Archive for January, 2026

FabFilter Releases FabFilter Pro-C 3 Compressor Plug-In


FabFilter has announced the immediate availability of Pro-C 3 and a free update to their Pro-Q 4 equalizer.

They say that “Pro-C 3 takes FabFilter’s professional compressor plug-in to the next level in terms of sound, features, and workflow, while Pro-Q 4.10 brings multi-plug-in support to the Instance List, turning the industry-standard EQ into a full multi-track channel strip.”

New in Pro-C 3:

  • Six new compression algorithms – Adding to the eight styles of its predecessor, Pro-C 3 serves up six new compression algorithms. The Versatile Style is a general purpose algorithm for use on any material, and Smooth is the new go-to for super-smooth gluing at low ratios and longer envelope timings. At the more extreme end of the scale, the Upward algorithm applies pumping upward compression, and TTM combines downward and upward compression across multiple bands. The opto-like tube compression of Op-El, and the variable mu of Vari-Mu, Pro-C 3 are inspired by classic hardware compressors.
  • Compress with character – the new Character panel offers three flavors of analog saturation. Choose the Tube, Diode, or Bright variations, raise the Drive amount, and switch between Pre and Post Compression routing for a variety of sound-enhancing harmonic distortion and coloration treatments.
  • Improved Side Chain EQ – The ability to precisely filter and equalize the sidechain input is central to any great compressor, and Pro-C 3 ups the number of available EQ bands from three to six. Each band can be set to any of the filter shapes users know from Pro-Q 4; the menu of roll-off slopes now includes Brickwall Low Pass and High Pass options, and every band can be independently switched to mid or side processing.
  • Immersive Dolby Atmos compatibility – Pro-C 3 supports all major surround formats up to Dolby Atmos 9.6.1.
  • Host tempo triggering and Auto Threshold adjustment – Joining Internal, External, and MIDI triggering in the Side Chain section, Pro-C 3’s new Host Sync option outputs a steady internal pulse that triggers the compressor at any tempo-synced note value, with adjustable Offset and trigger Length for fine-tuning — ideal for dialing in rhythmic ducking effects without the need for an external trigger input. Further triggering flexibility is provided by the new Auto Threshold setting, which dynamically shifts the Threshold so that the same amount of compression is triggered at different input levels.

Features:

  • Professional compressor plug-in for mixing and mastering, with 14 diverse compression algorithms, three flavors of highly-authentic analog coloration, and six-band Side Chain EQ, plus automatic Threshold control, Dolby Atmos surround support, up to 32x oversampling, and more.
  • New: Versatile, Smooth, Upward, TTM, Op-El, and Vari-Mu compression Styles
  • New: Character Mode adds three types of realistic analog saturation, coloration, and drift: Tube, Diode, and Bright
  • New: Pro-C 3 instances can be controlled via the Instance List in Pro-Q 4.10, together with Pro-G and Pro-DS
  • New: Full immersive/Dolby Atmos functionality (up to 9.1.6), with customizable channel/stereo linking
  • New: Host tempo triggering for rhythmic compression
  • New: Auto Threshold for level-independent compressor triggering
  • New: Adjustable Maximum Lookahead enables balancing of latency against lookahead
  • Improved: Fresh new design
  • Improved: Side Chain EQ section increased to a maximum of six bands, with many more filter types, and LP/HP Brickwall slopes
  • Improved: Oversampling up to 32x
  • Improved: Redesigned preset browser, with easy search, tags, and metadata
  • Improved: Showing and hiding the Side Chain section no longer turns the Side Chain itself on and off
  • Improved: Easier access to Bypass button and MIDI triggering
  • Improved: Better reverse linking of Dry and Wet level knobs

Pro-Q 4.10 Features:

  • Professional mastering-grade EQ plug-in with up to 24 bands, a huge range of filter types and slopes, and centralized control of multiple instances of Pro-Q 4, Pro-C 3, Pro-G, and Pro-DS via the Instance List
  • Improved: Multi-plug-in support in the Instance List enables multiple instances of Pro-Q 4, Pro-C 3, Pro-G, and Pro-DS to be controlled from a single, zoomable (up to full-screen) interface
  • Improved: Having any band in Spectral mode now always introduces the associated latency, even if its Dynamic Range is set to zero
  • Minor fixes and improvements

FabFilter Pro-C 3 is now available for  €169, $199, or £149, supporting both Windows and macOS in VST and VST 3, Audio Units, AAX, AudioSuite, and CLAP plug-in formats. Existing FabFilter customers can purchase or upgrade to FabFilter Pro-C 3 at a discounted rate.

