Analog Drum Powerhouse, Compact OB-Xa Clone, and KSHMR's Ableton Workflow

LATEST IN MUSIC SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE

HexDrums: Analog Powerhouse Now Available

Erica Synths and Hexinverter have released HexDrums, an analog drum machine combining Hexinverter's Mutant series sounds with Erica Synths' sequencer. It features 10 sound sources, individual outputs, and extensive sound shaping. Available for purchase, it offers powerful percussive capabilities.

Behringer Unveils Compact UB-Xa Mini Synthesizer

Behringer introduces the UB-Xa Mini, a new compact analog synthesizer in its Mini series, emulating the classic Oberheim sound. It features three paraphonic oscillators, a dual-mode low-pass filter, ring modulator, and a 16-step sequencer with motion sequencing.

Element One Releases Ambient Jungle Essentials Sample Pack

Element One, via Loopmasters, has launched Ambient Jungle Essentials, a new sample pack. It offers lush atmospheric sounds, rolling breaks, and cosmic textures, inspired by pioneers like LTJ Bukem and modern artists such as Pizza Hotline.

VSL Unveils Three New Virtual Piano Instruments

Vienna Symphonic Library (VSL) has released three new sample-based virtual piano instruments. Highlights include the Studio Concert D 1887, an early Steinway & Sons Concert D, and two Piano Essentials products based on the Synchron Bösendorfer Imperial and Synchron Yamaha CFX.

Beyerdynamic Launches Compact DT 270 PRO Studio Headphones

Beyerdynamic has introduced the DT 270 PRO, a new compact professional studio headphone. Designed and developed in Germany, these headphones deliver studio-quality sound for creators working in small spaces or on the go.

u-he Releases Uhbik 2.0 Update with New Features

u-he has launched Uhbik 2.0, a free and substantial update to its effect plugin suite. The update includes a complete visual redesign, an enhanced modulation system, a new Compressor effect, and introduces CLAP plugin format support.

DEALS

• BLEASS Granulizer, the ultimate granular texture effect for desktop and iPadOS, is now 50% off at $19.99, including 16 new presets, but this flash sale ends October 20th.

• AudioDeluxe presents special offers on audio software, with UVI Shade available for $29 and Tokyo Dawn products discounted up to 55%.

• Get an exclusive, limited-time 67% discount on Bela D Media Vocal Tools through Audioplugin Deals.

• Ueberschall's "Metal" sound library is currently available for just $9, a massive reduction from its original $99 price, but this one-week offer is expiring soon.

• Spectre Digital's Singularity Virtual Bass is now available with a significant 80% discount through a limited-time promotion.

• Audio Plugin Deals offers a 70% discount on Fable Sounds' Broadway Gig for Kontakt Player, a library optimized for live big band performances, for a limited two-week period.

DEMOS, REVIEWS & TUTORIALS

• Witness the acclaimed producer KSHMR as he demonstrates the entire process of creating a music track from scratch. This insightful tutorial reveals his creative workflow and advanced techniques using Ableton Live.

• The second episode of Moog Music's "Synthesizing With Moog" series has just been released, exploring how synthesizers generate individual notes and articulate them. This installment further demystifies the convergence of science and music, with the new episode available for viewing here.

• To cultivate your most successful music career year in 2026, proactive planning is essential. Implement strategies like setting production quotas, batching tasks, and embracing collaborations to significantly boost your output and achieve your goals. Start your strategic planning now for a transformative year.

• Ever found microphone terminology confusing? This accessible guide demystifies the fundamental principles behind how microphones actually function, offering clarity on their inner workings without overwhelming jargon.

• Elevate your music production with this comprehensive guide to audio compression. This "ultimate cheat sheet" clarifies essential features and settings, empowering you to effectively utilize compressors and dynamics effects for better-sounding tracks.

• Ensuring electrical safety and proper power distribution is paramount for live sound engineers, rivaling the importance of audio signal flow. Understanding fundamental concepts like voltage and current, alongside diligent circuit management, prevents hazards and safeguards equipment, as detailed in this guide to Power Distribution for PA Systems.

FREE

Eventide is now offering its Temperance Lite reverb plugin for free via Plugin Boutique. This provides an opportunity for producers to enhance their soundscapes with a high-quality reverb effect at no cost.

Plugin Boutique is currently facilitating a promotion where users can claim a free copy of either BEATSURFING's RANDOM or 7DeadlySnares plugins. These offerings allow music creators to expand their audio toolkit without additional expenditure.

KORG has released two new free plugins, Atom and Drift v2, available for various KORG devices including prologue, minilogue xd, and NTS-1 series. Atom functions as a dynamic multi-mode filter, while Drift v2 simulates wind turbulence, offering significant upgrades to previous versions.