SAINT-CYPRIEN, FRANCE: Intuitive Instruments is proud to introduce its Exquis – Dualo Legacy soundbank for decent|SAMPLES’ Decent Sampler plug-in — porting the iconic soundbank from its du-touch and du-touch S all-in-one instruments (originally released under the now-defunct Dualo brand name) to the now-fully-MPE-compatible sampler plug-in from well-known composer, music tech YouTuber, and software developer David Hilowitz — as of December 17…
Thanks to Intuitive Instruments closely collaborating with David Hilowitz, decent|SAMPLES’ widely-used Decent Sampler plug-in available for free is now fully compatible with the MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) specification — specifically designed for MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) controllers to allow the performer to vary the pitch and timbre of individual notes while playing polyphonically — and, as such, one of very few samplers empowering creators to design their own richly expressive, MPE-ready sound libraries.
Intuitive Instruments’ Exquis – Dualo Legacy ports the iconic soundbank from its (discontinued) du-touch and (available) du-touch S all-in-one instruments to decent|SAMPLES’ Decent Sampler plug-in, packing 158 carefully crafted sounds — some only playable or best to play with MPE or polyphonic aftertouch controllers — across every category — from basses and winds to keys, pads, and drums — as a complete and versatile palette for any genre.
It is available to download directly from decent|SAMPLES, offered as a full pack of 158 sounds (https://www.decentsamples.com/product/exquis-dualo-legacy-by-intuitive-instruments/) for $149.00 USD or as 10 individual category packs — namely, the 17-sound Exquis –
Saying that, the Exquis – Dualo Legacy soundbank is fully compatible with all MIDI controllers, whether they are standard MIDI or MPE enabled. Every preset has been designed to respond musically on any keyboard or pad controller, though the library shines even brighter on MPE instruments, where it is possible to play with the X, Y (CC74), and Z (Channel pressure) axes to modulate each note individually. It is fair to say, though, that non-MPE controllers — such as polyphonic aftertouch keyboards — can still benefit from Z-axis-controlled modulation and traditional MIDI controls.
Duly designated by name as such, Exquis – Dualo Legacy is also specifically optimized for all variants of Intuitive Instruments’ award-winning Exquis universal MPE/MIDI and CV controller (as well as other MPE instruments), offering smooth response curves, natural expressivity, and presets that make the most of multidimensional performance. Put it this way: with Exquis, users can use its four knobs to shape effects in real time, enjoying enhanced dynamic realism — especially on acoustic sounds, many of which respond to velocity and timbral gestures.
Get this, though: Intuitive Instruments has also taken this trailblazing software development as an opportunity to simultaneously announce a significant update to the accompanying Exquis app to Version 3.0.0. Fanciful features include: audio output recording — capture performances instantly and export them as high-quality WAV audio files, ready for production or sharing; export of each clip as a fully-detailed MIDI file — preserving all MPE data for seamless transfer into any DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) for further editing and post-production; visual score display of clips on the Exquis keyboard itself — instantly recall any recorded clip and see the notes light up on the keyboard via integrated LEDs; MIDI CC support — specifically, CC#11 (expression pedal), CC#64 (sustain pedal), CC#65 (portamento on/off), and CC#67 (soft pedal), all seamlessly routed to the current instrument for deeper, more natural control; exploration and selection of scales and note layouts directly from the Exquis keyboard — no mouse, no menus, just pure musical flow; and MPE and arpeggio freeze — freeze notes and arpeggios while retaining all their expressive dimensions, opening new creative possibilities for evolving textures and performances.
Owners of any Exquis variant — including David Hilowitz himself, no less — will, no doubt, be delighted with that additional announcement. “As the creator of Decent Sampler, I’ve been thrilled to collaborate with Intuitive Instruments on expanding our MPE capabilities,” he says, before continuing and concluding with evident enthusiasm shining through: “Their Exquis controller has been my primary testbed — flexible, affordable, and, frankly, fantastic; their Exquis – Dualo Legacy collection, a vast collection of MPE-ready sample libraries, has also been in constant rotation for me — not just as a developer, but also as a composer.”
Intuitive Instruments’ Exquis – Dualo Legacy soundbank for decent|SAMPLES’ Decent Sampler is available to purchase and download as a full pack or 10 individual category packs directly from decent|SAMPLES here: https://www.decentsamples.com/product-category/publishers/intuitive-instruments/ (Note that the 158-sound full pack is initially available at an introductory promo price of $104.30 USD until December 31, 2025, rising thereafter to its regular price of $149.00 USD.)
