Hamburg, 30 October 2025 — e-instruments unveils Slower Fragment, a new free virtual instrument in the Fragment series, delivering the evocative warmth and warped textures of half-speed tape recordings.
Based on the acclaimed Slower instrument, this free version captures the magic of analog tape slowed to half speed. Sounds recorded on four distinct tape machines have been pitched down an octave, resulting in a rich palette of lush harmonics, lo-fi grit, and atmospheric color, perfect for adding depth and character to any project.
Slower Fragment features six expertly crafted presets, each offering unique tonal flavors – from warm, tape-worn pianos and lush, evolving strings to airy winds and gritty synths. Three intuitive macro controls provide instant sound-shaping capabilities, allowing users to easily control multiple parameters such as saturation, delay, space, wobble, and reverse textures.
Slower Fragment is crafted to ignite instant inspiration, offering a taste of the magical world of half-speed tape sound. For producers seeking deeper control, the full version of Slower features 230 presets across 65 sound sources, extended modulation and FX controls and advanced sound-shaping possibilities. It’s the ultimate toolkit for creating evolving cinematic textures, immersive soundscapes, and richly detailed tape-based atmospheres.
Available Now – Free
Slower Fragment is available now as a free download from the e-instruments website.
Download here: https://e-instruments.com/instruments/fragment/slower-fragment
By releasing the VST 3.8 SDK, Steinberg transitions to the MIT Open-Source License, marking a significant shift from the previous dual licensing model.
Hamburg, Germany — Steinberg is proud to announce the launch of VST 3.8, the next generation version of its industry-leading Virtual Studio Technology (VST) plug-in framework that now offers the MIT Open Source License model, along with several improvements to the Software Developer Kit (SDK).
Developed by Steinberg, VST is an industry-standard audio plug-in format that revolutionized digital music production. Introduced in the mid-1990s, VST enables seamless integration of virtual instruments, effects, and audio processing tools within digital audio workstations (DAWs), allowing creators to expand their production capabilities with third party plug-ins. In its third generation (VST 3), the technology has continued to set the benchmark for performance, flexibility, and creative freedom across the global music and post-production industries.
With VST 3.8, the change to the MIT Open Source License responds to longstanding requests from third-party developers for a more open and flexible framework. By adopting the MIT License, Steinberg aims to remove barriers to integration, simplify development workflows, and strengthen collaboration across the global audio technology community.
“VST 3.8 has been a long time coming,” says Yvan Grabit, Technical Lead at Steinberg. “With the introduction of a new licensing model, we aim to simplify access and encourage broader adoption of VST audio plug-ins across platforms and applications.”
The MIT License of the VST 3.8 SDK permits free use, modification, and distribution of software, as long as the original copyright and license text are retained. This ensures proper attribution while allowing developers to freely use VST technology in both commercial and non-commercial software products.
Further additions in VST 3.8 include interface changes that improve support for MIDI 2.0, as well as an update to VSTGUI.
Also announced earlier this month, Steinberg has updated the licensing model for its ASIO technology, aligning it with a more open and developer-friendly approach. The ASIO SDK is available under GPLv3 licensing, allowing both proprietary and open-source licensing options to be offered side by side.
Availability
The VST 3.8.0 SDK is available from the Steinberg Developer Portal at
www.steinberg.net/developers/vstsdk/ under the existing licensing terms.
About Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH
Steinberg is known the world over for its music and audio software solutions. The company
has been developing, manufacturing and selling innovative products for musicians and
producers in the music, film, post-production and multimedia industries since 1984.
Steinberg products are used by Grammy and Oscar award-winning composers, engineers
and producers.
Visit www.steinberg.net for further details.
ACCLAIMED MODERN AND VINTAGE UPRIGHTS NOW AVAILABLE ON THE IVORY 3 PLATFORM
Available now, visit the Ilio store here!
Use Promo Code “PRAISETRACKS10” to save an additional 10%
[Boston, MA – October 21, 2025] – Synthogy, the leading developer of award-winning virtual piano instruments, is proud to announce the release of Ivory 3 LE Uprights – Modern & Vintage. Following the success of Ivory 3 American Concert D and Ivory 3 German D, this new “Legacy Edition” expands the next-generation Ivory 3 platform with two of Synthogy’s most beloved Upright Pianos.
