Music Production Forum

Fender has released Fender Studio, a free 8-track digital audio workstation for macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android. I spent some time with the macOS version today, and I was genuinely impressed by how intuitive and lightweight it is. It performed without any hiccups on my MacBook Air and seemed to consume next to zero [...] View post: Fender releases Fender Studio, a FREE 8-track DAW for mobile and desktop View the full article

The AKAI Force just got a massive update! AKAI Force 3.5 brings many features from the MPC 3 OS to the standalone workstation, including support for plugin instruments, MPC stems, and more. Today is an important day for all owners of the AKAI Force! Six years after its introduction, AKAI Professional has released a major firmware update for the standalone workstation. According to AKAI, the 3.5 update brings the Force into the MPC OS 3 era with advanced workflows, deep DAW-style control, and full support for AKAI Pro’s plugin suite, along with many features requested by the community. AKAI Force 3.5 is now available as a free public beta... The post AKAI Force 3.5: The Fo…

Fender Studio has arrived, and with its one-tap recording, range of amp sims and jam tracks and simple-to-understand user interface, it could very well be a disruptor to existing simplified DAW offerings like GarageBand and BandLab. Available on iOS, Android, macOS, Windows and Linux, Fender Studio can be downloaded on any computer or mobile device, offering a simple recording and editing solution for anyone looking to quickly capture their ideas when inspiration strikes... The post Fender Studio: The closest thing to PreSonus Studio One in your pocket? appeared first on MusicTech. View the full article

Soma Labs doesn’t necessarily have a monopoly on oddball instruments that seem custom catered to film scores and experimental noise makers, but it’s certainly a leader in the area. The Lyra series, The Pipe, The Pulsar 23, Ether, RoAT, Terra… The list goes on and on... The post Soma Labs Flux is what happens when Theremin heritage meets modern sound engine appeared first on MusicTech. View the full article

“Ideas? I got a million dreams. That’s all I do is dream. All the time.” A Million Dreams by Zeds Dead begins with these wondrous sentences spoken by the piano legend, Duke Ellington... The post Zeds Dead sampled a century of sound to create their new sci-fi bass odyssey appeared first on MusicTech. View the full article

British audio brand Allen & Heath has unveiled six new Qu mixers that bring 96 kHz FPGA and DEEP Processing capabilities, Dante options, and a host of workflow and hardware enhancements to the digital mixing platform. “Every aspect of the mixer has been re-thought, the XCVI core, enhanced I/O capability, all the way to the screen and faders,” says Senior Product Manager Keith Johnson. “We’ve completely reimagined the UI, keeping the simple layout and workflow that Qu is known and loved for.” ... The post Allen & Heath unveils new generation of Qu mixers featuring Dante support: “Every aspect of the mixer has been re-thought” appeared first on MusicTech. View the f…

The Studiologic SL mk2 series marks the latest generation of MIDI controllers from the Italian keyboard experts. Which new features does the SL mk2 bring to the table? Find out in our review of the Studiologic SL73 mk2… The post Studiologic SL mk2 Review: Next-Generation Keyboard Controller appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article

While it's primarily a demo of their new Parallax Sound Pack - the video also is a showcase of the sonic possibilities of the multi/poly.… Read More Shut Up & Play: Sounds Of The Korg multi/poly SynthesizerView the full article

Here's a Shut Up & Play style demo of the new Dreadbox Artemis 6-Voice Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer.… Read More Sounds Of The Dreadbox Artemis 6-Voice Polyphonic Analog SynthesizerView the full article

Native Instruments has launched Circular, a new polyphonic sequencer which transforms single notes or chord progressions into “breathtaking rhythmic soundscapes”. Polyphonic sequencers are, of course, nothing new, so how does Circular work, and what sets it apart? ... The post Meet Circular, a Native Instruments polyphonic sequencer designed for “breathtaking rhythmic soundscapes” appeared first on MusicTech. View the full article

Modular synths offer almost limitless creative freedom for sound design. If you want try out modular synthesis without investing in an expensive hardware system, virtual modular synths are an affordable alternative. We’ve put together some of the best virtual modular systems... The post Best Virtual Modular Synths: Modular in the Box appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article

Are you a fan of that authentic industrial look? Then the SOMA Rust Edition is just what you need! The Pulsar-23, Lyra-8, and Cosmos just got a rusty makeover. But you’ll need to be quick – only a few of these will ever be made! ... The post SOMA Rust Edition: Rustic By Design appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article

Korg Berlin's Tatsuya 'Tats' Takahashi discusses their journey in creating the phase8, goals for the project and his interest in tactile interaction with electronic instruments.… Read More Tatsuya Takahashi On The New Phase 8 SynthesizerView the full article

Nallely is an open-source MIDI companion, designed to help you map MIDI controllers/instruments together, as well as create/use virtual devices (LFOs, EGs) and more. … Read More New Open-Source MIDI Meta-Synth System, NallelyView the full article

Welcome to the BPB Community Weekly Freebie Thread for May 19-25, 2025! 😊 Read the Thread Guidelines 💬 This section of our community is where BPB readers can share links to the latest freeware news and deals with fellow music producers in the comments. Thank you for contributing! To keep the discussion helpful and relevant, please [...] View post: 💬🔥 Weekly Deals & Freebies Thread View the full article

