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Description

Step into the realm of sonic excellence with the Native Instruments MONARK, a virtual synth plugin that brings the legendary sound of monophonic analog synthesizers right to your fingertips. This remarkable software synthesizer is a testament to cutting-edge digital sound processing, capturing every nuance and tonal richness of classic analog circuits with unparalleled precision.

Crafted from years of meticulous research, MONARK delivers bass and lead sounds that have defined genres from electronic and hip-hop to indie rock and beyond. Its streamlined design features three oscillators, a smooth filter and amp section, and intuitive modulation controls, allowing musicians to easily explore a wide spectrum of sounds, from thundering basses to soaring leads.

Harnessing the power of Native Instruments' advanced DSP technology, MONARK's Zero-Delay Feedback (ZDF) filters replicate the warmth and dynamic behavior of analog sound, providing a vivid audio experience that feels surprisingly organic. Whether you're wiring the headphone output into the VCF input or experimenting with oscillator and filter drift, MONARK ensures your sound remains lively and warm.

For those who crave customization, MONARK extends its modular capabilities with Reaktor Blocks, enabling you to design your own unique synth by combining MONARK components with other high-quality modules within the REAKTOR framework. This flexibility makes it a versatile choice for both seasoned producers and budding sound designers looking to push the boundaries of their music.

Key Features:

  • Legendary monophonic bass and lead sounds
  • Unrivaled organic analog sound and feel
  • Simple and intuitive control layout
  • Powered by the REAKTOR engine
  • Compatible with REAKTOR and REAKTOR PLAYER
  • Modular components available in Reaktor Blocks for custom synth design

Product specs

Software Type Instrument and Effects library
Platform Mac, PC
Upgrade/Full Full
Download/Boxed Download
Bit Depth 64-bit
Format AAX, VST, AU
Hardware Requirements - Mac Intel Core i5 / Apple Silicon or higher, 4GB RAM or more recommended
Hardware Requirements - PC Intel Core i5 / AMD Ryzen 5 or higher, 4GB RAM or more recommended
OS Requirements - Mac macOS 11 or later
OS Requirements - PC Windows 10 or later

FAQs

What type of synthesis does Native Instruments MONARK use?

Native Instruments MONARK uses a monophonic analog modeling synthesis, designed to emulate the classic sound of vintage analog synthesizers with precise digital accuracy.

Is MONARK compatible with my DAW?

MONARK is compatible with DAWs that support AAX, VST, and AU formats, making it versatile for use with popular software like Ableton Live, FL Studio, and Logic Pro.

Can MONARK be used on both Mac and PC?

Yes, MONARK can be used on both Mac and PC platforms, requiring macOS 11 or later for Mac and Windows 10 or later for PC.

What are the hardware requirements for running MONARK?

To run MONARK, a Mac requires an Intel Core i5 / Apple Silicon or higher with at least 4GB of RAM, while a PC requires an Intel Core i5 / AMD Ryzen 5 or higher with the same RAM specifications.

Does MONARK offer polyphonic capabilities?

No, MONARK is a monophonic synthesizer, meaning it plays one note at a time, ideal for creating powerful basslines and lead sounds.

Native Instruments

Native Instruments

MONARK - Iconic Mono Synth | Native Instruments

Video thumbnail for MONARK - Iconic Mono Synth | Native Instruments by Native Instruments

MONARK - Iconic Mono Synth | Native Instruments

Native Instruments

Native Instruments

Video thumbnail for MONARK: New Virtual Analog Synth from Native Instruments - Dubspot Video Preview by Dubspot

MONARK: New Virtual Analog Synth from Native Instruments - Dubspot Video Preview

Dubspot

Dubspot

Video thumbnail for Native Instruments Monark - Review by sonicstate

Native Instruments Monark - Review

sonicstate

sonicstate

Video thumbnail for Sound Design Tutorial: Creating Funky Lead Sound w/ Native Instruments Monark Software Synthesizer by Dubspot

