Music Production Forum

Below is a list of some of the best software synths & virtual pianos (free & paid). Please reply to this post if you recommended any others There are a huge number of plugins available, here are some other lists I've created for products I recommend https://jamesm.blog/music-production/my-hardware-software/ https://jamesm.blog/music-production/my-hardware-software-wishlist/ https://jamesm.blog/music-production/physical-modeling-synths/ Synths (Free) Vendor Plugin Name Key Features Blamsoft VK-1 Viking Synthesizer Moog Voyager emulation, strong basses Digital Suburban Dexed Yamaha DX7 emulation, FM synthesis discoDSP OB-Xd Oberheim OB-X emulation, analog sounds M…

Novation has just pulled the covers off stylish white editions for two of its popular Launchkey MK4 MIDI controller keyboards at Superbooth 25, which wrapped up yesterday, May 10th, 2025. The models receiving this fresh, eye-catching white and grey finish are the versatile Launchkey 49 MK4 and the compact powerhouse, the Launchkey Mini 37 MK4. This announcement brings a new aesthetic option to a controller range already praised for its deep DAW integration, intuitive workflow, and inspiring creative features. The Launchkey MK4 series is renowned for features such as: Seamless DAW Integration: Deep control for Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Cubase, and other major DAWs. Creative…

Erica Synths, in collaboration with Hexinverter, has introduced HexDrums, a hybrid analog/digital drum machine.… Read More Erica Synths x Hexinverter Intro HexDrums Drum MachineView the full article

In this week’s highlights, we catch up on some of the most exciting stories from Superbooth25, with releases from Vermona and Moog Music… The post This Week’s Highlights: Superbooth Stories appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article

GS Music introduced the GS MUSIC BRee6 Keyboard.… Read More GS MUSIC BRee6 Keyboard First Look At Superbooth 2025View the full article

Time Slice by RYK Modular is a 4-channel audio looper for Eurorack. But that’s just scratching the surface: Time Slice can also pitch-shift, delay, and bend your loops into oblivion, all with comprehensive CV control. Whenever RYK Modular introduces a new module, you can be sure it’s something unique and exciting. From the Eurorack remake of the legendary M185 sequencer to the Vector Wave synth voice to the Night Rider quad resonator, RYK modules have always brought something new and inspiring to the table. I’m also a huge fan of the RYK philosophy of visualizing complex processes using numerous strategically placed LEDs. The modules not only look great, they also tell yo…

If you’ve got a studio setup with tons of outboard gear, it could be an easy thing to get overwhelmed. Today in Mad Zach’s new video, he shows off how he uses a single controller – our Midi Fighter Specra to act as the brains of the entire operation. As an added bonus, he’s also […] The post Control an entire studio with Midi Fighter Spectra (like Mad Zach) appeared first on DJ TechTools. View the full article

In this special report on AI synthesis, we try to answer the question: Could an AI-powered soft synth someday mimic a Roland Jupiter-8? AI is everywhere these days, writing your news and helping you mix your songs. Synthesizers powered by AI are few and far between, though. All that is about to change. Read on to find out how… The post AI Synthesis: The Unbelievable Future Of Synthesizers Is Almost Here appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article

Every once in a while, a synth comes along that does things a bit differently. One of the most unusual synths debuting at Superbooth 25 is Morphor’s Echon 6 – a six-voice analog polysynth based on BBD resonators… The post Morphor Echon 6: Analog Polysynth Based on BBD Resonators appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article

UK tech company MOTH has developed a new “quantum-powered” AI music generator which it says respects the rights of those whose songs it has been trained on. Dubbed Archaeo, the platform uses strictly artist-provided data, as opposed to “ethically murky, scraped datasets” which some AI platforms have been criticised for using... The post “An entirely new process of artist–algorithm collaboration”: “Quantum-powered” AI music platform claims to respect ownership – but how does it work? appeared first on MusicTech. View the full article

While Frap Tools is typically known for its Eurorack modular synths, the Italian company is branching out. Magnolia comes as Frap Tools’ very first keyboard synthesiser, and it’s rammed with all of the brand’s signature analogue sounds, from the Brenso to the Cunsa. The Magnolia boasts an eight-voice polyphony, with two ‘Carrier’ and ‘Modulator’ oscillators. The pair of oscillators are derived from the company’s 30HP Brenso, reworking the module’s two triangle-core oscillators... The post The Magnolia might be the most alluring synth launched at this year’s Superbooth appeared first on MusicTech. View the full article

A collection of studio gear belonging to late British DJ and producer Andrew Weatherall is now up for auction. His family is selling 12 pieces of his production arsenal via Soundgas, including sequencers, vintage synths and pedals. The auction is now live, and is scheduled to end Sunday May 11 at 11pm BST. Highlights of the collection include a Roland Juno-60, Moog Rogue, Dunlop TS-1 Stereo Tremolo pedal, and an Ensoniq DP/4 parallel effects processor. There’s also a Roland Rhythm TR-77 drum machine, a Sequential Circuits Pro synth, and a Tech 21 Comptortion pedal... The post Roland Juno-60 and Moog Rogue among 12-piece Andrew Weatherall gear auction appeared first on Mus…

