SeriesNative Instruments Absynth

The Native Instruments Absynth 5 is the newest, latest version of the legendary Absynth line. It is know for its organic, evolving sounds, that can be customized to be very complex. It contains over 2,100 preset sounds, so you don't have to design anything from scratch (but you certain can if you want!). Other features include 68-stage envelopes, tempo sync, semi-modular synthesis, specialized effects (such as Aetherizer, Cloud Filter, and Super Comb), macro controls, usage as a standalone effects unit, and much more. SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE Native Instrument's Absynth 5 is a complex instrument, and it can be very overwhelming to use at first. Luckily, there are a plethora of factory presets, and they are organized very neatly in the browser section. You can quickly choose and browse sounds based on many categories, such as overall sound type, sound mode, main sound characteristics, and genre applications. There is even a mutation option, built right into the browser, which lets you randomly change and mutate the selected sound, creating new, original sounds immediately. This organic nature of Absynth is displayed throughout the synth, and it makes it a very unique experience. One other unique feature of Absynth 5 is the effects section, which includes 6 various delays and reverbs. But these effects are very unusual and unique, and they work like no other delays. The creative possibilities are endless in this section and in others, and it seems to work in it's own way, with controls and parameters that seem very unusual and specific to Absynth only. Even the graphic layout is an experience, which looks very futuristic, and almost alien-like. It sets the mood and tone of the synth pretty well, and Absynth, with it's complexities, can create some out of this world sounds. OVERALL OPINION Overall, the Native Instruments Absynth 5 is a great synth if you are looking for something with more unusual textures and ambient possibilities. You may have a hard time finding basic, retro sounds here, but if you want to create something that has never been created before, this is the perfect tool.

There were no compatibility issues with this plugin. It installed correctly and functions well in Logic 9, Ableton 7 and as a Standalone unit. The manual is pretty large for this guy. It is clear and sufficient, but, if you are familiar with plugin synths, I would just poke around for awhile and get used to it first. Then, when you have questions, the manual is adequately indexed so you can find you answers quickly. That's what I did and I feel fairly confident using this massive synth to get awesome sounds. Overall, no the configuration is not simple. Its quite a beast with a lot of parameters to tweak. However, the preset setup is pretty nice. If you have used any Native Instrument synths before, this is a familiar face. If not, it won't take but a minute or two to quickly surf through presets. It depends on what functions you deem typical when asking if they are easily accessible. I tend to mess with the basic attack/decay type parameters on synths and I have to say, its not very easy to locate these functions. There are a ton of options (maybe too many for my purposes). SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE I run a Macbook with the programs mentioned earlier and a Presonus Firebox for my main performance rig. Yes, it works flawlessly in this configuration. So far, it has never crashed on me or lost any of my presets. I would give it a 10 out of 10 for sounds, they really are amazing in this synth, but I would give it a 7 out of 10 for accessibility. There is a little too much going on for my tastes, maybe that will change when I have more time to learn about this huge plugin. So I guess I'll give it an 8 out of 10 overall. I have been using this synth for almost a year. OVERALL OPINION What I like most about this unit is its vast array of quality presets. They are a good way to get your creative juices flowing. Set a good preset up and start messing with familiar parameters and you can get some unique bombshells out of this guy. I also recommend messing with parameters you have no idea about to see what they do, you can get some whacky stuff going on this way too, but be careful, don't mess with everything at once or you might not know how to get back to the sweet sound you just had. What I don't like about this synth is the overall interface. I find that most Native Instruments are harder to use than other plugins I have come across. I wish there was a way to make it larger so the font was easy to read when playing live and simpler to navigate through, but you can't always get what you want. Besides that, it is an amazing unit packed with a ton of quality sounds. I think I paid around $200 for this guy. Thats about average for a nice synth plugin so I am happy about the price. The sounds that come out of this thing are truly awesome. I write a lot of "Radiohead" and "Flaming Lips" style music and this thing fits that glove very well. I have a bunch of different soft synths, but I find myself drifting towards this guy when I want something a little strange and very unique. Yes, I would definitely purchase this synth again. My studio partner might even upgrade to Komplete 5 so I will get to play with the new Absynth.

Native Instruments Absynth 3 didn’t surprise me at first glance but after really digging in and using it for a while I got the hang of how it works and how to really change the sounds to the way that I want them to sound. Without needing any knowledge of sound creation or sound design I was able to really get in there and change the parameters of the sounds and make them my own (because I hate having to use presets over and over ) The layout of Absynth 3 isn’t confusing if you have some basic understand of vst’s. SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE Setting it up was really quick, I just inserted the disk and waited a few minutes I actuall think that it updated some online as well just to have the latest tech stuff. I also needed to create an account at NI website when I purchased this. OVERALL OPINION Overall, I was very happy to have a program that didn’t confuse me that I can used often and has some really good synths which is what I was looking for. As far as the synths go, I think they could be a little fuller sounding some of them are really thin and I had to fatten them up with some equine and some effects. But the program has worked for me perfectly and hasn’t froze or crashed at all and it doesn’t seem to look like it will. Also, I run multiple versions of it at the same time and it doesn’t take up to much cpu unless I use some of the presets that are very cpu heavy then you can start to tell. The price for Absynth 3 isn’t cheap at all , if you are looking for a cheap vst look around online and don’t just go buy this one. It will take a little time to understand and you don’t want to invest 300 or more dollars on something that will leave you confused at first.