Bastl Intros Alchemist, Kastle & Citadel DIY Kits, Open Sources Firmware


Ahead of the 2026 NAMM Show, Bastl Instruments has announced that it is open sourcing the firmware for three of its designs, and making them available as DIY kits:

“We are excited to not only announce the late arrival of the Citadel Alchemist Eurorack module to the party, but to let everyone know that all the instruments are now available as DIY kits and that we are partially open-sourcing it so the world we started could be expanded by many others.”


The kits include:

  • Alchemist – Compact Patchable Hybrid-Synthesis Instrument with MIDI
  • Wave Bard – Compact patchable stereo sample player
  • FX Wizard – Compact patchable stereo multi-effects

The kits have a standard hardware design, but with different firmware and faceplates. Both standalone and Euro format kits are available.

The Kastle 2 kits are available now for €128, while the Citadel versions are €194. Pre-assembled versions are also available.

Rane Debuts System One, World’s First Motorized Stand-alone DJ System


‘A new benchmark for professional DJ performances’

Rane has announced the release of the Rane System One, a new flagship all-in-one DJ system that boasts motorised turntable-style platters and the ability to mix between tracks from physical storage devices and streaming services,  blending advanced standalone DJ technology with the trusted feel and control of motorized platters.

As the first Rane product with onboard Engine DJ, the System One lets open-format DJs simultaneously mix among USB drives, SD cards, music streaming services, and DJ software sources like Serato DJ and Algoriddim djay all without interruption.

Paired with an array of FX features and multiple ways to DJ with Stems, the SYSTEM ONE was designed to unlock new levels of creativity while fueling DJs’ passion for the artform.

While standalone DJ systems are nothing new, most products on the market, particularly at the top end, tend to be aimed at club DJs, opting for CDJ-style jogwheels and multi-deck control. Offering something of an alternative, the System One takes its cues from Rane’s popular One MkII controller, which is an established favourite with scratch and open-format DJ – like those that tend not to stick to a specific genre or tempo.


Standalone freedom, motorized control. The System One’s embedded Engine DJ operating system gives DJs the freedom to deliver dynamic performances without a laptop. This ever-expanding embedded software platform delivers the latest in DJ performance technology including standalone Stems, built-in Wi-Fi for music streaming, an onboard sampler, multiple FX options, advanced settings and customization possibilities, onboard lighting control, and more.

“The fact that I don’t need to bring my laptop anymore is amazing,” said Craze, world-renowned champion DJ. “The Engine [DJ] waveforms are super clean and clear; I couldn’t believe how easy it was to migrate my music library.”

The high-definition touchscreen of the System One vividly brings the new RGB waveforms to life and features customizable view options while placing navigation and performance controls at the DJ’s fingertips. All this technology, combined with the 7.2” aluminum motorized platters, empowers open-format DJs with a creative experience unlike anything else on the market.

The mixer section has two channels, each with a three-band EQ, blended using the Mag Four crossfader and Precision Feel channel faders.

Performance flexibility. Part of the System One’s overt pitch for open-format DJs lies in its OmniSource system architecture, which is designed to make it easy to mix with tracks from a variety of sources, whether they be physical drives or cloud streaming. The System One is WiFi-equipped and capable of streaming music from Apple Music, Amazon Music Unlimited, TIDAL, Beatport, Beatsource, SoundCloud Go+, and Dropbox.

The System One will also offer Serato DJ and Algoriddim djay compatibility, both of which have Spotify integration (both coming in early 2026) . System One users also get an unlock of Serato DJ Pro included.