Two Iconic Uprights, Reimagined
Ivory 3 LE Uprights features re-imagined libraries of two classic uprights. The Modern Upright captures the unmistakable tone of the Yamaha U5, long favored by players and producers for its rich, full sound and natural presence in a mix.
The Vintage Upright recreates the warmth and character of a restored 1914 Hume Upright—an American classic from the golden age of piano building. Every detail was meticulously sampled to preserve the authenticity, soul, and timeless charm that only an instrument of this vintage can provide.
Powered by the Ivory 3 Engine
Both instruments are brought to life through the power of Synthogy’s groundbreaking Ivory 3 engine. At its core is the award-winning RGB engine, featuring Continuous Velocity for seamless timbral transitions across every keystroke—a unique technology that delivers the expressive feel of modeling while retaining the depth and realism of sampled instruments.
The Ivory 3 engine is also MIDI 2.0 ready, supporting high-resolution velocity with up to 65,536 levels of timbre, offering musicians unprecedented control and limitless degrees of tone color.
Versatile, Expressive, and Ready for Any Genre
Captured in pristine stereo and expertly voiced with Ivory 3’s advanced sound-sculpting tools, these uprights come to life in any setting. A wide range of new presets offers variations tailored for solo performance, studio production, or ensemble playing. From vintage jazz, blues, and roots to modern rock, pop, and film scoring, these instruments bring unmistakable character and inspiration to every production.
More About Ivory 3
Since its debut in 2023, Ivory 3 has earned critical acclaim and excitement across the music industry. MusicPlayers.com awarded it the WIHO Award, with Jason Buchwald declaring: “Ivory 3 can do it all, and sound great doing it.” Sound On Sound’s Robin Bigwood wrote: “The sound quality and responsiveness is… addictive. So controllable, delicate one moment and then so singing, commanding or even thunderous the next…” And Synth and Software’s Nick Batzdorf praised it as a “stunning virtual instrument.”
Availability & Pricing
Ivory 3 LE Uprights is available now for Mac and Windows, and can be purchased directly from Synthogy or through authorized resellers.
For more information, visit: www.ilio.com
Falcon 2026 , now with special offers, free update for existing users
Paris, October 16th, 2025 – UVI release Falcon 2026, the next evolution of their flagship hybrid instrument. This update expands Falcon’s core experience with new oscillators, effects, modulators, and global usability improvements across the interface. Falcon continues to push boundaries as a deep and flexible environment for cutting-edge sound design, uniting advanced synthesis, sampling, modulation, and scripting in a streamlined workflow.
The 2026 release further establishes Falcon as a pinnacle of instrument design, offering new and inspiring ways to explore, shape, and perform sound with precision and character. The update is free for all registered users, including SonicBundle Owners and SonicPass subscribers, available now via UVI Portal.
Falcon 2026 – What’s New:– NEW Oscillators: including Phase Shaper, SupraSaw, 8o8 Bass Drum, and Grains- NEW FX: including Bloom Reverb, Tube Amp FX, and Vowels filter- NEW Modulators: including Voice Modulator and Flow Noise- NEW Script: Chord Generator- NEW Presets: including 100 all-new hand-crafted presets- Numerous UI Improvements (including enhanced visualizers for Diffuse Delay and Velvet Delay,
refreshed knobs, fonts, and more)
In addition UVI have also released 4 new Falcon Expansions, including:
PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
To mark the release, UVI are offering two special promotions: – Falcon 2026 is 50% off, available now for $149 / 149€ (regularly $299 / 299€), with new licenses including a $100 / 100€ voucher toward any soundware purchase- Buy 1 Get 1 Free on all Falcon Expansions (regularly $39 / 39€ each).
Both offers are available now on uvi.net, valid through November 3rd, 2025
ADDITIONAL PRODUCT INFORMATION
Additional information on Falcon 2026 and the new Falcon Expansions is available at:
https://www.uvi.net/falcon
A revolutionary standalone DAC/headphone amp that corrects the response of headphones and recreates the experience of mixing on professional studio monitors
October 16, 2025 – IK Multimedia introduces ARC ON·EAR. This revolutionary portable hardware device instantly corrects a headphone’s response and replicates the soundstage of professional studio monitors in an ideal studio setting without compromise. For the first time, users can now mix, master, and produce with total confidence anywhere.
