Music Production Forum

Brighten your innie’s day with eight hours of Severance synth music and more in this week’s Synth Journal. Dog Paw Music is ramping up to the Kickstarter release of its first product, Dog Paw. A unique hybrid affair, it’s both grid controller plus synth/sampler instrument. The difference between it and other, grid-based synths, however, is in its construction: the pads are weighted and support MPE. Imagine the Osmose Expressive-E but in a grid layout... The post Severance Gets Synthy, First Weighted Grid Controller, Modular News: Synth Journal appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article

Elektron has released OS updates for the Digitakt II and Digitone II. The latest Elektron update to OS 1.10 includes lots of new features for both machines that many users had requested. About a year after the launch of Digitakt II, Elektron has released the OS 1.10 firmware update for the sampling drum machine and its sibling, the Digitone II FM synth. Both machines receive some important new features, some of which were “borrowed” from each other... The post Elektron Update: OS 1.10 for Digitakt II and Digitone II appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article

From @synthandsoftware - How many banjo players does it take to create four different sample libraries? The historical scarcity of decent, playable convincing banjo libraries for electronic musicians is a personal matter. That’s because I’m both a professional 5-string banjo player (you’ve probably heard me on many jingles, perhaps on stage or recordings with renowned artists), and a […] The post The Great Synth and Software Sampled Banjo Roundup appeared first on Synth and Software. View the full article

Two legends collide as Moog Music announces the release of a custom Minimoog Model D in honour of Geddy Lee, the legendary bass and synth player with iconic Canadian prog rockers, Rush. You don’t get much more iconic in the world of synthesizers than the classic Minimoog Model D. Equally iconic is one Mr. Lee of Rush. Up there in the pantheon of prog-rock bands, Rush are rock royalty and, as with many prog bands, loved by synth heads as much as traditional rockers... The post The Geddy Lee Minimoog Model D – Two Great Legends Collide appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article

The Geddy Lee Minimoog Model D features custom styling, aftertouch, a dedicated LFO and more.… Read More Moog Music Unveils Red Geddy Lee Minimoog Model D Synthesizer View the full article

PTNSHIFT is a generative music performance instrument for Ableton Push and Native Instruments Reaktor that's inspired by Autechre’s generative live performances.… Read More Tim Exile Intros Autechre-Inspired PTNSHIFT Generative Instrument For Reaktor & Ableton PushView the full article

KORG has reduced the prices of the opsix SE and wavestate SE synthesizers – by a lot! The 61-key versions of both synths are now available for up to 46% less than the original prices. Does this mean they’re about to be discontinued? KORG launched the opsix SE and wavestate SE in 2023 as an alternative for keyboard players who weren’t satisfied with the measly 37 keys of the standard versions. In addition to 61 keys with aftertouch, both synths offer more polyphony than their smaller siblings. Both were also available in exclusive Platinum variants with shiny aluminum enclosures and stainless steel sides... The post KORG opsix SE and wavestate SE Price Drops: Save up to 46…

UJAM has partnered with the Bob Moog Foundation and synth ace Alex Ball to release Vox Humana, a recreation of an iconic Polymoog 280A preset. The Vox Humana soft synth is available for $19, and 100% of proceeds go directly to the Bob Moog Foundation. The Polymoog 280A hit the scene in 1978, and around [...] View post: UJAM releases Vox Humana ($19), a legendary synth for a great cause View the full article

Ink Audio has released Alt Tines for Kontakt, introducing a different take on classic electric pianos. Ink Audio offers a diverse range of Kontakt libraries, from slide guitars to synth pads and vocal rhythms. If you’re in the market for new Kontakt sounds, Ink Audio is having a sale with 50% off all individual libraries [...] View post: Ink Audio releases Alt Tines for Kontakt, a different take on classic electric pianos View the full article

The mighty DX7 lives on. Smackos (aka Legowelt) & Dim Garden have created a new album using one and you can have the sounds for free! It’s all about the numbers this week! Lush 2, Oddity 3, Pigments 6 and the DX7. Let’s see how they all add up ... The post New Sounds for the DX7, Oddity 3 and Pigments 6 – Sounds and Presets appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article

Synthetic Sound Labs has introduced The Matrix, a deterministic algorithmic sequencer for Eurorack systems that's inspired by the rare Triadex Muse.… Read More Synthetic Sound Labs The Matrix Algorithmic Sequencer Now Available In Eurorack FormatView the full article

Take it to the stage! Tim Exile PTNSHIFT is a generative performance instrument that you play with Ableton Push. When I first saw the demo for musician/developer Tim Exile’s Scapeshift, I thought it looked and sounded really cool – but I had trouble imagining how I might incorporate it into my workflow. That conundrum has been solved with his latest app, Tim Exile PTNSHIFT… The post Tim Exile PTNSHIFT Turns Your Ableton Push Into a Generative Madhouse appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article

Iconic Instruments has introduced Levine's Machines - Drum Machine, a new virtual instrument, made in collaboration with UK Producer/Engineer Steve Levine.… Read More Iconic Instruments Intros Levine’s Machines – Drum MachineView the full article

Here's an in-depth look at the Casio MT-70, a 'forgotten gem' electronic keyboard/synthesizer from the early '80s.… Read More Casio MT-70 – A ‘Forgotten Gem’?View the full article

Here's an in-depth, hands-on demo of the upcoming Polyvera synthesizer, a hybrid synth design.… Read More Suonobuono Polyvera Synthesizer Hands-On Demo View the full article

