Arturia introduce the KeyStep Mk2 Arturia’s new KeyStep Mk2 controller retains the core design of its predecessor, but introduces some new generative tools, an upgraded display, a redesigned sequencer and arpeggiator section and more. 

Arturia KeyStep MK2The Arturia KeyStep mk2 is engineered to be the ultimate compact controller and sequencer for modern music production, excelling in both DAWless workflows and hybrid setups. This device is designed as a catalyst for creative ideas, unifying intuitive control, generative tools, and performance-ready sequencing within a modern design. Keeping the core essence of the original KeyStep—powerful, playful, and connectivity-first—the mk2 evolves these features in ways that matter most to musicians. Serving as a powerful bridge, the KeyStep mk2 enhances your entire setup, making it tighter, more connected, and highly creative. It allows for its full creative potential to be unlocked without the need for a computer or software. The device is particularly well-suited for two main user groups: Synth & Modular Musicians who need keys and extensive connectivity in a compact controller, and Bedroom Producers seeking creative, powerful functionality that fits easily into their workspace. New generative tools like Mutate, a clearer OLED interface, extended connectivity, and a more powerful sequencer and arpeggiator all build upon the original KeyStep's success. The KeyStep mk2 is a one-of-a-kind ideas machine, bringing a wide range of inspiring, real-time control and sequencing features to your hands. It introduces the Mutate function for instant phrase mutation and generation, offering melodic and rhythmic variation with a single touch to reshape sequences or arpeggios for fresh, unpredictable ideas. The arpeggiator is significantly expanded, now featuring 16 modes, 9 pattern variations, octave control, Arp Length Reset, and time division for deeper rhythmic and melodic capabilities. Sequencer workflow is also enhanced, supporting unquantized or real-time recording, pattern chaining, live step editing, and transformation tools like Spice and Dice for controlled randomness and dynamic gate length adjustment. Scale locking and Chord Modes, which allow for expressive voicings similar to the KeyLab 3, ensure you can stay musical and generate harmonically consistent phrases. KeyStep mk2 Feature Overview Keyboard and Control: 32-key slim keybed with velocity and aftertouch for expressive control. Pitch bend and modulation touch strips. RGB LEDs provide efficient visual feedback on the front panel. Sequencing and Arpeggiation: Sequencer features pattern chaining and unquantized recording for editing or evolving ideas. Arpeggiator with 16 modes and a generative pattern engine for inspiration beyond classic arp types. Mutate function for one-touch phrase mutation and generation with melodic and rhythmic variation. Spice function to inject controlled randomness into rhythms. Phrase Arp (Sequence Arpeggiator) to turn pre-recorded sequences into real-time arpeggio patterns that follow played notes, or to remap existing sequences to any key or chord. Live Step Editing allows for nudging, transposing, or reshaping steps on the fly without stopping playback. Overdub with Double Length to duplicate sequences and layer new material for richer patterns. Musical Tools: Scale Modes for scale locking to ensure phrases remain harmonically consistent. Chord Modes for creating harmonies and recording/playing chords with expressive voicings. New sliders and functions to adjust gate length, transpose, and double patterns in real time. Connectivity and Hardware: CV/Gate, MIDI In/Out, USB-C, and Sync I/O for full compatibility with modular, DAW, and hardware synth environments. New USB-C port and power switch on the back panel. Built-in OLED screen and clickable encoder for direct access to all editing from the hardware. Dedicated Tap Tempo and Transport controls. Sustain (Pedal) input. Custom CV Mapping to assign Mod 1/Mod 2 outputs to Aftertouch, Velocity, or Mod Wheel for personalized modular control. Kensington lock slot. Read More

Vain Audio releases Sentinel distortion plugin for FREE
On November 2, 2025, Vain Audio launched the Sentinel distortion engine, which is available for free download.  The indie dev says the banded distortion plugin is built for violent transformation and precise harmonic distortion. The freeware plugin is available for macOS (Ventura and newer, AU, VST3, CLAP) and Windows (VST3, CLAP).  Vain Audio got straight [...]
View post: Vain Audio releases Sentinel distortion plugin for FREE

Native Instruments Maschine 3.4 arrives The latest update for Native Instruments’ all-in-one production platform has arrived, delivering an array of new features that focus on its modulation capabilities.

