Archive for July, 2025

Sting 2 Acid Line Performance System Now Available


Developer Iftah Gabbai has released Sting 2, a major upgrade to the M4L acid line generator.

What Gabbai has to say about it:

“It’s an expressive, improvisational acid line performance system.

Sting can generate anything from random to acid patterns and morph between them fluidly. It features a new generation algorithm, advanced editing, expressive control, generative sequencing, and modulation capabilities, along with a set of live performance oriented features. These include a dedicated Push takeover mode that transforms Sting into a hands-on live performance system when used with Ableton Push 2 or 3.

All of Sting’s parameters are logically laid out and fully controllable via Tabbing, making it accessible to blind, visually impaired, and sighted users.”


Sting is available now, as either a free or paid download. The developer notes, “Both versions are identical, you can decide whether you want to support my work.”
 

Waves Audio Announces V16 Update To COSMOS AI-powered Sample Finder


Waves Audio has announced a V16 update to COSMOS Sample Finder, its AI-powered sample manager.

The V16 update brings significant improvements, enhancing workflow efficiency and DAW integration. They say that the updated version “offers the smartest, fastest, and most efficient way to manage all your samples”.

Key new features include:

  • DAW Plugin & Sync: COSMOS now functions as an insert plugin within DAWs (as well as a standalone app).
  • Sample Auditioning: Preview samples in context, adjusted to session BPM and key.
  • Smart Organization: Auto-grouping of sonically identical audio files for streamlined management.
  • Optimized Scan Times: Cloud-based processing significantly reduces scanning duration.
  • CPU Optimization: Adjustable performance settings tailored to user preferences.
  • Refreshed User Interface: A sleek, updated design for an improved user experience.
  • Additional features include: The COSMOS Sample Finder offers AI-powered sample categorization, efficiently organizing collections by instrument, key, BPM and tags. It supports multiple formats, including WAV, AIF, OGG and FLAC files, ensuring compatibility with various sample types. Users can choose between using COSMOS as a standalone application or as a DAW-integrated plugin, adapting it to their preferred workflow. The tool also includes over 2,500 royalty-free samples, providing immediate creative inspiration. COSMOS also offers both waveform and list views, allowing users to preview samples visually or access detailed descriptions. The unique COSMOS Cluster View presents related one-shots in intuitive clusters, making it easier to audition and select the right sounds. Multiple search options provide flexibility in finding samples by instrument, tags, key, BPM or specific search terms. Users can explore broad categories, refine their selections, and even let COSMOS group identical audio files to eliminate duplicates.

Overview Video:

Visit the Waves site for details.

 

XTRIKE Impact-Driven Wavetable Synthesizer First Look


X Audio Systems has introduced XTRIKE, a stereo polyphonic, multitimbral wavetable synthesizer.

Here’s what they have to say about it:

“XTRIKE’s dual-daisy architecture combines a magnetic bender and an expressive pad, offering a tactile, soft impact-driven interface that feels like a percussive instrument while harnessing the full power of a modern synthesizer. Beyond traditional percussive sounds, XTRIKE empowers users to craft intricate, evolving soundscapes through its advanced wavetable synthesis engine and experimental toolset.”

Features:

  • Synthesizer – A 4-voice polyphonic, analog-controlled wavetable synthesizer with robust processing and many effects.
  • Tuning – An intuitive auto-tuning and micro-tuning engine for precise pitch control and cultural exploration.
  • Sequencer – A dynamic 16-step sequencer for crafting complex compositions directly on the instrument.
  • Loop/Multi – 20 seconds of stereo sampling, looping, processing, multilayering for real-time creativity.


XTRIKE is now in pre-launch phase on Indiegogo. You can sign-up with your email to get a €200 super-early-bird discount. Details on pricing and availability are to be announced.