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?

Solar Guitars adds eight new cool models to its line-up

Solar Guitars, the baby of YouTube Swedish guitarist Ola Englund, has just announced eight new models and we think you should really be checking them out.

Swedish Death Metal guitar sound explained – Ola England and a Boss HM-2

The origins of Sweden's metal scene can be in many ways linked to a long forgotten, but now highly sought after Boss effects pedal that we all scorned back in the 1980s.

Lucem Custom Designs The Unorthodox – Slowdive’s Neil Halsted has a new axe

Slowdive's Neil Halsted has a new signature limited run guitar handmade by English guitar makers Lucem Custom Designs but is this Unorthodox guitar too whacky for the masses?

Dr. No Effects Moon Canyon – Freak out in a moonage daydream?

A collaboration that has been two years in the making, this new effect made by Dr No for guitarist Sarah Lipstate will have you longing for the full moon at the end of the month

Moog Grandmother analogue semi-modular synthesizer leaked ahead of Moogfest

Moog are releasing a colourful modular monosynth that assumes your Grandmother is a tripped out hippy chick from the 70's who was at Woodstock. It's $899 at Moogfest but you do get a free denim jacket.

Epiphone Joe Bonamassa JB 355s teased on Twitter

Joe Bonamassa has just teased two signature models via his Twitter feed. Double trouble, but you'll have to wait until 2019 to get your hands on either one

Qu-Bit Nebulae 2 granular sampler and DSP platform is ready to go

The Qu-Bit Nebulae 2 can sample up to 5 minutes of audio, pitch it, twist it, granulise, mangle it and slice it back out in stereo. It will also take alternative firmwares to become many other things too.

Yamaha buys Ampeg! It’s all about the bass.

The news today is that Ampeg has been purchased by Yamaha. Another great instrument brand is rescued by the Far East musical instrument giant, could this be the way forward for other struggling guitar ...