Decent|SAMPLES’ Decent Sampler itself is available for free for Mac (Intel & ARM/Native Silicon: VST, VST3, AU, AAX, Standalone) and Windows (10 and above, 32-bit/64-bit: VST, VST3, AAX, Standalone) from here: https://www.decentsamples.com/product/decent-sampler-plugin/
Anyone interested in exploring the ‘Dualo Legacy’ sound before committing to making a purchase can download the Exquis – Dualo Legacy (Taster Pack) for free from here: https://www.decentsamples.com/product/exquis-dualo-legacy-taster-pack/
Owners of Exquis can download the latest version (3.0.0) of the accompanying Exquis app — available for Mac (macOS 10.11 and above) and Windows (10 and above) — for free from here: https://dualo.com/en/welcome/
Become better acquainted with Exquis Version 3.0.0 while watching Intuitive Instruments’ introductory video here:
About Intuitive Instruments (www.dualo.com/en/)
Formed 15 years ago, Intuitive Instruments (formerly Dualo) creates inspirational solutions for music lovers — from beginners to professionals. Product-wise, its first commercial release was the five-octave du-touch Pro in 2014, effectively evolving mathematician Jules Hortrique’s dualo principle based on the logic of harmony into an all-in-one instrument with backlit keys, combining an internal sound bank and a looper to spontaneously play and compose music anywhere. The three-octave du-touch S followed in 2017 as a more compact affair — after a Kickstarter campaign successfully raised €220K mainly through French backers — adopted by over 3,000 musicians; some serious research with teachers and pedagogy specialists led to it being complemented in 2019 by du-game — subscription-based interactive tutorials to be loaded into the instrument itself via the (supplied) du-station software — as an educational game giving the keys to unlocking dozens of music genres to those wishing to learn the vocabulary of composing and improvising in a variety of styles, subsequently used in many music school classes throughout France. Following three years of research led by a new R&D (Research and Development) team encompassing engineers with previous experience of working on the Expressiv E Osmose expressive MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) synthesizer, Intuitive Instruments introduced its latest generation of intuitive, expressive, and educational instruments in Exquis at the 2024 NAMM Show, albeit by then the masterful MPE controller in question had already won the hotly-contested ‘Commercial Hardware Product’ category at the 2023 MIDI Innovation Awards.
About David Hilowitz (www.davidhilowitz.com)
David Hilowitz is a composer, software developer, and creator of decent|SAMPLES’ widely-used Decent Sampler plug-in, known for making powerful sampling tools available to musicians and producers alike. Additionally, he runs a popular music tech YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/DavidHilowitzMusic) where he shares creative explorations, instrument insights, and tutorials, reaching a large audience of creators and enthusiasts. Operating out of Philadelphia, PA, USA, he combines his skills in composition, community education, and tech to support and grow the Decent Sampler ecosystem.
© 2025 Intuitive Instruments SAS
EDINBURGH, UK: The Crow Hill Company is proud to bring a beautiful set of tuned gongs to its free VAULTS… VI (Virtual Instrument) collection as …TUNED GONGS — germinated as a downloadable drop with a difference, effectively enabling anyone to play an extraordinary quartet of harmonized gongs designed and used by meditation gurus as part of gong bath setups in a way that was never intended by their Italian creator after being bought and sampled by composer Christian Henson, original founder of the Edinburgh-based enterprise, abiding, as always, by its Make Music, Your Music motto — as of January 8…
It is sometimes said — quite often, truth be told — that All roads lead to Rome. And although that popular proverb does not apply to The Crow Hill Company’s VAULTS – TUNED GONGS in the true sense of those words’ intended meaning, Italy’s capital city could be said to have played a passing part in the VI in question’s road to reality. Composer Christian Henson picks up the tentative thread, teasing, “There is a cave, just outside Rome, and in that cave they make gongs; we’re not sponsored by them — they don’t even know we’re making this thing. They do more than you’d expect out of a big cymbal.”
Changing tact, Christian Henson clarifies: “Ask any member of The Crow Hill team about my attention span and they will say that whilst, like most of us musos, I have the capacity for hyper-focus, I’m also easily distracted — especially when it comes to something new. We’re meant to be working on a fascinating new addition to the Origins… series, but, unfortunately, I’m easy prey for an Instagram post featuring an instrument I hadn’t heard before. Correction: I’d heard gongs before; I’ve even had the chance to play one, but none that sounded like these ones. Or rather this one. The big one. So I bought a whole tree of them! That’s what’s so fulfilling about this Crow Hill project; we get to make investments on behalf of the composing fraternity, so we all get a go.”
