Hivetune has released ENS-86, a free vintage chorus plugin for macOS and Windows. The developer recently gave us Delta6, a surprisingly user-friendly (for an FM synth) six-operator FM synthesizer with a flexible modulation matrix. ENS-86 is a much simpler release, but once again, I like the intuitive interface and the overall design. The new effect…
Segment CPH launches Palora virtual-analog synthesizer
Segment CPH has released Palora, a virtual analog synthesizer for macOS and Windows, available at an introductory price of €47.40. This is the first release from Copenhagen-based developer and music producer Peter Bojesen. Palora began as a pluck synthesizer for his deep-house productions before growing into a more versatile instrument for basses, pads, leads, keys,…
Klein Soundworks releases Plug-in Bench, a FREE host for testing plugins
Klein Soundworks has released Plug-in Bench, a free standalone host built for testing VST3 and AU plugins without opening a full DAW session. Although the developer presents it primarily as a utility for indie plugin makers, I think it is a fantastic tool for someone like me, who tests plugins every day. And if you…
Audio Plugin Deals packs 11 products into its $9.99 October Mega Bundle
Audio Plugin Deals has launched the October Mega Bundle, combining four audio plugins and seven sound packs for $9.99. The limited-time offer is listed at 98% off a claimed combined value of $477.31. The deal ends on November 1st, 2026. The plugin portion of this collection includes Verbum Entropic Hall by United Plugins, Analog Empire:…
Applied Acoustic Systems releases AAS Player 2.0, a major overhaul with over 650 free sounds
Developer Applied Acoustic Systems has released AAS Player 2.0, introducing a major overhaul with over 650 free sounds. Applied Acoustic Systems is a Canadian developer with founders who bring a rare blend of musical and scientific experience. With an impressive background in musical acoustic research and high-level performance across various musical genres, AAS is often…
Synchro Arts VocAlign 7 Pro Review: Come Together
VocAlign 7 is the latest version of the popular and long-running vocal alignment software. It’s as good as you expect, but does version seven bring enough new features to the table to make it worth the upgrade? Since 1995, Synchro Arts have been making vocal alignment a little easier with VocAlign. The industry standard software…
Keleigh Batchelor: “Good Music Thrives On Diverse Influences”
Keleigh Batchelor on why balanced lineups start years before the poster, and why “fewer women DJs” doesn’t hold up. Debates about representation in electronic music tend to get heated fast. Comment threads and panel soundbites distort arguments that deserve more space, whether that’s about lineup balance, studio access, mentorship or safety. At the heart of…
Strymon Introduces La Brea Analog Tape Saturation Pedal
Strymon has introduced La Brea, an all-analog tape saturation drive pedal joining Fairfax and Canoga in its Series A range. La Brea uses multi-stage tape saturation techniques to produce sounds ranging from mild breakup to borderline fuzz, with natural compression. Its development began more than a decade ago, when Strymon analog engineer Josh Forbes started…