After a 16-year hiatus, Absynth is making a comeback, and it's more eccentric than ever! This iconic soft synth, beloved by many, was discontinued in 2022, leaving a void in the music production world. But now, it's back with a bang, and version 6 promises to be a game-changer.
A Cult Classic Returns:
Absynth has a special place in the hearts of computer music producers. Its original release in 2000 attracted a dedicated following, but it's been a while since its last major update. Now, the wait is over, and the new version is a collaboration with the original designer, Brian Clevinger, featuring presets from renowned artists Brian Eno and Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith.
Unchanged Core, Enhanced Features:
At its heart, Absynth 6 retains the features that made it so popular. It's a versatile semi-modular instrument with multiple synthesis engines and a vast array of modulation options. From traditional subtractive synthesis with customizable wave shapes to FM, sample players, and granular engines, Absynth 6 offers a comprehensive toolkit for sound design.
Competing with the Flagships:
Absynth 6 is in the same league as industry-leading synths like Omnisphere, Serum, Pigments, and Massive X. But what sets it apart is its envelope system. With up to 68 points, these envelopes can be looping, single-shot, or time-synced, offering unparalleled control over sound evolution. And the modulation system? It's a powerhouse, allowing for incredibly intricate sound manipulation.
Soundscapes and Cinematic Versatility:
Native Instruments describes Absynth as 'weird by design,' and they're not wrong. Its factory presets are not your typical sci-fi or horror film sounds; they focus on texture and atmosphere, making Absynth a go-to tool for ambient and score composers. Plus, with support for eight-channel surround sound, it adds a whole new dimension to cinematic audio production.
MPE Support and Expressive Control:
Version 6 introduces MPE support, taking its sound design capabilities to new heights. Compatible controllers like Push 3 or Roli Seaboard allow for expressive gestures, such as harder presses or finger slides, to control filters, oscillators, and granular effects. This level of control enables you to emphasize specific notes in a chord progression, creating unique and captivating sounds.
AI-Assisted Preset Explorer:
One of the most noticeable changes is the AI-assisted preset explorer. Instead of a simple list, presets are organized by vibe, similar to Obsidian's graph view or the XO sample manager. While this approach can be fun for discovering new sounds, it may not be everyone's cup of tea, especially for those who prefer a more traditional browsing experience.
Quick Tweaks and Mutations:
For those who want to customize presets without diving deep into sound design, Absynth 6 offers up to eight macro controls and a Mutate button. This button introduces semi-random variations to the loaded sound, making it easy to create unique versions.
Pricing and Availability:
Absynth 6 is available for $199 for new users, but existing Absynth 5 owners can upgrade for just $99. And with that, Absynth is back, ready to inspire and delight a new generation of music producers.
But here's where it gets controversial: is Absynth 6's unique approach to sound design a refreshing innovation or an overly complicated feature set? Do you think its AI-assisted preset explorer enhances the user experience or adds unnecessary complexity? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
