Bitwig has announced the release of the Bitwig Studio 6.1 BETA, a point-update to its digital audio workstation that delivers a substantial structural overhaul to the built-in Sampler device. The update introduces expanded playback architectures, advanced slicing modes, native intelligent pitch analysis, and a dedicated utility device for real-time frequency analysis.

Advanced Slicing and New Playback Engines

The core Sampler device has been rewritten to feature versatile slicing options accessible across all playback modes. Users can implement five distinct slicing methods driven by divisions, beats, transients, or pitch data. This architecture supports per-slice modulation routing and independent looping controls for highly articulate sample manipulation.

Two new specialized playback engines expand the device's signal processing capabilities:

• Spectral Mode: Utilizing a fast Fourier transform (FFT) architecture, this engine provides time-stretching with independent transient preservation and formant processing. It allows for radical time-stretching synchronized to project tempo or manual harmonic transformation.

  Reddit.

• Fragments Mode: A comprehensive granular engine capable of generating up to 256 discrete grains per voice. Users can adjust grain rate, spatial position, size, and motion parameters. It can be synchronized to the grid for rhythmic density or run free-field to generate dense acoustic clouds.

  Reddit.

Real-Time Analysis and Voice Processing

Bitwig Studio 6.1 integrates an automatic pitch analysis engine directly into the sample import pipeline. Upon import, the software detects the root key change over time, enabling incoming audio data to be dynamically repitched across the keyboard layout to follow polyphonic MIDI input.

Additionally, the Sampler introduces hardware emulation characters designed to alter incoming voice profiles per-voice. This includes analog-style saturation modeling, magnetic tape behavior, and classic 1990s downsampling topologies.

Outside of the Sampler, version 6.1 introduces the Tuner device, which is available as both a standard utility insertion and a module inside The Grid environment. It features dual display paradigms (visual tuning spokes and a continuous pitch history graph) to assist in quick instrument calibration and fine-tuning.

Additional Features and Enhancements

• The Grid Expansion: New options and modules implemented inside the modular DSP workspace to interface with updated sampling techniques.

• Bell Filter: A new filter slope morphology added to the Sampler's integrated processing block.

• Workflow Adjustments: Modifier-key workflows enhanced for drag-and-drop operations using ALT, CTRL, or CMD context flags. Keyboard shortcut focus handling between the Detail Editor and hovered panels has been optimized.

  Reddit.

Pricing and Availability

Bitwig Studio 6.1 is currently in beta and is available for download immediately to all users with an active 12-Month Upgrade Plan. The full retail license for Bitwig Studio is priced at $399, with Bitwig Studio Producer at $199, and Bitwig Studio Essentials at $99.

https://youtu.be/8NE-Lemf0PI?si=Sf7ygs9Kp0GvOcqn

Learn how to use the automation features introduced in this release cycle by reviewing the Bitwig Studio 6 Automation Basics Tutorial, which walks through the updated workflow adjustments and keyboard shortcut configurations.

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To celebrate the upcoming French Fête de la Musique, UVI is offering 50% off on a selection of products through June 30th, 2026.

At this occasion, explore innovative instruments, sound design tools, vintage synths, effects and more.

Whether you are into vintage, acoustic, cinematic or unconventional sounds, you will definitely find something that covers your needs.

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Matteo Caldari has released SAND 3.0 for iOS and Mac, a major update to the clip-based audio MIDI sequencer with AUv3 hosting.

SAND 3.0 introduces audio tracks and clips on the grid. Audio can be imported with preview, recorded into clips with per-track input and arming, and edited in the built-in audio editor.

Workflow improvements in this release include project versions, drum pads, favorite plugins, hidden tracks, customizable track icons, handle bars in the MIDI editor, project templates, and native Apple Silicon Mac support.

Audio Tracks is available as a separate in-app purchase. New users can try SAND free for 14 days; other features unlock via one-time in-app purchases after the trial.

Price: $19.98 on the App Store.

Preview: https://youtu.be/H-MWPXE8mVw
Website: https://getsand.app
Release notes: https://getsand.app/release-notes/
App Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1642467684

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Vienna Symphonic Library has announced the release of version 8.1.830 of Vienna Ensemble Pro.