Get this, though. “This VAULTS… features four incredible-sounding tuned gongs that were designed, I suspect, for gong bath therapy,” theorizes The Crow Hill Company’s original founder, following up with some characteristically vibrant verbiage: “Beautiful, bold fundamentals; mystical, engaging harmonics; and also a bottom end that shakes the room. I very much get the feeling that these gongs are not designed to be whacked. They really do complain when they’re abused in this way. The big one… well, she growls like a distant dragon, while the smallest protests in the shape of a scoop up an entire perfect fifth before it reluctantly settles into its fundamental. We’ve basically overlapped them and layered them to give you a quite rudimentary piano-style, chromatic instrument.”
It is fair to say, then, that the sometimes badly behaving VAULTS – TUNED GONGS sounds somewhat different to any of its software siblings. Saying that, though, its intuitive GUI (Graphical User Interface) is comfortingly familiar to anyone who has laid eyes on any VAULTS… release, identical in (almost) all aspects — bar its distinguishing background color change — to all of The Crow Hill Company’s current collection. “Front end-wise, we’ve got EXPRESSION on CC11,” continues Christian Henson. “On the gongs that are higher in pitch you do get a kind of rumble, so I would recommend being very cautious about the SUB BASS control — particularly when you close the LPF [Low Pass Filter], when there’s a super-wide low end, which is so difficult to achieve; getting that kind of fatness, but also having that stereo width is pretty incredible. If you’re confident with your bass response in your studio or on your headphones, then go for it, but this thing really does shake the room. Then we’ve got some DELAY. You can make it even wider with the REVERB, and, because we’re naughty, there’s a little bit of CRYSTALLIZER in there, which is just incredible. As always with the VAULTS… macros, they’re designed so that you can’t make it sound terrible — everything has a subtle musical quality to it.”
Concludes Christian Henson: “We’re doing something incredibly exciting; a new way of sampling, but also treating these gongs with utmost respect, appreciating their soft, infinitely nuanced harmonics that change on every hit. The distraction has become a serious one, taking weeks as they’re not easy to record. When something is shaking the room and all the air inside it, what do you mic? So we needed a test recording. What better way of ushering in 2026 than with a shuddering tree of room-shaking gongs? There are some lower dynamics in there, which will give you a sense of where we’re headed with this project — a useful tuned metallophone that’s difficult to place, but, really, the purpose of this VAULTS… is to gong these! For that odd time you need a gong for a cue, these are pure class. I also found turning my speakers up and playing at full velocity to be an excellent way of getting my teenagers down for breakfast; they don’t like them at all.”
VAULTS… releases from The Crow Hill Company — including …TUNED GONGS — are free for all to download and make music with for the rest of their lives from here: https://thecrowhillcompany.com/vaults/
For more in-depth information, please visit the dedicated VAULTS – TUNED GONGS webpage here: https://thecrowhillcompany.com/tuned-gongs/
Watch The Crow Hill Company co-founder Christian Henson’s illuminating introductory walkthrough video for VAULTS – TUNED GONGS here: https://youtu.be/YMAG9Xi3tPg
VAULTS – TUNED GONGS installation and activation requires installation of The Crow Hill App — an easy-to-use app designed by the best in the business to provide seamless download, installation, integration, calibration, and organization of The Crow Hill Company tools — available for free from here: https://thecrowhillcompany.com/crow-hill-app/
Although anyone adding a VAULTS… release to their account (https://thecrowhillcompany.com/my-account/) for free can make music with it for the rest of their lives, only six such releases are available to download at any given time — the oldest being ‘rested’ whenever a new monthly release is added.
All is not lost for those who may have missed the boat, so-to-speak, since those VAULTS… taken out of rotation periodically reappear as donation-ware, with six rested releases already available as VAULTS ARCHIVE N°01 (https://thecrowhillcompany.com/vaults-archive-no01/) for a small donation to Love Music (https://lovemusic.org.uk), a Scottish dynamic music inclusion and education charity that strives to increase its participants’ confidence, musical skills, and well-being through an exciting range of open-access projects designed to remove all barriers to participation and increase diversity in music-making.
About The Crow Hill Company (www.thecrowhillcompany.com)
Achievable as a result of selling some of the best and most interesting sample plug-ins available today, The Crow Hill Company represents realization of company co-founder and composer Christian Henson’s heartfelt dream of encouraging people to make music and help them on their journey, regardless of whatever point they were at and wherever their journey began by providing access to challenges, content, networking opportunities, and resources. Always abiding by its Make Music, Your Music motto, every month the Edinburgh-based enterprise drops a new VAULTS… release, ready for all to download and make music with for the rest of their lives — free for those who value sound.
© 2026 Crow Hill Productions Ltd
Chicago, IL, USA – January 8, 2026 – Black Lion Audio is proud to announce the MIDI Eight, an 8-input/8-output MIDI interface designed to unify even the most sprawling synth and controller setups. With driverless class-compliant operation, flexible standalone modes, and a robust five-port powered USB hub built directly into the unit, the MIDI Eight brings order, stability, and serious workflow upgrades to any studio or stage.
