Music Production Forum

In this week’s edition of Tops and Flops, we look at some of the most exciting and infuriating developments in the world of audio and music. If you’re familiar with Maselec’s ultra-high-end audio processing tools, you’re probably a professional mastering engineer. The MLA-4 is a nearly $8000 multiband compressor/expander that has been recreated as a plugin through the company’s collaboration with Relab Development... The post Tops and Flops: Plugins, Pedals, and Platforms appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article

What do you get when you combine a poly synth with tubes? The Eternal Engine MARS, the world’s first polyphonic synthesizer based on vacuum tubes. There are all kinds of synthesizers out there, from analog to digital and all hybrid points between. What you don’t see so often though are tube-based synths. There’s the gorgeous but fabulously expensive Knif Audio Knifonium, the Korg Volca Nubass, and Erica Synths Fusion System II. None of these are polyphonic though. For that, you need Eternal Engine MARS. The post Eternal Engine MARS Is the 4-Voice Polyphonic Tube Synth of Your Dreams appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article

Dreamtonics has introduced Synthesizer V Studio 2 Pro, a major update to their flagship vocal synthesis application.… Read More Synthesizer V Studio 2 Pro Creates More Realistic Virtual Vocals & Is Up To 300% FasterView the full article

You unleash the power of your wavetable synthesizer when you make your own wavetables. And it’s easier to do than you think. Originally developed by Wolfgang Palm in the late 1970s as a digital alternative to analog, wavetable synthesis has really taken off in the last 20 years. They key to its success? A one-two punch of movement and sonic power. The post Make Your Own Wavetables and Get Creative with Wavetable Synthesizers appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article

Electronic music’s been caught in a strange position – although interest in the UK scene is booming, the infrastructure is facing grave threats. According to findings from the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) late last year, 37 per cent of all clubs across the country permanently shut since March 2020. They shut at an average rate of three clubs a week and 150 per year. Should that continue, clubs will be extinct by the end of 2029. The post “Without small venues, you wouldn’t have Depeche Mode, which is a world like not really worth living in!”: Kellie Lee Owens on state of electronic music appeared first on MusicTech. View the full article

ML Sound Labs released Mikko Reflex Free, a free-to-use edition of their flagship guitar cabinet simulator. According to ML Sound Labs, Mikko Reflex is the “most sophisticated guitar cab sim in the world.” If you feel intrigued, they now offer a demo version of the plugin for free – either as a stand-alone application, VST3, [...] View post: ML Sound Labs released Mikko Reflex free version for Mac and Windows View the full article

Plugin Boutique offers two Braniworx console plugins for $29 each. Over the past month, we’ve looked at free offerings and great deals from no less than Waves, Universal Audio, and more. And if you’re looking for channel strip plugins for your mixes, we’ve got something for you today! For a limited time, you can get [...] View post: Brainworx SSL 9000 J and AMEK 9099 console plugins are $29 each for a limited time View the full article

Sonokinetic recently added Noir 2: Breathe and Colours String Septet to its already stellar lineup of Kontakt libraries, and I’ve had the pleasure of giving them both a try. Both libraries are compatible with the free Kontakt Player 7.10 and above. Even better news is that the boutique sampling experts are offering BPB readers an [...] View post: Sonokinetic Noir 2: Breathe and Colours String Septet – two new orchestral libraries and an exclusive BPB discount View the full article

Prolight + Sound 2025 celebrates its 30th anniversary in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, and focuses on the future of event and entertainment technology. From April 8 to 11, 2025, manufacturers, decision-makers, technicians and creative people will meet in Frankfurt to experience the latest developments and to network. In addition to the latest technologies, this year’s focus will be on sustainable concepts, immersive experiences and modern theatre and stage technology. For three decades, Prolight + Sound (formerly Musikmesse Frankfurt) has established itself as a leading international trade fair with a wide range of products and innovations... The post Prolight + S…