Vienna Ensemble Pro has long been the backbone of professional studios worldwide, connecting virtual instruments, effects, and computers into one powerful network across Macs and PCs.

With Vienna Ensemble Pro 8.1, this concept reaches a new level of intelligence and reliability, offering smarter server networking, faster loading times, heightened stability, newly included FX plug-ins and even connectivity to your AI assistant.

Whether on a single machine or across complex multi-computer setups, Vienna Ensemble Pro 8.1 excels as the creative hub at the heart of your studio.

New Version 8.1 Features

• New MCP server (Public Beta) – control Vienna Ensemble Pro with your AI assistant by Anthropic (Claude), Google (Antigravity), or OpenAI (Codex). Requires your own AI subscription.
• Rock-solid Audio Input, now handles mono, stereo, surround and immersive inputs.
• Immersive & 3D support up to 22.2, Dolby Atmos and Auro-3D, incl. all Vienna Suite Pro plug-ins.
• Redesigned Automation browser with convenient search and full undo.
• Reworked auto-backup keeps your projects safe.
• Automatic VST2-to-VST3 migration of hosted plug-ins with saved states preserved.
• Smarter folder and channel enable/disable plus a new Force Enable command.
• MIDI-aware channels – auto-enable on incoming MIDI, with smarter instance focus.
• Countless performance, stability and interface refinements.

A complete overview of all new features, improvements, and bug fixes is available here.

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Blue Cat Audio has released version 1.7 of Late Replies, its creative delay and reverb plug-in that combines built-in and third-party effects within customizable delay lines and feedback loops for advanced echo, reverb and sound design applications.

The update delivers significant performance gains, alongside smoother preset transitions and a new quiet update mode for seamless delay time changes without pitch shifting artifacts.

Version 1.7 also introduces new tools for managing presets and third-party plug-ins, expanded MIDI control capabilities, and numerous enhancements to the user interface, compatibility, and overall user experience. A complete list of new features, improvements and fixes is available below.

New in Late Replies 1.7

Audio / DSP

• New quiet update mode for silent delay length changes (instead of tape-style pitch shifting effect).
• Smoother transition between presets.
• Drastic DSP performance improvements (up to twice faster on some presets).
• All factory presets have been updated.

User Interface

• Late Replies' background color can now be customized (tip: choose a color matching your track).
• Enhanced presets browser:
• Displays results in real time while typing.
• Supports full-text search within presets (find presets containing a specific plug-in or keywords).
• Performs searches without blocking the user interface.
• Both the plug-in and preset browsers now match files containing all search terms (AND logic) instead of just one (OR logic).
• Windows Multitouch support (manipulate multiple controls at the same time with several fingers).
• Windows accessibility: native system widgets are now scaled according to text size settings on Windows 8 and newer in settings windows.
• Multiple performance improvements.
• Fixed window opacity changes not shown in plug-in when host application modifies it.
• Fixed selected text in text edit box sometimes not easy to read on Mac depending on the color scheme.
• Fixed text edit boxes sometimes loosing focus when hovering mouse over other controls.
• Fixed Mac installers not showing brand image in dark mode.
• Fixed macro params issues when back-inserting a plug-in (via drag an drop) in a chain that overwrites its previous position.
• Windows: fixed context menu not always displayed in the right position when the window spans across several screens with different DPI.
• Windows: fixed return key sometimes unexpectedly forwarded to host while typing in a text edit box.

Macro Parameters

• Choose Macro params control style: knob or switch.
• Macro params default/neutral value can now be chosen (the value set upon right click or alt-click).

