Peter Kirn
@pkirn.bsky.social
Music and music technology journalist, composer and electronic artist/dj. I make cdm.link, work on the meeblip.com synth, and cover creative technologies. Activist. Lebanese-American background, came from Kentucky, now in Berlin.
Wow, haven't checked in on this in a long time -- like one of the first things I ever ran on iPad, and still impressive.
🚨Plugin Update🚨 Laurent Colson has updated ‘StepPolyArp’ to v5.1.1!! Update contains minor bug fixes. Update yours now in the App Store!!
apps.apple.com/us/app/stepp...
apps.apple.com/us/app/stepp...
November 11, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Wow, haven't checked in on this in a long time -- like one of the first things I ever ran on iPad, and still impressive.
Don't know about you, but I needed something to lift my mood today, so here's mid-90s Jeff Mills mixing and a sunny drive through Toronto for some reason.
Here's Jeff Mills live at Tokyo's Liquid Room ca 1995-1996, plus driving - CDM Create Digital Music
Via Jeff Mills' own account, here's a perfect Monday soundtrack, maybe made even better by sounding like it was mixed onto a cassette tape.
cdm.link
November 10, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Don't know about you, but I needed something to lift my mood today, so here's mid-90s Jeff Mills mixing and a sunny drive through Toronto for some reason.
10 new arp modes, Whiplash arp timing mode, violet noise, and yes, poly chain (well, if you double up).
The approach to the arp modes is really lovely. PinkyUp and Whiplash me!
The approach to the arp modes is really lovely. PinkyUp and Whiplash me!
New, playful arpeggiator features for Sequential Take 5, Oberheim TEO-5 - CDM Create Digital Music
The 5-voice Sequential and Oberheim hybrid analog/digital synths each got an OS update last week, and their playful new arpeggiator features are a reminder of why we love both brands. Think ten new ar...
cdm.link
November 10, 2025 at 12:07 PM
10 new arp modes, Whiplash arp timing mode, violet noise, and yes, poly chain (well, if you double up).
The approach to the arp modes is really lovely. PinkyUp and Whiplash me!
The approach to the arp modes is really lovely. PinkyUp and Whiplash me!
Okay, not *entirely* best practices MetaSounds patch organization, but sounds *amazing* and then it's wild to watch ... @unrealengine.bsky.social
Sketchy 909 drills and grains...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BK8c...
#Metasounds #UnrealEngine #ProceduralMusic
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BK8c...
#Metasounds #UnrealEngine #ProceduralMusic
MSS_Oracle_12
YouTube video by Sciurid
www.youtube.com
November 10, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Okay, not *entirely* best practices MetaSounds patch organization, but sounds *amazing* and then it's wild to watch ... @unrealengine.bsky.social
Darkness shades me.
November 9, 2025 at 11:53 AM
Darkness shades me.
That is one odd choice of screenshots, @reasonstudios.com :D
But yes, we love Malström! I mean... I guess I'll go play with the inputs now, indeed. Feels like a dare.
But yes, we love Malström! I mean... I guess I'll go play with the inputs now, indeed. Feels like a dare.
November 9, 2025 at 11:42 AM
That is one odd choice of screenshots, @reasonstudios.com :D
But yes, we love Malström! I mean... I guess I'll go play with the inputs now, indeed. Feels like a dare.
But yes, we love Malström! I mean... I guess I'll go play with the inputs now, indeed. Feels like a dare.
This for me is the best logging tool available, and it's on essentially every platform. (with one *big* honorable mention to @gbevin.uwyn.com though for when you want to organize the MIDI output, so that's the go-to two-device punch)
Ooh, now I want to do some gamepad mapping.
Ooh, now I want to do some gamepad mapping.
Protokol - free MIDI / OSC / GAMEPAD / ART-NET monitor - update!
Some quick-fixes for the latest iOS bundled with the usual updates and maintenance. A new feature update is already baking... coming soon!