Exactly ten years ago, the story of the Pocket Operator began with a simple idea: a cheap and accessible synthesizer that would fit in any pocket. Today, the little machines from Teenage Engineering are among the most popular and iconic devices for musicians and sound tinkerers – including professionals, live performers and hobby sound designers. To celebrate the anniversary, we are not only looking back at the development of the series, but also launching an exciting competition for the community… The post Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator 10th anniversary: A Success Story of the Mini-Synths appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article

Noise Engineering, best known as a maker of synthesizer effects and sound sources, today announced Batverb, a distinctive stereo reverb "with a twist."… Read More Noise Engineering Announces Batverb Pedal: Experimental Reverb, Delay, & Infinite-Tail GeneratorView the full article

Spitfire Audio, in collaboration with BBC Studios, has introduced BBC Radiophonic Workshop, a new sound library based on samples taken from the pioneering BBC Radiophonic Workshop studios. … Read More New Sound Library Brings BBC Radiophonic Workshop To Your DAWView the full article

tubesockor has announced a new project that promises to bring new superpowers to the Korg DW-8000, which was originally introduced 40 years ago.… Read More Korg DW-8000 Getting New Superpowers After 40 YearsView the full article

Oversynth.com let us know that they’ve released a set of overlays for the Korg Drumlogue drum machine. Oversynth makes panel overlays that do two main things. First, they bring additional information to the front panel, so you don’t have to remember alt-key shortcuts and hidden controls. Second, they lets you customize the look of your… Read More New Overlays For Korg DrumlogueView the full article

Behringer today announced that their latest Eurorack module, the Vocoder VC16, is now shipping from their factory, priced at $99.… Read More Behringer Intros $99 Vocoder VC16 Eurorack Module View the full article

The Behringer Vocoder VC16 is a complete vocoder with six digital sound engines in a Eurorack module. First shown in 2023, the module is now finished and ready to order. Behringer first announced the Vocoder VC16 on Facebook in 2023. Back then, the module was bright red. Meanwhile, they’ve decided to make the VC16 the same black color as their other Eurorack modules – a good choice in my opinion... The post Behringer Vocoder VC16: Here Come The Robots appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article

The Crow Hill Company has added Solo Bodhrán to its free Vaults series. The Crow Hill Company’s Vaults series has been a source of excellent free sounds since launching over a year ago, with two of my favorites, Amp Bass and Wavering Choir, coming out in recent months. The latest addition to the vault is [...] View post: The Crow Hill Company adds Solo Bodhrán to the FREE Vaults series View the full article

The Oberheim Matrix-12 is one of the most legendary analog polyphonic synthesizers of all time. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of this instrument, the Bob Moog Foundation is holding a special raffle: one lucky winner will receive a fully restored Matrix-12 signed by Tom Oberheim, Marcus Ryle and Michel Doidic. The provenance of this instrument is particularly noteworthy: it was personally owned by Doug Curtis, the developer of the legendary Curtis chips used in countless synthesizers in the 1970s and 1980s. His widow, Mary Curtis, donated the unit for the raffle, the proceeds of which will support the work of the Bob Moog Foundation... The post Oberheim Matrix-12 Turns…

Here's an in-depth look at the new Melbourne Instruments Roto-Control, a unique MIDI controller with motorized pots.… Read More Roto-Control Motorized MIDI Controller Hands-On Demo & ReviewView the full article

Sound designer Jexus (sounds-for-synths.com) has announced a 300+ patch sound library for the Moog Muse.… Read More It’s Come To Jexus Time For Moog Muse OwnersView the full article

From @synthandsoftware - PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT Applied Acoustics Systems is excited to announce the official release of Multiphonics CV‑3, a modular synthesizer and effect processor for macOS and Windows. Multiphonics CV-3 is a modular rack for creating and playing synthesizers. It can also be used to assemble effects and process audio tracks. With its intuitive interface, Multiphonics provides seasoned […] The post Applied Acoustics Systems Announces Official Release of the Multiphonics CV‑3 Modular Synth & FX Plug-in appeared first on Synth and Software. View the full article