Plug-ins Hosting

• New Plug-ins Scanner: scan third party plug-ins and load them directly from the plug-in menu.
• New Plug-ins Browser: browse and search plug-ins once scanned, with optional full text search inside saved plug-ins.
• Added support for Audio Unit V3 (AUV3) plug-ins on MacOS.
• A missing plug-ins report is now displayed in case plug-ins are missing upon loading a session or presets.
• Plug-ins user interface is now opened automatically when dragged and dropped from the file system.
• VST3 plug-ins editor loading deferred and called only when user interface is displayed.
• Improved synchronization of hosted plug-ins sychronized to host transport when using plug-ins with latency.
• Built-in plug-ins can now follow host zoom.
• Recently updated VST, VST3 and Audio Unit plug-ins can now follow Late Replies' zoom like built-in plug-ins.
• Plug-in format is now displayed in the title bar of the plug-in window.
• Hitting the Escape key now closes the plug-in window that currently has focus.
• It is now possible to use different oversampling options for realtime and offline rendering.
• Fixed two memory leaks in VST3 plug-ins host (causing potential crashes upon VST3 plug-in unload too).
• Fixed plug-in latency not always fully compensated when using plug-ins with latencies of more than 1024 samples.
• Improved undo management with built-in and VST3 plug-ins, now detecting non-parameter changes (for Axiom: Destructor skin changes etc.).
• Fixed built-in multitap delay high DSP usage upon first load when syncing delay to host BPM.
• Fixed offline rendering mode not always reported to hosted plug-ins.
• Fixing built-in harmonizer crashing when manually configured with more audio outputs than inputs.
• Fixed some VST3 plug-ins taking a long time to load (a couple of plug-ins with multiple audio busses).
• Fixed built-in harmonizer crashing when manually forcing more audio outputs than inputs.
• Added recording status support for Audio Unit format.
• Fixed unexpected bypass control behavior with some Audio Unit plug-ins.
• Fixed VST3 plug-ins not loading when moved to a directory with the same name as the original .vst3 library file.

MIDI Control

• All plug-in parameters can now be controlled with MIDI notes, pitch bend, NRPN, 14-bit CCs, aftertouch or channel pressure, in addition to MIDI CC.
• MIDI settings window can now be resized to display more parameters.
• Optimized MIDI settings window display on Windows (load time and scroll).
• MIDI Settings window now splits parameters into multiple pages for faster access.
• MIDI Settings window now shows custom display names if any.
• Optimized preset load upon MIDI messages when using several hundreds of user presets.
• Fixed plug-in sending Bank number 0 when loading a preset that is not located in a bank.
• Fixed audio dropouts when navigating presets via next/previous and plug-in set to send MIDI Program Change messages.

Pricing & Availability

Blue Cat's Late Replies 1.7 is available now for Windows and macOS in VST, VST3, Audio Unit and AAX formats. To celebrate the release, Blue Cat Audio is offering a 20% introductory discount until June 30, 2026 (79 EUR or $79 instead of 99). The update is free for existing customers and available from their original download location.

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To mark Reverie 1.13, The Native Release, Reverie Pro is available at an introductory price of €19 until 31 July 2026, after which it rises to €29.

One-time purchase, lifetime updates. Reverie is a desktop app for turning any audio into ambient textures and drones.

The 1.13 release rebuilds the engine as native code on macOS and Windows.

Pro unlocks 30-minute exports, the Custom Chain Builder with all 37 DSP modules, all factory presets, and WAV/FLAC/OGG/AIFF export at 16 and 24-bit.

A free version is also available.

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SoundBridge DAW has been updated to v3.1.0. Following the introduction of real-time peer-to-peer collaboration in the 3.0 series, this update focuses on expanding creative workflow capabilities with new automation tools, sequencer enhancements, collaboration improvements, and stability fixes.

Macro Track (Premium)

The new Macro Track allows multiple automation parameters to be controlled simultaneously using a single knob. Macros can be used to simplify complex automation setups and create custom performance controls for mixing, sound design, and production workflows.

Expanded Automation Drawing Tools (Premium)

The Draw Tool now includes new Triangle, Square, and Random drawing modes for automation editing. They've also improved Snap-based drawing behavior and added modifier controls that allow automation shapes to be resized, repositioned, and angle-adjusted directly while drawing.

Block Stretching

MIDI, audio, and automation blocks can now be stretched directly in the sequencer using Ctrl + Drag from either the beginning or end of a block. New context-specific cursors provide visual feedback for each supported block type.

Collaboration Improvements

Virtual collaboration sessions now display mouse cursor changes to remote participants when using the remote control feature. Talkback noise cancellation has been improved, and privacy controls have been updated so only the SoundBridge window can be displayed in the control plane.