Headphone Correction/Virtual Monitoring System
Mix with Confidence, Not Guesswork
Mixing with headphones is challenging. Even “reference” headphones color the sound, and exaggerated stereo width makes spatial judgment nearly impossible. ARC ON·EAR solves both problems – providing a neutral frequency response and a natural stereo image – so users can trust what they hear every time.
A Reliable Reference
Every pair of headphones has its own sonic fingerprint. ARC ON·EAR uses precision calibration profiles, measured with state-of-the-art reference rigs, to ensure accurate, transparent, and reliable sound. With support for hundreds of popular headphone models, users will experience the mix exactly as it should sound – clear, balanced, and true to life.
Real Studio Monitors
Unlike plug-ins or impulse-based “virtual rooms,” ARC ON·EAR utilizes advanced physical modeling to recreate the behavior of real studio monitors in an ideal acoustic space. There are no artificial reverbs or timbral coloration, just the natural depth, width, and clarity of a real control room – right in the user’s headphones.
Accuracy Begins with the Amplifier
The behavior of a headphone amplifier directly influences what is heard. Even high-end audio interfaces and mixers can modify a headphone’s frequency response – sometimes subtly, sometimes significantly – depending on the model and its output impedance.
ARC ON·EAR eliminates this variable. All calibration profiles are created using the exact same amplifier circuit found in the product, ensuring precise, reliable, and repeatable correction across all headphones and listening sessions.
Uncompromising Audio Quality
Powered by a 32-bit ESS SABRE® converter, a high-damping-factor, ultra-low-distortion power amplifier, and a digitally controlled analog volume stage, ARC ON·EAR delivers a truly audiophile-grade listening experience – with no compromises.
Virtual Monitoring that Goes Beyond
Instantly test mixes on a wide range of playback systems. With over 20 virtual studio monitors and more than 15 multimedia playback systems available at release, ARC ON·EAR enables users to precisely understand how a mix translates without ever taking off their headphones.
Effortless Control
The included and dedicated ARC ON·EAR control software lets users easily set up and fine-tune their listening experience. Once configured, the device operates completely standalone for up to 4 hours on a charge.
The ARC of Confidence
With continuous firmware updates, an expanding headphone database, and a growing collection of virtual monitors, ARC ON·EAR is a future-proof investment in mixing and enjoying sound. Whether producing on the go, mixing at night, or traveling the world, ARC ON·EAR offers the accuracy and confidence of a professional studio – everywhere.
Pricing and Availability
ARC ON·EAR has now commenced shipping and will reach full availability in all territories by mid November.
IK Multimedia online store: Click Hear To Learn More About ARC ON-EAR
IK authorized dealers worldwide: www.ikmultimedia.com/dealers
*Pricing excludes taxes.
For more information about ARC ON·EAR or to see it in action, please visit:
www.ikmultimedia.com/arconear/video
About IK Multimedia: IK Multimedia is a leading innovator in guitar, instrument and recording technologies that help millions of users sound better in the studio, on the go or onstage. ARC ON·EAR® and ARC® are registered trademarks and property of IK Multimedia. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Steinberg extends its ASIO licensing model to include both proprietary and open-source options, opening the way for a technical sponsorship of a new partner OBS.
HAMBURG, Germany — Steinberg has today announced that it has moved the licensing framework for its ASIO (Audio Stream Input/Output) technology — an established low latency, high-performance audio standard — from a sole proprietary license option to a dual licensing model, which includes both proprietary and open-source licenses. Developed by Steinberg, ASIO addresses the professional recording requirements of leading audio hardware manufacturers by supporting variable bit depths and sample rates, multi-channel operation, and synchronization. As a result, users get low latency, high performance, and stable audio recording.
Steinberg’s decision to provide GPLv3 licensing for its ASIO technology now allows proprietary and open-source license options to be offered side by side. This dual licensing approach combines the reach and trust of open source with the sustainability and reliability of a commercial model.
OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) Studio is a free, open-source project developed with contributions from a global community and supported through sponsorships by leading technology companies. By extending the licensing to include open source, Steinberg has been able to establish a partnership with OBS as a technical sponsor. Having supported music and audio creators for many years, Steinberg now also aims to bring its expertise to the world of live streaming alongside OBS.
Product Lead for the OBS Project, Taylor Giampaolo, comments:
“We are happy to welcome Steinberg as a diamond-tier sponsor. The OBS community has been asking for ASIO support for a long time, and with this collaboration, we’re excited to empower creators with the incredible functionality and flexibility that ASIO provides.”
