Huh, looks like NI is cooking something else than Kontakt libraries after all

No official word yet but at least the existence is all but confirmed: https://www.gearnews.com/absynth-6-native-instruments-synths/

I've managed not to upgrade Komplete for a while but now they might have my money, the bastards. Can't wait!

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Absynth 6 Leak: Is Native Instruments Bringing Back the Cult Synth? Yes!

A Leak and a Website Confirm the Comeback



It really seems to be happening. Absynth 6 is apparently about to make its comeback. A leak from a trade magazine and a Native Instruments landing page suggest that the legendary soundscape synthesizer will be unveiled as early as next week. Wow! After more than three years of silence surrounding the project, this development has generated a lot of excitement because hardly any other virtual instrument has influenced as many creative productions as Absynth has over the years. The animated green graphic and counter on the website leave no doubt that this is a genuine revival.

Native Instruments is Reviving Absynth 6 – Launch Planned for December!

For reference, Native Instruments removed the then-current version, Absynth 5, from its product range in September 2022 with the release of Komplete 14. This was a heavy blow to many sound designers, producers, and synthesizer enthusiasts because Absynth was considered one of the most versatile tools for creating complex and atmospheric sounds and soundscapes. The official reason for discontinuing it was the complex technical adaptation required for modern systems. However, continued demand and a vocal response from the community ultimately convinced NI to revive the cult instrument.



NI Absynth 6 leak in a magazine · Source: synthanatomy

The Comeback of a Legend

What new features Absynth 6 will offer remains unclear for now. However, it is reasonable to expect that NI will present a fundamentally modernized version with new features, improved workflow, and a contemporary user interface, rather than merely carrying out a visual overhaul or compatibility adjustments.

Absynth has always represented experimental sound design and organically evolving soundscapes that transcend classic subtractive or FM synthesis. If NI transfers these strengths to a modern architecture, Absynth 6 could once again become a must-have plugin for modern sound designers – and thus also a statement that even legendary software can be given a second life. As always, we will keep you up to date here, and we are already very excited about the release!

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great.. i tried absynth 4 i think many years ago its an interesting plugin. i hope they also release kontakt 9 soon.. i find the kontakt 8 interface very confusing

 

It would be nice if it could be used without glasses.

 

It's not really a leak, the resident NI support guy confirmed everything last week at GS and KvR.

Funny, Absynth was probably their first 'corporate buyout' even before they were just a bunch of venture capitalists heh. I think I owned it for 2-3 months and they came and took it over and introduced that awesome challenge/response crap..