Soft synths have come such a long way that there are now various options when it comes to exploring even the most niche synthesizers. This means that you no longer need expensive Eurorack modular synthesizers to create granular synthesis either. In fact, you don't even need a computer and DAW as there are a number of applications at your disposal if you are an iOS user. So, if you want to delve into granular synthesis right in the palm of your hand, then look at some of the best granular software synths for iOS.

Novation is proud and excited to announce the release of the Peak firmware 1.2 update. Firmware 1.2 adds a number of the most requested features from Peak users around the world, as well as all-new presets.

New wavetables

Massively increasing the range of Peak’s sonic palette, 43 new wavetables have been added to the Oscillator Wave menus.

Additional modulators

In part one of our guide to free online beat composers we took a closer look at Drumbit, Drumbot Sequence, Online Sequencer, HTML5 Drummachine as well as Rhythm Composer i0-808. All of them have their strengths and weaknesses, but the one thing that they have in common is that they can be used for free. Just in case none of the websites covered in our first article didn't catch your fancy, here are X more free online beat composers to try out. 

Beatboxer

Link: https://sig.gy/beatboxer/

While the melody of a song is important, you still need a good rhythm to provide the backbone of your music. So, while people may hum the melody of your song, it is going to be the beat to which they tap their feet. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways for synth players to incorporate a good beat into their songs, using a variety of hardware and software options. However, if you find yourself with a break at work and the desire to put together a good beat for inspiration you might think that your options are rather limited.

People have different ways of showcasing the love and admiration that they have for their hobbies. For some, this means building up a collection and keeping everything in pristine condition. For others, it means using the items in their collection, instead of keeping everything locked behind a display case. Vintage synthesizers are no exception, but as with most other hobbies, fans of the hardware can also sometimes get carried away.

To celebrate 25 years of Bass Station and thank users for their support, Novation is releasing the Bass Station II v2.5 firmware update. 

Bass Station II v2.5

The v2.5 firmware update adds some of the most requested features including filter tracking, paraphonic mode, microtuning and new preset Soundpacks. Installation couldn't be easier from the Novation Components content manager. 

Paraphonic mode

Analog synthesizers get a lot of love these days, so it is no surprise that there is a lot of focus on and fuss about software synths that can emulate them accurately. One of the reasons why FM synthesis is often dismissed is due to the reputation it has for being overly complex and very long-winded. However, these synths are also able to produce unique types of sounds that simply cannot be reproduced by analogue synths.

Synth purists will always prefer playing on the real thing, but digital audio workstations and software synthesizers have really opened the doors for people interested in vintage synths, but lacking the funds to buy real ones. We have already looked at some of the available options when it comes to DAWS, but unless you prefer working purely with a keyboard and mouse, you are going to need some type of external controller to get the most out of it. This is where MIDI controllers shine as they are typically portable, lightweight and very affordable.

There are thousands of great synth songs across various genres, but when it comes to cover versions, it seems that vintage synth enthusiasts just can't get enough of classic videogame soundtracks. In the first part of our article we have already showcased some great classic tunes from the likes of Ducktales, Chrono Trigger, Tetris, Super Mario Bros and many others. However, those were just the tip of the iceberg as there are many other memorable tunes that still sound great when played on a synthesizer.

One of the great things about video games from the eighties and nineties, apart from the addictive gameplay that many of them had, are the soundtracks. Despite the limitations that a lot of hardware from the era had, the composers for many of these games came up with some of the most memorable songs in gaming. Systems like the Nintendo Game Boy got by with two pulse wave generators, 1 PCM 4-bit wave sample channel and a noise generator, although systems like the Sega Genesis fared better thanks to the Yamaha YM2612 FM synthesizer it sported.