Happy logging!
hexler.net/protokol
Some quick-fixes for the latest iOS bundled with the usual updates and maintenance. A new feature update is already baking... coming soon!
Happy logging!
hexler.net/protokol
November 8, 2025 at 10:19 AM
This for me is the best logging tool available, and it's on essentially every platform. (with one *big* honorable mention to @gbevin.uwyn.com though for when you want to organize the MIDI output, so that's the go-to two-device punch)
Ooh, now I want to do some gamepad mapping.
Ooh, now I want to do some gamepad mapping.
Yep, using this one all the time! Dragging across the cells is handy too but this lets you more quickly set up variations, etc.
The latest generation of our sequencer-based effects has a new utility function menu that allows you to manipulate sequencer patterns – such as copy/paste, trim, randomize, reverse, shift, loop, and more. It makes creating patterns and variations lightning fast!
November 8, 2025 at 10:18 AM
Yep, using this one all the time! Dragging across the cells is handy too but this lets you more quickly set up variations, etc.
That 1U row was born to be a home for this.
(oh and if you don't have the HP in 1U, see their previous narrower 1U and 3U step sequencers, which I also reference here but -- clicky keys!)
(oh and if you don't have the HP in 1U, see their previous narrower 1U and 3U step sequencers, which I also reference here but -- clicky keys!)
Turn that 1U row into a row of tactile TR-x0x step sequencing: Drummertime - CDM Create Digital Music
A perfect 1U row doesn't exi-- oh, okay tubbetec. You got us. Add a row of big, clicky keys (or more "tactile" ones) and get your step sequencing in a row on Eurorack. It's called "Drummertime." Geniu...
cdm.link
November 7, 2025 at 8:32 PM
That 1U row was born to be a home for this.
(oh and if you don't have the HP in 1U, see their previous narrower 1U and 3U step sequencers, which I also reference here but -- clicky keys!)
(oh and if you don't have the HP in 1U, see their previous narrower 1U and 3U step sequencers, which I also reference here but -- clicky keys!)
Warp Markers become instant cue points on Push 2 and 3. Yes, for DJing (Hot Cue style), but also live, and honestly, I might *also* play with this when toying with productions (which is where my Push sees a lot of action).
Nice work by @isotonikstudios.bsky.social and @deadmau5.com -
Nice work by @isotonikstudios.bsky.social and @deadmau5.com -
Push:Cue Mode turns Warp Markers into launchable cue points - CDM Create Digital Music
It's Hot Cues for Ableton Live, or cue points for Push for Live for Max for Live. Finally, those handy cue points can be triggered, with a ton of nice visual extras. That was a long-missing feature fo...
cdm.link
November 7, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Warp Markers become instant cue points on Push 2 and 3. Yes, for DJing (Hot Cue style), but also live, and honestly, I might *also* play with this when toying with productions (which is where my Push sees a lot of action).
Nice work by @isotonikstudios.bsky.social and @deadmau5.com -
Nice work by @isotonikstudios.bsky.social and @deadmau5.com -
A dream ensemble going to town on every object they can find around them, thanks to @dadamachines.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy Automat. Must-watch, via @npr.org Tiny Desk Concerts:
Coffee cups, pizza boxes, everything's an instrument: watch clipping. play - CDM Create Digital Music
You know the game "I spy..."? Every object in the room becomes a musical instrument, activated by the robotic MIDI percussion of the dadamachines automat toolkit. Watch this brilliant performance by t...
cdm.link
November 7, 2025 at 1:13 PM
A dream ensemble going to town on every object they can find around them, thanks to @dadamachines.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy Automat. Must-watch, via @npr.org Tiny Desk Concerts:
Scanner! in Berlin --
Thrilled to present a new performance work based on the world of Allen Ginsberg in Berlin this coming Saturday 8 November. Tickets are free too.
www.poetrepublik.com/event/speech...
www.poetrepublik.com/event/speech...