Welcome to the BPB Community Weekly Production Thread for May 19-25, 2025! 😊 This week’s topic is: Your favorite synthesizer plugin. Let’s share our favorite synths and hopefully help other BPB readers find software that flew under their radar. Thank you! Last week’s topic was your favorite saturation plugins. Read the Thread Guidelines 💬 This section [...] View post: 💬 🎹 Weekly Production Thread: Your Favorite Synthesizer Plugin View the full article

Tilr has released TIME-12, a free time modulation plugin for Windows, macOS, and Linux. TIME-12 is essentially a free alternative to plugins like GrossBeat and ShaperBox Time. It combines various time-based effects, such as pitch shifting, glitching, and tape-stop effects, into one intuitive package. If you’re into real-time modulation effects that go beyond basic tremolo [...] View post: Tilr releases FREE TIME-12 Time Modulator Plugin for Windows, macOS & Linux View the full article

IK Multimedia has slashed the price of MixBox, its modular multi-effect plugin, to just $19.99 (down from $99.99) at Plugin Boutique. MixBox is essentially a virtual lunchbox-style effects rack, with 70 streamlined effect modules pulled from IK’s T-RackS, AmpliTube, and SampleTank ecosystems. It runs as a plugin (VST2, VST3, AU, AAX) and a standalone processor, [...] View post: IK Multimedia MixBox Now $19.99 at Plugin Boutique View the full article

If you’ve ever felt your mixes needed just a touch more space, air, or emotional depth, now might be the perfect time to act. Excite Audio’s Lifeline Space module, a powerful reverb tool praised for its ease-of-use and versatility, is now available for less than the price of a coffee from now till 31 May... The post Could this $5 reverb plugin transform your mixes? appeared first on MusicTech. View the full article

HEDD Audio has launched a new pair of loudspeakers – and is calling them its “most advanced analogue speakers to date”. Handcrafted and assembled in Berlin, the TYPE 05 A-CORE and TYPE 07 A-CORE two-way active speakers feature components in the company’s existing MK2 monitor line and Tower Mains system... The post HEDD Audio’s A-CORE range of monitors is its “most advanced analogue loudspeakers to date” appeared first on MusicTech. View the full article

Grp Synthesizer A10 is the company’s new flagship analog synth with four VCOs and VCFs, a step sequencer and analog effects. Often, synthesizers are an exercise in compromise. Manufacturers and their engineers would like to design instruments that are full to bursting with parameters and functionality, but there’s always the issue of cost. First, you set the target price, and then you design the instrument to meet that goal... The post Grp Synthesizer A10: Is it the “Ultimate Analog Synthesizer?” appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article Grp Synthesizer A10 · Source: Grp Synthesizer

GATE-12 is a versatile volume automation plugin, Lushtraq is an AI-assisted multiband compressor, and Gentle Vibes delivers, well, gentle vibes: Free Plugins of the Week! ... The post GATE-12, Lushtraq, Gentle Vibes: Free Plugins of the Week appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article

Electro-Harmonix has introduced the Oceans Abyss Advanced Reverb Laboratory, a new hardware effect designed for immersive reverb effects. … Read More Electro-Harmonix Intros Oceans Abyss Advanced Reverb LaboratoryView the full article

16 years after the legendary GRP A8, which was built in 2009 in a small edition of 23 units, the Italian company is once again announcing a “powerful” studio synthesizer:… Read More The post GRP A10: The new monster-synth from Italy appeared first on GreatSynthesizers. View the full article

The Arithmophone is a free microtonal software instrument and MIDI controller for touchscreen devices.… Read More Free Microtonal Instrument, Arithmophone, For Touchscreen DevicesView the full article

4ms has introduced a major update to MetaModule, a Eurorack module that provides a physical interface to virtual software modules.… Read More 4ms MetaModule Gets Major UpdateView the full article

Arturia has introduced MicroLab mk3, a major update to their compact, slim keys MIDI controller.… Read More Arturia Intros MicroLab mk3 Universal MIDI Controller View the full article

Retro synths continue to play a massive role in electronic music, especially for producers working in-the-box who rely on virtual instruments to shape their sound. These classic vibes bring a familiar warmth and texture that digital-only productions often struggle to recreate, providing a foundation for both melodic and rhythmic elements. From thick chords to plucky arps, retro synth presets, and sound libraries help producers tap into a feeling that connects past and present without dropping thousands on vintage hardware. And yet, with the bedrock of these sounds being ones we’ve heard countless times – how do top-level artists push the boundaries of saw, sine, and squar…

Peter Baumann, formerly of Tangerine Dream, has a new album out. We spoke with him to find out the gear he uses, his creative process, and how synthesizers fit in with human evolution. Really... The post Peter Baumann: An Interview With a Berlin School Legend appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article

Lunacy Audio has introduced BEAM 2.0, a major update to their "modular effects playground".… Read More Lunacy Audio Beam ‘Modular Effects Playground’ Updated With Standalone EffectsView the full article