Native Instruments GmbH enters preliminary insolvency
As first reported by Create Digital Music (CDM), Native Instruments GmbH has entered into preliminary insolvency proceedings. This news, understandably, sets off alarm bells for producers worldwide who have invested heavily in NI products. As questions continue to mount, the most important ones will likely remain unanswered for a while, as insolvency introduces a period [...]
View post: Native Instruments GmbH enters preliminary insolvency

Applied Acoustics Systems Synchronicity for Strum GS-2With Synchronicity, his fifth Strum sound pack, Brazilian producer and keyboard virtuoso Thiago Pinheiro delivers a captivating blend of expressive tones and atmospheric guitar textures. Perfectly suited for cinematic, ambient, and contemporary styles, Synchronicity blurs the line between traditional guitar playing and modern production, offering a versatile toolkit for evocative soundscapes and layered compositions. Ranging from dreamy and mysterious to expansive and immersive, its eighty-four distinctive presets were carefully crafted to capture the essence of the guitar while introducing fresh, textural possibilities. With 12 styles, 84 guitar presets, and 84 strumming patterns playable with your own chord progressions, Synchronicity is ideal for adding rich layers of mood and movement to your productions. Who's Thiago Pinheiro? Thiago Pinheiro was born and raised among Brazilian musicians of great importance and his talent was revealed at an early age and followed closely. Gifted with perfect pitch, he began composing on the piano at age four, and by the time he was twelve, Thiago had performed alongside major players such as Stevie Wonder, Billy Cobham, Gilberto Gil, and Hermeto Pascoal. Producer and director Thiago Pinheiro is an acclaimed virtuoso and audio technology pioneer, as well as a versatile pianist and keyboard player, whose work ranges all the way from blues and jazz, to house, drum and bass, and other electronic genres. Constantly striking dance floors across Brazil, Europe, Asia, and especially in the United States, Thiago also produces music for Hollywood and the movie industry. Read More

NAMM 2026: SSL Origin Evo The new-and-improved Origin console completes the classic 4000 E experience by integrating an authentic, full recreation of the E Series' dynamics processing on every channel.

BPB Deal: Karanyi Sounds Playmod for $15 (offer ends in 72 hours)
Karanyi Sounds is offering BPB readers an exclusive $15 deal on Playmod, a creative multi-effect plugin for macOS and Windows. For a limited time, BPB readers can purchase Playmod for $15 instead of $59 using the exclusive coupon code BPB-PLAYMOD15. The code knocks $44 off the regular price and is valid for 72 hours only. [...]
View post: BPB Deal: Karanyi Sounds Playmod for $15 (offer ends in 72 hours)

SRM Sounds offers Dark Mode, a FREE version of Max Richter Piano for Kontakt Player
Some of you might think Dark Mode is slightly old news, and that’s probably fair because it was released by SRM Sounds towards the end of 2024. Anyone who isn’t already familiar with this free piano is in for a real treat, and since we didn’t cover it earlier, we thought we’d give it some [...]
View post: SRM Sounds offers Dark Mode, a FREE version of Max Richter Piano for Kontakt Player

NAMM 2026: Warm Audio Retro 64 Warm Audio's take on the Electro-Voice 664 adopts the distinctive design of the original, but features a custom-tuned capsule which the company say has been engineered with modern front-of-house environments in mind. 

Strymon Strymon NightSky Experimental Reverberant Synthesis Plugin The Strymon NightSky plugin is an expansive sound design workstation that redefines the traditional concept of reverb. Originally released as a celebrated hardware pedal, this software adaptation brings Strymon's "reverberant synthesis" directly into the DAW environment. Unlike standard reverbs that aim to simulate physical spaces, NightSky is designed for deep manipulation of pitch, harmonics, and time. It allows users to sculpt atmospheric washes and otherworldly textures through a combination of a variable-rate reverb core, advanced modulation, and a dedicated voice section. At the heart of the NightSky is a unique engine that treats the reverb tail as a sound source for further synthesis. By integrating a four-pole resonant filter, a versatile distortion section, and an eight-step sequencer, the plugin transcends simple ambiance. Producers can create rhythmic pitch-shifted tails, shimmering harmonic overtones, and evolving cinematic pads that react dynamically to the input signal. Whether applied to synthesizers, guitars, or orchestral tracks, the NightSky provides a hands-on, menu-free interface that encourages experimental exploration and instant sonic transformation. The plugin architecture mirrors the hardware's intuitive layout, offering three distinct reverb textures: Sparse, Dense, and Diffuse. These engines provide the foundation for everything from granular-sounding reflections to plate-like density and slow-building washes. With the addition of "Variable Process Rate" technology, the NightSky can simultaneously shift the size and pitch of the reverb core over a 2.5-octave range. This capability, paired with the onboard sequencer, enables the creation of complex melodic and rhythmic patterns that were previously difficult to achieve without a complex chain of multiple effects. Features: Three Reverb Textures: Choose between Sparse (granular), Dense (plate-style), and Diffuse (atmospheric wash) engines for varied reflection behaviors. Variable Process Rate: Allows for real-time continuous control of reverb pitch and core size simultaneously. 8-Step Sequencer: A powerful tool for sequencing pitch changes of the reverb core, capable of running at a tapped tempo or synced to MIDI clock. Voice Section: Dedicated controls for Shimmer, Glimmer, and Drive to enhance the harmonic spectrum of the reverberated signal. Synth-Style Filter: Includes a 4-pole, 24dB/octave resonant low-pass filter for sweeping the reverb output. Modulation Section: Features six selectable waveforms (triangle, square, ramp, saw, random, and envelope) with multiple modulation targets. Quantized Pitch: Size and Pitch controls can be set to smooth operation or quantized to half-steps and specific musical scales. Infinite Sustain: A dedicated "Infinite" function allows for the freezing of audio within the reverb core to create endless drones. Integrated Drive: Soft-clipping non-linear saturation that can be applied pre or post-reverb for added grit and character. Preset Management: Instant access to 16 on-board presets with the ability to store hundreds more via the plugin interface. Scalable UI: High-resolution user interface that can be resized to fit any modern screen setup. Full Automation: Every parameter is automatable within your DAW for complex, evolving soundscapes. https://youtu.be/80JzrfNG8p0?si=_5N0FMPqTg-XI1OW Read More