November 7, 2025 at 12:46 PM
Scanner! in Berlin --
Okay, who remembers Edirol V4? Korg Entrancer? (or for a really deep cut, Milkymist?)
Video FX processing looks promising in the latest LZX box.
Video FX processing looks promising in the latest LZX box.
LZX's Videomancer can get you excited about video hardware FX again - CDM Create Digital Music
Edirol (Roland) V4. Korg Entrancer. Kids, as your... uh weird VJ aunties and uncles. But there was once a time when video hardware was great. And the mighty Eurorack house of video, LZX Industries, is...
cdm.link
November 6, 2025 at 8:27 PM
Okay, who remembers Edirol V4? Korg Entrancer? (or for a really deep cut, Milkymist?)
Video FX processing looks promising in the latest LZX box.
Video FX processing looks promising in the latest LZX box.
This is my favorite Cubase 15 video. And we learn more about the Vocaloid-based tech in Cubase. (It's not Vocaloid, it's something new -- but yeah, it can sing in Japanese.)
Stick around for some vintage Mac action, too. Thanks, @sleepfreaks.bsky.social !
Stick around for some vintage Mac action, too. Thanks, @sleepfreaks.bsky.social !
Cubase is Japan's biggest DAW, and you need to watch this Japanese review - CDM Create Digital Music
Yamaha Vocaloid-based voices in Cubase? It better be able to sing in Japanese, right? Well, I've got some more on the engine, and the folks at SLEEP FREAKS have your Japanese-language review. Surprise...
cdm.link
November 6, 2025 at 7:53 PM
This is my favorite Cubase 15 video. And we learn more about the Vocaloid-based tech in Cubase. (It's not Vocaloid, it's something new -- but yeah, it can sing in Japanese.)
Stick around for some vintage Mac action, too. Thanks, @sleepfreaks.bsky.social !
Stick around for some vintage Mac action, too. Thanks, @sleepfreaks.bsky.social !
Niiiice Disquiet Junto Project theme!
Could follow up with "Basket Case" where it's just consistent chaos...
Could follow up with "Basket Case" where it's just consistent chaos...
Disquiet Junto Project 0723: Do the Collapse
The Assignment: Make music that falls apart repeatedly.
Deadline: Monday, November 10, 2025, 11:59pm (that is: just before midnight) wherever you are.
Details: disquiet.com/0723
#DisquietJunto
The Assignment: Make music that falls apart repeatedly.
Deadline: Monday, November 10, 2025, 11:59pm (that is: just before midnight) wherever you are.
Details: disquiet.com/0723
#DisquietJunto
November 6, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Niiiice Disquiet Junto Project theme!
Could follow up with "Basket Case" where it's just consistent chaos...
Could follow up with "Basket Case" where it's just consistent chaos...
Berlin right now...
November 5, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Berlin right now...
Tons of details to save you time and assist expressive editing, including new Modulators (nice)! But here are two things you probably *didn't* expect: a beta release of Yamaha vocal synthesis tech, and support for the inter-DAW file format DAWproject.
Cubase 15: Expression Maps, rich patterns, updated Modulators, plug-ins - CDM Create Digital Music
It's all in the details on this one. Cubase 15 has a ton of tweaks to its expansive plug-in library, new and more expressive editing, pattern sequencing, and Modulators, automation tools, proper Mac f...
cdm.link
November 5, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Tons of details to save you time and assist expressive editing, including new Modulators (nice)! But here are two things you probably *didn't* expect: a beta release of Yamaha vocal synthesis tech, and support for the inter-DAW file format DAWproject.
Reposted by Peter Kirn
www.washingtonpost.com/local/obitua...
