Sub51 and Soundtrax released Drop Pad 3 as their newest virtual instrument. The software combines up to four different sound sources through simple drag and drop actions. Musicians can import samples automatically or manually with built-in pitch detection features. The program works with Native Instruments Kontakt Player 8 or full Kontakt 8 versions. Hardware controllers connect better thanks to complete NKS support features.
Drop Pad 3 offers many sound shaping tools for creative musicians. Users can apply low-pass, peak and high-pass filters controlled through Warp LFOs. Pan and pitch LFOs add movement to sounds during performances. The effects section contains 14 insert effects, six delay types and six reverb algorithms. Sample...
ALM/Busy Circuits released two compact Eurorack modules that fit into just 4HP spaces. The Pip Filter works as a voltage-controlled low-pass filter with built-in VCA features. Musicians can control the filter cutoff through front panel knobs and CV inputs. The module creates percussive sounds when users trigger the ping input. Self-oscillation happens when they push the resonance control to its limits.
The Pip LFO operates as an all-analog low frequency oscillator with wide frequency ranges. It produces square, triangle, saw and sine waves at the same time. The module switches between LFO and VCO modes for different applications. Users can reset or sync the oscillator with external signals. LED lights show the current frequency...
Jason Graves started Sulcata Sound as his newest business venture. The composer has won two British Academy Awards for his music work on video games like Dead Space and Tomb Raider. He creates soundtracks for games such as Still Wakes The Deep and Until Dawn. Graves teamed up with programmer Frederic Poirier and sound mixer Joel Dollie for this project. They made two computer music tools called Jason's Piano and API Drums.
The piano tool captures sounds from Graves' Boston GP-193 Performance Edition II piano. Graves played and recorded all the piano parts himself at his studio. Poirier wrote the computer code that makes the tool work and designed how users see it on screen. Dollie mixed all the final sounds to make them sound...
Soulyft Audio launches Chime after their hit app Gradient Synth reached number six on Apple's paid music charts last year. The new gesture-based synthesizer turns noise into musical soundscapes through touch controls, filters, delay and reverb effects. Soulyft worked with Sketch Audio to build the sound engine that powers the app. The design uses simple icons without written labels to encourage users to explore sounds through their ears. Musicians can shape audio through hand movements and interactive gestures on their device screens.
Chime creates playable textures from raw audio noise rather than traditional synthesis methods. The app works as both a standalone program and an AUv3 plugin for iOS music production software. iPad users...
Sony opens up their 360 Virtual Mixing Environment technology to audio creators everywhere. The company had kept 360VME locked away for professional studios only until this move. Music producers, teachers, and film workers can use the system to create surround sound mixes through regular headphones. The technology copies the sound of expensive multi-speaker studios and puts that experience right into standard headphones. Audio engineers can work on complex projects from anywhere and trust their mixes will sound correct.
The system measures each person's head shape once and creates custom sound profiles. Sony combines this personal data with their special audio processing to build realistic studio environments. Sound creators can work...
DPA reveals the 4099 CORE+ instrument microphone at InfoComm 2025. The company built this upgraded version from user feedback and new technology advances. Musicians and engineers will notice the 10dB improvement in dynamic range compared to earlier models. The microphone also handles louder sounds before distortion kicks in. DPA claims their patent-pending CORE+ technology removes typical membrane and electronic distortions.
The mounting system received major changes for better performance. DPA created the new Gooseneck Mount with a two-step locking system that works with one hand. This G-MOUNT design cuts down vibrations and makes the microphone more stable during use. Several clips for cello, piano and microphone stands work better...
SKnote has released the Etna-C, a fresh DAW control surface and MIDI controller. The device handles multiple jobs like synth programming, live performance control, and hands-on DAW session management. Musicians can work with eight 100mm motorized faders that respond to touch, paired with eight touch-sensitive rotary encoders and 16 backlit buttons. Eight LCD displays show visual parameter feedback to help users track their settings. The unit connects to three rear-panel inputs for external pedals when players want more control options.
The Etna-C works with MIDI, OSC and MCU protocols for broad compatibility. Users can connect through USB, Ethernet and five-pin DIN MIDI connections to link with other gear. The controller needs no extra...
Majetone launches Dream Kit: Zenith as a virtual instrument that changes how musicians think about drums. Producer James Yates designed the software to turn drum kits into chromatic synthesizers that play across five octaves. The plugin samples every part of drum sets from shells and heads to squeaky pedals and metal lugs. Musicians can play these sounds like keyboard notes instead of just percussion hits. Yates spent ten years experimenting and four years developing this unique approach to drum sounds.
The software contains 120 different waveforms captured from actual drum performances and components. Each sound features up to 38 velocity layers and multiple round robin samples for realistic playback. Recording sessions at Otterhead...
Atomic Analog creates the Tonograf after finding a rare TAB W95 equalizer from the 1960s. The Iceland company fell for the classic sound and decided to recreate it as a modern 500-series module. Engineers launched the device during January 2025 for professional recording studios. The Tonograf uses discrete germanium circuits that add warmth to any audio signal. Musicians can push the levels hard to create natural saturation effects.
The equalizer features three separate frequency bands for sound shaping. Low and high shelf filters provide gentle tone adjustments across the frequency spectrum. The high shelf offers three different frequency choices for precise control. A midrange band delivers six frequency options through an inductive...
