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Hammer Action Controllers

Best Hammer Action Keyboard Controllers 2026

29 Jun · Do you swear by a keyboard with a piano-like feel? Then, a hammer action keyboard controller is one of the most important pieces of gear in your studio.

SCRITTI POLITTI

Cupid & Psyche 85: Scritti Politti’s Triumphant Classic, Synth by Synth

28 Jun · Cupid & Psyche 85 is a masterpiece of composition, arrangement & production. But what synths did Green, Gamson & Maher use?

Jun Murakami Synth-80: The Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter Finally Gets a Software Emulation

27 Jun · Roland’s rackmount MKS-80 comes to your DAW as Jun Murakami’s Synth-80, a meticulously modeled recreation of the analog Super Jupiter.

VIRTUAL ANALOGUE

Virtual Analogue Synthesis: More Than Just a VST in a Box?

26 Jun · Virtual analogue gets a bad rap but it has plenty to offer. Let’s dive into the history of VA and try to dispel some myths along the way.

Voidcontrol MIDI OB-6 Unofficial Oberheim OB-6 Editor teaser

SYNTH JOURNAL

Oberheim OB-6 Editor Brings Your Obie Into Your DAW: Synth Journal

25 Jun · Ever wanted your Oberheim OB-6 inside your DAW? Now you can have that thanks to an unofficial editor.

Save Big on these Pedal Deals and Amps: Thomann Music Days 2026!

23 Jun · UAFX Lion at its lowest price ever! Huge discounts on Synergy, Tone King, and more! Check out these pedal deals from the Thomann Music Days 2026!

BEST SYNTHS FOR BASS MUSIC

5 of the Best Synths for Bass Music

19 Jun · Looking for hardware alternatives to Serum and Rumble? Check out these best synths for bass music - for every budget.

Melodic Techno with Hardware: 3 Ideas for a Perfect Setup – Perfect Match

19 Jun · Melodic Techno Hardware: Three gear combos for wide pads, synth melodies and driving grooves, with a budget and higher-end option for each. Our perfect match.

SYNTH JOURNAL

The Story of Stevie Wonder and TONTO: Synth Journal

18 Jun · Learn about how Stevie Wonder found his synthesizer sound with TONTO, Swarmatron in your DAW, and more.

Battery-Powered Synths

Best Battery-Powered Synths: Beats for your Hand Luggage

15 Jun · Just in time for your summer vacation, we check out the best battery-powered synths, samplers, and grooveboxes for on the go!

Analog vs. Digital

Analog vs. Digital in the Home Studio 2026: The Ultimate Guide for Producers and Engineers Who Are Tired of Getting It Wrong

13 Jun · Analog vs. digital in the home studio: what really makes a difference, where outboard gear changes the creative process, and why the song always wins.

Roland TR-1000: Available Again!

12 Jun · Roland's TR-1000 gets even better with update version 1.20, bringing new MFX, locked-in LFOs, 808 and 909 ACB bass sound generators, and more.

KAWAI K1

Kawai K1: Classic Gear – The Budget D-50 That Was Surprisingly Popular

12 Jun · In the late ‘80s, D-50-style sample synthesis was too expensive for most. Enter the Kawai K1. Is this 8-bit oddity still relevant today?

Pocket Studio: This Tiny Battery-Powered Gear Is a Perfect Match for Mobile Jams

Pocket Studio 2026: This Tiny Battery-Powered Gear Is a Perfect Match for Mobile Jams

12 Jun · So many options for a Perfect Match! Here's how to build a portable pocket studio for creative jams anywhere with compact battery-powered gear.

Software Deals

Roland, Sonarworks, Steinberg: 3 Plugin Deals for Vintage Synths, Reference Monitoring, and Pro Mastering

09 Jun · Roland Cloud JUNO-60 V2, JUNO-106, Sonarworks SoundID Reference, and Steinberg WaveLab Pro 13 on sale: vintage synths and mastering software at a discount.

Live Techno with Hardware: 3 Ideas for a Perfect Match

05 Jun · Live techno with hardware: here's a solid starting point for a DAWless setup with real room to grow, plus some ideas on how to make it work live.

SYNTH JOURNAL

Is AMYboard the Cheapest Hardware Synth?: Synth Journal

04 Jun · AMYboard may be the cheapest hardware synth you can get. That and more in this week’s Synth Journal.

Stage Keyboards

Best Stage Keyboards for Organ Players: All-in-one Gigging Machines

01 Jun · Modern stage keyboards are all-in-one gigging machines that include everything you need for a live performance. Let's check out the best stage keyboards!

Silent Drum Kit

The Silent Drum Kit: How to Play Quietly at Home, on Stage, and in the Studio

01 Jun · From mesh heads and drum dampeners to e-drums and risers: here's how to build a silent drum kit for any situation and budget.

What Makes Vangelis’ Epic Blade Runner Soundtrack Such a Powerful Touchstone for Electronic Music?

31 May · Why is Blade Runner so revered and referenced by those both inside and outside electronic music making, and how did the tools he used enable the great man? I have a theory...