A streamlined, plug-and-play MIDI studio
With MIDI Eight at the heart of a production rig, an entire MIDI ecosystem becomes instantly organized and ready for whatever workflow the moment demands. No more wasted time re-patching sequencers, controllers, drum machines, and synth modules — simply select the desired mode from the front panel and get straight into music-making.
The MIDI Eight provides eight 5-pin MIDI inputs and outputs, bold real-time activity indicators for visual feedback, and front-mounted I/O for quick connection of newly-acquired hardware. A built-in five-port powered USB hub accommodates modern USB MIDI controllers, mobile devices, and essential computer peripherals, making the MIDI Eight a complete command center for hybrid or hardware-only setups. A dedicated PANIC button instantly silences stuck notes — a must-have for both live and studio reliability.
Ultimate compatibility
The MIDI Eight is fully class-compliant for plug-and-play use with macOS and Windows — no drivers or installers required. It is equally comfortable as a studio interface or as the nerve center of a touring rig. Power it via USB when connected to a computer, or switch to the included DC adapter to run the unit completely standalone.
Standalone mode for DAW-less jams, live sets, and more
Whether going DAW-less, building a hardware-centric performance rig, or just seeking the reliability of computer-free routing, MIDI Eight is prepared.
It offers three dedicated STANDALONE MODES for routing:
∙ PASS: Each input routes directly to its corresponding output for fast, intuitive connections.
∙ THRU: A single MIDI input distributes data to every output simultaneously — perfect for one controller driving multiple synths or drum machines.
∙ MERGE: All inputs are combined and sent to output 1 — ideal for multiple controllers feeding a single multitimbral sound generator or DAW.
Users will be able to switch modes directly from the front panel and to reshape their workflow without even touching a patch cable.
Live effect switching and show sync
The MIDI Eight is equally at home on stage as it is in the studio. Guitarists with MIDI-capable effects rigs, keyboardists running synchronized processors, and bands performing with backing tracks or IEM cue systems will all find it an indispensable tool.
Use the MIDI Eight to distribute program changes, synchronize tempo-based effects, and maintain perfect lock-step across an entire live band’s setup. Built to withstand real-world touring demands, it delivers Black Lion Audio-grade stability, performance after performance.
Classic Black Lion build quality
Housed in a sleek black aluminum enclosure with a vibrant LED MIDI monitor, MIDI Eight brings style and clarity to any equipment rack. It is rugged, reliable, and surprisingly handsome — Black Lion Audio has managed to do something few thought possible: they made MIDI sexy.
The MIDI Eight will begin shipping through Black Lion Audio’s growing global network of dealers and distributors (https://www.blacklionaudio.com/dealers/) in mid-Q1 2026 with a US MAP of $349.00 USD and an EU SSP of €465.00 EUR (inc. 19% VAT).
For more information, please visit the product webpage here: https://www.blacklionaudio.com/store/interfaces/midi-eight
About Black Lion Audio (www.blacklionaudio.com)
Founded in Chicago, Black Lion Audio is known for creating high-quality audio products, including professional-grade preamps, compressors, converters, and more. The company’s mission is to provide exceptional audio equipment with a focus on innovation, craftsmanship, and superior sound quality.
© 2026 Black Lion Audio
The new autoSeries includes autoEQ, autoDYN, and autoBUS, enabling users to access powerful, adaptive profile-based features while focusing on creativity
Oxford, UK, January 8, 2026 — Solid State Logic announces the launch of its new SSL autoSeries plug-ins, combining SSL’s best-in-class 4000 E modeling with sonible’s cutting-edge, AI-assisted audio analysis. The trio of new plug-ins, which include autoEQ, autoDYN, and autoBUS, are the only official SSL 4000 Series plug-ins on the market that leverage the power of sonible’s market-leading AI assistive capabilities.
The autoSeries plug-ins are available now, with individual perpetual licenses at a special introductory price of $49/ £39 / €49 each excluding local taxes through to Jan 26th 2026 *. They are also available as part of the Complete Access subscription.
The autoSeries of plug-ins features native AI-assisted analysis, helping users create and adapt processing relative to their source material. Each AI-assisted plug-in analyses the user’s audio’s spectral and dynamic characteristics, suggests adaptive profiles with style-matched settings, and instantly delivers fully editable processing. As a result, users can begin their journey into music production with learn‑as‑you‑mix guidance, and professionals can apply their own personalised touch faster. The net result for every user is more time in the creative zone.
