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Description

Dive into a world of sonic possibilities with Native Instruments Absynth 4, a revolutionary synth plugin that merges synthesis and sampling with an intuitive interface. Building on its award-winning legacy, Absynth 4 is designed for musicians seeking to push the boundaries of sound design. Its semi-modular architecture opens up an expansive universe of futuristic synths, ambient soundscapes, and rhythmic chaos, all easily navigable through the KoreSound Browser.

Absynth 4’s versatility is unmatched, offering a playground for sound designers with its real-time waveform fractalization and extensive library of built-in oscillators, channels, and envelopes. The new master ADSR feature simplifies sound customization, making it accessible for both novices and seasoned professionals. With surround sound capabilities and five unique effects modules, including a resonator and multitap delay, Absynth 4 is perfect for both studio production and live performances.

This dynamic instrument also connects you to a vibrant community of creators, allowing you to share and download presets from a global user library. Whether you're crafting the next avant-garde masterpiece or enhancing film scores with spatial audio, Absynth 4 stands as a powerful tool in any musician's arsenal.

Key Features:

  • Semi-modular architecture for an extensive range of sound design possibilities
  • KoreSound Browser for seamless navigation of 1,200 presets
  • Real-time waveform fractalization for unique sonic effects
  • Master ADSR for easy sound customization
  • Surround sound features ideal for multimedia productions
  • Five effects modules, including resonator and multitap delay
  • Access to an exclusive online community for preset sharing and collaboration
JRR Shop

JRR Shop

Native Instruments - Absynth 4 Tutorial - The Perform Window (Part 4 of 7)

Video thumbnail for Native Instruments - Absynth 4 Tutorial - The Perform Window (Part 4 of 7) by JRR Shop

Native Instruments - Absynth 4 Tutorial - The Perform Window (Part 4 of 7)

JRR Shop

JRR Shop

Video thumbnail for Native Instruments - Absynth 4 Tutorial - Overview - Introduction & Setup (Part 1 of 7) by JRR Shop

Native Instruments - Absynth 4 Tutorial - Overview - Introduction & Setup (Part 1 of 7)

JRR Shop

JRR Shop

Video thumbnail for Native Instruments - Absynth 4 Tutorial - The Interface (Part 2 of 7) by JRR Shop

Native Instruments - Absynth 4 Tutorial - The Interface (Part 2 of 7)

JRR Shop

JRR Shop

Video thumbnail for Native Instruments - Absynth 4 Tutorial - The Patch Window (Part 5 of 7) by JRR Shop

Native Instruments - Absynth 4 Tutorial - The Patch Window (Part 5 of 7)

JRR Shop

JRR Shop

Video thumbnail for Native Instruments - Absynth 4 Tutorial - The KoreSound Browser (Part 3 of 7) by JRR Shop

Native Instruments - Absynth 4 Tutorial - The KoreSound Browser (Part 3 of 7)

JRR Shop

JRR Shop

Video thumbnail for Native Instruments Absynth 4 - Gear Insider by gearwire

Native Instruments Absynth 4 - Gear Insider

gearwire

gearwire

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Native Instruments Absynth 4.

Software and compatibility

  • Absynth is still downloadable via Native Access 2 if a valid license is available, ensuring continued usability despite discontinuation.

    Source
  • BlueCat Patchwork might enable hosting non-AAX plugins on Apple Silicon, offering a possible workaround for using Absynth.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Plasmonic is mentioned as a potential alternative, created by Absynth's original developer, but users note its complex interface compared to Absynth.

    Source
  • Phase Plant, Pigments, and Zebra2 are highlighted as alternatives, offering various synthesis types and complex modulation capabilities akin to Absynth.

    Source
  • Generate by Newfangled Audio is suggested for ambient and drone sounds, noted for its unique oscillators and flexible modulation options.

    Source
  • Omnisphere is used for similar purposes as Absynth but lacks its powerful randomization features, making it less suitable for users seeking that capability.

