The video, via DivKid, provides an in-depth overview of Mutable Instruments Sheep, an alternate firmware for the MI Tides mk1 Eurorack Module.
Mutable Instruments Sheep is an ‘unofficial firmware’ (from MI) for their Tides module, that implements wavetable synthesis. The firmware completely replaces the stock firmware and turns Tides into a new module.
Sheep provides three banks of waveforms laid out in a 2D grid, with continuous interpolation between waves. MI says to think of it as the “director’s cut” of Braids’ WMAP oscillator. The filter/wavefolder control is still available, for further filtering or distorting the sound of the raw waveforms. And you won’t need a VCA, because of the LEVEL CV input.
“Sheep….is an alternate firmware for the mk1 Tides module,” notes DivKid’s Ben Wilson. “It’s a module I’ve loved for years, so it was finally time to put a video together to share the sounds, and lots of patch examples.”
*Note: It is not possible to run this firmware side by side with the original version – so it’s an either-or affair. For some MI fans, it may be a reason to have a second Tides module.
Mutable Instruments Sheep is available now as a free download.
Back in early May – Ahead of Superbooth 2026, 1010music introduced a successor to its Blackbox sampler workstation promising a creative and more portable successor to its 2019 original. This week, Blackbox 2 has landed and is now available for purchase.
Like its predecessor, the Blackbox 2 is a portable, touchscreen-equipped instrument that houses a self-contained sampling workstation within a compact, rugged device. However, for version 2 1010 has significantly reworked the interface, adding a larger touchscreen and new layout that promises an improved workflow.
According to its creators, “Blackbox 2 is heir to its own portable sampler throne with more creative features for the studio and stage. An even more elegant workflow, great sound, industry standard IO and portable size.”
The central feature of this new look Blackbox is its four-inch hi-res colour touchscreen, which is used as the primary interface for sequencing and sample editing. A bank of four multi-use rotaries sit directly above the screen while a bank of transport and navigation buttons are placed below.
Blackbox 2 is a four-track workstation that can load up-to four one-shot, loop, slicer or multisample instruments, with the one-shot and loop instruments capable of supporting 16 samples per-patch. Blackbox 2 expands the song-creation features of the original, introducing new launch, scene, song, mixing and effect screens for editing various elements of the composition.
Unlike its predecessor, which required an external power source, Blackbox 2 contains its own rechargeable battery, allowing for 3hrs of fully portable use. It also adds USB-C host and device ports capable of transmitting multichannel USB audio and MIDI.
Other elements of the Blackbox workflow are unchanged from version one. As before, the instrument has a sequencer with step, grid and piano-roll modes, which is capable of probability sequencing. There are DJ-style effects with XY pad control for filter, echo,, gating, flanger, bitcrusher and repeater effects.
Sample editing tools include multiple filters, envelopes and LFOs, distortion and a flexible mod matrix. It also features a four-band EQ with cut, shelf and parametric modes for each band.
The hardware features a stereo main audio in and three stereo outputs, plus headphones output. It’s equipped with an automatic multisampling function allowing users to easily turn external gear into sampled instruments.
Blackbox 2 also has a microSD card slot, allowing users to expand the memory for projects and samples. Longer WAVs and detailed multisampled instruments can be streamed directly from the microSD.
Between this and the likes of Akai MPC Sample, Teenage Engineering KO II and Casio’s forthcoming sampler, we’re living in something of a golden age of portable samplers. If, as 1010 states, “Blackbox 2 is heir to its own portable sampler throne”, then it’s facing Westeros-levels of rivalry.
Top Features:
2X the power of the original blackbox
High resolution 4” color touchscreen
Create and perform with 4 flexible Tracks supporting Shredder, One-Shot, Loop, Slicer, Multisample or External Instruments
One-Shot and Loop instruments supporting 16 samples per Patch
Sequence the way you like using step, grid / piano roll and probability
Launch, Scene, Song, Mixing and Effects screens like bento for beatmaking and playing live
Stun the crowd using DJ effects and XY controls for filter, echo,, gater, flanger, bitcrusher and repeater fx
Perform using live looping with MIDI triggered recording and playback
Stream multichannel USB audio and attach MIDI controllers with USB-C host and device ports
Jam anywhere using a 3 HR battery
Stream long WAVs and more detailed multisampled instruments from microSD
Easily sample your favorite synths with automated multisample instrument creation
Design custom sounds with synth features like multiple filters, envelopes, LFOs, overdrive and the modulation matrix
Four band EQ with Cut/Shelf/Parametric settings for each band
Layer effects or capture spontaneous ideas by resampling internally
Flexible MIDI integration with extensive MIDI CC support for external controllers
1 stereo audio in and 3 stereo outs, plus stereo headphones output
Load high-capacity microSD cards with Projects, Patches and immense sample libraries
Blackbox 2 is available now and priced at $649/£669.
KHÔRA is a drone-based harmonic instrument for Mac, with a unique, abstract interface.
Here’s what they have to say about it:
“There are no labels – every control is a living geometric object. The ring of stars is a map of just-intonation pitches. Star size represents consonance, while color represents harmonic families. Rather than relying on theory, keyboards, or parameter lists, KHÔRA offers a new way to explore harmonic space through interaction.”
KHÔRA offers 5 built-in chord generators:
Genesis: Generates a new just-intonation chord, favoring simple, consonant intervals while always retaining the root.
Metabole: Preserves some common tones from the current chord while regenerating the remaining voices, balancing continuity and change.
Topos: Moves the entire chord through just-intonation space while preserving its internal structure, revealing more distant microtonal colors.
Skia (Hidden): Explores dark, modal harmony over a fixed drone, with spacious minor voicings that return to the home chord every fourth generation.
Helios (Hidden): The only mode based on 12-tone equal temperament (12-EDO), featuring modern color harmony with smooth bass motion and a return to the home chord every 4th generation.
KHÔRA is available now, with a ‘Name a fair price” model.
