After a 16-year hiatus, Absynth is making a comeback, and it's more eccentric than ever! This cult-classic software synth, first released in 2000, captivated musicians working with computers. However, its development stalled after Absynth 5 in 2009, and Native Instruments discontinued it in 2022, citing resource constraints. But now, it's back with a bang as Absynth 6, developed with the original designer Brian Clevinger and featuring presets from renowned artists Brian Eno and Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith.
The essence of Absynth's charm remains intact. It's a versatile semi-modular virtual instrument with multiple synthesis engines and extensive modulation capabilities. Users can explore traditional subtractive synthesis with a vast array of waveshapes, from simple sine waves to intricate complex chords, and even draw custom wave shapes. Additionally, it offers FM, a sample player, and a granular engine, putting it on par with industry giants like Omnisphere, Serum, Pigments, and Massive X.
But here's where Absynth 6 truly shines: its envelope system. Unlike the typical ADSR or DAHDSR envelopes, Absynth 6 boasts envelopes with up to 68 points, which can be looping, single-shot, or time-synced. This, coupled with its incredibly powerful modulation system, makes Absynth a powerhouse for creating evolving soundscapes. Native Instruments describes it as 'weird by design,' and it lives up to that promise. The factory presets are not your typical sci-fi or horror film fare; they're crafted to emphasize texture and atmosphere, making Absynth a dream tool for ambient music and score composers.
Absynth 6 also introduces support for MPE, adding another layer of expressiveness to its complex sounds. By applying pressure or sliding on compatible controllers, musicians can manipulate filters, oscillators, and granular effects, allowing for nuanced control over each note. Imagine highlighting the highest notes in a chord progression while keeping the root note subdued—Absynth 6 makes this possible.
The most striking update 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 in the vast library of over 2,000 presets, it may not be everyone's cup of tea for keeping track of auditioned sounds.
For quick sound adjustments, Absynth 6 offers up to eight macro controls per patch and a Mutate button that introduces minor, semi-random changes to create new sound variations.
Absynth 6 is available for $199 for new users, with a discounted upgrade price of $99 for existing Absynth 5 owners.
And this is the part most people miss: Absynth's return raises intriguing questions about the future of software instrument development. With its unique features and cult following, will Absynth 6 inspire a new wave of experimental music creation? Or will it remain a niche tool for the adventurous few? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