With Playlist Banks, three dedicated buttons give DJs instant access to their favorite saved media, streaming, or Serato playlists.

Stems-fueled creativity. DJs can instantly execute blends and remixes on the fly with standalone Stems and Stem FX. Stems control is thoughtfully integrated into the hardware with Instant Acapella and Instrumental buttons, a dedicated 4-part Stems pad mode, and Stem Level EQ control. Tracks can be rendered for Stems ahead of time with Engine DJ desktop software for instant playback on the System One. When inspiration strikes mid-set, tracks can also be directly rendered for Stems on the System One to bring creative live blend and mix ideas to life (onboard Stems rendering coming early 2026).

Integrated FX Workflow. The System One features over 25 onboard Main FX across six assignable slots with aluminum toggle activation, 5 knob-controlled Sweep FX, 10 on-screen Touch FX, and 4 fader-activated Fader FX, giving DJs a suite of creative tools to generate unmatched routines and sets. In addition to the internal effects, DJs also have the option to tap into Serato’s software FX collection for even more options and flexibility.

Designed for open-format DJs. System One’s intuitive layout is made for fast, skill-driven mixing across musical genres and eras. Eight OLED displays above the pads give DJs instant visual feedback, showing Hot Cues, Samples, Stems, and Roll divisions.

The System One has a comprehensive selection of connectivity, including XLR and RCA main outputs, as well as ¼-inch booth and Bluetooth outputs. On the input side, the System One has a switchable Bluetooth/RCA aux with front-panel control along with two XLR combo mic inputs with EQ, echo, reverb, talkover, and anti-feedback functions. There is also a built-in 10-band EQ for both main and booth outputs.

“With Rane System One, DJs no longer have to choose between the trusted feel of motorized platters and the freedom that a standalone DJ unit provides,” said Morgan Donoghue, VP Marketing, DJ Brands at inMusic. “System One embodies Rane’s legacy of innovation, delivering the first device of its kind and setting a new benchmark for professional DJ performances.”

Rane System One Key Features:

  • All-in-one standalone DJ system

– 7.2” platters?high-torque motorized platters

– OmniSource system architecture for seamless mixing between local media, streaming, cloud services, and computer-based software sources (Serato DJ and Algoriddim djay integration coming early 2026)

– Industry-leading Stems control: Instant Acapella and Instrumental buttons, Stems pad mode, Stem Level?EQ mode, Stem FX for tracks rendered for Stems with Engine DJ Desktop (on-device Stems rendering coming in early 2026)

– 7” HD vertical touchscreen with RGB waveforms

– 3 Playlist Banks for quick access to favorite playlists/crates across all media sources

– 25+ Internal Main FX with paddle activation, 10 Touch FX, 4 Fader FX, and 5 Sweep FX

– Onboard Sampler with dedicated pad mode and front panel volume control knob

– MAG FOUR crossfader and PRECISION FEEL channel faders with tension adjust, reversal switches, and contour knob, on-screen calibration and cut in settings.

– Unlocks Serato DJ Pro for use without an additional subscription

  • Connectivity:

– Built-in Wi-Fi for access to music streaming platforms: Apple Music, Amazon Music Unlimited, TIDAL, Beatport, Beatsource, SoundCloud Go+, and  Dropbox

– Beat-synchronized lighting control for smart home and DMX lighting powered by SoundSwitch (SoundSwitch hardware is required for DMX lighting control)

– Bluetooth connectivity for external keyboards

– Locking IEC power cable

  • Inputs:

– 2 XLR combo jack microphone inputs w/ EQ, Echo and Reverb FX, Duck and Anti-Feedback

– Media inputs: (3) USB A, USB-C, SD, and internal hard drive slot (hard drive not included)

– Bluetooth/RCA AUX input with dedicated volume knob on front panel

  • Outputs:

– XLR and RCA Main outputs and ¼” Booth Outputs with 10-band software EQ

– Bluetooth audio output with on-screen volume control

RANE SYSTEM ONE is out now, priced at $2,499/€2,499/£2,199. Head to the Rane website for more details.