Waldorf Iridium Desktop MK2 Waldorf Iridium Desktop MK2 The Waldorf Iridium Desktop MK2 represents the latest evolution in Waldorf's prestigious line of digital synthesizers, condensing the immense power of their flagship Quantum engine into a compact, rack-mountable desktop format. Building upon the success of the original Iridium, the MK2 iteration refines the hardware experience while maintaining the 16-voice polyphony and dual-timbral architecture that made its predecessor a staple in modern sound design. At its heart, the Iridium Desktop MK2 utilizes three oscillators per voice, each capable of five distinct synthesis models: Wavetable, Waveform (Virtual Analog), Particle (Sampling and Granular), Resonator, and the highly versatile Kernel synthesis. This multi-engine approach allows producers to transition seamlessly from classic analog-style warmth to complex, evolving textures that push the boundaries of digital synthesis. The user experience is centered around a high-resolution industrial-grade touch screen that provides immediate visual feedback and tactile control over every parameter. Whether you are drawing complex modulation curves with your finger or navigating the expansive 40-slot modulation matrix, the interface is designed to bridge the gap between deep menu-diving and intuitive hardware workflow. The MK2 hardware features a sturdy metal chassis and high-quality aluminum knobs, ensuring it meets the demands of both high-end studio environments and rigorous live performances. With a massive internal memory capacity of 7000 patch slots and compatibility with Quantum patches, the Iridium Desktop MK2 serves as a comprehensive sound design workstation that integrates easily into any professional setup via its extensive MIDI, CV, and USB connectivity. Beyond its internal synthesis capabilities, the Iridium Desktop MK2 excels as an external signal processor and performance tool. It features a digital dual resonant filter with various models inspired by Waldorf classics like the Nave and PPG, alongside a "Digital Former" section for additional bit-crushing, drive, and comb filtering. The inclusion of a 4x4 silicon pad matrix allows for the triggering of notes, chords, and sequences, while the 32-step sequencer and sophisticated arpeggiator provide endless rhythmic possibilities. With the latest OS updates introducing MIDI 2.0 support and high-resolution data processing, the Iridium Desktop MK2 remains at the forefront of synthesizer technology, offering unparalleled expressive potential for the modern musician. Features: 16-Voice Polyphony: Capable of rich, complex layers with dual-timbral (split or layered) functionality. Five Powerful Synthesis Engines: Includes Wavetable, Virtual Analog (Waveform), Granular/Sampling (Particle), Resonator, and 6-operator Kernel FM synthesis. Three Oscillators per Voice: Each oscillator can independently run any of the five synthesis models. Digital Dual Filter: Two independent stereo filters with various modes (12/24dB LP/HP/BP) and models (Nave, Largo, PPG, Quantum, StateVariable). Digital Former: Additional per-voice algorithms including Comb Filter, Bitcrusher, Drive, Ring Modulation, and more. 40-Slot Modulation Matrix: Massive routing flexibility with fast assign modes and multiple sources/destinations. Intuitive Touch Interface: Large, responsive color touch screen for drawing envelopes, curves, and managing deep parameters. 4x4 RGB Pad Matrix: Silicon pads for launching notes, chords, sequences, and arpeggios. Extensive Connectivity: Includes 2x TS inputs/outputs, 4 CV inputs, Gate In, Trigger In, Clock In/Out, and DIN MIDI In/Out/Thru. USB & Storage: USB MIDI (Host and Device), MicroSD slot for samples and presets, and 2GB of user sample flash memory. Master FX Section: Five slots per timbre including Reverb, Delay, Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, and an integrated Compressor. MIDI 2.0 Support: Compatible with the latest high-resolution MIDI standards for enhanced expressive control. Read More

March Gifts: choose one of three FREE plugins with any purchase at Plugin Boutique
Plugin Boutique’s monthly free gifts have provided some of my favorite deals over the last few years, and they are now back with their March Gifts available with any purchase at Plugin Boutique. This month, we have a choice of three plugins: Diginoiz Distiller Audiomodern Riffer Celemony Melodyne 5 Essential There’s been a change to [...]
View post: March Gifts: choose one of three FREE plugins with any purchase at Plugin Boutique

