Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "UVI Darklight IIX". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Step into the sonic world of the '80s with the UVI Darklight IIX, a virtual instrument that resurrects the magic of a legendary digital synthesizer. Designed for musicians and producers who crave vintage vibes with modern flexibility, this plugin captures the essence of an iconic era in music history. The UVI Darklight IIX offers a faithful recreation of the original hardware, ensuring you can access those unmistakable sounds that once graced tracks by music legends like Peter Gabriel and David Bowie.

The Darklight IIX features three unique synthesis sections. Its "Organic" Digital Synth provides over 250 presets, ranging from lush pads to punchy basses, allowing you to explore endless creative possibilities. The built-in Digital Drum Machine boasts a plethora of vintage drum sounds, complete with a step sequencer for crafting grooves with ease. Unleash your creativity with the Creative Multi-phraser, where three sound sources and individual step sequencers enable you to build complex soundscapes or complete productions.

With its user-friendly interface and powerful sound design capabilities, the UVI Darklight IIX is perfect for both seasoned synth enthusiasts and those new to the world of virtual instruments. It supports standalone operation and integrates seamlessly with DAWs via AAX, VST, and AU formats on both Mac and PC.

Key Features:

  • Authentic recreation of an iconic '80s digital synthesizer
  • Over 250 presets across basses, pads, and more
  • Digital Drum Machine with vintage drum sounds and step sequencer
  • Creative Multi-phraser with three sound sources and sequencers
  • Compatible with Mac/PC, standalone, AAX, VST, and AU formats
  • Inspired by the sounds of music icons like Peter Gabriel and David Bowie

Product specs

Software Type 1980's synth emulation
Platform Mac, PC
Upgrade/Full Full
Download/Boxed Download
Bit Depth 32-bit, 64-bit
Format Standalone, AAX, VST, AU, AAX
Authorization Type iLok Account
Hardware Requirements - Mac Intel Processor, 7200 rpm/SSD hard drive recommended, 8GB RAM recommended
Hardware Requirements - PC Core Duo Processor or higher, 7200 rpm/SSD hard drive recommended, 8GB RAM recommended
OS Requirements - Mac OS X 10.14 or later
OS Requirements - PC Windows 7 or later

FAQs

What kind of sounds can I expect from the UVI Darklight IIx?

The UVI Darklight IIx emulates the classic sounds of 1980s synths, offering a range of vintage tones perfect for creating nostalgic, retro-inspired music, including lush pads, punchy basses, and iconic leads.

Is the UVI Darklight IIx compatible with my DAW software?

Yes, the UVI Darklight IIx is compatible with most major DAWs as it supports AAX, VST, and AU plugin formats.

What are the system requirements for running the UVI Darklight IIx on a Mac?

To run the UVI Darklight IIx on a Mac, you'll need OS X 10.14 or later, an Intel processor, a 7200 rpm/SSD hard drive, and 8GB of RAM is recommended.

Can I use the UVI Darklight IIx on a Windows PC?

Yes, the UVI Darklight IIx is compatible with Windows 7 or later, requiring at least a Core Duo processor, a 7200 rpm/SSD hard drive, and 8GB of RAM is recommended.

How is the UVI Darklight IIx authorized?

The UVI Darklight IIx requires an iLok account for authorization, allowing for secure and flexible management of your software licenses.

Is the UVI Darklight IIx a standalone application or a plugin?

The UVI Darklight IIx can be used as both a standalone application and a plugin, providing flexibility depending on your workflow needs.

UVI

UVI

UVI Darklight IIx | Trailer

Video thumbnail for UVI Darklight IIx | Trailer by UVI

UVI Darklight IIx | Trailer

UVI

UVI

Video thumbnail for UVI Darklight IIx Review by Failed Muso

UVI Darklight IIx Review

Failed Muso

Failed Muso

Video thumbnail for Review of UVI Darklight IIx Virtual Instrument - Extended Video by Production Expert

Review of UVI Darklight IIx Virtual Instrument - Extended Video

Production Expert

Production Expert

Video thumbnail for UVI Darklight IIX review - SoundsAndGear by SoundsAndGear

UVI Darklight IIX review - SoundsAndGear

SoundsAndGear

SoundsAndGear

Video thumbnail for UVI Darklight IIx | Overview by UVI

UVI Darklight IIx | Overview

UVI

UVI

Video thumbnail for Darklight IIx Fairlight CMI Emulator (UVI Workstation VST) by Demonic Sweaters

Darklight IIx Fairlight CMI Emulator (UVI Workstation VST)

Demonic Sweaters

Demonic Sweaters

Video thumbnail for JUST playing..UVI's DarkLight IIx by mondori “UNLINED SPACE”

JUST playing..UVI's DarkLight IIx

mondori “UNLINED SPACE”

mondori “UNLINED SPACE”

Reviews

PROS

  • Authentic recreation of iconic 80s sounds for nostalgia enthusiasts

  • Includes digital synth, drum machine, and multi-phraser with unique characteristics

  • Easy navigation through patches for a user-friendly experience

  • Offers a variety of classic sounds true to the original machine

  • Cost-effective alternative to the original $100,000 instrument

  • Great for capturing the essence of the 80s in music production

  • Provides flexible tools that breathe new life into classic sounds

CONS

  • Some sounds may feel dated for modern music production needs

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about UVI Darklight IIX.

