentation.(bax-shop.co.uk) Polyend Play+ (£599) Polyend Play+ leans into generative and performance‑oriented sequencing. With its grid layout and intuitive control scheme, it makes playing with patterns and manipulating rhythms feel almost like an instrument. While it may not have an internal synthesis engine as deep as the others on the list, its ability to choreograph samples, automate parameters, and evoke unexpected grooves makes it a powerhouse for live performance and quick composition sessions. It’s especially beloved by musicians who want inspiration before structure.(musicradar.com) Akai MPC One+ (£556) The MPC One+ is a deep, standalone groovebox that feels like a hardware DAW crossed with a classic beat-making machine. It’s built around a bright 7″ touch screen, 16 velocity‑sensitive pads, full MIDI I/O, CV/Gate connectivity, and a powerful standalone OS that handles sampling, synthesis, sequencing, and arrangement without a computer. You can create multi‑track arrangements, chop samples, build song structures, and perform live from one device — all in one compact footprint. Its flexible workflow appeals to beatmakers and producers who want a serious centrepiece for their studio or live setup.(musicradar.com) Why These Grooveboxes Matter in 2025 In 2025’s musical landscape, grooveboxes have matured beyond simple pattern machines. They’re creative ecosystems — instruments that let you sketch, perform, and produce without being tethered to a computer. Whether you’re chasing tight arrangements, experimental rhythms, or raw performance energy, there’s a groovebox that matches your workflow.(musicradar.com)

https://jamesm.blog/music-production/top-5-sequencers-2025/ Hardware sequencers remain essential for producers who want hands-on control over patterns, rhythms, and melodies. Unlike grooveboxes, sequencers are often designed to drive external synths, modular systems, or entire hardware setups. Here’s a detailed look at the top 5 hardware sequencers in 2025, complete with images, prices, and strengths. (reverb.com) Teenage Engineering OP-XY (~£1,799) The OP-XY is a portable sequencer with integrated synth engines and expressive pattern management. It offers parameter locks, modulation lanes, and performance-friendly workflow. Its unique combination of sequencing and sound generation makes it excellent for live improvisation and musical idea exploration. Best for: Performance sequencing, integrated synth + sequencing, creative pattern design. OXI Instruments One MKII (~£758) The OXI One MKII is a hybrid MIDI + CV/Gate sequencer ideal for complex setups. It offers multiple tracks, probability controls, step modulation, and an intuitive interface. Its linear and modular workflow allows deep sequencing for modular rigs, synths, and external gear. This sequencer is perfect for producers who want maximum creative freedom and precise control over large hardware setups. Best for: Modular rigs, studio setups, advanced sequencing enthusiasts. Arturia KeyStep Pro (~£337) The KeyStep Pro combines a keyboard and sequencer in one compact unit. It features four melodic sequencer tracks, a dedicated drum sequencer, scales and chords, pattern chaining, and extensive CV/MIDI connectivity. It’s great for both DAW‑less setups and hybrid hardware/DAW systems, making it a versatile hub for creative sequencing. Best for: Keyboard integration, multi-track sequencing, flexible studio or live use. Korg SQ-64 (~£199) The SQ-64 is a compact polyphonic sequencer with multi-track patterns, CV/Gate and MIDI connectivity. It’s designed for small modular rigs or portable setups but offers surprisingly deep sequencing capabilities, including polyphonic control and multi-track editing. Best for: Portable rigs, modular synths, multi-track sequencing on a budget. Arturia BeatStep (~£79) The BeatStep is an affordable, hands-on step sequencer with MIDI and CV/Gate outputs. It supports real-time recording, step sequencing, and performance tweaks. While it lacks the advanced features of larger sequencers, it’s an excellent tool for beginners or as a secondary sequencer for live rigs. Best for: Budget-friendly sequencing, live pattern triggering, beginners. Why These Sequencers Matter in 2025 Sequencers in 2025 are more than step counters—they’re creative hubs for modular and synth-based setups. Some excel at linear patterns, others at live improvisation, and a few combine synthesis with sequencing. Choosing the right one depends on your workflow, whether you need a compact modular companion, a versatile keyboard-integrated hub, or a performance-oriented powerhouse.