“SSL has always strived to create recording and production tools that allow our customers to expand their abilities and focus on their creation” comments Enrique Perez, SSL GM/CTO. “This new partnership with sonible builds in their powerful AI audio analysis engine to complement our classic SSL processing, giving our customers more freedom to do exactly that.” Alex Wankhammer, sonible CMO, adds “sonible has been at the forefront of AI-assisted audio processing for over a decade, and this initial partnership with SSL showcases how new machine learning tools can combine with traditional processing techniques to offer users something very unique”.
autoEQ: shaping sound with intelligent, audio-aware assistance
Modelled on the SSL 4K E channel strip, autoEQ takes legendary SSL processing to a new level by analysing the audio and presenting adaptive profiles with style-matched settings that remain fully editable. autoEQ delivers the same sonic signature that helped shape records by groundbreaking artists, including Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, Kate Bush, U2, Metallica, and many more. Users can expect the classic SL 4000 Series sound character, including presence, clarity, and musicality — but with the benefit of intelligent, audio-aware assistance.
Key features of autoEQ include:
autoDYN: a range of dynamic sound shaping possibilities
Modelled on the SSL 4K E consoles channel strip Compressor/Limiter and Gate/Expander, and as the entire family of autoSeries plug-ins, autoDYN presents adaptive profile-based settings and instantly delivers dynamics processing that is fully editable. Users can access punchy, aggressive compression, super‑fast, musical gating, explosive expansion, and a range of other dynamic possibilities – all with intelligent, audio-aware assistance to help achieve faster results. Whether the source material is a kick, snare, vocal, bass, guitar, or other instrument, AI assistance helps establish an initial starting point, keeping the focus on creativity.
Key features of autoDYN include:
autoBUS: a range of dynamic sound shaping possibilities
Modelled on what is arguably the most coveted production tool ever created, the Bus Compressor from the legendary SSL 4000 G console, autoBUS analyses your audio, presents adaptive profile‑based, style‑matched settings, and instantly delivers mix bus or subgroup processing that remains fully editable. The sound of the 4000 G transcended genres, embraced by legendary engineers and producers including Tom Lord Alge, Bob Rock, and MixedByAli, and used by artists including Springsteen, Pink Floyd, Nirvana, and Massive Attack. autoBUS’ AI assistance provides optimisation processing for whatever genre a user may be working in, as well as offering intelligent Full Mix, Vocal, Guitar and Drum bus profiles, giving you even more tailored options for different elements of your production.
Key features of autoBUS include:
Pricing:
Discover the SSL autoSeries here: https://store.solidstatelogic.com/plug-ins/autoseries-bundle. SSL autoSeries plug-ins are also available as part of the Complete Access subscription: Complete Access Bundle | Solid State Logic + Harrison Audio + Slate Digital
About Solid State Logic
Solid State Logic is the world’s leading manufacturer of analogue and digital audio consoles and provider of creative tools for music, broadcast, live and post production professionals. For more information about our award-winning products, please visit: www.solidstatelogic.com.
Powered by ARC, iLoud Sub is the only subwoofer that automatically calibrates itself and any connected monitors to the room, regardless of brand, providing balanced, accurate, and reliable sound across the entire audio spectrum, from bottom to top.
iLoud Sub at a Glance:
iLoud Sub isn’t just about adding low end – it’s about elevating the entire monitoring system to a new level, providing full-range depth and emotional impact that conventional monitors simply can’t deliver on their own.
iLoud Sub is available from the IK Multimedia online store and IK-authorized dealers worldwide.
*All pricing is excluding taxes.
For more information about the iLoud Sub series or to see the studio monitors in action, please visit: www.ikmultimedia.com/iloudsub
Inspired by a rare, customized Wurlitzer 120 — a rhythm guitarist on keys
Berlin, Germany, December 18, 2025 — UJAM announces Virtual Pianist GRIT, the latest addition to its Virtual Pianist series. Modeled from a rare, customized Wurlitzer 120 electric piano, GRIT delivers a raw, character-driven sound and rhythmic pianist phrases designed to bring edge, movement, and attitude to arrangements and productions. It is the second electric pianist in the series, following VIBE, and offers a distinctly more rugged and expressive voice.
An electric rebel
Designed to behave as much like a rhythm instrument as a traditional keyboard, GRIT approaches the electric piano from a performance-focused perspective. It adds drive and momentum to any arrangement. As part of UJAM’s Virtual Pianist series, GRIT features a built-in player that acts like a personal session pianist, producing realistic accompaniments using phrase-based performances that can be adjusted in terms of harmony, style, and dynamics. It is well-suited to music ranging from 1960s soul and 1970s funk to indie, electronic, ambient, and cinematic productions. Instrument mode also allows musicians to play the sampled electric piano directly for a more hands-on approach.