TrackSpacer Finally Has a Free Rival (Actually, Two of Them)
If you’ve ever struggled to make a vocal sit cleanly on top of a busy instrumental, you’ve probably wished for a smarter alternative to sidechain compression. That’s exactly the problem spectral ducking solves, and for years, Wavesfactory’s TrackSpacer has been the go-to tool for the job. But TrackSpacer costs $59. And until recently, there wasn’t [...]
View post: TrackSpacer Finally Has a Free Rival (Actually, Two of Them)

Frap Tools Magnolia now available The Magnolia draws on Frap Tools' experience with Eurorack modules, and aims to bring a modular-like experience to the world of polysynths.

Toontrack Music Drumopolis SDX Drum Sound Expansion for Superior Drummer 3 by Toontrack The Drumopolis SDX is a premier sound expansion for Superior Drummer 3, meticulously crafted to capture the essence of rock history. Produced by the legendary, Grammy Award-winning producer Tony Visconti—the sonic architect behind iconic records by David Bowie, T. Rex, and Thin Lizzy—this library brings five decades of audio mastery into the digital realm. Recorded at the world-renowned Metropolis Studios in London, the expansion offers a diverse range of drum tones, from the massive, open energy of large room setups to the gritty, focused punch of tight iso booths. Captured by engineer Liam Nolan (known for his work with Adele and Rihanna) and performed by drummer Stephen Gilchrist, the Drumopolis SDX features a versatile collection of kits that mirror Visconti's most famous production eras. The library is divided across two distinct studio environments within Metropolis: the spacious Studio A, known for its soaring ceilings and natural ambience, and a damped isolation booth designed for vintage-style, bone-dry textures. To further enhance the sonic depth, Toontrack included recordings from an adjacent stone room using stereo ribbon microphones, providing an additional organic layer for blending. Beyond the raw samples, the Drumopolis SDX includes an extensive selection of mix-ready presets engineered by Visconti himself. These presets allow users to instantly tap into the "Bowie-era" shimmer or the hard-hitting "Thin Lizzy" drive with minimal effort. Complementing the sounds is a dedicated MIDI library of grooves and fills, also performed by Stephen Gilchrist, ensuring that your productions benefit from both professional-grade tones and authentic human performance. Whether you are producing glam rock, modern alternative, or classic indie, this SDX provides a sophisticated palette of drums that are both historically significant and modernly flexible. Features: Produced by Tony Visconti: Legendary producer of David Bowie, T. Rex, and Thin Lizzy. Recorded at Metropolis Studios: Captured in the heart of London in one of the world's most iconic recording spaces. Two Distinct Environments: Includes the open, natural ambiance of Studio A and a tight, damped iso booth for grittier sounds. Comprehensive Kit Selection: Features multiple full kits including Slingerland (1970s), Canopus (Yaiba 2), and more. Stone Room Ambience: Extra stereo ribbon mic recordings from an adjacent stone room for unique reverb layers. Custom MIDI Library: Includes a wide array of grooves and fills inspired by Tony Visconti's discography. Mix-Ready Presets: Pre-configured channel strips and effects chains designed by Tony Visconti and the Toontrack team. Surround Sound Ready: Recorded with additional height and ambience microphones for immersive audio configurations. High-Resolution Samples: Provided as raw, unprocessed waveforms for maximum flexibility in the Superior Drummer 3 mixer. Versatile Range: Covers everything from 70s glam and classic rock to modern alternative and cinematic percussion. https://youtu.be/guYaC8U-b_4?si=YlQtg_qkj1ypZV61 Read More

Get the Roland TB-303 plugin for $49 at Plugin Boutique (ends March 8)
Plugin Boutique is offering the Roland TB-303 synth plugin at 67% off its regular price, bringing it down to $49 from $149. The deal runs until March 8th in celebration of 303 Day. The TB-303 hardware was released by Roland in 1981 as a substitute for the bass guitar. We all know the rest of [...]
View post: Get the Roland TB-303 plugin for $49 at Plugin Boutique (ends March 8)

Novation introduce the Launch Control 3 Following on from the release of the Launch Control XL 3, Novation have announced that its smaller sibling has just been treated to a similar upgrade. 