North Providence, R.I. – For a young man who hasn’t yet hit 30, Alex Brown has already gained plenty of career and life experience. Always entrepreneurial, Brown, 26, has managed to mix his mobile-DJ business with a marquee-letter business, and the results have been impressive. His IT’S LIT Weddings & Events does about 250 events per year and he’s even begun to impart his youthful wisdom at DJX. After [...] The post Youthful New England DJ on the Rise [Mobile DJ Profile] appeared first on DJ LIFE Magazine. View the full article

The Crow Hill Company is currently running a £25 voucher promotion that you can use to claim the Pocket Strings (£10) library for FREE or get a £4 bargain of your choice. The coupon code crowmas25 knocks £25 off any purchase in the Crow Hill store, with no minimum spend required. The no minimum spend [...] View post: Get the Pocket Strings library for FREE for a limited time View the full article

SoundMorph has launched a time-limited holiday deal that lets you take $49 off anything in their store, with no minimum spending required. If you play it right, that means you can grab select plugins or sound libraries completely free of charge. The discount is applied using the code Christmas49, and it’s valid until December 27 [...] View post: Get a FREE SoundMorph product with $49 OFF coupon (ends December 27) View the full article

The Novation Circuit range looks pretty cool, use Tracks for synth-led sketches and full ideas, use Rhythm for sample-driven beats and performance. Both look fun, immediate, and play nicely with other gear. Circuit Tracks is the all-rounder: two synth tracks, four drum tracks, slick pattern workflow, and great MIDI control. Ideal if you want melodies and beats in one box. Circuit Rhythm is all about sampling and groove: fast recording, slicing, resampling, and hands-on performance. Feels built for beatmakers who like to mangle audio live.

I genuinely can’t get over how mental the Reliq from Reliq Instruments is. Not just in features - physically. This thing is huge. The 16×16 grid dominates the unit and makes everything else look small by comparison. It’s less “desktop groovebox” and more “command bridge of a spaceship.” You’re sequencing, routing, mixing, and launching clips on a surface that looks like it could run an entire studio by itself - because it basically can. Specs aside, the scale alone is wild. It’s clearly designed to be the centre of everything, not something you casually tuck next to a synth. If you want a subtle box, this is not it. If you want a single, imposing brain that screams commitment, Reliq absolutely delivers. https://reliq-instruments.com/ Videos

We asked our community what separates good DJs from great ones. Over 600 responses came back…and technical ability barely got a mention. Instead, the DJs who really understood their craft focused on something far simpler: connecting with people. Whether they were playing weddings, clubs, or just mixing at home, the answers pointed to the same … Continued The post What Separates Good DJs From Great DJs? appeared first on Digital DJ Tips. View the full article

This is a fast-paced comparison of a wide range of synths, grooveboxes, drum machines, and oddball gear, covering a lot of modern synths, classic digital gear, pocket operators, grooveboxes, and a dawless jam at the end. Gear covered in the video; Novation Peak ASM Hydrasynth Polyend Tracker Korg Electribe EMX-1 Roland MC-101 Korg opsix Casio CZ-101 Roland S-1 vs 1010music Blackbox Korg Wavestate MK2 Roland TB-3 Roland Cloud Teenage Engineering PO-33 KO! Korg Volca Modular Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator Modular 400 Elektron Digitakt II Korg Minilogue XD Boss DR-5

https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=625544

Since I first saw it demonstrated on the BBC TV programme ‘Tomorrow’s World’ in 1980, I have been fascinated and obsessed with the Fairlight CMI, a remarkable machine that changed the way we make music and whose DNA remains in the way we use computers in music to this very day. Its inventors should, in my very humble opinion, be held in the same regard as Bob Moog, Tom Oberheim, Dave Smith, Ikutaro Kakehashi, et al, such was their impact on the way we make music and how it shaped modern culture. Since 2013, I’ve been involved with restoring and repairing Fairlight CMIs and have become somewhat intimately knowledgeable about them. I’ve also been incredibly fortunate to meet and befriend its inventors and many of the people who brought this game-changing instrument to life... The post The Birth of the Fairlight CMI – When Computers Took Over Music appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article

Image-Line has introduced FL Studio Web, a browser-based version of the popular digital audio workstation. … Read More FL Studio Web Now Available In Your Web BrowserView the full article