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You might not fully understand this free stochastic synth plugin, but it might not matter.

A composer by the name of Iannis Xenakis began his research in the late 1960s, into the concept of stochastic synthesis, a tone generation technique that uses probability distributions to manipulate digital samples.

If you are struggling to understand exactly what that means, you are not alone, but the good news is that Xenakis’s Dynamic Stochastic Synthesis (DSS) algorithm has now been implemented into a free synth plugin, Xenos, that seems easy to control.

There are three main sections – Pitch, Amplitube and Global – with the first two of these offering a choice of ten stochastic distributions with up to two parameters each. There are also “first- and second-order random walks”, a variable number of segments per wave cycle and variable amplitude envelope.

Xenos offers 64 voices of polyphony and supports parameter automation. Despite its complex engine, the interface is rather streamlined, so we’re hopeful that it could reward experimentation. Watch a quick start video below.

Xenos by Raphael Radna is available now as a free download from the developer’s GitHub repository. It runs on PC and Mac in VST/AU formats and, because it is open-source, you can also download and tinker with the source code.

Ableton has announced a free Loop event taking place on March 4, 2023.  Loop Session: In the Studio with Wayne Snow is the next installment in a series of online experiences for music makers. Each event in the series focuses on one artist’s practice and ideas.

In this session, attendees will get a behind-the-scenes look at Wayne Snow’s studio practice and learn about his song-writing methods. In the studio, he deploys acting techniques to explore and recall scenarios, emotions and thoughts, and works with a producer to resurface them into creative energy for his music. This visceral approach to song-writing requires tools and workflows that allow him to capture the feelings that come up and respond to them immediately.

Wayne Snow will be joined by producer Golo Schultz in Brewery Studios, Berlin, and together they will give a walk-through of their process for writing a new track from his forthcoming album. Musician Katarina Holmberg will moderate the conversation between the two and field questions from the audience. After the 90-minute studio session, attendees can join the Loop Cafe – a group chat where music makers can discuss their learnings from the session and their own studio practice.

The March 4 Loop: Session with Wayne Snow starts at 6pm, Berlin time (UTC+1). Attendees can use the event website’s timezone selector to find out when it happens in their local time. This virtual Loop: Session event is free to attend. Registration is not required but is encouraged; sign up at the event’s website.

About Loop. Launched by Ableton in 2015, Loop helps music makers discover new ideas to inspire their creative practice. Bringing together artists, technologists, educators and creative thinkers from around the world, Loop connects a global music-making community. Through events, and a living archive of ideas and techniques, Loop is a collective exploration of what it is to make music today, and what it could be tomorrow.

Teenage Engineering’s new Field Desk costs just as much as you’d expect and then a little bit more.

Teenage Engineering – makers of high-end synths like the OP-1 Field & the budget Pocket Operator series – has introduced the Field Desk, “the official workspace of teenage engineering.” A simple-looking piece of minimalist flatpack studio furniture, but it’s also designed to be part of a modular work environment that somehow manages to cost $1,599/£1,599.

The Field Desk is the first product of Teenage Engineering’s new open-ended field rail system, an ongoing project that’s based on interconnecting rails that can be used to build your own furniture and accessories. All rails and clamps are produced by Scandinavian manufacturer Hydro using their engineering-grade, 75% recycled aluminium.

Field Desk is made from double-sided formica birch plywood. The idea here is that, if the surface gets worn and you fancy freshening things up, you can just turn it over.

The Field Desk doesn’t come with any drawers but, can be combined with accessories, like a custom storage tray and tape holder (available soon), or you can latch on your own creations using m5 screws.

And, it would also be the perfect platform for your OP-1 Field ($1,999), TX-6 mini mixer ($1,199), Field Notebook ($12) and Field Bottle ($29).

They say:

“field desk is made from only what’s needed and nothing it doesn’t. all rails and clamps are produced by Scandinavian manufacturer Hydro, using their engineering grade, 75% recycled aluminium.

the desktop is crafted from double-sided formica birch plywood, so if the surface appears worn over time, it can be turned over for a fresh look. lightweight and modular, field desk arrives flat-packed to build in place, simple to assemble and disassemble.”

This system allows Teenage Engineering to offer custom-engineered interior solutions for professional workspaces.

Find out more about the Field Desk on the Teenage Engineering website. The Field Desk is available now for $1599.