Iftah Sting 2: the brilliant, inspiring M4L acid line generator is now a plugin

Iftah Sting 2, an acid line generator originally for Ableton Max for Live, is now available as a plugin for macOS, Linux, and Windows, priced at 35€, with a free version offering seven downloads per day. The plugin includes generative algorithms, a new multi-voice counterpoint mode, MIDI file import, modulation, two LFOs, hardware support, and accessibility features. An update to version 2.1 for the M4L device adds an arpeggiator mode, selective random function, note tie mode, and 32-bit bit depth, free for existing users.

Iftah Sting 2 is an expressive and improvisational acid line generator for Ableton M4L and now also a plugin for macOS, Linux, and Windows. Programming a pattern on the original TB-303—or a clone—isn’t very intuitive, especially at first; to create a pattern that really rocks, you need to have internalized the workflow. Iftah has made this much easier with his M4L device, Sting, which lets patterns evolve seamlessly. Until now, this was reserved exclusively for Max for Live and Ableton Push 3 Standalone users. However, those requests have been heard. Iftah released Sting as a plugin today. Sting 2 Plugin Version You see it The brilliant, inspiring Iftah Sting 2 acid line generator is now available as a macOS, Linux, and Windows plugin. This way, you aren’t dependent on having Ableton Live; you can use it in Bitwig Studio, Logic Pro, and other DAWs as well. Like the original M4L device, the sequencer engine runs on four generative algorithms. It also includes a new multi-voice counterpoint mode that generates two lines, chords, and bass. Sting also includes MIDI file import, a modulation section, two LFOs, and hardware support. Turn your Novation Launchpad or Monome into a dedicated, hands-on performance and composition system. Accessibility is also a key feature in the Sting plugin version. It includes 15 color themes, including options designed for color blindness, plus the ability to create custom themes. It also includes a custom accessibility interface that communicates directly with popular screen readers such as VoiceOver and NVDA, as well as scripts like REAPER’s OSARA, making it accessible to blind, visually impaired, and sighted users. That’s fantastic news from Iftah. It’s great to see that Sting 2 can now also be used with Bitwig Studio, Logic Pro, or other DAWs. The new Iftah Sting 2 plugin is now available for 35€. If you don’t have the budget, Iftah also offers a free version with seven downloads a day. If today’s are gone, they reset tomorrow. It runs as a VST3, AU, or CLAP plugin in any compatible DAW or plugin host on macOS native Apple Silicon + Intel , Linux, and Windows. More information here: Iftah https://www.if-tah.com/devices/sting/ Update from December 4, 2025 Excellent news from Iftah He has just updated his brilliant Sting 2 Max For Live device to version 2.1. It introduces some neat new features, bringing more intention and control into the pattern and sequence generators. First, it introduces a new, mighty arpeggiator mode that takes incoming notes and generates new patterns from them. Then, you can toggle the section with the new selective random function. So, you can set which sections should be included or excluded from the randomization process. There is also a new note tie mode that you can explore in the new Sting 2.1 update – great for Carbon-Based Liveforms-style ambient acid. This also includes an increased bit depth up to 32 bits, allowing you to stretch out sequences to create long soundscapes. Also new is the updated MIDI clip export function that reflects all parameters, including playing direction and more. Thanks, Iftah for this yet another excellent update for Sting 2. Update 2.1 is free for existing users. Sting 2 is available for free or as a paid download. Both versions are identical; it’s simply a way to ensure that everyone can access it, regardless of their ability to support the developer’s work. Article from July 7, 2025 The Roland TB-303 bassline Synthesizer has legendary status in electronic music. Two elements made it so popular: the monophonic analog engine, which was initially not designed for acid or techno music, and the built-in sequencer with slides and accents on the fly. The latter has already served as a template for many other hardware and software tools. For example, Reason Studios has released the Bassline Generator, a TB-303 sequencer on steroids. There’s also something similar for M4L users, and it just got a significant update. Iftah Sting 2 Iftah ex Skinnerbox has released Sting 2, a successor to its M4L device that emulates the TB-303 sequencer and takes it to new levels. Like the previous version, it’s an expressive, improvisational acid generator for Ableton Live. It is a Max for Live device that runs in Live and is now also compatible with Push 3 standalone. So, you are no longer tied to the computer. Imagine someone took the TB-303’s sequencer and enhanced it with new features, making it significantly more intuitive and enjoyable to play. That’s Sting 2, and it’s super simple to use. Press the smiley interface, and it generates anything from classic acid patterns to random 16-note steps, plus 16 velocity, gate, and octave patterns. The results harmonize so well because each set of patterns is musically related within itself. All this magic makes a built-in algorithm possible. Iftah developed a new algorithm with better results in the lower-end type. Alternatively, you can switch to the v1 algorithm at any time. Controls There are two main controls. Types is a pattern morph that morphs your patterns on the fly to more random or classic acid results. Then, density controls how “busy” the sequence is. The higher the value, the more lively and energetic the patterns become. Next, you can adjust the step amount and the sequence’s starting position offset . Additionally, you can also change the accent and gate values. In the main interface, you can find more handy features to manipulate the patterns. You can set the root note with a single click or during a performance using a MIDI keyboard. There are various play directions to choose from, as well as a transpose and swing function. A lovely feature is the clip that automatically generates a MIDI clip in Ableton Live with your sequence. For more traditional adjustments, there is also a pattern editor where you can adjust the individual patterns note, accent, gate… . That’s not all. The engine also hosts a modulation matrix in the depths, allowing you to delve even deeper, and with which fully unfolds the expressive character of Sting 2. This lets you route aftertouch, slide, and velocity to various parameters, such as type, density, or steps. And there is more to explore. A life section lets you automate the parameters “organically,” bringing them to life. Things get really wild when you do this with the morph parameter. And finally, Iftah Sting 2 also offers a powerful Push 3 standalone mode with the same functionality and even more playability. First Impression Acid pattern lovers who work with Ableton Live can’t miss this device. This is a fantastic device. It’s a powerful and inspiring update to the original Sting device. I’m just imagining Sting 2 in a standalone 303-style bassline Synthesizer. That would be exciting. Iftah Sting 2 is available for free or as a paid download. Both versions are identical; it’s simply a way to ensure that everyone can access it, regardless of their ability to support the developer’s work. More information here: Iftah https://iftah.gumroad.com/l/sting