Synthesist and developer Stephen McLeod shared this video, demonstrating how he got the new Elektron Outbox 8 to work with the unsupported OctaTrack.
McLeod’s unofficial firmware mod is a Claude ‘vibe coded’ change, part of the sudden explosion of firmware mods and audio plugins that are being enabled by LLM coding tools.
This trend is raising some concerns, but it’s also fueling the rise of alternative firmware options that add new features and functionality to existing gear.
Check out the video and share your thoughts on this OctraTrack Outbox 8 mod in the comments!
If Greedy Venture capitalists didn’t run these companies the Alt firmware wouldn’t be drinking their milkshakes. – Former InMusic employee and MPC guru
At least in elektron’s case, I think their response has been reasonable, not greedy.
They even authorized the ‘Machinedrum X’ alternate firmware, and they said that they will consider unofficial firmwares on a case-by-case basis.