Bunker Samples Iremia Swells CollectionNow available as a stand-alone library, this collection includes all solo string swells originally released as part of the Iremia series. Each swell is a mini performance that begins from nothing, crescendoes to a medium intensity peak over a set length, before fading back to nothing over the same length. They are great at chordal playing and designed to add emotion and humanity to your music. The collection contains: Solo violin, viola and cello. 3 types of swells: normale, con sordino and con sordino tremolo 4 lengths for each swell: 4, 3, 2 and 1 second. Time Machine Pro patches that lets the user change the length of any swell. 5 microphone positions, including the Iremia signature inside and super close perspectives. Owners of the swells collection have an upgrade path to the full version of any Iremia title (which includes the swells but also sustains, textures and crossfade patches), so you will not be paying for the same samples twice. The Iremia Swells Collection require the full version of Native Instruments Kontakt 6.7.1 or later. Read More

Rhodes V-Pan Vibrato Stereo Panning Plugin is Available for FREE Download
You can currently nab Rhodes’ V-Pan Vari-Pan effect plugin (normally $39.95) for free download by signing up for the Rhodes newsletter.  The plugin replicates the Vari-Pan vibrato stereo panning circuit of Rhodes’ flagship MK8 e-piano. The V-Pan is suitable for adding swirling, ethereal textures to various sources, with Rhodes suggesting pairing it with synth, keyboard, [...]
View post: Rhodes V-Pan Vibrato Stereo Panning Plugin is Available for FREE Download

Heritage Audio release HA-81A EQ plug-in Heritage Audio's latest software release sees the HA-81A EQ become the latest of their units to be treated to a virtual counterpart. 

Full FX Media DiffusiaDiffusia is an immersive drone synthesizer VST plugin. Designed for artists and sound designers seeking deep, evolving textures, Diffusia generates rich tonal layers and atmospheric soundscapes with effortless control. Features include: 6-voice polyphonic engine. Multiple waveform selection for shaping unique timbres. Amp envelope for expressive dynamics. Unison mode for thick, wide sound design. Resonant filter for sculpting and shaping your tone. Warm chorus for added depth and width. Built-in effects like tremolo, chorus and reverb. Read More

Song Athletics & BORO launch Alchemia Described as a “study in sonic transmutation”, Alchemia blends a range of string, wind and vocal sounds with samples of modular synths and “esoteric sound objects”.

Slower Fragment by e-instruments The latest addition to e-instruments' Fragments series introduces a free virtual instrument that delivers the “evocative warmth and warped textures of half-speed tape recordings”.

Spitfire Audio: Château Piano Roundtable Video Shortly after the release of their Château Piano library, Spitfire Audio returned to the Château d'Hérouville to capture a selection of performances and hold a round-table discussion comparing the the legendary Steinway Model B with its new virtual counterpart.

Get NI Massive or Excite Audio Bloom Vocal Edit Lite FREE with any Purchase
For the next week, you can score Native Instruments’ Massive ($99) or Excite Audio’s Bloom Vocal Edit Lite ($29) free with any purchase at Plugin Boutique. The deal expires on November 7, 2025, and the purchase needs to be a paid product to qualify. Plugin Boutique will be changing its giveaways each week in November, [...]
View post: Get NI Massive or Excite Audio Bloom Vocal Edit Lite FREE with any Purchase

DamyFx Mr Tank PreampMr. Tank Preamp is a VST3 plugin designed to infuse your tracks with the warmth and sonic fullness typical of a high-end tube preamplifier. Ideal for the mastering stage, this processor is the ultimate tool for adding power, cohesion, and rich harmonic coloration to your mixes. Controls: Volume: Adjusts the input signal level into the preamplifier circuit. Increasing the volume pushes the "tube" to work harder, generating more saturation. Dirty: This control is the heart of the preamp's "dirty" and aggressive character. It allows you to dial in the amount of tube saturation and distortion, ranging from a subtle warmth to a more decisive and gritty crunch, adding body and presence to the signal. 3-Band EQ (Treble, Middle, Bass): A musical three-band equalizer to shape the tone of the preamplifier. Treble: Boosts or cuts the high frequencies to add "air" and brilliance or to tame any harshness. Middle: Controls the mid-range frequencies, crucial for the presence of vocals and lead instruments. Bass: Manages the low frequencies, ideal for adding "weight" and "depth" to the mix or for controlling excess. Master: An output volume control to compensate for the introduced gain increase and ensure perfect gain staging in the mastering chain. Read More

Free PSP Spector plug-in from PSPaudioware PSPaudioware are getting into the spirit of Halloween with the launch of PSP Spector, a precise 31-band spectrum analyser plug-in that is being made available as a free download.

Sonarworks & SOS AI Survey Sonarworks and Sound On Sound are inviting producers, engineers, sound designers and creators worldwide to take a short 5–8 minute survey on how AI is changing music.