Austrian synth builder Mayer EMI just announced Aurora, a major free firmware update for the MD850 Vibes hybrid desktop synth, unveiled during Superbooth 2026. And honestly, this feels less like a maintenance update and more like a full refresh of the instrument.
Aurora is the first in a planned series of named firmware releases for the MD850 platform, with Mayer EMI clearly leaning into long-term hardware support instead of replacing products every few years. That’s something a lot of synth users will appreciate.
The update brings a completely redesigned interface, refined voicing across all synthesis modes, and a new studio-grade reverb that promises deeper and more polished spatial effects. Vintage Mode has also been expanded with extra character options, while the noise oscillator now supports SFZ multisamples, including drag-and-drop SFZ import through the VibesConnect companion software.
The MD850 Vibes also ships with 130 new factory presets showing off its full 4-part multitimbral engine. That multitimbral setup is still one of the strongest selling points here, especially at the new lower price of €1,899 including VAT, down from €2,299.
For anyone unfamiliar, the MD850 Vibes combines hybrid synthesis with an Ableton-style clip launcher and the VibesConnect browser companion, making it feel more performance-oriented than most desktop synths in this range.
Aurora will be available free for all existing MD850 Vibes owners in Q2 2026, with an exact release date still to be confirmed. Mayer EMI also announced it will start selling directly through its own webshop instead of using distributors.