Loudness Penalty Studio updated to version 1.5 A free update has been released for MeterPlugs' Loudness Penalty Studio, bringing a range of performance improvements, new analysis tools and expanded reporting features in version 1.5.

Luna Co. Audio releases free 4K EQ, MultiComp, and Tape Machine plugins
Luna Co. Audio has released 4K EQ, MultiComp, and Tape Machine, three free mixing tools for Windows, macOS, and Linux. At first glance, I figured these were straightforward mixing utilities we’ve covered dozens, if not hundreds, of times: an equalizer, a multi-band compressor, and a tape-style saturation plugin. But after going through the feature lists [...]
View post: Luna Co. Audio releases free 4K EQ, MultiComp, and Tape Machine plugins

BOSS expand GX series: GX-1 and GX-1B Boss have announced the GX-1 and GX-1B, two new ultra-compact multi-effects processors that extend the GX series with two keenly priced entry-level models for guitar and bass respectively.

Electronik Sound Lab Abyss FXWHAT IS ABYSS FX? AbyssFX is a creative reverb and spatial destruction plugin designed for producers, sound designers, and audio engineers who demand more than just ambience. While traditional reverbs aim for transparency and realism, AbyssFX embraces character, movement, and transformation. Featuring three distinct morphing modes that fundamentally alter the reverb's behavior, advanced pitch shifting, and creative destruction tools, AbyssFX delivers everything from organic cinematic textures to aggressive glitch effects. Whether you need textured vintage warmth, deep evolving spaces, or complete sonic annihilation, AbyssFX provides the tools for creative exploration. Built on a custom Dattorro FDN architecture with Hermite interpolation and professional DSP enhancements, this plugin combines studio-grade algorithms with a bold, character-driven approach. Perfect for when you want your reverb to be heard, not hidden. LAUNCH SPECIAL - 50% OFF: €29.99 (ex VAT) - Regular price €59.99 - Offer ends: February 8, 2026 at 23:59 CET https://electroniksoundlab.com/abyss-fx/ KEY Features THREE MORPHING REVERB MODES Transform your sound with three distinct reverb personalities: RUST MODE - Vintage Saturation Engine. Textured, modulated spaces with progressive saturation and organic breathing. Creates vintage tape machine warmth, lo-fi cassette character, and warm analog textures. Perfect for retro electronic music, textured pads, and progressive saturation builds: ABYSS MODE - Deep Space Engine. The deepest and cleanest mode. Creates vast, underwater-like spaces with slow organic movement. Features the deepest modulation (up to 125 samples) without added drive saturation. Perfect for cinematic soundscapes, dark ambient, and film scoring: MAGMA MODE - Destruction Engine. Pure sonic aggression with the fastest LFO speed (2×), increased diffusion, and extreme drive behavior. Intentionally creates artifacts and distortion for creative destruction. Perfect for glitch effects, breakdowns, and experimental electronic music. PRESSURE MACRO CONTROL AbyssFX's secret weapon - a single control that morphs multiple parameters simultaneously: Size breathing and space expansion. Modulation depth increases. Progressive drive saturation (mode-dependent). Wet mix boost for instant impact. Dual functionality: use with reverb OR as standalone drive control. Each morph mode responds differently to Pressure, creating instant sonic transformations from subtle enhancement to complete chaos. HYBRID PITCH FX SYSTEM Two distinct pitch modes optimized for different applications: SUB-ABYSS MODE - Pitch Down Specialist. Serial mixing architecture optimized for sub-bass generation and octave-down effects. Perfect for adding weight and depth to drums and bass: GLITCH MODE - Shimmer. Parallel mixing architecture for ethereal shimmer effects. Creates angelic, crystalline textures perfect for ambient and post-rock styles. Both modes feature adjustable pitch shift from -12 to +12 semitones with independent amount control. CREATIVE DRIVE SYSTEM Five distinct saturation modes for character or devastation: ANALOG - Vintage tube-style saturation for subtle warmth. TAPE - Tape saturation emulation with smooth harmonic compression. BIT - Bit-reduction distortion for lo-fi aesthetics and digital crunch. FOLD - Wave-folding