New Firmware Updates and Plugin Releases

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With 2024 winding down, there’s still some time to grab a few new plugins at a discount or, if money is tight, benefit from free new firmware updates if you already own the hardware. Check out what is available from Arturia, Moog, Waldorf, and GForce Software.
Firmware
Arturia MiniFreak 3.0
By Arturia
Link: https://www.arturia.com/products/hardware-synths/minifreak/update
Price: Free to Arturia MiniFreak owners
Arturia has released the 3.0 firmware for the Arturia MiniFreak and it comes with a significant array of new sonic possibilities as well as stability improvements. The update, which is free for MiniFreak hardware and software users, adds seven new granular engines and one classic sample engine. These include Cloud Grains, Hit Grains, Frozen, Skan, Particles, Lick, Raster and Sample. All the new sound engines are loaded with meticulously crafted samples and the new granular factory sounds are great for showcasing their full potential. Users can also expect a range of stability improvements from the user interface to hardware and software communications and more along with other bug fixes. Watch the video above for a full rundown of new features. Visit the official website for information on how to update your MiniFreak firmware to take advantage of the new features.
Muse Firmware v1.3.0
By Moog
Link: https://www.moogmusic.com/news/moog-muse-firmware-v130-now-available
Price: Free to Moog Muse Owners
The Moog Muse Firmware v1.3.0 is now available with key improvements. According to Moog, this update contains significant system optimizations, which makes patch recall, editing, and saving much more fluid than it was before. They have also improved the velocity response of the local keyboard and reduced the latency for Mod Map routings. Another benefit is improved Diffusion Delay audio fidelity. Watch the video below for a guide on how to update your Muse and visit the official website for more information.
Software
Blofeld Synthesizer Plug-in
By Waldorf
Website: https://waldorfmusic.com/blofeld-plugin/
Price: €119 until January 2, 2025 (Regular price €149) - Special price of 89 € for Blofeld hardware owners
Waldorf has announced that the versatile Blofeld synthesizer is now available as a plugin for your DAW. This plugin can also be used to control your hardware and is compatible with existing Blofeld sound sets. Like its hardware counterpart, this plugin delivers the typical fat and rich Waldorf sound character thanks to a powerful wavetable engine. This unique synthesis system is based on the PPG synths of the eighties. The Blofeld plugin features a 16-part multimode, a powerful preset browser, a synth section with plenty of sound design parameters, a modulation matrix, an arpeggiator, and a sample browser. Watch the video above to hear the plugin in action and visit the official Waldorf website for more information. The Blofeld plugin is available at a discount until January 2, 2025, and owners of the Blofeld hardware can get an additional discount when purchasing.
Icondrum
By GForce Software
Website: https://www.gforcesoftware.com/products/icondrum/
Price: £24.99 (Regular price £49.99)
GForce Software has introduced the IconDrum, a new plugin that pays homage to the legendary Linn drum machine which was featured on everything from Prince’s “1999” to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” According to them, it provides a bridge connecting the iconic sound of the early 80s with the creative possibilities offered by modern rhythm creation methods. The IconDrum features a rich library of 100 authentic sounds that have been recreated and refined for pristine clarity, but without losing the classic digital warmth. The Icondrum features 12 tracks/channels with up to three sounds/pads in each for a total of 24 sounds. Users also have full control over pan, solo, mute, pitch, decay, analog-style delay send, and lush reverb send for each channel. Other sound-scaping options include a multi-mode filter, distortion, EQ, and compressor. Watch the video above to hear the Icondrum in action and visit the GForce Software website for more information. A trial version, which is limited to 7 days and does not contain the MIDI pack is also available for download.