Sound Design Tutorial: Creating Funky Lead Sound w/ Native Instruments Monark Software Synthesizer

Dubspot

Dubspot

Video thumbnail for Behringer Model D vs. Native Instruments Monark comparison by MrSynthmania

Behringer Model D vs. Native Instruments Monark comparison

MrSynthmania

MrSynthmania

Video thumbnail for MiniMoog Model D vs Native Instruments Monark by kurt uenala

MiniMoog Model D vs Native Instruments Monark

kurt uenala

kurt uenala

Video thumbnail for Native Instruments Monark - Hands-on with Computer Music magazine by Computer Music

Native Instruments Monark - Hands-on with Computer Music magazine

Computer Music

Computer Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Outstanding analog sound emulation for authentic vintage vibes

  • Impressive selection of classic and distorted filters

  • Excellent for creating powerful bass lines

  • Easy to create great sounding patches

  • Performs well in film and music productions

  • Direct and impactful analog character

  • Simple interface for intuitive sound design

  • Versatile for various music styles

CONS

  • Requires Reaktor Player to use

  • Limited polyphony; monophonic only

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • Monark is monophonic, and making it polyphonic could significantly strain CPU resources.

    Source
  • Many report that the mod wheel does not affect 80% of Monark's presets, and assigning it can be challenging without clear guidance.

    Source
  • Monark is described as having a distinct "dirty" sound character, appealing to those looking for gritty and raw sonic textures.

    Source
  • Diva allows users to mix and match elements from various classic synths like Juno and Moog, offering a unique versatility not present in Monark.

    Source

Comparisons

  • It's noted as the best Minimoog emulation currently available, praised for its vintage sound and fat bass tones.

    Source
  • Users suggest comparing Monark with U-He Diva and Ace for broader sound capabilities and polyphony.

    Source
  • Synapse Audio's The Legend is recommended by some as a superior choice to Monark for Minimoog emulation.

    Source
  • The Arturia Moog emulation is highlighted for being Moog-approved, potentially offering a more authentic experience for some users.

    Source
  • Some users rate Monark just behind Synapse Audio's The Legend for Minimoog emulation, citing a closer approximation than Arturia's offerings.

    Source
  • Diva's GUI is resizable, making it user-friendly for musicians who prefer larger interfaces during performance or while playing another instrument.

    Source

User experience

  • Users appreciate Monark's ability to cut through mixes, particularly for bass and vintage sounds.

    Source
  • Users note that Monark may produce digital crackle at deep bass frequencies, specifically around 40Hz, which can detract from its analog emulation appeal.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Learning Monark can provide practical skills transferable to real hardware synthesizers.

    Source
  • Some prefer Monark's sound over Arturia's for specific tonal qualities, despite generally liking Arturia products.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Monark requires Reaktor for polyphony, which can significantly increase CPU usage, a factor to consider for users with less powerful systems.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 14 Reviews and 80 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
melonadem

Built on top of a classic

On the surface, this looks like a Minimoog. Once you start digging in, you'll see there's a ton of little improvements that make this stand out really nicely. You have a nice selection of filters - from classic Moog filters to some downright amazing distorted filters. Admittedly I'm not very familiar with the original article, but what this adds on top is really handy personally.

mixedresults

Monark is FUN

This Synth is worth the money and very fun. It's very well made and I would recommend it to anyone. Sounds very analog and it performs well. Definitely recommend.

mike_byrd

The most authentic sounding monophonic minimoog vst on the market today

To use this monophonic beast you'll need reaktor player but this synth emulation sounds simply outstanding this vst is what film productions are made of its got guts. Highly Recommended. If you want a in depth review google ni monark sound on sound

jimmarchi1

That's a great opinion, where's the rest of the review?

john_withers

Good Minimoog imitation

Sounds great! I don't use it a lot but it does the job.

ixen
ixen

101

I got Monark on sell of 50$.

Pros: Sick feedback, Just awesome low end.

Cons: This lacks cons.