Jon V Audio has updated the pricing of Fircomp 2, a digital compressor plugin previously priced at £23, to a pay-what-you-want model, with no minimum. You can now download this outstanding compressor plugin for free or choose to support the developer with a donation. Fircomp 2 is one of the cleanest, most transparent digital compressors [...] View post: Fircomp 2 by Jon V Audio is now available for FREE View the full article

In search of gear that matches your studio’s dark, minimalist vibe? Look no further, for Teenage engineering is giving its ultra-portable Field System a fresh look. Starting 10 June, three of the tech company’s compact audio devices – the TP-7 recorder, TX-6 mixer, and CM-15 microphone – will be available in a sleek black finish. While the internals remain unchanged, the updated exteriors give the devices a distinctly different vibe, adding a chic twist to the company’s signature retro-futuristic aesthetic. One device, however, is being left out of the blackout treatment: the OP-1 Field, which will retain its current silver finish... The post Teenage Engineering just gave…

LANDR Sampler is a new AI-powered sample organising plugin described as the “smartest way to play your sample library”. Building off the Montreal-based company’s reputation for integrating AI into music production tools, LANDR Sampler functions as both an instrument and a sample library organiser... The post LANDR Sampler uses AI to organise your sample library – could this be a godsend for producers? appeared first on MusicTech. View the full article

Big Fish Audio has released Momentum 2.0, an update to their free loop slicer and sample manipulation plugin for Windows and macOS. I covered the first version of Momentum in our news section in 2020; it’s worth reading if you need a refresher. Momentum’s core functionality remains intact in the new version: it’s a powerful [...] View post: Big Fish Audio releases FREE Momentum v2.0 Loop Slicer Plugin View the full article

You’ve never seen a drum machine like this prototype before. Analog, sampling, sequencer: Vermona drumDING. The news from Superbooth25 just keeps on coming. The latest to cross my desk is this exciting prototype from the fine folks at Vermona, makers of synthesizers, Eurorack modules, and drum synths. Called drumDING, it’s a true drum machine complete with sequencer – and with a workflow that may change the way you think about programming beats... The post Vermona drumDING: New Drum Machine Combines Analog and Sampling With a Surprising Workflow appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article

Analogue Solutions has introduced AS Vocoder, a fully-analog vocoder that they say "blends authentic vintage inspiration with modern reliability."… Read More Analogue Solutions AS Vocoder Offers A Modern Take On True Analog VocodingView the full article

Groove Synthesis has announced the 3rd Wave 8M – a compact desktop synthesizer they say brings the Groove Synthesis sound to a more accessible price point, without compromising on sound quality or core features.… Read More Groove Synthesis Intros 3rd Wave 8M Desktop SynthesizerView the full article

Instruo Modular has introduced Seashell, a compact semi-modular system.… Read More Instruo Modular Intros Seashell Compact Modular System At Superbooth 2025View the full article

At Superbooth 2025, Befaco is showcasing several new products, including the new 42HP Oneiroi Pod and three new 1U modules. … Read More Befaco Intros Oneiroi Pod, New 1U Modules At Superbooth 2025View the full article

1010music today introduced Bento, a portable sampling production lab that lets you sample, sequence, and perform with expressive control.… Read More 1010music Introduces Bento, Portable Sampling Studio, At Superbooth 2025View the full article

The WMD Skorpion Waveform Reanimator is an 8-stage wavefolder, that they say can create "some of the most complex and evolving waveshapes you've ever heard, out of anything you run through it."… Read More WMD Skorpion Waveform Reanimator Available for PreorderView the full article

Supercritical has released an update for the Redshift 6 synthesizer that adds 6-part multitimbral support and new output options.… Read More Supercritical Redshift 6 Synthesizer Update Adds MultitimbralityView the full article

Has Moog released an affordable monosynth keyboard that actually pushes the envelope?… Read More Moog Messenger Synth Video Round UpView the full article

v2.0 is a free update that offers new sonic capabilities, with two expressive new OSC Models, pattern chaining for streamlined performances, and serious workflow refinements.… Read More Roland SH-4d v2.0 Adds New Oscillators, Workflow ImprovementsView the full article

Teenage Engineering’s Field System Black darkens the colorway for the portable studio set, which includes new versions of the mixer, recorder and microphone… The post Teenage Engineering Field System Black: Out and About and Now in Black appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article

Here's an in-depth review of the new Moog Messenger, a compact monophonic synth introduced at Superbooth 2025.… Read More Moog Messenger Synthesizer In-Depth ReviewView the full article

From @synthandsoftware - PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT Today, Novation has announced a wave of new instruments and creative controllers. Included is the Launch Control XL 3 MIDI control surface, two new white Launchkey MK4 MIDI keyboard controllers in the popular 37-mini key and 49 key versions, and a limited-edition Bass Station II designed in collaboration with British graphic designer Ian […] The post Novation – New Instruments and Creative Controllers appeared first on Synth and Software. View the full article

Arturia and Native Instruments (NI) have confirmed a new product partnership under the ongoing NKS Hardware Partner Program, making it easier to use NKS plugins with Arturia hardware. From here on out, the mainstay NI integration technology, Native Kontrol Standard (NKS), will be integrated into Arturia hardware. So far, Arturia has confirmed that three machines will be part of the initial rollout: KeyLab MK3, KeyLab Essential MK3, and MiniLab… The post Arturia owners – you can now integrate Native Instruments’ NKS plugins into your Arturia hardware appeared first on MusicTech. View the full article