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This free synth and sampler plugin comes with over 2GB of samples from “the world’s rarest synthesizers”

Flite is a combined multi-sampler and FM, wavetable synth with extensive mod matrix and dual note/parameter sequencer. It coimes in VST / AU format with a 2.5GB sample library + over 250 presets. The new standard for creators.

Flite is a new synth and sampler plugin from Wavea, a recently founded music tech startup headed up by Sharooz Raoofi of Sample Magic and Wavetick and co-creator Milan Van Der Meer.

There’s a lot to say about Flite, but the main draw here is the plugin’s extensive sound library, which is based on 2.5GB of samples from a long list of rare and classic synths in Raoofi’s personal collection, including the Yamaha CS-80; Roland Juno 106, Jupiter 8, TB-303, TR-808, TR-909 and SH-101; Oberheim OB-8 and Xpander; Sequential Circuits T8, Pro-One, and Prophet 5; Korg Monopoly, LinnDrum, Forley, FX and more.

Flite’s entire preset library can be accessed for free as part of Flite Play, the plugin’s free tier, whereas the paid-for tier, Flite Create, will give you access to additional functionality such as in-depth parameter editing, preset saving, and sample importing. In the free tier, you’ll still be able to shape presets with a row of eight macros at the bottom of the interface.

Full Bucket Music has been delivering free plugin emulations of rare and classic synths by the bucketload this year, and it looks like the developer has no plans to slow down, as it unveils an emulation of the Sequential Circuits DrumTraks drum machine.

The first MIDI-equipped, sample-based drum machine, DrumTraks was ahead of its time upon its release in the ’80s. Back then, it was the only drum machine available that enables you program volume and tuning individually for each of its sounds.  So, how far we have come.

Full Bucket’s emulation is DrumTraqs, which features the original factory samples found in DrumTraks, alongside some extra ROM samples. The plugin simulates the original Z80 chip found in the original drum machine, and – despite its lack of sequencer – recreates its endearingly clunky song and pattern-based workflow.

Tuning and levels for each of DrumTraq’s fourteen sounds can also be adjusted individually, while each of its six channels can also be tweaked in volume or panned to create stereo drum patterns. It’s also got MIDI CC support, along with SysEx and MIDI import and export, in case you want to load in patterns or patches from the original hardware.

“DrumTraqs is not intended to be the latest hot-stuff power drum plug-in with bells and whistles (although there are some bells), the most cunning AI-driven super- human composition assistance tool, nor the coolest mega spawn of those magical 80s sound machines,” says Full Bucket on its website.

“Instead it is a faithful recreation of the original hardware with all its limitations and only a few extensions. Don’t be afraid of time travel – this is the way drum computers were handled more than 40 years ago!”

Main Features:

• Simulation of the original Z80 system used in the hardware
• Original factory and some additional ROM samples
• Old-school Pattern and Song building
• Built-in stereo mixing options
• SysEx and MIDI import/export
• Resizable user interface (not “N” version!)
• MIDI Learn – all parameters and buttons can be controlled by MIDI CC
• Plug-in supports Windows and macOS

Full Bucket Music DrumTraqs is available now in VST/VST3/CLAP/AU/AAX formats for macOS and Windows. Find out more and download the plugin on Full Bucket website.

As we approach the fourth quarter of the year, keyboard manufacturers are jostling for position as we head towards the all-important holiday season, when parents of would-be players – and adult newbies, due to that matter – start to ask themselves what the best digital pianos for beginners are at the moment.

In 2024, Casio hopes to be part of the conversation with two new Celviano models – the AP-300 and AP-S200 – both of which are described as ‘entry-level’.

Despite their lower price tags, both are designed to deliver the ‘immersive grand piano experience’ of the more expensive models in the Celviano range – though not to quite the same extent, obviously. So that means high-quality sounds, decent speaker systems and playable keyboards.

The AP-300 is the pricier of the two, and is said to adhere to “the same core principles” as Casio’s high-end Grandphonic Sound System example, as used in the recent AP-750. So, the sound is designed to disperse from the speakers and reflect off the materials within the cabinet. The AP-S200 is based on a similar concept but has an open design and slimmer profile.

The grand piano tones themselves are generated by the Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source, and are said to change according to your playing style and as notes sustain.

Similarly, the Smart Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard adapts its touch sensitivity depending on how strongly the keys are played.

The AP-300 (£1,249) and AP-S200 (£999) are available now in black, brown and white color options, and both come with the WU-BT10 Bluetooth adapter for wireless MIDI and audio streaming. Find out more on the Casio website.