Features and functionality

  • The UVI Darklight IIX is a sample-based plugin, offering recorded patches with layers like ADSR, filters, and effects, rather than full synth emulations.

    Source
  • It’s noted that the UVI Darklight IIX features visuals reminiscent of a Fairlight but lacks functional parity with the original CMI models.

    Source
  • Quasar Beach faithfully replicates much of the Fairlight's original functionality, which might make it challenging to use due to its complexity.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Unlike UVI's sampled approach, Arturia products are noted for proper emulations that recreate the original machine architectures.

    Source
  • Some users highlight that the Arturia CMI V is a loose interpretation of the Fairlight, missing many original capabilities but offering a fairly complete sample library.

    Source
  • The Korg Wavestate, with OS 2, allows sample additions and processing through its synthesis engine, potentially replicating Emulator-type sounds.

    Source
  • Arturia CMI V provides sound and vibe replication of the Fairlight, while Quasar Beach focuses on preserving original software functionality.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Owners suggest integrating UVI samples into Falcon for enhanced processing capabilities, although free WAV libraries may offer similar flexibility.

    Source
  • QasarBeach IIz is recommended as a closer emulation of the original Fairlight, available for free with optional support payment.

    Source
  • Quasar Beach lacks integration as a VST, limiting its use directly within DAWs compared to the Arturia CMI V.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The plugin includes Fairlight, Synclavier, and Mellotron samples, essential for genres relying on vintage sounds, but may feel limiting for non-preset users.

    Source
  • Some users choose to run QasarBeach on a Microsoft Surface Go to simulate a hardware experience, citing its standalone functionality as appealing.

    Source

User experience

  • Users report that Arturia CMI V presets often include post-chain effects, which can make them sound uninspiring when effects are disabled.

    Source

Critic Reviews

UVI Darklight IIx Review – Synthtopia

synthtopia.com

UVI Darklight IIx offers a nostalgic yet flawed homage to the Fairlight CMI, delivering a rich sample library but falling short of being an authentic software replication. While its retro interface and sound palette capture the spirit of the original, critics question the claim that serious DSP power is needed for replication, citing modern processing capabilities. At $199, it's a pricey nod to nostalgia, not a Fairlight substitute, and the rebate for existing customers feels insufficient. A fun throwback but more for fans of vintage vibes than purists seeking fidelity.

Big Fish Audio - UVI Darklight IIX review

soundsandgear.com

UVI Darklight IIX is a nostalgic homage to the iconic Fairlight of the 80s, delivering a vast library of rich sounds and samples. While the 8-bit drums may not appeal to everyone, the synths, keys, and vocal samples shine with authenticity and usability. The updated UVI Workstation engine enhances user experience with intuitive scripting and a sleek interface. This package is a treasure trove for those craving vintage vibes, yet it remains versatile enough for modern compositions. With its comprehensive content and innovative features, it secures a solid 4 out of 5 subs rating.

positive

UVI Darklight IIx Review - Failed Muso Failed Muso

failedmuso.com
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
fortytwo

INSPIRED BY THE ‘80S STUDIO ICON

Costing upwards of $100,000, the dream machine of the ‘80s was unattainable by most. Used by countless prominent artists including Peter Gabriel, David Bowie, Michael Jackson, Kate Bush, Herbie Hancock, Jean Michel Jarre, Thomas Dolby and many more, it remains a highly regarded and sought after instrument. Suffering a fit of nostalgia as we often do, we decided to set about making a new instruments inspired by this legendary studio icon and we ended up making three: a digital synth, a digital drum machine, and a multi-phraser. Each instrument with its own unique quirks and personality, suited for different tasks, all with the raw, lo-fi character of the original machine. The result is an extremely fun and flexible set of instruments that gives new life to classic sounds and pushes these old voices into new sonic territory.

turbolazerdj

Time Travel

Great sounds that allows a producer to capture the essential essence of the 80s

Genre Usage

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

More UVI Virtual Instrument

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    fortytwo
    fortytwo

    Gear IQ 169