    Source

User experience

  • The factory presets in Plasmonic are praised, though users highlight that creating custom patches can be challenging due to the user interface.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Native Instruments community and KVR forum are recommended for buying and selling Absynth licenses, indicating active secondary market options.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Plasmonic synth is noted for its strong resemblance to Absynth, offering similar design elements that appeal to former Absynth users.

    Source
  • The Aetherizer effect in Absynth, a key feature for creating unique patches, is specifically sought after for its granular delay/reverb capabilities.

    Source
  • Absynth allows for creating extremely long envelopes, up to 20 minutes, which is a unique feature for sound design.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • It's suggested that Absynth’s evolving ambient sounds are heavily reliant on its complex envelope controls and synthesis variety.

    Source
  • Absynth is praised for its ability to fill silent sections with ambient sounds, drones, and noise, effectively serving as a problem solver in compositions.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Native Instruments Absynth 4 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Native Instruments Absynth 4 impresses with its stunning sound and improved user-friendliness, making it a powerful tool for expert sound designers and an approachable option for novices. The new interface, enhanced file management, and expanded effects section are commendable, although the synth still feels a bit awkward to program at times. Despite the high upgrade cost, the addition of macro controls and a sophisticated browser system adds significant value. Overall, Absynth 4 is a must-have for those willing to invest in its capabilities, though some may find it a pricey upgrade.

positive

Native Instruments: Absynth 4 & FM8 soft synths | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

Absynth 4 by Native Instruments is celebrated for its innovative sound design, offering unique sonic colors that stand out in a crowded field of software synths. The review praises its refreshingly new features like waveform morphing and macro controls, while acknowledging its complexity compared to FM8. Absynth's alien sounds and extensive presets make it rewarding for adventurous users, though it might initially overwhelm some. Overall, it's a positive take on a versatile and distinct synth.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
dab3n

Good stuff! Like these synths a lot.

To write a review about all the synth sounds would be way too long. Like that sentence. So I’ll keep it short and sweet, I think Absynth is one of the best synth plugins ever! All those sounds are just awesome.

zachariah_moreno

Nice Absynth

Got this as a part of Komplete 5. I have updated to Absynth 5 recently.

anthemcityedm

Like it.

It's really good for leads.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Deadmau5 uses Native Instruments Absynth 4

Deadmau5

Music Producer

BSOD

...
Verified via YouTube

29:03 "VST Absynth 4; Plug in could not be found"

See how Tyler, The Creator uses Native Instruments Absynth 4

Tyler, The Creator

Singer, Rapper

Odd Future

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video for "IFHY (Feat. Pharrell)" by Tyler, The Creator, it is evident that Tyler uses presets from Native Instruments Absynth 4, including "Broad Leslie," "As Falls Wichita," and "Analog Clav 2."

See how Vernon Reid uses Native Instruments Absynth 4

Vernon Reid

Guitarist

Living Colour

...
Verified via Guitarplayer

I also use the Fractal Audio Axe-Fx Ultra amp- and effects-modeling unit, and lots of additional software, including IK Multimedia AmpliTube and Peavey ReValver 3, and soft synths such as Native Instruments’ Reaktor 5 and Absynth 4.

See how Eddie Thoneick uses Native Instruments Absynth 4

Eddie Thoneick

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

On the bottom of this photo from Eddie's Facebook page, we see that Track 39 is playing an instrument in Absynth 4 in Stereo.

See how Thom Green uses Native Instruments Absynth 4

Thom Green

Drummer, Composer

Alt-J

...
Verified via YouTube

You can see a list of Thom's VST plug-ins at 5:47 in this video.

See how Klaas uses Native Instruments Absynth 4

Klaas

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Shocking Technique with Klaas Chapter 1," Klaas is shown using Native Instruments Absynth 4.

Album Usage

The Native Instruments Absynth 4 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Native Instruments Absynth 4, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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