Iftah has released Sting as a VST3, AU and CLAP plug-in, moving the algorithmic acid line generator out of Ableton Live and into any compatible host. A walkthrough of the release went up on 8 September 2026.
Sting started life as a Max for Live device and still exists in that form as Sting 2, which needs Ableton Live or a Push 3 standalone to run. The plug-in is aimed at people working in other DAWs, or without Max for Live. Piqued covered Sting 2 in July 2025.
The plug-in runs on macOS 11 or later, Windows 10 or later, and Linux. Optional hardware integration turns a Novation Launchpad or a monome into a control surface for it, and Iftah publishes reference manuals for the Launchpad Mini mk3 and the Launchpad Pro mk3.
Modes and modulation
Four generation algorithms drive the pattern engine. A counterpoint mode generates several voices at once, producing two lines plus chords and bass. Arp and bass modes, a step editor and a slots system for storing patterns sit alongside it.
The modulation section routes LFOs and responds to aftertouch and velocity, and an LFO can be assigned as the clock source. Sting imports and exports MIDI files. The interface ships with 15 colour themes, including colourblind options, and users can build their own.
The plug-in also carries a separate accessibility interface that communicates with screen readers, among them VoiceOver, NVDA and OSARA in Reaper. Iftah publishes a screen reader guide for it.
Price and availability
Sting costs 35 euro plus VAT and is out now. A free version of the same plug-in is also available, capped at seven downloads a day, which Iftah attributes to the running costs of distributing it.
The walkthrough runs to just over 16 minutes and is chaptered by feature, covering the algorithm mode, clock, editor, MIDI import and export, counterpoint mode and modulation in turn. A second video posted the same day covers the Novation Launchpad takeover mode.
Via Iftah on YouTube. More at if-tah.com.
