Native Instruments unveil Absynth 6 – their cult software w/ Brian Eno presets + more

Native Instruments has officially revived Absynth, the cult soft synth that defined an era of ambient, experimental and cinematic sound design – now reimagined as Absynth 6.

Absynth 6 launches with new artist presets from Brian Eno and Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith, and with more artists to be added, with their contributions underscoring the instrument’s lineage, serving as proof of concept for what this reborn engine can do.

Developed in collaboration with OG creator Brian Clevinger, Absynth 6 restores one of the most influential synths of the last 20 years, pairing its unmistakably “alive” hybrid engine with full MPE/poly-aftertouch, surround support, and a brand-new AI-powered Preset Explorer designed to inspire discovery rather than automate creativity

Absynth 6 marks the return of a cult classic across ambient, IDM, experimental club music, film scores and video game sound design – now receiving its first update in more than a decade. Its hybrid semi-modular architecture – spanning granular, FM, wavetable, subtractive and sample-based synthesis alongside Absynth’s iconic 68-point envelopes – has been rebuilt for modern compatibility and greater expressiveness.

A new AI-driven Preset Explorer maps the entire library by timbre, creating a visual browsing environment that feels Absynth unmistakably and encourages wandering, experimentation, and the “happy accidents” the instrument is known for.

Weirdcore – the artist behind visuals from Aphex Twin to Arca, MIA, Tame Impala, Yaeji, Overmono and more – leads the ‘Weird by Design’ visual identity. The post-internet artist has also created ‘artist visualizers’ for original Absynth compositions by a host of producers synonymous with untamed creativity. These video artworks will be rolling out in the coming weeks, beginning with an original composition from Australian producer HAAi.

Regarding key features, Absynth 6:

• Unique sounds: A hybrid semi-modular engine combines subtractive, FM, sample-based, and granular methods.
• Living modulation: Sculpt textures that breathe and transform with the hyper-detailed 68-point envelope generator.
• Inspiring mutations: The classic Mutator offers intelligent preset generation with depth and randomness controls for instant inspiration.
• Modern expressiveness: Full MPE and polyphonic aftertouch support enables nuanced, per-note performances.
• Surround sound and microtuning: Absynth 6 features true multichannel surround spatialization and MTS-ESP support for global microtuning and new harmonic systems.
• Preset Explorer: The preset library is arranged into an intuitive visual map so musicians can browse sounds by timbral quality, or as a classic browser.
• Mind-bending effects: Spatially bend Absynth’s unique suite of creative effects like Aetherizer and Cloud Filter with per-effect surround control.
• Legacy patches and presets: Explore vintage patches all the way back to Absynth 1, and load your own presets from Absynth 4 and 5.
• New artist presets: From Brian Eno, Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith and Richard Devine. 

Further details can be found at the Native Instruments website here.

Pricing and availability MSRP: $199 – €199 – £ 179 

Absynth 2-5 owners can upgrade to Absynth 6 for $99 / €99