Absynth was a core part of the Native Instruments product range for over two decades, and the company’s decision to retire the popular soft synth in 2022 was met with widespread disappointment. The main reason behind its removal from the Komplete line-up was down to maintenance: NI said at the time that it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep the software fully compatible with modern systems. However, it seems that all is not lost after all, as today, the company have announced the launch of Absynth 6, a completely overhauled and redesigned version that has been created alongside the much-loved instrument’s original developer, Brian Clevinger.
As you’d expect, the NI team have taken care to ensure that everything that made Absynth so popular remains intact, with the all-new semi-modular engine offering the same combination of granular, FM, wavetable and subtractive synthesis. New to the table, though, is a modernised AI-powered preset browser system, and of course, compatibility with modern hardware and operating systems.
“Our very first product — nearly 30 years ago — was a synth. Returning to Absynth brings us back to the heart of what inspires us. It remains one of the most singular instruments in electronic music, and we always knew its revival could only come with the involvement of Brian Clevinger himself.” - Simon Cross, Chief Product & Technical Officer, Native Instruments
The new Preset Explorer is said to reflect Native Instruments’ evolving approach to AI, and aims to “reduce friction, keep artists in control and encourage exploration over automation.” a deep-learning model analyses the timbral traits of every preset, arranging the library into an intuitive visual map that allows musicians to browse by ‘feel’ rather than scrolling through linear lists. a set of simple filters then make it possible to narrow down the results and refine searches.
Key features
- Unique Sounds: a hybrid semi-modular engine combines subtractive, FM, sample-based and granular methods.
- Living Modulation: Sculpt textures that breathe and transform with the hyper-detailed 68-point envelope generator.
- Inspiring Mutations: The classic Mutator offers intelligent preset generation with depth and randomness controls for instant inspiration.
- Modern Expressiveness: Full MPE and polyphonic aftertouch support enables nuanced, per-note performances.
- Surround Sound And Micro-Tuning: Absynth 6 features true multi-channel surround spatialisation and MTS-ESP support for global micro-tuning and new harmonic systems.
- Preset Explorer: The preset library is arranged into an intuitive visual map so musicians can browse sounds by timbral quality, or as a classic browser.
- Mind-Bending Effects: Spatially bend Absynth’s unique suite of creative effects like Aetherizer and Cloud Filter with per-effect surround control.
- Legacy Patches & Presets: Explore vintage patches all the way back to Absynth 1, and load your own presets from Absynth 4 and 5.
- New Artist Presets: From Brian Eno, Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith and Richard Devine.
“When I originally created Absynth, I wanted an instrument that invited people to lose themselves in sound. Seeing it evolve into Absynth 6 has been genuinely moving. It still has that strange, alive quality, only now with the range and precision to inspire a new generation of explorers.” - Brian Clevinger, Absynth’s Creator
Compatibility
Absynth 6 is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or higher, and Macs running macOS 12 and above. VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available.
Pricing & Availability
Absynth 6 is available now, priced at $199£179 including VAT / €199. Owners of Absynth 2–5 can upgrade for $99€99.
