Absynth 6 Is Here With AI-Powered Browsing and MPE Support | WIN A FREE COPY!

After three years in the wilderness, Absynth is back. Native Instruments has officially released Absynth 6 today, bringing the semi-modular powerhouse into the modern era with full MPE support, surround sound capabilities, and an AI-powered preset browser (AND YOU CAN WIN A COPY RIGHT HERE, KEEP READING!).

The big news here is Brian Clevinger’s involvement. Absynth’s original creator partnered with NI for this version, which signals a real commitment to preserving what made the synth special while pushing it forward. When NI discontinued Absynth 5 in September 2022, it felt like the end of an era. Clevinger himself said he was “very disappointed, that’s a big understatement.” Three years later, he’s back at the helm, and that changes everything.

A Hybrid Engine That Still Breathes

Absynth’s core remains its unusual hybrid synthesis engine, combining subtractive, FM, wavetable, and granular methods in ways that other synths don’t. This combination has made it the go-to tool for evolving textures and soundscapes that feel alive, whether you’re producing ambient music, scoring films, or designing sounds for games.

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The synth’s 68-point envelope generator is still here, allowing for intricate modulation that makes sounds morph and transform over time. This kind of deep modulation control has always set Absynth apart from more conventional synthesizers.

Modern Features for Contemporary Workflows

Absynth 6 brings several updates that previous users have been requesting. Full MPE and polyphonic aftertouch support means the synth can now respond to modern expressive controllers with per-note control over pitch, timbre, and pressure. Clevinger himself has been championing MPE in his own Plasmonic synthesizer, so seeing it here makes sense.

The addition of true multichannel surround spatialization expands on Absynth 3’s pioneering surround capabilities, now supporting modern immersive audio formats. There’s also MTS-ESP support for global microtuning, allowing exploration of alternative tuning systems and new harmonic territories.

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The synth’s unique effects suite, including the Aetherizer and Cloud Filter, now features per-effect surround control. These effects have always been part of what gives Absynth its otherworldly character.

AI That Actually Helps

The new Preset Explorer represents NI’s approach to integrating AI without getting in the way. Using a deep-learning model that analyzes the timbral traits of every preset, the browser arranges sounds into a visual map. Instead of scrolling through endless linear lists, you can browse by feel and sonic character.

Andy Sarroff, Head of Applied AI at Native Instruments, explains: “AI should widen the creative field, not collapse it. The Preset Explorer listens closely, then gives that insight back to the musician in a way that sparks discovery. It’s a guide, not a substitute for craft.”

This approach feels useful rather than gimmicky. The AI handles the analysis behind the scenes while keeping you in control.

Weird By Design: The Visual Campaign

The release comes with a striking visual campaign titled “Weird by Design,” created with digital artist Weirdcore (known for work with Aphex Twin, Radiohead, Charli XCX, and Oneohtrix Point Never) and post-internet (?) designer Swarmm. The hero video takes inspiration from both the AI-powered preset explorer and Absynth’s reputation for world-building, transporting viewers to liminal urban spaces with sweeping glyphs and gaussian-splat renders.

Weirdcore will continue creating visualizer artworks based on original Absynth 6 compositions from renowned DJs and producers. The series launches with a track by Australian artist HAAi, with more artists coming in the next few weeks.

Star-Studded Preset Library

Absynth 6 launches with presets from Brian Eno and Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith, with Richard Devine also contributing. This lineup makes sense: Eno’s influence on ambient and generative music fits Absynth’s evolving soundscapes perfectly, while Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith’s work with Buchla systems and microtonal composition aligns with the synth’s expanded tuning capabilities.

The synth also maintains full backward compatibility, allowing you to explore vintage patches all the way back to Absynth 1, and load presets from Absynth 4 and 5. If you’ve built an extensive preset library over the years, you’re covered.

The Mutator Returns

Absynth 6 retains the classic Mutator feature, which offers intelligent preset generation with depth and randomness controls. While the Mutator in Absynth 5 sometimes produced unwieldy results with complex patches, it remains valuable for instant inspiration and happy accidents when you’re searching for new sonic territory.

Pricing and Availability

Absynth 6 is available now from Native Instruments and Plugin Boutique for $199 / €199 / £179. Existing Absynth 2-5 owners can upgrade for $99 / €99, which is reasonable for long-time users. The synth is also expected to be included in future Komplete bundles.