Absinthe

This article is about the software synthesizer called Absynth. For information about the alcoholic drink, see absinthe .

Absinthe
Basic data
developer	Native Instruments
Current  version	5.3.1 (2015)
operating system	macOS , Microsoft Windows
category	Music software
License	proprietary
native-instruments.com

Absynth is a software synthesizer developed by the American Brian Clevinger . Its concept is based on digital sound generation . Absynth combines classic methods (such as subtractive synthesis ) with more modern methods (e.g. frequency modulation , granular synthesis and sampling ) to create complex timbres and sound surfaces.

Absynth can be played directly from MIDI- enabled instruments such as B. keyboards or as a plug-in from DAW applications such as Ableton Live , Cubase , Logic or Sonar . Absynth is distributed by the Berlin company Native Instruments .

Concept and technical characteristics

Semi-modularity

The basic concept of Absynth is based on a three-channel structure of the sound generation. Each of these three channels has three modules (see also modular synthesizer ):

• Sound synthesis: individual synthesis mode for each channel (including subtractive synthesis , frequency modulation (FM) , ring modulation , sampling , granular synthesis and audio input)
• Filters: 14 different types of filters
• Modulation: Ring or frequency modulation to change the sound.

The parameters of sound generation, filters and modulation can be controlled with Absynth using waveforms, envelopes , LFOs and MIDI controllers . Waveforms and envelopes can be edited by the user. The three channels are mixed together in a master channel via individual volume and panorama settings.

Graphical user interface

Compared to conventional hardware synthesizers, in which the sound parameter settings made by the user can often only be displayed via control lights or small displays, software synthesizers offer the possibility of visualizing a large number of such settings via a graphic interface on the PC monitor. Absynth takes advantage of this in the following ways:

• Patch window: The channels and the individual modules can be switched on and off in a graphic patch field.
• Waveform Editor: All waveforms that are to be generated by oscillators , modulators or LFOs can be designed and transformed by the user in a graphic editor or manipulated using the frequency spectrum .
• Envelope editor: Envelopes can be created in a 68-step editor and transformed with the help of graphic tools.

history

Absynth was originally developed by Brian Clevinger for the Mac-Os platform and was distributed as an Internet download by the Paris company Rhizomatic Software from October 2000 . This first version already has the essential features that characterize the design of Absynth to this day (semi-modular design, different sound synthesis modes, graphic patch field , waveform editor, envelope editor, 64-note polyphony , MIDI control). Clevinger merged with Native Instruments in 2001 and is still the chief developer of the software.

Web links

• Official product page

Tests and reviews

• Paul White's review of ABSYNTH v3.0 in the online recording magazine Sound On Sound , Apr. 2005
• Paul Ward's review of the first joint version by Clevinger and Native Instruments in the online recording magazine Sound On Sound , Dec. 2001

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Feature: NI Absynth @ . Sonicstate.com. October 16, 2000. Retrieved July 4, 2010.