Head of Strategic Business Development at Steinberg, Stefan Schreiber, comments:
“Steinberg’s decision to move to a dual licensing model for ASIO has paved the way for shared opportunities, and we are very pleased to be onboard with the OBS community.”
About Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH
Steinberg is known the world over for its music and audio software solutions. The company has been developing, manufacturing and selling innovative products for musicians and producers in the music, film, post-production and multimedia industries since 1984. Steinberg products are used by Grammy and Oscar award-winning composers, engineers and producers.
Visit www.steinberg.net for further details.
Learn more about the OBS Studio Project Here:
https://obsproject.com/
After three years of research, Modartt releases PIANOTEQ 9, an ever more expressive and versatile suite of physically modelled instruments. Available NOW!
Get Pianoteq 9 Here!
OCTOBER 15, 2025 PIANOTEQ 9 introduces a new audio engine based on an improved model of the soundboard vibration, enhancing stereo and spa al perception. Each note you play creates a rich, vibrant swirl, making the sound feel organic and evolving, like ripples shimmering at the surface of a lake. Every grand piano in the collection benefits from this update and has been meticulously revoiced, bringing you the authentic experience of playing a world-class concert grand.
A new Italian Triple Harp has joined the Harp pack. Rooted in the Baroque era, its sound carries a characterful and delicate timbre, perfect for basso continuo. The MKII and Reeds of the Electric Pianos pack are updated too, elevating dynamic response and adding extra grit in the fortissimo range, offering greater expressivity with more detail in every note. Learn More here…
Expressive “Sombre” presets have been added to all grand pianos, delivering a highly dynamic response with a silken tone ideal for emotive and cinema c playing. The so , in mate sound of Felt presets is now also available in historical pianos. Most instruments feature refreshed Binaural presets for an immersive headphones experience.
The microphones panel has been revamped, now le ng you place up to 8 simultaneous microphones in 3D space anywhere around the instrument — a level of flexibility made possible only by physical modelling — while the streamlined mixing panel offers intuitive controls for stereo and multi-channel outputs. Learn More Here…
MODARTT continues to take further steps toward an organic and pristine instrument in collaboration with major piano manufacturers. By computing all the inner workings of the piano in real me, it responds to your finest interpretation and accounts for all the wonderful resonances that make the tone so colorful and eloquent, while also offering limitless control over the instrument so that you can shape your sound with incredible precision.
All of this makes PIANOTEQ 9 a natural choice for homes, recording studios, and concert stages.
A free trial version of PIANOTEQ 9 is available for your evaluation. An upgrade path is offered to registered Pianoteq users for €29/$29. Further details with audio
samples are available on the website https://www.modartt.com
NEW YORK, October 14, 2025 – Heavyocity Media proudly introduces Dystropia, an evocative hybrid instrument that plunges composers into a post‑apocalyptic landscape. Built from a collection of analog synths, organic sources, field recordings and experimental processing, Dystropia transforms raw sound into emotion. Each of its more than 390 sound sources is steeped in gritty character, providing a palette for scoring dread, decay and desolation.
Brimming with fractured rhythmic pedals, signature alarms, haunting textures and over 200 unique sonic events, Dystropia offers a comprehensive scoring tool that brings the sounds of the Aftermath to the composer’s toolkit.
Featuring over 380 presets — from inspiring cue creators to unnerving pads and complex rhythmic devices — Dystropia delivers a raw sonic identity shaped by Heavyocity’s award‑winning sound design and the powerful Dystropia engine. The Dystropia Designer facilitates complex layering, rhythm sequencing, and endless combinations of sound sources, while the Dystropia Menu packs 36 sound sources into a single preset, ideal for quickly auditioning a diverse range of tonal and atonal material.
Together they make Dystropia the ultimate scoring companion for crafting evocative sonic worlds and scoring the end of times.
“With Dystropia, we wanted to build a sonic world unlike anything we’ve done before, an instrument that scores desolation and dread in a whole new way,” said Ari Winters, Creative Director, Heavyocity. “It’s a journey into a world where the remnants of civilization have all but vanished.”
For a limited time, Heavyocity is offering Dystropia for $119 (reg. $149). In addition, owners of Oblivion or Gravity 2 will get an additional $20 off with registered serial. Offer ends October 31st, 2025.
