Scaler 2 by Plugin Boutique is out: easy-peasy chords & harmony for any tune

Scaler 2 updates a capable harmony and chord generator/helper utility, adding song analysis with chord recognition. One to check out for songwriters looking for inspiration.

Martinic Retro Pack: A groovy box of two mojo infused instruments and vintage wobble effects

Grab your shades, light a cigarette and shmooze your way into an authentic Elka Panther organ and Kee Bass string simulator while tripping through the Scanner Vibrato and Lem Echo - nice.

Waves updates StudioRack and SoundGrid Studio with many new features

Waves has released new versions of its StudioRack plug-in and SoundGrid Studio software. Among other improvements, StudioRack now offers parallel and multiband processing chains.

Talkback Limiter plug-in recreates the SSL SL4000 E’s punchy limiting

In addition to emulating an SSL Series 4000 limiter, this plug-in gives you the freedom to manipulate each individual modeled component! A pretty cool tool, this one.

Give your drums some Backbone with Steinberg’s new drum designer and re-synthesizer

Steinberg has released Backbone a drum design tool that will level-up the way you generate drums with multiple layers of samples and re-synthesis in a neat and colourful interface.

BeatSkillz SampleX: vintage sampler plug-in that’s yours to shape and tweak

SampleX models the AKAI s900's input section and the Moog ladder filter, then lets you run free with the controls to shape an old-school sound of your own. Cool.

Overloud TH-U iOS: Pipped to the post by Mooer’s GE Labs?

Overloud's TH-U iOS has just been released, coming soon after Mooer's GE Labs. The two appear quite similar, both run on Apple iPhone and iPad. Is TH-U iOS too late to the party?

Ground FX: A new boutique pedal brand wants to add serious dirt to your tone

Ground FX is a boutique pedal maker from Hamburg with two new effects on offer: the new Boneflower overdrive/booster and Burning Sunn Model T-style preamp. Devastatingly dirty tones await!

Bad Comrade V3: Eurorack glitch, delay and chaotic distortion module

In only 4HP the Bad Comrade V3 from Recovery Effects will bring some disaster to your bleeps and bloops with scrambled gate delays, frozen blips and deep distortion.

Beatskillz RetroVOLT “Samplesizer” synth and sample engine smash-up

RetroVOLT is a virtual instrument that combines a rompler sound engine with a synthesizer architecture for some magnificently 80's synth-pop sounds.

Mooer R7 Reverb: A feature-packed, wallet-friendly reverb pedal for any guitar rig

Seven reverb effects, storable presets and a tiny footprint: The Mooer R7 Reverb looks like a great first reverb pedal that's simple to use and priced attractively.

Ibanez J Custom 2020: Stunning RG-style shredders with all-over elemental finishes

These four new high-end Japanese Ibanez J Custom models are inspired by the four elements and come in some amazing all-over finishes that mimic earth, wind, fire and water.

PRS releases Limited Edition SE Custom 24 Fade – Exclusive for Europe

This limited edition run of PRS SE Custom 24 models is inspired by the company's Private Stock Fade colour schemes. Only 200 of each of the 4 new finishes will be available.

Melodyne 5: New sibilance editing, chord detection tools and more “human” feel

Better, more precision and a more "human" feel: With automatic chord recognition, note dynamics and sibilance editing, Melodyne 5 looks like an especially worthwhile upgrade.

Best New Sample Packs: A BBC orchestra, Asian instruments, lo-fi soul and a toy keyboard

New sample packs! The sounds of the Yamaha PSR-78, a chill beats package, superb digital versions of traditional Chinese instruments, lo-fi instrumentals, and a BBC Symphony Orchestra. Phew!

UVI Drum Replacer: the next big drum trigger VST?

Drum Replacer looks like a cutting-edge drum replacement and clean-up tool that stands up to industry standards like Slate Trigger and Drumagog.

Yamaha Rivage PM series grows with new PM3 and PM5 mixing consoles

Yamaha adds the PM3 and PM5 consoles to the flagship Rivage PM series of live digital mixers. A leap forward or just a small step? We give you the lowdown on these new consoles.

Faselunare gives a glimpse of new VEGA 4-channel drum module for Eurorack

At SynthFest France 2020 - this year operating "`à la maison" - Faselunare has given us a glimpse of VEGA, a new prototype 4-channel digital drum module.

ST Modular spills out of the rack to 0HP with Renegade module series

ST Modular has spilled out of the rack into a series of 0HP modules that offer mixing, modulation and multing while taking their power from the Renegade Power Supply Module. And its proper genius.

Error Instruments Baby 8 Pro Step Sequencer with experimental glitching

The Error Instruments Baby 8 Pro offers brilliantly simple sequencing with randomisation and a button that plummets it into experimental glitchiness - just for fun!

Captain Plugins V5.0: Chords, beats, melodies, basslines and lots of hooks

A new version of the Captain Plugins brings more Captain Chord Progressions, Captain Beat beat-making, Captain Melody tune generation, Captain Deep basslines and Captain Play keyboard integration.

G-Storm Electro announces 4027 VCO Eurorack module version of ARP 2600 VCO-2

G-Storm continues their classic synth adaptations into Eurorack with the 4027 VCO module based on the 4027 oscillators chips found in the ARP 2600 and Odyssey. 

Dreadbox tease a new box in the Temple of Poseidon

During a few moments of personal exercise, someone from Dreadbox found themselves with a new device in hand at the Ancient Greek Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion. Synth or an effects box?

Is Source Audio’s EQ2 the most powerful EQ pedal yet?

Source Audio's new EQ2 pedal is certainly a powerful tone sculpting tool for your pedalboard. But is it really the most powerful EQ pedal on the planet?