MUSEWIRE – Music Tech / In a massive surprise for the end of 2025, Native Instruments has announced the long-requested return and re-invention of its early innovative semi-modular “weird sounds” virtual instrument, ABSYNTH 6. Developed in partnership with the original creator of Absynth, Brian Clevinger, Absynth 6 adds a sleek AI-powered browsing experience and modern compatibility.

As a long time user (since ABSYNTH originally launched), this was perhaps the most exciting new synth announcement for me this year. Really looking forward to playing with this!

The new Absynth Preset Explorer (pictured above) reflects Native Instruments’ evolving approach to AI: reduce friction, keep artists in control, and encourage exploration over automation. A deep-learning model analyses the timbral traits of every preset, arranging the library into an intuitive visual map so musicians can browse by feel rather than scroll through linear lists. Simple filters let users shape their own aesthetic path, while the system handles the heavy analysis behind the scenes.

The Preset Explorer has also informed the visual campaign for Absynth 6, created in collaboration with digital artists Weirdcore, known for his live visuals for Aphex Twin, Radiohead, Charli XCX and Oneohtrix Point Never; and radical post-internet designer Swarmm.

According to the company, “Absynth 6 represents an evolution for one of the best loved soft synths of all time, one that enabled a generation of producers and composers to create never before heard sounds across ambient and dance music, and scores for film, television and videogames.”

“When I originally created Absynth,” says Brian Clevinger, “I wanted an instrument that invited people to lose themselves in sound. Seeing it evolve into Absynth 6 has been genuinely moving. It still has that strange, alive quality, only now with the range and precision to inspire a new generation of explorers.”

“Our very first product – nearly 30 years ago – was a synth,” says Simon Cross, Chief Product and Technical Officer at N.I. “Returning to Absynth brings us back to the heart of what inspires us. It remains one of the most singular instruments in electronic music, and we always knew its revival could only come with the involvement of Brian Clevinger himself.”

Key features
● 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.

Pricing and availability

MSRP: $199 – €199 – £ 179
Absynth 2-5 owners can upgrade to Absynth 6 for $99 / €99

LEARN MORE: https://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/synths/absynth-6/

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This original article first appeared on MuseWire.com and is © Christopher Simmons. Images and quotes courtesy Native Instruments.