algorithm for complex harmonic content. GRANULAR - Sample rate reduction with glitchy, stuttering textures. Parallel processing with independent Amount, Mix, and Tone controls. PROFESSIONAL FILTERING State Variable TPT filters with advanced control: High-pass filter (20 Hz - 2 kHz). Low-pass filter (2 kHz - 20 kHz). Independent Q control (0.1 - 10.0) for each filter. Selectable slopes: 12 dB/oct or 24 dB/oct. Surgical tonal shaping from mud removal to telephone effects. ADVANCED MODULATION Create movement and organic evolution: LFO Rate: 0.05 - 10 Hz with mode-dependent speed multiplication. LFO Depth: 0-100% modulation intensity. Orbit: Circular stereo panning for swirling spatial effects. Mode-specific behavior: Abyss (0.5× slow), Magma (2× fast). FREEZE FUNCTION Infinite sustain for pad creation and sound design: Capture and hold current reverb tail. Transform transients into evolving textures. Perfect for live performance transitions. Combine with Pitch FX for instant synth pads. PROFESSIONAL OUTPUT PROTECTION Studio-grade signal processing: Soft clipping for musical saturation. Brick-wall limiter prevents intersample peaks. Denormal protection for consistent CPU performance. Zero latency for real-time performance. Extended tail times up to 60 seconds. COMPREHENSIVE PRESET SYSTEM Get started instantly or build your library: 60+ factory presets covering diverse use cases. Save unlimited custom presets. Automatic dirty state detection. Preset browser with dropdown selection. Easy sharing via .afx files. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Audio PROCESSING: Sample rate support: 44.1 kHz - 192 kHz. Bit depth: 32-bit floating point internal processing. Latency: Zero latency (no look-ahead processing). Tail time: Up to 60 seconds. Channel configuration: Stereo in / Stereo out. Dynamic range: >120 dB. DSP ARCHITECTURE: 4-line FDN architecture with Hadamard mixing matrix. Hermite interpolation for artifact-free modulation. Advanced input diffusion network (8 all-pass stages). DC blocking filters for bass preservation. Denormal protection for CPU efficiency. Adaptive delay line sizing with breathing room. OPTIMIZATION: Efficient memory management. SIMD-optimized math operations. Lock-free parameter updates. Conditional processing (bypasses inactive sections). Smoothed parameter changes for click-free automation. COMPATIBILITY: Format: VST3. Platform: Windows 64-bit. Minimum: Windows 10. Tested DAWs: FL Studio, Ableton Live, Reaper, Studio One, Cubase. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Windows 10 (64-bit) or later. Dual-core processor (2.0 GHz or faster). 4 GB RAM. VST3-compatible DAW. 50 MB free disk space. OpenGL 2.0 compatible graphics. RECOMMENDED REQUIREMENTS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit). Quad-core processor (2.5 GHz or faster). 8 GB RAM or more. VST3-compatible DAW. 100 MB free disk space. Dedicated graphics card. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwgHDNNUK1Y Read More

W.A. Production releases Delay Rings 8-Bit (Japan) with a limited-time 70% discount
Delay Rings 8-Bit (Japan) is a brand-new version of the developer’s flagship dynamic delay engine, and you can grab it for just $12 while the intro offer lasts. That’s a massive 70% discount! The introductory sale will last for another 17 days (as of the time of writing – 26 January 2026). Once the sale ends, [...]
View post: W.A. Production releases Delay Rings 8-Bit (Japan) with a limited-time 70% discount

Ablaze Audio releases Ablaze Toolkit bundle with five FREE plugins
Ablaze Audio has released Ablaze Toolkit, a bundle of five free plugins for Windows, macOS, and Linux, designed to simplify common mixing and sound design tasks in modern metal production. Oh, and there’s a fun easter egg for BPB readers. Ablaze Audio is run by the same developer who created our BPB Dirty Filter plugin. [...]
View post: Ablaze Audio releases Ablaze Toolkit bundle with five FREE plugins

NAMM 2026: Korg microAUDIO 22 & 722 Korg have announced the microAUDIO series, two compact USB-C audio interfaces designed for desktop, mobile, and streaming-based workflows.

VSL announce Vienna Ensemble Pro 8 and 8V Vienna Symphonic Library have released Vienna Ensemble Pro 8 and 8V, representing major updates to their established networked mixing and hosting environment.