Dystropia is a “powered‑by‑Kontakt” instrument, offering full functionality in both the full version of Kontakt 7 or later and the free Kontakt Player.
PRICING AND AVAILABILITY Dystropia will be available at https://heavyocity.com/dystropia
Release date: October 14, 2025.
ABOUT HEAVYOCITY MEDIA
Heavyocity Media is a developer of award-winning virtual instruments and effects for computer-based music production, composition, and sound design. Heavyocity’s critically – acclaimed products push the boundaries of creativity, providing new and unique tools for professional composers and producers
Berlin, Germany, October 9, 2025 — UJAM today unveils KAYA, the latest Beatmaker instrument inspired by the global rise of Afrofusion. Drawing on rhythms from afrobeats to amapiano, KAYA provides lively drum patterns, textures, and grooves that capture the movement and energy of West African–influenced music. It brings modern Afrofusion vibes to the toolkit of music creators and producers across pop, hip-hop, dance, and beyond.
Powered by the Beatmaker 3 platform, KAYA offers a versatile palette of curated kits, mix-ready presets, and instantly playable patterns to build from. Whether shaping smooth, laid-back rhythms or driving, energetic beats, it provides a way to quickly add authentic global character to any production.
“Afrofusion has become a global phenomenon, and with KAYA our goal was to channel that energy into a vibrant rhythm engine,” said UJAM Product Manager Adam D’Agostino. “We designed it to spark creativity, helping producers kickstart ideas and shape their own unique sound.”
Key Features of KAYA
Availability
KAYA is available in VST2, VST3, AU2, and AAX formats for macOS and Windows.
To learn more, explore sound demos, and download a free trial, 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.
Steinberg unveils the public beta of its new live streaming software, delivering studio-grade sound, instant setup, and complete control within a fully customizable interface.
HAMBURG, Germany — Steinberg has today announced the immediate availability of MixKey, a powerful audio mixer that provides a set of versatile tools tailored to meet the demands of discerning streamers, podcasters, and creators.
MixKey is a professional audio mixing application, designed for live streaming and including a comprehensive range of features to cover every need. Using MixKey with a streaming setup ensures high-quality audio, its built-in low-cut filter helping to deliver pristine speech every time. A customizable interface allows users to change channel colors, names and make easy volume level adjustments. Added channels are monitored through headphones and, by switching to the Cue feature, users can listen to individual sources. Auto-leveling capabilities, recording the entire streaming mix, multi-source input, and panic buttons for muting either the microphone or the entire audio output round out the impressive feature set.
Head of Strategic Business Development, Stefan Schreiber, comments:
“These are exciting times for Steinberg, as we bring many years of audio software development to the streaming market. In collaboration with Yamaha, we are elated to introduce MixKey which offers streamers a reliable audio mixer with many excellent features.”
MixKey is being showcased publicly for the first time at TwitchCon, taking place at San Diego Convention Center in the US from October 17–19. Show attendees can experience MixKey in action at the Yamaha booth #3425.
Meanwhile today, October 9, www.twitch.tv is hosting a MixKey feature walkthrough, starting at 6PM CEST. Further videos are available at www.youtube.com/@MixKey_Official.
Availability
Available in public beta, MixKey can be downloaded from the Steinberg website.
• Channels: Add multiple channels, select each individually, change the color, name, and volume level.
• Monitoring: Monitor any channel directly through headphones.
• Cue: Listen directly to a channel’s source signal in headphones, isolated from the full mix.
• Monitor Level Link: Link the monitor and stream levels, so they exactly match what the audience hears.
• Extra Voice Chat Output: Use this channel as a dedicated voice chat feed for apps like Discord or Zoom.
• Sensitivity: Easily control the input level with the slider or enable Auto to let MixKey handle it.
• Sound Refinement: Ensure clear, professional speech in every stream with the built-in low-cut filter.
• Recording: Capture high-quality recordings of the entire audio stream with ease.
• Panic Buttons: Quickly mute either the microphone or the entire audio output with a single click.
• Stream Level: Control how loud each source is in the stream with an intuitive volume slider.
About Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH
Steinberg is known the world over for its music and audio software and hardware solutions.
The company has been developing, manufacturing and selling innovative products for
musicians and producers in the music, film, post-production and multimedia industries since
1984. Steinberg products are used by Grammy and Oscar award-winning composers,
engineers and producers.
Visit www.steinberg.net for further details.
