Soft Synths
Latest about Soft Synths

“Offers power, warmth, charm and usability, in a highly convincing virtual analogue reproduction, with real heart and soul”: Cherry Audio SH-MAX review
By Roland Schmidt published
Continuing its Japanese homage, Cherry Audio reignites three of Roland’s finest synths from the '70s, in a single soft-synth with plenty of reinvention

You can now buy Reason’s iconic Rack of virtual outboard as a standalone plugin for the first time
By Si Truss published
NAMM 2026: The Reason Rack plugin is now available as a standalone purchase or subscription, and there's a price drop for Reason too

“You’ll smile broadly at the ease with which you can land on astonishing results”: Native Instruments Absynth 6 review
By Andy Price published
The trailblazing soft synth that we’d all but given up hope on has made a glorious comeback, but how does Absynth fit into a changed music production landscape?

“Built upon the strengths of the original, it takes this vintage classic to contemporary heights”: Cherry Audio Mercury-8 review
By Roland Schmidt published
Completing the Mercury trilogy, Cherry Audio answers the prayers of its user base, with a recreation of the mightiest of ’80s polysynths

“Quickly grasp tone, timbre and intention behind each preset”: Arturia Pigments 7’s new reactive UI offers in-app tutorials and lets you visualise every sound
By Si Truss published
Arturia Pigments 7 adds experimental filters, a noisy effect, punchier envelopes and a stylish new look for the Play View

How to emulate the sound of Gary Numan’s synth-pop classic Cars
By Roland Schmidt published
We lift the bonnet on a foundational piece of synth genius, and demonstrate how you can achieve its distinctive sound yourself in your DAW

Native Instruments' Absynth returns – here’s the inside story, with developer Brian Clevinger
By Clovis McEvoy published
The cult classic soft synth is back, 16 years on from its previous iteration. We sit down with Absynth’s creator to hear about the history of this legendary instrument and why its rebirth is the 'best project he’s ever worked on'

19 of the best plugins under $50 for last-minute impulse buying this Cyber Monday
By Si Truss last updated
Forget high-end hardware or mammoth bundles – these are our favourite Cyber Monday music software bargains to be had for little more than pocket change

This is the first synth I reach for when I need an arp - and right now it's 51% off!
By Andy Price last updated
Yes, I’m a sucker for a bit of pulsing synth arp-age, and the Mercury-6 has been my go-to for the last two years

"It's not just another recreation of the Jupiter-8": Cherry Audio goes "beyond Jupiter" with the Mercury-8 soft synth
By Matt Mullen published
This long-awaited Jupiter-8 emulation builds on the creative potential of the original synth with expanded polyphony, enhanced modulation capabilities and a powerful effects engine
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