The Behringer Wave looks like a dream come true for all fans of wavetable synthesis. As an affordable clone of the PPG Wave 2.2/2.3, it brings back the legendary instrument that pioneered the synthesis technique in the early 80s. Does the Behringer Wave live up to the expectations? Read our review to find out... The post Behringer Wave Review: Wave Surfing Like It’s 1981 appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article

Developer Analog Obsession is back with its latest release – Attractor, a dynamic processor with transient manipulation for Mac and Windows (VST3/AU/AAX). Analog Obsession has released a swathe of free plugins in the last couple of years, gaining a solid reputation among both professionals and hobbyists in the audio community. The developer is perhaps best known [...] View post: Analog Obsession Just Released FREE Attractor Dynamics Plugin for Mac and Windows View the full article

Norrland Samples now offers their entire Solo Trumpet instrument and Kontakt sample library for free. There are a lot of cheesy-sounding brass synths floating around. If you’ve felt your current arsenal in the orchestral domain fall short, we has some good news for you. This enormous package includes almost 6,000 samples recorded with five types [...] View post: Norrland samples offers FREE Solo Trumpet instrument for Kontakt View the full article

The Explorations Vol. 3 expansion is designed for producers pushing sonic boundaries. Three distinct soundbanks, each with 150 expertly crafted presets, let you explore the cutting edge of modern sound design: Granular Explorations – Deep pads, keys, and ethereal textures crafted with Pigments’ advanced granular engine. Lo-Fi Explorations – Nostalgic warmth, dusty basses, and soulful acoustic textures infused with imperfection. Bass Explorations – Thunderous subs, hard-hitting mids, and evolving low-end for bass-driven genres. 450 new presets designed to elevate your productions. https://www.arturia.com/products/software-instruments/pigments…

The Universal Synth Editor and Controller Synth Bridge is designed to be used with any synth, sampler, drum machine and device that can be controlled with Midi Control Change data (MIDI CC).… Read More Universal Synth Editor & Controller Synth BridgeView the full article

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect opportunity to upgrade your studio with SSL plugins, the time is now! Other fantastic offers are coming from IK Multimedia, Sonible, and Zynaptiq this week. SSL is currently offering awesome deals on its X-series plugins. X-Limit, X-Gate, X-ValveComp, X-Phase, and X-Saturator are all on sale with discounts of up to 94%! I guess that’s what they call a no-brainer. Don’t miss this opportunity to add these acclaimed audio tools to your plugin folder. These SSL plugin deals * are good through February 24... The post Up to 94% Off: Awesome Software Deals from SSL, IK Multimedia & More appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full arti…

Nearly two years after it was first announced, Soma Laboratory’s FLUX synth is finally shipping. The highly anticipated instrument reimagines expressive electronic performance by allowing musicians to control sound entirely through hand motions. Unlike traditional synthesizers, FLUX eliminates the need for physical touch, using magnetic sensors and handheld bows to shape pitch, volume, and synthesis parameters in real time... The post FLUX, Soma’s wild theremin-inspired synthesizer controlled by hand motions, is shipping now appeared first on MusicTech. View the full article Image: Soma Labs

This video showcases 38 free plugins perfect for music production, cinematic compositions, and more. Explore a variety of free instrument and effect plugins, offering new sonic possibilities, unique processing tools, and inspiring creative FX. Compatible with any DAW, these plugins are a valuable addition to any producer's toolkit...

The Bob Moog Foundation is excited to announce its lead raffle for 2025, featuring a fully restored Oberheim Matrix-12 synthesizer signed by Tom Oberheim, Marcus Ryle, and Michel Doidic. Ryle and Doidic were the principal designers of the Matrix-12. This Matrix-12, valued at $20,000, has a unique provenance having been owned by Doug Curtis, inventor… Read More Bob Moog Foundation Announces Fundraising Raffle for a Signed Oberheim Matrix-12 SynthesizerView the full article