1010music Blackbox 2 Brings Expanded Track Engine, Professional I/O & More


Ahead of Superbooth 2026, 1010music has introduced the Blackbox 2, the successor to the original Blackbox compact sampler workstation.

The Blackbox 2 has been updated with a redesigned hardware interface, a larger high-resolution 4-inch color touchscreen, and increased processing capabilities. It supports multiple instrument types — including Loop, One-Shot, Slicer, Shredder, Multisampled and External instruments — across four flexible Tracks, and offers expanded sequencing modes (including step, grid/piano roll, and probability sequencing).

The unit adds an internal 3-hour battery, USB-C host and device ports capable of multichannel audio and MIDI, and maintains the compact desktop form factor with stereo and headphone outputs.

Blackbox 2’s workflow blends touch and controller interaction with DAWless performance-oriented screens for launch, scene, song, mixing, and effects. Blackbox 2 ships with tools for sampling, editing, multichannel playback, internal effects, live looping, and external instrument multisampling, aiming to deliver a complete sampler performance environment in a portable box.

Features:

  • Engine & Sample Playback
    • Four flexible Tracks supporting multiple instrument types — Shredder, One-Shot, Loop, Slicer, Multisampled, or External.
    • One-Shot and Loop instruments can load up to 16 samples per Patch.
    • Sample streaming from microSD allows long WAV files and detailed multisamples.
    • Automatic multisample instrument creation for external sources.
  • Sequencing & Workflow
    • Sequencing options include step sequencer, piano roll/grid editor, and probability based pattern creation.
    • Dedicated workflow screens (Launch, Scene, Song, Mixing, Effects) for DAWless performance.
    • Loop Group launch for simultaneous loop playback with bpm sync
    • Onscreen keyboard and touch-based control for finger drumming or note entry.
  • Modulation & Effects
    • Built-in DJ effects with XY controls, including filter, echo, gater, flanger, bitcrusher and repeater.
    • Four-band EQ with cutoff/shelf/parametric settings per band.
    • Support for layering effects or resampling internally.
  • I/O & Hardware
    • High resolution 4-inch color touchscreen with four encoders.
    • Dual USB-C ports (host and device) with multichannel USB audio and MIDI streaming.
    • TRS MIDI In/Out and TRS Clock In/Out plus analog clock support.
    • 1 stereo audio input, 3 stereo outputs, and stereo headphone output.
    • Internal 3-hour rechargeable battery for portable use.
  • Storage & Performance
    • microSD card slot for Projects, Patches, and large sample libraries.
    • Support for long WAV file playback and extensive multisample content.
    • Projects and patches can be saved and loaded from microSD.

The 1010music blackbox 2 is priced at $649 USD and is expected to be available in July 2026.

 

Sketch Audio Effects Updated To V2.0 With New Features & Formats


Sketch Audio shared this overview of their V2 audio effect plugins.


Topics covered:

  • New plug-in formats: 03:17
  • Light Mode: 04:47
  • Auto Bypass: 06:28
  • LFO Shapes: 07:17
  • Phase Offset: 08:08
  • Swing: 08:45
  • Repeatable Random: 09:29

The update makes the previously macOS and iOS-focused plugins available on Windows and adds support for multiple plugin formats, including VST3, AAX, CLAP, AU, and AUv3. The plugins are also now available across macOS, Windows, and iPadOS.

Alongside the expanded compatibility, the update introduces a range of workflow and modulation features intended to extend performance and sound design options across the suite. These include changes to randomization behavior, LFO design, and usability features such as bypass control and interface options.

The update applies across the full set of Sketch Audio effects, which include distortion, filtering, frequency shifting, clipping, and lo-fi processing tools.

The version 2.0 update is available now. Existing users receive the update at no additional cost. The developer is also offering a limited-time discount on individual plugins and bundles for new users. Visit the Sketch Audio site for details.

 

Noisy Fruits Lab Introduces Überding Multi-Function Eurorack Module


Noisy Fruits Lab has introduced Überding, a multi-functional module that builds on the company’s existing hardware approach, which combines digital control, modular synthesis concepts, and flexible internal processing architectures.

They say that “Überding is an excellent multi effects chain, a massive synthesizer engine, a drum synthesizer and sampler and more”.


Features:

  • Multi-function internal architecture
  • Designed for integration in standard Eurorack systems
  • Part of Noisy Fruits Lab’s compact module lineup
  • Digital control and modular signal integration approach
  • Built for patch-based performance and studio use

Überding is currently available for pre-order, with an intro price of 500,00 € (normally 600,00).