Gong Piano from The Crow Hill Company The Crow Hill Company’s latest release delivers an answer to that age-old question: “what would a piano sound like if its strings were replaced by gongs?”

Variety of Sound releases epicVerb mkII, a FREE reverb plugin for Windows
From Variety of Sound comes epicVerb mkII, a free early-reflection-based reverb plugin for Windows. When Variety of Sound releases a new plugin or update, I like to imagine Windows users dancing and punching the air, like the Microsoft team did when launching Windows 95. Please don’t tell me otherwise. In any case, a Variety of [...]
View post: Variety of Sound releases epicVerb mkII, a FREE reverb plugin for Windows

Agastya Jindal releases Aethis (FREE alpha), an all-in-one guitar plugin for macOS and Windows
Aethis, a new project from Agastya Jindal and billed as the “end-all, be-all guitar plugin,” is now in free alpha for macOS and Windows.  The project is basically a one-stop shop for classic and unique guitar tones. The plugin includes amp models, built-in FX, and an interesting Multivoicer. You’ve got everything you need to shape [...]
View post: Agastya Jindal releases Aethis (FREE alpha), an all-in-one guitar plugin for macOS and Windows

Battersea Audio ShaperShaper is Battersea Audio's endeavour to create an expressive tool that can instantly transform any audio source whatsoever into inspirational and rhythmic layers. Combining traditional sidechain plugins with 'trancegate' style sequencing. From very simple sidechain effects, to complex 32-beat volume or filter effects, Shaper is a unique tool that instantly can turn any audio into inspiration. Shaper: Includes a free library of 100+ creative starting points — from subtle movement to extreme chops and cinematic pulses. Extremely CPU efficient: no bloat. Perpetual license with lifetime updates — plus simple installation and a comprehensive user guide. Full MIDI automation for seamless automation. Limitless Creativity: Instant Inspiration: Create inspiring rhythmic patterns for synths, vocals, drums, or any source material. Advanced Sidechain: Go beyond simple 'Pumping' effects using the layering capabilities of SHAPER. Swing and Smooth: Dial in the exact rhythm you need with SWING and SMOOTH options. Read More

Pro Synth Network: Synth South West Taking place on 21 March 2026 in the beautiful seaside resort of Dawlish, Pro Synth Network's debut event will see musicians, enthusiasts, creators and developers gather to celebrate their shared passion for electronic music creation and performance.

Win a FREE copy of Afro Percussion by Kumbengo (BPB Giveaway)
BPB is giving away five copies of Afro Percussion, a percussion engine plugin by Kumbengo. To enter, submit your email address here or use the form linked at the bottom of this article. This also subscribes you to the BPB weekly newsletter, which covers the latest freeware news, deals, and freebies. If you’re already subscribed, [...]
View post: Win a FREE copy of Afro Percussion by Kumbengo (BPB Giveaway)

Bitwig Studio 6 incoming Bitwig Studio 6 significantly overhauls the automation system, introduces a new Clip Alias function that provides a new way to manage a track’s structure, and delivers some new editing tools while making improvements to some of the existing line-up. 

Revealed Recordings Revealed Spire Trance Leads Vol. 1Revealed Spire Trance Leads Vol. 1 is a collection of 64 lead presets for anthemic melodies, euphoric riffs, and epic themes for modern Trance. Inside, you will find a versatile range of lead presets built for emotional storytelling. Each preset is equipped with modwheels and all four macros controls, giving you enhanced flexibility in shaping your sound. With Spire Trance Leads Vol. 1, you'll have a suite of source sounds to spark instant inspiration and drive energy in your Trance productions. Reveal Yourself. Revealed Spire Trance Leads Vol. 1 - Details LEAD [64]. 64 presets Core synthesizer patch mapping and programming All presets assigned intuitive modwheel parameters All presets assigned all four macro controls for easy tweaking and multiple sound variations. Preset format(s): .swzip (Full Bank) Note: Presets Require Full Retail Version of Spire 1.5.16 or later Approx. 12.1MB compressed .zip download. Read More