In this week’s edition of Software Deals, you’ve got the chance to grab the Arturia V Collection X for half the regular price! Other bargains are coming from McDSP, Steven Slate Audio, and Cherry Audio. Arturia’s massive V Collection is truly a must-have for any producer. The bundle includes all of the developer’s acclaimed software instruments, from emulations of analog and digital classics to the innovative Augmented series. With over 10,000 presets, this collection has got you covered no matter what style of music you produce. And if you don’t have this essential bundle in your arsenal yet, you can now get it for half the regular price! Until March 30, the Arturia V Co…

Production Expert and Klevgrand are currently offering Klevgrand’s Richter Tectonic Compressor (normally $70) for free. Richter is a macOS and Windows release for AAX, AU, VST, and VST3. Production Expert announced the giveaway in a post dated March 15, 2025. The company didn’t list an end date for the giveaway, but as the plugin is [...] View post: Klevgrand’s Richter Tectonic Compressor is Now FREE for a Limited Time View the full article

Milkboy’s Baldwin “Fun Machine” Organ sample library for Decent Sampler is now available for free. Do you want the warm analog sound of a mid-70s organ from the legendary Milkboy the Studio in your DAW? Then you should look into the free sound library of samples from the Baldwin Interlude Model 155, also known as [...] View post: Get the free “Fun Machine” Organ sample library for Decent Sampler View the full article

One of the most recognizable synthesizer sounds ever can now be yours with the UJAM and Bob Moog Foundation Vox Humana. Get the sound, support a great cause! Some synth sounds are so legendary, even non-synth nerds can recognize them. The Yamaha DX7’s E. Piano 1 is up there, as is the Minimoog in full Rick Wakeman flight. But towering above them all is Vox Humana, one of the presets on the Moog Polymoog Keyboard. Released in 1978, the Polymoog 280a (as it’s also known) is the sound that defines Gary Numan’s international hit ‘Cars’. I’ll bet you’re hearing it right now in your head... The post UJAM and Bob Moog Foundation Vox Humana: New Plugin Recreates the Famous Polymo…

It’s in the name: The Roland GO:PIANO 88 came out in 2019 as a compact, lightweight, and easy-to-use digital piano for beginners and anyone looking for a highly portable alternative. Now, the manufacturer has introduced the newly refreshed GO:PIANO 88. What’s new? Roland’s GO series stands for easy-to-use and portable instruments and tools designed with beginners in mind. The GO:PIANO first appeared in 2017 in a 61-key version, with the 88-key model joining the line-up two years later. Now, Roland has released a new version of the GO:PIANO 88. The post Roland GO:PIANO 88: The Ultra-Portable Digital Piano Gets a Makeover appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full articl…

Afrobeats, a vibrant music genre originating from West Africa, has become a global phenomenon, influencing artists and producers worldwide. Characterized by its infectious rhythms, danceable beats, and diverse influences from traditional African music to contemporary pop and hip-hop, Afrobeats has transcended its regional origins to captivate audiences around the world. This blog explores the rise of Afrobeats, its key characteristics, and its impact on the global music scene. View the full article

After 11 years of waiting, Xfer Records has finally released Serum 2! The legendary wavetable synthesizer has been completely redesigned and expanded with numerous new features. While the original is known for its clear sound quality, intuitive operation and flexible sound design, the new version takes the concept to an even higher level with new features. And that’s really impressive after the first version! In addition to an improved oscillator architecture and expanded effects routing options, Serum 2 now offers an arpeggiator and clip sequencer that greatly enhance the creative workflow. Most importantly, the update is free for all existing Serum users – a move that i…

'Perspectives on Jazz Synthesizer Improvisation' provides a deep analysis of synthesizer solos by fusion pioneers Jan Hammer, Joe Zawinul, George Duke, Chick Corea, and Michael Brecker.… Read More Perspectives On Jazz Synthesizer ImprovisationView the full article

D2MS is designed with performance and improvisation in mind, letting you process drum performance data to control sequences and execute a wide range of performance-altering functions.… Read More Free Augmented Drumming Tool For Monome Norms, D2MSView the full article

SRM Sounds, in collaboration with composer Max Richter, has introduced Valley Forge, a new virtual instrument inspired by the '70s sci-fi film Silent Running.… Read More SRM Sounds & Max Richter Intro ‘Valley Forge’ Virtual Instrument, Inspired By Silent RunningView the full article

Phoenix-based Eurorack manufacturer Blue Lantern Modules shared this preview of a complete lineup of 5U/MU synth modules.… Read More Blue Lantern Modules Intros Complete 5U Synth Module LineupView the full article

Here's an in-depth look at the Moog Liberation and the rise of the keytar.… Read More The Moog Liberation & The Rise Of The KeytarView the full article

Erica Synths has introduced Echolocator, a hardware stereo delay effect, with an algorithm developed by 112db. … Read More Erica Synths Intros Echolocator Hardware Stereo Delay Effect View the full article

Sound Magic has introduced DynamicX, a dynamic processor that enables you to design your own gain reduction curve, offering a straightforward way to control and shape complex or nonlinear dynamics.… Read More Sound Magic Intros DynamicX Surround Version, With Up To 7.1 ProcessingView the full article

FAC Clipper features both a full-band clipper that processes the entire spectrum and a multi-band clipper, allowing you to independently clip low, high, or both frequency bands.… Read More FAC Clipper For iOS, Mac & Vision Pro Offers Simple Solution For Optimizing LoudnessView the full article