Framus Talisman William DuVall Signature model: Not cheap, but oh so pretty!

Alice in Chains frontman William Duvall has just landed himself a couple of very highly specified signature models, both the guitars are all made in Germany and one is even Masterbuilt!

Ginko Synthese Sampleslicer MK2 will sample and slice even better than before

Just on Kickstarter is the MK2 of the Ginko Synthese real-time sampling module Sampleslicer. With better quality, all through-hole components, clock CV, auto-calibrating, higher gain and an inaudible noise ...

Miclop Ctrl X virtual synthesizer and hardware controller combo

A polyphonic virtual synthesizer that integrates perfectly with a knob and touch-screen controller. Giving you the tacticity of hardware with the versatility of software. Is it the best of both worlds?

ONDA computerised musical instrument from Critter and Guitari

Bringing together aspects from the Organelle and Pocket Piano ONDA is an open platform of synthesis, effects and sampling in an enhanced, Raspberry Pi based form factor, with cool light up buttons.

Best free plug-ins this week: Sitala, BOD2, Border, Wider

This week saw four releases in the free plug-ins microcosm! These are the Sitala drum plug-in, Bark of Dog 2 EQ, Border LP/HP filter, and the Wider stereo widener developed in collaboration with Infected ...

Waggi Pedalboards: A solid, safe, gig-worthy solution for pedal junkies?

A new range of customisable pedalboards with a unique system of cable management, dual levels and available in three sizes, these look like a pedal junkies dream.

Korg Volca Keys software editor and controller

A new editor from software developer Momo Muller presents all the parameters from the Korg Volca Keys as a VST plug-in with precise automation and XY pad control for under €6. Also runs stand-alone.

Gibson reissues Tak Matsumoto Les Paul Standard in Canary Yellow for 2018

Tak Matsumoto celebrates his 'almost' 20th year with Gibson and the 30th Anniversary of his famous band B'z, with this super bright Canary Yellow Les Paul.

Steinberg ends support for the VST 2 SDK – don’t panic, your plug-ins are safe

Steinberg is calling it a day on the VST 2 Software Development Kit almost 20 years after it first arrived. The 10-year-old VST 3 SDK is the way of the future. What does this mean for you and your plug-ins?

SSL intros overhauled v6 plug-in bundle, available on subscription basis

Solid State Logic has overhauled its plug-ins with the release of SSL Native v6. The update brings a facelift, more than anything, or in SSL's own words — a "remaster". It's also all the SSL you need for USD ...

Cort Sunset TC: Boutique relic looks for those on a budget?

The new Cort Sunset TC model combines vintage relic boutique style with a tried and tested pickup combination, yet still manages to bring it all in at well under what you'd expect to pay for such a guitar.

UAD brings forth its UAD-2 Live Rack MADI FX processor

Universal Audio has a new product under the spotlight, and this time it's not an audio interface. Rather, it's UAD-2 Live Rack, a powerhouse of an FX processor designed for live applications.

ZVex Vibrophase phase effects pedal: No candles needed!

A new phaser pedal from ZVex, but this time it doesn't require a candle to power it. But will this new vertical format phaser be enough to stun your wallet into parting with money for one?

Hard Mod Electronics release the hand-built Modular Synth Spring Reverb

From Mexico City comes the awkwardly named Modular Synth Spring Reverb a beautifully hand-crafted modular synthesizer with a naked spring reverb and two independent oscillators built into a flight case.

ToneBoosters updates its affordable ReelBus tape machine plug-in to v4

ReelBus 4 has improved tape simulation algorithms and new creative effects, such as Wear, which simulates tape damage to different degrees. New to version 4 are also a tape flanging effect with LFO.

Radial gets into presentation audio with its Presenter small-format mixer

The new Presenter mixer seems like a smart idea: designed a compact mixer that can easily accommodate audio from mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops over USB or 3.5mm TRS.

Softube announces its “best de-esser ever”, the Weiss Deess plug-in

Softube says its new Weiss Deess plug-in is "the only deesser you are ever going to need" - at $199 a throw, you'd certainly hope so! But the tech used here has a widely respected lineage.

R606 MKII: Fancy a Roland TR-606 in a 4HP module?

Now with 6 classic virtually modelled analog Roland TR-606 style drum sounds the R606 MKII packs some classic vibes into a space saving 4hp Eurorack module.

Plogue returns with PortaFM synth, emulates vintage Yamaha chip

The synth is organised around two YM2413 emulations which comprise the main synth engine, and a new synth "core" dedicated to drum sounds. This allows for creative layering possibilities.

iZotope Vocal Synth 2 coming soon: the advent of human throat modelling

Biovox models the physical and acoustic properties of the human vocal tract, letting you treat vocals (or other input signal) in great detail like nasality, vowel shapes, and formants.

Hickory and Dickory: tactile hardware control for your FabFilter plug-ins

Both Hickory and Dickory look (and probably feel) like actual analogue hardware, giving MIDI control over FabFilter's plug-ins - or any other EQ plug-ins that accept MID input.

Moog Grandmother update: videos explore the sound and construction

An official-looking video takes us inside the Moog build process and explains the components in the Grandmother while another from gives us Justin Meldal-Johnsen's first impressions and some great sound demos.

Sonivox Stratum unites supersaws, FM synthesis, and modern effects

Stratum is a software synthesizer which combines the famous supersaw sound inspired by the classic Roland JP-8000 with a four-operator FM section, noise generator and sub-oscillator. Sounds retro!

Deep Space Devices Golem – Clay monster or expressive box of dirt?

This boutique overdrive pedal has access to many parameters and includes both silicon and germanium diodes in the clipping circuit, but is there too much control?