5/5

J

DANNGGGGG

NICE BASS FOR ANY OF YOUR SONGS RLLY SIMPLE TO MAKE BASSES OUT OF THIS MONARK PLUGIN

chedaray

Mono Synth

Amazing mono synth. Just a must have tool.

hexcode

Very nice monophonic Synth

So, nice to make sounds with it and to play on the keyboard.

three_cp

simple, nice, good sounding

love this analog character straight in your face.

iamlucaeck

Using it on nearly every production!

NIs Monark comes with great features and sound. Creating your own great sounding patches is really easy.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Disclosure uses Native Instruments MONARK

Disclosure

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Native Instrument Monark seen in 29:00 by Guy.

See how Tycho uses Native Instruments MONARK

Tycho

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Tycho

...
Verified via Photo

"I'm loving NI's Monark synth right now; best Mini emulation I've heard to date." – Tycho, from a reddit AMA

In a separate reddit thread, a redditor asks about Tycho's lead sound, and references his live performance of Awake. Tycho chimes in and says:

"I have been using the NI Monark Mini emulation for live shows and it's really close to the real thing. For some sounds it's almost indiscernible from a real mini. biggest difference seems to be the envelope attack (real minis are very fast) and just the way it feels when you're playing a real analog keyboard as opposed to midi > VSTi. Even with super low latency I feel like there's a perceptible disconnect when I'm playing. Maybe it's in my head though."

See how Dirty South uses Native Instruments MONARK

Dirty South

Music Producer

...
Verified via Twitter

In this tweet, Dirty South is using Native Instruments Monark Synth for a bass sound.

See how Jean Michel Jarre uses Native Instruments MONARK

Jean Michel Jarre

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Dustbins

...
Verified via Native-instruments

"I am truly impressed by the sound of the Monark - very close to the original!"

See how Bernard Sumner uses Native Instruments MONARK

Bernard Sumner

Singer, Guitarist

Joy Division

...
Verified via Native-instruments

Bernard Sumner praises the Native Instruments MONARK for its fantastic bottom end, amazing clarity, and high-definition sound, as highlighted on the Native Instruments website.

See how Kraftwerk uses Native Instruments MONARK

Kraftwerk

Composer, Music Producer

Kraftwerk

...
Verified via Native-instruments

Kraftwerk uses the Native Instruments MONARK synth plugin, as highlighted by Native Instruments in their "Komplete - Professional Instruments and Effects" artist feature.

See how Odesza uses Native Instruments MONARK

Odesza

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In an interview, Odesza is asked what some of their favorite VST / FX Racks are. They reply, "...we have all the Native Instruments stuff. I’ve been using the Monark plugin..." (original interview here).

See how Moderat uses Native Instruments MONARK

Moderat

Music Producer

...
Verified via Emusician

In this article Sebastian Szary states “Much of our bass was built in [NI’s additive synthesizer] Razor, and we did a little in the new Monark [a monophonic analog modeling synth based on the Minimoog].”

See how Orbital uses Native Instruments MONARK

Orbital

Music Producer

Orbital & Angelo Badalamenti

...
Verified via Native-instruments

"The new Monark has such definition and depth of sound — a joy to use."

See how Junkie XL uses Native Instruments MONARK

Junkie XL

Composer, Music Producer

Tiësto vs. Junkie XL

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at 10:32 can see Native Instruments Monark

See how Gary Numan uses Native Instruments MONARK

Gary Numan

Singer, Guitarist

Tubeway Army

...
Verified via Native-instruments

Gary Numan's testimonial from the Native Instruments website: "What's particularly impressive is the low end – just about as close as you can get to the real thing."

See how Thorsten Quaeschning uses Native Instruments MONARK

Thorsten Quaeschning

Singer, Keyboardist

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via Native-instruments

Thorsten Quaeschning's testimonial from the Native Instruments web site: ""The best Minimoog emulation I’ve heard yet. Present, powerful with the right amount of 'dirt'. THE virtual Minimoog."

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 MONARK, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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