“Most producers already have plenty of electric piano plug-ins, so the challenge was finding one that truly felt different,” said Derek von Krogh, Virtual Pianist co-creator. “This customized Wurlitzer 120 stood out immediately. It has an edge and character you do not hear in more familiar electric piano sounds. I have always been drawn to the Wurlitzer’s direct, working-class attitude, and GRIT pushes that personality even further. It is raw, expressive, and brings a very distinct voice to the Virtual Pianist series.”
Key features of Virtual Pianist GRIT:
Availability
Virtual Pianist GRIT is available in VST2, VST3, AU2, and AAX formats for macOS and Windows.
Pricing:
Introductory Pricing
(December 18, 2025 – January 25, 2026)
MSRP
With the release of GRIT, the MSRP of the Virtual Pianist Bundle will increase from $249 to $299.
For more details about Virtual Pianist GRIT, visit www.ujam.com.
About UJAM
UJAM was co-founded by Hans Zimmer and Pharrell Williams, both musicians whose careers have been significantly supported by technology. The vision behind UJAM is to make technology even more accessible and encourage even more people to make music.
This vision is being realized by a team of virtual instrument pioneers who had previously developed legendary virtual instruments from Steinberg and Digidesign — from Steinberg Hypersonic to Virtual Guitarist, from Digidesign Xpand to Transfuser — and who finally want to realize their vision of shortening the path from the idea to the perfect track. More fun, better results, less complexity.
Disclaimer: Virtual Pianist GRIT was developed by UJAM using its own sampling and modeling techniques to replicate a historic Wurlitzer electric piano. “Wurlitzer“ is not affiliated with UJAM, and neither Wurlitzer nor any current or prospective owner of the Wurlitzer trademark has endorsed or is otherwise affiliated with UJAM.
Refraction is available NOW! Free Instruments w Purchase!
Sonora Cinematic, Edinburgh, Scotland – 16th December 2025. Sonora Cinematic has announced the release of Refraction – a Kontakt Player instrument which combines the realism of an upright piano with spectral shaping for playing and crafting haunting, nostalgic and evolving soundscapes.
Building on the spectral-shaping magic that made the developer’s Harmonic Bloom sound design tool so inspiring, Refraction reimagines the piano as a fluid, instrument – one that blooms, sustains, and morphs in ways no traditional piano library ever could.
Refraction begins with a premium upright piano, captured with a selection of microphones positioned around the piano and prepared with an ultra-thin layer of felt that preserves the full clarity of each note. But it’s what happens after the note is played that sets Refraction apart from any other library…
In essence, the Refraction engine captures the resonances of held notes, sustains them and passes them through a tuned filter bank that tracks the notes being played. The result is a beautiful soundscape shaped from the sound of the piano itself, which can be controlled by playing.
The Mixer
The mixer offers four main microphone positions as well as an echo signal for a vintage vibe. The signals can be mixed and matched, keeping the signals phase-coherent.
The Resonator – Where The Magic Happens
The Resonator’s sliders control a series of resonant band-pass filters. Their centre frequencies are automatically assigned to the fundamental of the note being played and the first six harmonics – polyphonically. The volume and panning position of each harmonic can be shaped independently, making it easy to create wide, lush-sounding pads.
At the heart of the interface is the Resonance Bloom control, mapped to the mod wheel by default. Increasing it boosts selected harmonics while simultaneously enhancing their resonance, adding depth with vibrant high-frequency content for a rich, organic sound.
The Resonator is independent of the main mixer so the piano mics can be muted entirely and the resonance played exclusively – transforming the instrument into exquisite cinematic pads crafted entirely from the piano’s own harmonics.
To manipulate the sound further, Refraction includes three ambiences from intimate spaces to shimmering, cinematic tails, usable in combination for lush, immersive environments.
Whether crafting piano performances, cinematic pads, or hybrid acoustic-electronic beds, Refraction offers a unique palette that blends realism with spectral shaping to deliver haunting, nostalgic, gently evolving soundscapes rich in emotion and atmosphere.
Refraction – Key Features
Pricing
Refraction is available to download now for the introductory price of £59 (normally £89) until 31st January 2026. For a limited time, customers can also choose a free Kontakt or Soundbox instrument when they add Refraction to their cart by 5th January 2026.
All prices exclude VAT.
For full details, videos and audio demos visit: https://sonoracinematic.com/products/refraction-by-sonora-cinematic?aff=6
Pigments is an all-in-one software synthesizer for music makers who want to craft their own sounds, combining six powerful synthesis types, deep modulation, studio-grade effects, and a generative sequencer in an intuitive, color-coded interface — striking the perfect balance between deep sound design and immediate creative flow.