Workflow Improvements

• Redesigned native SoundBridge cursors.
• Increased block-edge action areas for smoother editing.
• Added support for manually resizing and reordering columns in:
  • MIDI Mapping.
  • File Transfer.
  • Macro Track Binding.
• Updated tutorials to cover new functionality.
• Tutorial view now resets to the home page after new installations.
• Updated splash screen.

Bug Fixes

• Fixed a crash when pasting audio blocks using Ctrl + Shift + V.
• Fixed visual and behavioral issues when editing parameter default values.
• Fixed automated control interactions during playback to ensure proper visual updates and temporary manual override behavior.

Watch the overview video below and read the release notes for more details.

YouTube.com/watch?v=MvIR6tK_LEI

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Live Workflow Tools has released Quick Launcher, a Max for Live device designed to give Ableton Live users fast access to their favorite presets from a compact floating launcher. The device puts Ableton Live, Max for Live, rack, VST3, and AU presets "one keypress away" by opening directly at the user's cursor.

How It Works

Users add their go-to presets to the Quick Launcher folder, map the device's Launch button to a key or MIDI control, and open the floating launcher whenever they need a preset. Presets can then be loaded by clicking a slot or pressing number keys 1-9.

Quick Launcher supports Ableton Live and Max for Live device presets, Ableton racks, VST3 plugin presets, and Audio Unit plugin presets on macOS. The device also includes folder-based tabs, Pin Mode for adding multiple presets in a row, and Edit Mode for arranging tabs, reordering presets, resizing the window, and choosing from over 100 music-production and Ableton-themed icons.

Key Features

• Floating launcher opens directly at the user's cursor.
• One mapped Launch button for keyboard or MIDI control.
• Mouse and 1-9 key triggering for visible preset slots.
• Folder-based tabs for organizing favorite presets.
• Pin Mode for adding multiple devices or presets in a row.
• Edit Mode with preset ordering, tab arrangement, window resizing, and 100+ icons.
• Smart insertion after the selected device where possible, or at the end of the selected track.
• Support for .adv, .adg, .vstpreset, and .aupreset files.

Pricing & Availability

Quick Launcher is available for macOS and Windows as a Max for Live device for Ableton Live 10, 11, and 12. It is priced at €12.07 and includes a PDF manual, continued support, and free feature updates.

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Open Planet Software has released Sessions Pro, a Mac and iPad plug-in host for creators and performers.

Sessions Pro is a flexible control centre and plug-in host for creating and performing music. With a streamlined design, ultra low latency and performer-friendly features, OPS says it acts as a 'Grand Central' hub that brings everything together for live players and DAW-less creators.

Sessions Pro is an evolution of the original Sessions app released for Mac in 2024. Since then we've brought the app to iPad, added features like a multi-threaded audio engine, Session Mix performer's view, backing track playback and flexible file-based projects as well many smaller but equally important refinements like plug-in latency compensation, plug-in side chains and countless workflow improvements. Sessions Pro represents the biggest leap yet with the additional of MIDI FX plug-in support and flexible MIDI routing, opening new possibilities for DAW-less creators to make music with arpeggiators, sequencers and other MIDI generator Audio Units. I hope you all enjoy Sessions Pro as much as the team have enjoyed building it.

Key features:

• Connect instruments and microphones and shape your sound with Audio FX plug-ins.
• Play Virtual Instruments with layers and splits from your MIDI keyboards and controllers.
• Get creative with arpeggiators, sequencers and other MIDI generator plug-ins.
• Mix everything in the pro-grade mixer, complete with sends, auxes and side chains.
• Control critical plug-in parameters with beautiful, configurable widgets.
• Switch and blend twelve independent Scenes with seamless, natural transitions.
• Set up single-knob, multi-parameter Macros for flexible and dynamic control.
• Use external MIDI controllers and pedals to switch Scenes, adjust Macros and more.
• Play pre-recorded backing tracks, stems and loops. Route straight to the main output or through the mixer for further processing.
• Stay in time with other apps and devices using Ableton Link and MIDI Clock.
• Continuous, automatic background recording so you can playback and save whatever you've played in the last 15 minutes at any time.
• Traditional 'direct-to-disk' recording for unlimited duration recording.
• Practice with the built-in metronome.
• Find plug-ins fast by searching or favouriting. Hide unwanted plug-ins in the Plug-in Manager.
• Keep a library of your favourite Patches and plug-in combinations.
• Quickly load and save entire Projects with all Scene, Macro, Clock and Backing Track data.
• Rock solid timing and reliability with a custom built high performance, low latency, multithreaded audio engine that includes plug-in delay compensation and sample accurate MIDI timing.

