Acustica Audio SQUID-3: a superstereo MUST-powered analog modeling Synthesizer plugin - December 17, 2025

Acustica Audio Squid-3 is a new analog-style “Superstereo”Synthesizer plugin, using the hybrid MUST engine (convolution meets modeling).

There have been numerous new synthesizers in the past few days. We received u-he Zebra 3, NI Absynth 6, Radical1, plus Pigments 7 yesterday, all within a short period. Plus numerous more minor updates. That’s a synth plugin extravaganza just before the end of the year.

For those who still have some space for new synthesizer plugins, here’s the next one. Acustica Audio has expanded its MAREA Synthesizer lineup with Squid-3, another analog-style Synthesizer plugin for macOS and Windows.



Acustica Audio SQUID-3
SQUID-3 is a new subtractive Synthesizer plugin for macOS and Windows.

Like the previous Expanse5, Alice9… Synthesizer plugins: the SQUID-3’s core is based on Acustica Audio’s proprietary engine, which MUST deliver ultra-low latency, efficient CPU usage, and pristine audio quality, according to the developers.

The Modular Unified Synthesis Technology (MUST) is a hybrid synthesis approach that combines convolution and analog modeling. According to the developers, SQUID-3 isn’t a vintage emulation of a specific vintage analog Synthesizer.

The official description doesn’t delve into the intricacies of the synthesis features. However, efforts are underway to highlight the engine’s advantages.

A look at the realistic UI shows that this “Superstereo” synth has three multi-wave oscillators, with octave control on the first two and beat rate on the third.

Acustica says that the oscillators have true audio-rate, oversampled waveform morphing with consistent detail and stability under fast, complex modulation. They claim that it’s a new morph synthesis that operates at upsampled and oversampled rates.



From here, it goes into a mixer with a built-in sub-oscillator and noise generator.

A highlight is the return knob, which provides pre-filter feedback and adds thickness before the filter. Then it passes through a low-pass filter with four selectable slopes (6, 12, 18, 24).

You can tweak it with classic cutoff, resonance, keytrack, and adjustable envelope modulation routing. In this, you can also find a post-filter polyphonic drive that adds an analog-like tone-shaping effect to your sounds.

Modulation & FX
On the modulation side, Acustica Audio SQUID-3 offers two ADSR envelopes (filter/amp) and two multi-wave LFOs that runs at audio-rate.

Although they are ADSR envelopes, they offer far more than the classic ADSR controls: delay, hold, velocity, keytrack, cycle, retrigger, and more.



A modulation matrix manages the modulators and provides access to additional features such as modwhee, aftertouch, MPE, and more. Yes, it’s full MPE with per-note expression with pitch, pressure, and timbre control.

Further, you can refine your sounds with a “mastering-grade” multi-FX unit with different algorithms: shimmer, reverbs, chorus, delays, distortion, OTT, and EQ.

A highlight of the plugin, according to the developer, is the dedicated Superstereo knob at the top of the UI, which lets you add analog-style drift to the engine to create stereo depth on its own.

Interestingly, they offer a different synth panel layout on the second and third UI pages. Here, some parameters are available via faders, such as the envelopes or other mappings.

Acustica Audio ships SQUID-3 with over 35 presets from professional sound designers and musicians.

First Impression
Visually, the SQUID-3 is a beautiful, eye-catching virtual instrument. Sonically, Acustica Audio synthesizers have consistently impressed me. I’m almost sure the SQUID-3 will too.

Whether we really need another subtractive analog-style Synthesizer is a matter of personal preference. It’s a bit pricey, but if you’re interested, you should grab it during the intro sale.

Acustica Audio Squid-3 is now available for an introductory price of 139€, down from 199€. It runs as a VST3, AU, and AAX format. It requires the Acustica Desktop application for registration.

More information here: Acustica Audio

Source: https://synthanatomy.com/2025/12/ac...superstereo-must-powered-analog-modeling.html