While nothing beats getting a new hardware or software synthesizer, the cost can quickly add up. Thankfully, there’s the occasional free release, but sometimes existing hardware and software receive new updates that can open up some new possibilities. If you are the existing owner of any of these hardware or software here’s what the latest updates have added for free.

Tempera

By Beetlecrab Audio

Link: https://beetlecrab.audio/tempera/

Download: https://beetlecrab.audio/tempera/support/

Beetlecrab Audio has released the version 2.1 firmware update for the hardware granular synthesizer, Tempera. The biggest feature of the new update is that it transforms Tempera into a live grain FX processor. It enables tracks to be continuously recorded into while emitters are placed on it. The update also adds a new rake filter, modular destinations, sources and visualizations, and new filter visualizations. 

Other notable additions include a new filter send option, reworded and improved reverb and delay, a new attack option for grain emission, tap tempo, internal clock control, and many other improvements. According to Beetlecrab, this was all made possible thanks to their community who provided feedback, suggestions, bug reports, and beta testing. For the full list of improvements watch the video embedded above or visit the Beetlecrab website.

AudioFuse 16Rig

By Arturia

Link: https://www.arturia.com/products/audio/audiofuse-16rig/update

Download: https://support.arturia.com/hc/en-us/articles/16550917857948-AudioFuse-16Rig-Firmware-Update

Arturia has released version 2.0 of the AudioFuse 16Rig firmware, which adds a host of new features, including a complete Immersive Monitoring system that supports speaker systems with up to 16 independently assignable output channels. This is all accessible via the new Immersive Monitoring Screen. The firmware update also expands the MIDI configuration options on the MIDI Screen. Users can control the AudioFuse 16Rig’s Main Mixer from their DAW thanks to the USB Device option and the Clock Output now has a menu of choices instead of just offering 24 PPQN. Lastly, there are now pop-up screens that appear on the front panel for certain features, the ability to specify in preferences whether the unit should stay off or auto-restart in the event of a power cut and the shutdown process has been sped up. Visit the official website to download the firmware update and get an overview of all the new features or watch the video embedded above for a rundown.

Exquis Keyboard

By Intuitive Instruments

Link: https://dualo.com/en/exquis/

Download: https://dualo.com/en/welcome/

Intuitive Instruments, makers of the Exquis MPE expressive controller and its intuitive app has released a new version 2 firmware update. It gives users the option to design their own custom scales and note layout using the companion software, store these directly in the controller’s memory, and even share them with the community. It also adds customizable MIDI messages and sensitivity curves and gives the companion software a new redesigned graphical interface for quick and intuitive use. Last, but not least, the update packs 100 new factory presets for the Vital and Decent Sampler free MPE plugins, which can be accessed directly from within the app. Check out the introduction video above for a list of features and visit the official website for the firmware and a guide on how to update your Exquis.

GR-1

By Tasty Chips Electronics

Download: https://www.tastychips.nl/gr-1-support/#Firmware

Gr-1 Granular Synthesizer owners can take advantage of new features, updates and bug fixes thanks to the free version 3.02 firmware update released by Tasty Chip Electronics. New features include a save popup for quick internal storage and naming of all entities, the ability to store patches and samples internally, the ability to mute while loading and saving performances, new “Are you sure” popups for practically all destructive actions, and more. 

Changes include system settings now being saved separately and system-wide instead of inside each performance, a harmonized look for all the menus, a high contrast color scheme and bigger fonts in menus for improved readability, and the removal of the rarely used incremental saves. The free firmware download and full release notes can be found on the official Tasty Chips Electronics website.