All user reviews of 4/5 for the Native Instruments Absynth 5

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.

Registering and all that is just as easy as any plugin. The real struggle comes when you open up the plugin and you see all these features. Now for an experienced synth user it's nothing special but it can be a little overwhelming for someone new to synths. After some time though anyone can understand it.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I've been using it for a few months now. It is kinda a CPU hog. Nothing too major but I have actually had to freeze my tracks a lot of the time because my computer isn't super powerful. It's just a 2.0GHz dual core 2GB RAM gateway not meant for music. Now this only happens on projects with a lot of tracks on it, generally I get good performance out of the plugin.

OVERALL OPINION

I would definatly guy this plugin again knowing what I know now. The sounds aren't your typical synths but that's OK. For me, I use it for the awesome sound effects and unique synths to get a unique sounding beat without going into some sci fi sounding production.

I love how easy it is to find sounds as well. The browser lets you choose attributes of the sound your looking for and the plugin narrows down your selection until you find your perfect sound. There are a lot of sounds too so usually I find what I want. If you don't the sounds are easily tweakable as well.

With some experience you can create very wierd synths or just use synths that fit into a beat well. Either way the sounds are top notch quality. Go demo it before you buy it and I'm sure you won't be dissapointed. I definatly don't regret buying this!