Price & Availability

Sessions Pro is available on the App Store as a one-time purchase of $19.99 that includes both the Mac and iPad apps. It's a free update for existing users of the original Sessions app.

A free trial is available on the Sessions Pro website.

Requires a Mac running macOS 15.6 or later or an iPad running iPadOS 18.6 or later.

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MusicDevelopments has updated Melodya to version 1.6 and MIDI Mutator to version 1.5.

This update introduces a new UI rendering engine with improved window resizing, drag-and-drop support, and enhanced text editing. Note editing has been completely redesigned for a faster and more intuitive workflow, alongside numerous usability and performance improvements.

Improvements:

• Implemented a new UI rendering engine with improved window resizing, drag-and-drop, and enhanced text editing.

• Note editing completely reworked: click to create, double-click to remove, Ctrl-click to select, Alt-click to split/glue notes.

• Alt key shows scissors/glue cursor over notes.

• VST plug-in component removed.

• [Windows] New installer.

• [Windows] Plug-in now digitally signed.

• General usability and performance improvements.

These updates are free for all users.

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Nembrini Audio has updated Tone Craft Modular Studio to version 1.0.4, adding the new Free NAM Loader module.

Load and play Neural Amp Modeler .nam models directly inside Tone Craft.

Combine captured amps and pedals with Nembrini Audio plugins, built-in modules, and advanced routing.

NAM Loader is included in the free version of Tone Craft, making it easy to start building custom guitar and bass rigs.

Features:

• Free NAM Loader: Load Neural Amp Modeler .nam models directly inside Tone Craft.
• Modular Routing Platform: Build simple or complex signal chains with splitters, mixers, crossovers, and auxiliary paths.
• Nembrini Audio Plugin Integration: Load your owned Nembrini Audio plugins inside Tone Craft at no extra cost.
• Standalone and Plugin: Use Tone Craft inside your DAW or as a standalone application for studio, rehearsal, or live guitar rigs.
• Scenes: Store up to 8 fully independent scenes per preset and switch sounds via MIDI Program Change.
• Parameter Controls: The parameters of all loaded modules are fully automatable within your DAW and can be adjusted using a MIDI control surface.
• Advanced Routing: With the optional Tone Craft license, unlock parallel routing, dual-amp and multi-chain setups, Scenes, MIDI Program Change support, and centralized parameter automation.

Complete Access Subscription

Nembrini Audio has also introduced the Complete Access Subscription, giving users access to the Nembrini Audio collection with one monthly subscription:

• $12.99/month: Get access to the included Nembrini Audio plugin catalog.
• New Releases Included: New products are automatically added to active subscriptions.
• Flexible Subscription: Auto-renews, with the option to skip, pause, or cancel anytime.
• Up to 5 Devices: Activate the subscription on up to 5 devices at the same time.

Price and Availability

Tone Craft Modular Studio is available now for $29.99, regular price $49.99:

• Free Version Available: Tone Craft is free to download and includes basic features, selected built-in modules, and the NAM Loader module.
• Free Built-In Modules: Several modules are included and can be used without purchasing a Tone Craft license.
• Advanced Features: Parallel routing, Scenes, MIDI Program Change support, and centralized parameter automation require a Tone Craft license.
• Paid Plugins Sold Separately: The Tone Craft license does not include paid Nembrini Audio amps and effects.
• Use Your Existing Nembrini Audio Plugins: If you already own Nembrini Audio plugins, you can use them inside Tone Craft without repurchasing them.

Complete Access Subscription is available for $12.99/month.