Here’s my dad’s obituary if you’re interested and why he was particularly suited to write about the abuse of intelligence leading up to the second war in Iraq which led to Cheney firing him
Here’s my dad’s obituary if you’re interested and why he was particularly suited to write about the abuse of intelligence leading up to the second war in Iraq which led to Cheney firing him
William B. Bader, official who helped uncover CIA, Defense abuses, dies at 84
In a long federal career, he investigated claims that led to the escalation of the Vietnam War.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 4, 2025 at 8:46 PM
www.washingtonpost.com/local/obitua...
Here’s my dad’s obituary if you’re interested and why he was particularly suited to write about the abuse of intelligence leading up to the second war in Iraq which led to Cheney firing him
Here’s my dad’s obituary if you’re interested and why he was particularly suited to write about the abuse of intelligence leading up to the second war in Iraq which led to Cheney firing him
This looks like it'd be really useful to me if I didn't already have a meticulous system for organizing all those unfinished tracks shuffle shuffle okay yeah let me give this a go...
Organize that mess of projects into one place, free, with SessionDock - CDM Create Digital Music
I think I've never read a product pitch that resonated quite like this one: "It’s built for people like me who juggle Logic, Ableton, and endless folders full of half-finished tracks." Oh, uh -- that....
cdm.link
November 4, 2025 at 5:59 PM
This looks like it'd be really useful to me if I didn't already have a meticulous system for organizing all those unfinished tracks shuffle shuffle okay yeah let me give this a go...
Sound you touch; sound that's organic and alive. Definitely the future -- the weirdness our Big Data overlords will never truly be able to understand.
Moon from Landscape, Mystic Circuits: a bonkers 4-channel drum machine - CDM Create Digital Music
In case you missed Noon, the first collaboration was a brain-bending, organic, and exquisitely unpredictable analog drum machine. Its 4-channel sibling Noon has opened to preorders, and in this new co...
cdm.link
November 3, 2025 at 10:14 PM
Sound you touch; sound that's organic and alive. Definitely the future -- the weirdness our Big Data overlords will never truly be able to understand.
Lex and this team had so long been a beacon. Devastating.
I was laid off from Teen Vogue today along with multiple other staffers, and today is my last day.
certainly more to come from me when the dust has settled more, but to my knowledge, after today, there will be no politics staffers at Teen Vogue.
certainly more to come from me when the dust has settled more, but to my knowledge, after today, there will be no politics staffers at Teen Vogue.
November 3, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Lex and this team had so long been a beacon. Devastating.
West Coast dreaming: improvising with GForce MAP, plus more places to hear sounds and understand this synth. It's really a modern take on West Coast, with effects being a big part of it. cdm.link/gforce-map-i...
November 3, 2025 at 12:53 PM
West Coast dreaming: improvising with GForce MAP, plus more places to hear sounds and understand this synth. It's really a modern take on West Coast, with effects being a big part of it. cdm.link/gforce-map-i...
An urgent starting point — what to do, what not to do in advocating for Sudan, @aymanmak.bsky.social provides a link between Lebanese voices and activism as I’ve been sharing and the essential Sudanese voices to listen to now more than ever.
How to Advocate for Sudan (and how not to)
YouTube video by Politically Depressed
youtu.be
November 2, 2025 at 1:57 PM
An urgent starting point — what to do, what not to do in advocating for Sudan, @aymanmak.bsky.social provides a link between Lebanese voices and activism as I’ve been sharing and the essential Sudanese voices to listen to now more than ever.
Reposted by Peter Kirn
It’s okay to be glad that restaurants are doing stuff like this AND absolutely furious about the utter failure of the United States government.
November 1, 2025 at 2:43 PM
It’s okay to be glad that restaurants are doing stuff like this AND absolutely furious about the utter failure of the United States government.
For absolutely no reason whatsoever, here's Vincent Price joining Johnny Carson to poach a fish in a dishwasher.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqOR...
You're welcome.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqOR...
You're welcome.
November 1, 2025 at 2:41 PM
For absolutely no reason whatsoever, here's Vincent Price joining Johnny Carson to poach a fish in a dishwasher.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqOR...
You're welcome.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqOR...
You're welcome.