Klevgrand's Free Synth Makeover, Softube's Update, minimalist music production workflow & more!

This week brings exciting updates to familiar tools, with Klevgrand's Syndtsphere receiving a complete visual overhaul and new sound-blending capabilities. Austrian Audio launches their PolarDesigner3 public beta with Apple Silicon support, while Softube enhances their Console 1 Mixing System with direct DAW control features. Plus, discover new sample libraries, creative effects, exclusive deals on professional audio tools, and learn essential techniques for minimalist music production and lo-fi sound design.

LATEST IN MUSIC SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE

Klevgrand Upgrades the Syndtsphere Synth

Klevgrand has updated their free virtual instrument Syndtsphere with a complete visual overhaul. The "spherical polyphonic synthesizer" now features a more intuitive and inspiring interface, allowing users to seamlessly blend between 70 preset sound states by clicking and dragging within the sphere.

Austrian Audio Enters Public Beta for PolarDesigner3

Austrian Audio has announced that the latest version of their PolarDesigner software, used with the OC818 and upcoming OC-S10 microphones, is now entering public beta testing. The updated plugin offers a simplified GUI and improved performance, as well as native support for Apple Silicon processors.

Song Athletics Captures Intimate Upright Piano

Song Athletics has announced the release of "Sad Piano", a new sample and loop collection featuring an upright Bentley Avon piano played by Peter Lyons. The library is said to capture a "dark yet hopeful" tone and "special, familiar feel that can conjure great emotion" through 50 loops and 70 multi-samples.

Softube Unveils Major Console 1 Mixing System Update

Softube has announced a significant software update for their Console 1 Mixing System, adding new features like Cubase & Nuendo Direct DAW Control, updates to Pro Tools Direct DAW Control, Fader Sends Spill, Parameter Spill Mode, and Waveform View. These enhancements provide users with greater flexibility and control when mixing within their DAW.

Bitcrusher Pedals Offer Creative Sound Possibilities

Bitcrusher pedals can be used to add unique, lo-fi textures and experimental tones to guitar performances, from driving rhythm parts to experimental lead lines and soundscapes. These digital effects deliberately reduce the bit depth and sample rate of the audio signal, creating a distinctive "pixelated" sound.

DEALS

• Graindad by Sugar Bytes, a granular effects processor - 63% off, now $37 (was $99).

• Audiocube Pro, a 3D Daw, perfect for game developers, sound designers, and musicians looking to add depth and dimension to their projects - 75% off, for a limited time now at $29.99 (normally $120).

• Gravitas MDS by Fiedler Audio, a versatile multi-channel compressor designed for producers, mixing engineers, and mastering engineers - 50% off, now $99 (normally $199).

• BLENT Series 1-5 by Audiofier, a Kontakt instrument collection offering a vast and versatile toolkit for sound design including 5 libraries: Low Enders, High Enders, Clusters, Drones, and Padmospheres - 75% off, now only $39 (normally $175) for a limited time only.

• Full Kontakt Bundle by Ferpect Instruments - a comprehensive collection featuring 20 unique instruments - 85% off, now available for $46 (normally $306.80).

• Cinematic Pro Bundle by SoundMorph, a vast library of high-quality sound effects, from atmospheric textures and cinematic impacts to intricate Foley recordings and immersive soundscapes - 80% off, now $299 (normally $1,499).

• Epiphone Les Paul Standard 50s, a mahogany body guitar with AAA flamed maple top - €699 (was €799).

DEMOS, REVIEWS & TUTORIALS

Minimalist Music Production: Do More With Less - Learn how to apply minimalist principles to your music production workflow, including setting limitations, songwriting, and construction time.

Exploring Lo-fi: Techniques to Achieve Warm, Nostalgic Sounds - Explore techniques to achieve warm, nostalgic lo-fi sounds.

Bit Crusher Pedals: Much More than Lo-Fi - Explore how bitcrusher pedals can be used to create experimental sound design, add grit and character to rhythm guitars, and transform lead guitar tones.

Sire Larry Carlton New Gen 2025: Many New Models with Great Upgrades - Discover the improved features and aesthetics of the new Telecaster, Stratocaster, Q-Series, and I-Series models in the Larry Carlton New Gen guitar lineup.

FREE

For a limited time, Mercuriall Audio Software is giving away their U530 high-gain guitar amp simulator, previously priced at $60. The U530 is now exclusively available through the free Mercuriall Ampbox suite, which includes several other free guitar effects and processing modules.

Developer Boz Digital Labs has released Bark of Dog 3, a free bass enhancer plugin for macOS and Windows. The latest version of this popular low-frequency tool features an improved interface and a new Analog mode for adding subtle distortion.