YouTube/y5D_H9bgeCY

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rncbc.org has announced the End-of-Spring'26 release of Qtractor version 1.6.1, for GNU/Linux.

Changes for this release:

• Fixed a prolly old bug on Clip/Normalize which was cutting short on the selected clip length, giving erroneous results sometimes.
• Added option to lock toolbars in place on the main and MIDI clip editor windows; fixed MIDI clip editor's thumb-view toolbar not saving state after close.
• Force (disconnect) all buses/ports and (deactivate) all plugin chains on session close.
• Updated to CLAP v1.2.8.
• Distinguish all pseudo-plugin inserts by color, on whether their processing type is either audio or MIDI (in plugin-list boxes).
• Avoid overlapping track header name and buttons (R, M, S and A) when reducing its height.
• Mitigate some LV2 plug-in UI X11 (native) recursive resizing.
• Fixed the confusing behavior on drag-n-dropping audio and/or MIDI files over the main window track-list (left pane).
• Added simplified Chinese (zh_CN) translation.

See also: Qtractor 1.6.1 - An End-of-Spring'26 Release

Qtractor is free, open-source Linux Audio software, distributed under the terms of the GNU General Public License (GPL) version 2 or later.

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Deskew Technologies has announced the release of Gig Performer 5.2.2, a free update for all Gig Performer 5 users that expands what song part actions can do, introduces practical workflow tools for building and managing performance setups, and brings additional mixer capabilities to Gig Performer Essentials.

Gig Performer is built around a single idea: when you perform live, your tools should free your mind to focus on delivering the best possible show. With each update, performers get more control over where their show goes, while Gig Performer supports them in the background.

Smarter Setlist Navigation

Song part actions a now trigger jumps to any other song or song part in the setlist giving performer far greater control over nonlinear performance flow. When preparing for your shows, new keyboard shortcuts have been added to bypass actions during testing, and make it easier to quickly open the action management windows.

Phase Inversion and Additional Mixers Come To Gig Performer Essentials.

Gig Performer Essentials receives two significant additions in this release. Phase invert is now available in Essentials audio mixers, providing a direct way to address phase cancellation when layering sources. Essentials users also gain access to a wider range of audio mixer channel configurations beyond the previous 4- and 8-channel options.

Practical Workflow Tools

This update includes practical improvements to everyday use: setlists can now be exported to the clipboard as CSV for archiving or use in external tools, widget captions using the variation tag now update automatically when switching variations, and Program Change and Bank numbers can be hidden in songs and rackspaces when not relevant to a performance.

Additional Improvements and Fixes

5.2.2 also includes further touch support refinements, an SDK update allowing extensions to store local and global state, and several bug fixes:

• GPScript generators that were not being removed on recompile have been resolved.
• Locating an audio file originally defined in a Windows gig file now works on Mac.

Important Note for GPScript and OSC Users

This release changes the required syntax for OSC addresses in GPScript. OSC addresses must now be enclosed in single or double quotes. This affects a minority of users; those impacted can make and test changes in their current scripts prior to updating.

Availability

Gig Performer 5.2.2 is available now as a free update for all Gig Performer 5 users. Current users can update from within the application via Options → General → Check Now, then clicking Get Update.

Read the full release notes for Gig Performer Pro

Read the full release notes for Gig Performer Essentials

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Photosounder has updated Photosounder, the spectral editor/synthesizer application, to version 1.12.

Changes since v1.11.2:

• Dialog for setting the noise loop duration.
• Option to resize image vertically to default height.
• "Rescale image" command.
• Indication of the height of the image in the analysis options window.
• Added button to restore hardcoded analysis defaults.
• Made the "log base" default changeable.
• Fixed slow analysis of sound files with a certain length.
• Apple Silicon build.
• Right-click on knobs to set value.
• Dialog for setting either time resolution or sound duration.
• Added a menu entry for the console.
• TIFF image file export compatibility improvements (ICC profile, fixed missing tag).
• Fixed cursor control of playback in lossless mode.
• Fixed crash when turning on lossless mode.
• Fixed loading a .pha file from the command line.
• Fixed linear knobs having a dead zone in the centre for no reason.
• Many miscellaneous bugs fixed using Codex/ChatGPT 5.5.

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