AIR Music Tech: 7 new plug-ins with sounds from the AKAI Force and MPC

AIR Music Tech has released seven new plug-ins in one go: Hype, Solina, Odyssey, Mellotron, Electric, TubeSynth, and Bassline. If those names sound familiar, it’s not just because some of them emulate classic synths. Their sound engines were pulled straight from the newer AKAI MPCs and Force. The new virtual instruments make them available on macOS and Windows for the first time.

AIR Music Tech releases seven new plug-ins
AIR Music Tech is bringing seven instruments originally developed for the current AKAI MPC and Force series to the desktop platform. All of them are available as plug-ins and as stand-alone versions, so you can play them without a DAW using a USB or Bluetooth controller. AIR Music Tech says that the plug-ins are compatible with the MPC and Force versions, so exchanging presets shouldn’t be a problem.


Hype Hybrid Synthesizer

Hype Hybrid Synthesizer
Without a doubt, the most interesting instrument among the new releases is Hype, a hybrid synth with four sound engines. In addition to FM synthesis and wavetables, Hype offers sample-based and virtual analog synthesis. It comes with 1500 presets and offers six macro controls for easy editing and control. Needless to say, Hype also includes a bunch of different effects.

Classic synths and keyboards
Solina is of course based on the iconic string machine and includes six instruments with independent controls. Odyssey was created in collaboration with WayOutWare and delivers the sounds of the ARP Odyssey. Mellotron offers six tape sets with classic Mellotron sounds such as flute, choir or strings. And Electric includes a selection of classic electric piano sounds like Rhodes, Wurlitzer, and an FM variant.

TubeSynth is a VA synth with three oscillators, unison, ring modulation, two LFOs and a filter that’s an evolution of Vacuum Pro. It offers polyphonic glide, integrated effects and 300 presets.


TubeSynth is a virtual analog synthesizer

Bassline emulates the sounds of classic monophonic synths. According to AIR Music Tech, it uses an evolution of the Vacuum engine to emulate the warm sounds of the analog era.

While most of these emulations have been done before by other manufacturers, the new plug-ins by AIR Music Tech focus on easy-to-use interfaces and quick results. On the whole, I’d say they’re definitely worth a look, especially if you already use their MPC and Force counterparts and would like to use those sounds in your DAW, as well.

Prices and compatibility of the AIR Music Tech plug-ins
The new AIR Music Tech plug-ins run on macOS 10.10 or higher and Windows 7 or higher. They’re available in VST, VST3, AU, AAX and stand-alone versions. The introductory prices range from €39.99 to €99.99. AIR says that the regular prices will be €49.99 to €124.99.

More information

• AIR Music Tech website
• More from AIR Music Tech

 

thanks for the information, I tried Hipe, not really interesting, just my first impression ....

 

Luckily, we can try these without the driver based protection.
I bought one of their plugin but use the cracked version, because their protection is so stupid.

 

How is the sound? They have a few that cover the same instruments as Arturia but the footprint is tiny (I know, most of the size comes from the GUI with Arturia stuff).

 

I didnt had time to try them, I was in session the last days.
I'll get back and tell once I try them.

 

AIR Music makes one of my most used plugins - Hybrid 3. I like it mainly because of its dual random arpeggiators, something you don't see often (outside of Falcon and Wavestate, of course). I drive-tested the TubeSynth and Odyssey. The other five didn't interest me as my sole focus these days is ambient music. The TubeSynth is a keeper because it really does have a thick, smooth warm sound. Perfect for pads. The Odyssey I threw back in the water due to its graininess and rough edges. Smoothening them with filters, compression and EQ worked to a certain extent but I have other VSTi's anyway.

 

Did some beta testing on these, Electric is good, tubesynth and hype are ok, still no resizable gui, despite it being requested many times before release also preset browing is still messy but at least iLok is gone too

 

I suppose you cannot divulge any information about the developers right? Well if you are in touch with them then I suppose it would be great to let them know that a lot of people are mad about their lack of updates and about their insufficient communication on the subject. Why would I buy a new synth from them when I can clearly see how they treat their original ones? They shoot themselves in the foot with this kind of behavior. But thank you for sharing your thoughts and impressions.

 

...you'd think they would work on making their tried and true instruments M1 compatible before releasing brand new stuff.

 

As long as they do not update their existing plugins in terms of usability on a high resolution monitor (4k), they do not see any money from me again (unless I'm mistaken, the new plugins are also not scaleable, right?). They do not respond to support inquiries or if they respond, the answer is not satisfying. So: Nope-di-nope!

 

all i want is their creative fx to go m1 native

 

I bought structure to test out as an alternative to Kontakt from Plugin Boutique for like 39 US, then I got an email that said Windows 10 had problems with it and that I had to wait for a fix, it's been two years.

I followed up with Plugin Boutique and they just keep forwarding me to Air's download page. I feel cheated. I haven't bought anything from Plugin Boutique or Air since.

 

Worst support ever, years no update, no reaction on bug reports, never ever I will spend any money on AIR.
Transfuser and Structure are still broken.

Anyone need AIR licenses pm me, I sell them all.