Simple patch selection and the loading and saving of Banks can be undertaken from the host plug‑in window, but attempting to access any deeper editing features swaps control to Absynth Engine. When Absynth is invoked as a plug‑in, the so‑called Absynth Engine application automatically loads up in the background. Absynth EngineĪbsynth's Giger‑esque Patch editing window.

Apple Sound Manager, ASIO, DirectConnect and MAS audio output are supported, as are both FreeMIDI and OMS for MIDI connectivity. The trade‑off, as usual, is between performance and CPU load. Vector size determines the rate at which the LFOs and envelopes will update, and also the timing precision when using Absynth as a plug‑in. The audio buffer and sample playback rate may be set for the stand‑alone version of the program to optimise use with specific soundcards. On first running, you'll be asked for the installation CD to be inserted and to enter your serial number, but that's as tough as it gets. Installation is simplicity itself - you just tell the program which plug‑in standards you'd like to use, and the installation routine takes care of the rest. For details of the review machine, see the 'Test Spec' box elsewhere in this review. Minimum system requirements amount to a Mac G3 300MHz, Mac OS 8.6 and 64Mb of RAM. During the course of this review, I tried Absynth as a stand‑alone application and as a VST 2.0 plug‑in under both Steinberg Cubase VST v5 and Emagic Logic Audio Platinum v4.7.3, and it performed happily with no discernible compatibility problems. Rhizomatic have now joined forces with Native Instruments, where the designers will reportedly continue to refine and develop Absynth.Ībsynth is a Macintosh‑only software synth that will run either as a stand‑alone application or as a plug‑in, being compliant with VST 2.0, MAS, DirectConnect and ASIO standards. The software took an interesting, novel approach to software synthesis, with its semi‑modular architecture, wave‑shaping capability, waveform drawing, and 68‑point envelopes. From the innovative modular synthesis of Reaktor to B4's faithful rendering of classic Hammond growls, software from the NI stable rarely disappoints.Ībsynth sees Native Instruments taking on technology that originally appeared during 2000 as a download‑only purchase written by software company Rhizomatic. Native Instruments are one of the major players in the world of virtual instruments. Released last year as a web‑only download from Rhizomatic, the ground‑breaking Absynth is now part of Native Instruments' product line, and can be used as a VST instrument plug‑in.

Absynth 5 manuals