Available Now! https://www.arturia.com/products/software-instruments/pigments
Create forward with boundary-pushing sound design.
Pigments 7 introduces a revamped Play View, new sound-design modules, upgraded audio precision, fresh content, guided tutorials, and significant performance boosts for a smoother, more inspiring experience _Play View Revamp A redesigned, highly visual Play View focused on real-time feedback, hands-on sound manipulation, and fast, intuitive editing.
-Rage Filter
-Ripple Filter
-Reverb Filter
-Corroder Effect
-Sharper amplitude envelope enhancing punchiness and precision
-FM modulation on the classic filter
-150 new factory presets
-450 expansion presets
-50 wavetables, 30 samples, 20 noises
In-app, use-case-driven tutorials that guide users through real production techniques.
-Modulation UX to Displays the modulation range
-CPU Improvements WHAT’S NEW? (2/2) _Cool Things to Have Fun With CREATE FORWARD
Thanks to the new Play View, you can quickly grasp tone, timbre and intention behind each preset, helping you browse presets and find your sound.
_Play Immerse yourself in the new Play View, giving you the right balance of abstraction vs control, focusing on your sound and how it feels.
_Rage Using the new Rage Filter, unlock a new way to add raw grittiness and bite in your sound design process, creating distinctive harmonics.
_Acid Reach Acid Tones with the new Rage Filter paired with the Sequencer for high energy leads & basslines.
_Laser & Ringing Tones Using the new Ripple Filter, achieve frequency based phase offset, creating laser transient sounds to ringing high ends, great for modern sound design. CREATE FORWARD
The new Reverb & Ripple filters contain plenty of sweet spots allowing you to reach your own unique timbre, especially great for modern electronic bass & lead sound design.
_Metallic Timbre The new Reverb Filter can create metallic resonant sounds when playing with high resonance.
_Sound Effects Modulating the Cutoff of the Reverb Filter creates non-tonal noisy swooshes, perfect for sound effects.
_Controlled Degradation With the new Corroder Effect, dial in the right amount of degradation applied to the frequency band of your choice, while keeping the core timbre of your dry signal
_Achieve Precision With the improved amplitude envelope, reach faster timing, unlocking precision for sharp Psytrance Bass
Visit Arturia for more information: https://www.arturia.com/products/software-instruments/pigments
Available as part of the SSL Complete Access subscription, SpringVerb enables producers to tap into the authentic tone and texture behind countless classic recordings across rock, pop, electronic music, reggae/dub, and more
Oxford, UK, December 9, 2025 — Solid State Logic announces the launch of SpringVerb, part of the SSL ‘Verb’ collection of plug-ins, which now features SpringVerb, PlateVerb, and GateVerb. SpringVerb imparts the unmistakable vibe of classic spring reverb into your productions, combining authentic vintage hardware character with the flexibility of modern SSL control. Carefully modelled on the most legendary spring tanks ever built, SpringVerb embodies the authentic tone and texture behind countless classic recordings across rock, pop, electronic music, reggae/dub, and more. It is perfectly suited for guitars, snares, vocals, keys, and synths.SpringVerb is a welcome addition to the Verb family of plug-ins: All three plug-ins deliver their own distinct sonic textures: spring for retro bounce, plate for smooth studio polish, and gated for dramatic punch. As a collection, they give producers versatile tools to shape mood, space, and impact across any style of music.
SpringVerb: One Step Beyond
Spring reverbs naturally emphasise the mid and high frequencies that can quickly take over a mix. SSL SpringVerb gives you precise control over this behaviour, with dedicated damping to tame problem areas before they build up, plus intelligent ducking to keep the effect sitting exactly where it is needed. While classic hardware tanks are limited by their physical design, SpringVerb goes a step further, offering deep, musical parameter control that unlocks sonic shaping that would be impossible on traditional units.
Key Features:
c) The go-to choice for dub, used by King Tubby and Lee Perry
Set the Controls
SpringVerb provides deep creative control over how the reverb is expressed. For instance, users can smoothly fade between single, double, and triple-springs. The more springs, the denser and complex the reverb will become. Meanwhile, the Time knob controls decay length, with the Sync button allowing it to lock to tempo-based values when desired. The Freeze button stops new input and will create an infinite reverb tail until it is turned off.
Users also have creative flexibility by adjusting the spring tension, which changes the reverb’s character. Tightening the springs makes the sound travel faster making it feel more controlled, while loosening them adds the classic “twanginess” of spring reverbs, with more noticeable bouncing echoes. A dedicated Width knob can be rotated fully counter-clockwise to reduce the stereo image of the reverb to mono; many vintage spring tanks were wired in mono, so this can is one way users can recreate a vintage sound. The stereo image can also be expanded beyond 100% to push the reverb out to the sides of the stereo field.
Fully reactive Spring Tank
At the heart of SSL SpringVerb is the interactive Spring Tank: a visual recreation of that which is found on the vintage hardware, but fully interactive to your settings. The springs expand or contract with the Tension control (above). For creative bursts, one can set the Strength knob and trigger the Boing button to unleash chaotic resonance.
Other powerful controls include a pre-delay, which can impart a rhythmic slap back effect while locking to a host tempo; a Drive section that can add saturation to the input signal mimicking the harmonic richness of hardware; and damping knobs which can remove certain frequency components helping users ‘tune’ the specific frequency response of the reverb.
SpringVerb is the latest addition to the ever-expanding Complete Access Bundle subscription. Subscribers can access every SSL, Harrison Audio, Slate Digital plug-in for just $19.99 per month. Featuring VIRTUTM assisted mastering, Academy tutorials, samples, producer presets, and over 150 plug-ins valued at more than $15,000, the Complete Access Bundle is the ultimate package that gives all of the tools you need to elevate your sound.
SSL Family pricing
SpringVerb is available perpetually via the SSL eStore at a special introductory price of just £29.00 (Worth $49.00). This limited-time offer won’t last long — grab it today at https://store.solidstatelogic.com
Free 14-day trial
Alternatively, try SpringVerb along with every SSL, Harrison, and Slate Digital plug‑in through a free 14‑day Complete Access Bundle trial:
https://solidstatelogic.com/complete-access-bundle
About Solid State Logic
Solid State Logic is the world’s leading manufacturer of analogue and digital audio consoles and provider of creative tools for music, broadcast, live and post production professionals. For more information about our award-winning products, please visit: www.solidstatelogic.com.
Two limited-edition designs inspired by winter landscapes and architectural minimalism
Leeds, United Kingdom, December 9, 2025 — Rhodes Music announces two new Custom Shop MK8 pianos, ‘Glacial’ and ‘Monolith’, releasing simultaneously. Each model is hand-built in Leeds by Rhodes Master Builders and shaped by a distinct visual influence. Glacial takes direction from winter landscapes, while Monolith reflects the material character of brutalist architecture. Both pianos are built to order and will not be reissued once the order window closes on January 9, 2025.Custom Shop Glacial
The MK8 ‘Glacial’ is shaped by the quiet intensity of winter and the clarity of frozen landscapes. Its design centers on a hand-engraved transparent hood etched with a frost motif that recalls early-morning ice fractals, refracting light across the Arctic White harp beneath. This visual language extends across the Arctic White front panel, cheekblocks, tolex base, and matching sustain pedal, creating a sculptural silhouette. Subtle accents of Frostline Blue in the inlays, dial caps, and logo plates complete a palette inspired by the stark, reflective tones of cold-weather environments, pairing the MK8’s familiar sonic warmth with a design engineered to look as crisp as its name.
Key Features
Custom Shop Monolith
The MK8 ‘Monolith’ draws inspiration from brutalist architecture, focusing on materiality, form, and structural clarity. A hand-painted, distressed concrete-effect hood anchors the design, with tonal variations that mirror weathered stone and poured concrete. This textural language continues across the concrete-effect base and cheekblocks, giving the piano the appearance of a single cast form. Grey Stone-effect finishes on the front panel, cross braces, and hood strip reinforce the industrial aesthetic, while Machined Silver inlays and slate dial caps add subtle contrast. A matching stone-coated sustain pedal and footplate complete the unified identity, presenting the expressive sound of the MK8 in a design shaped by architectural minimalism and exposed materials.
Key Features
Availability
The MK8 ‘Glacial’ and MK8 ‘Monolith’ are available exclusively through the Rhodes Custom Shop from December 9 until January 9, 2025. Each piano is built to order and will not be reissued once the window closes.
Pricing
Glacial
£12,295 GBP (+ VAT)
€14,345 EUR (+ local taxes)
$16,395 USD
Monolith
£11,995 GBP (+ VAT)
€13,995 EUR (+ local taxes)
$15,995 USD
Both models are available with or without MIDI, with MIDI offered as an additional £1299. Customers may secure their order with a 20% deposit or receive a complimentary Rhodes stand when paying in full.
To learn more, please visit https://rhodesmusic.com/rhodes-custom-shop/
About Rhodes
For Rhodes loyalists around the world, this is a new chapter in Rhodes’ history, not a new book. With the Rhodes MK8, we’re returning to the principles, aesthetic, craftsmanship, and pride of Harold Rhodes’ originals. We’re paying homage to the past with our gaze fixed firmly on what lies ahead.
