Strix Instruments Emisynth is a unique Kontakt library that captures the essence of Soviet-era children’s synthesizers. This collection features 11 distinct synths from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, meticulously sampled to preserve their characteristic sounds and imperfections. The library includes over 3,500 unique samples, resulting in 100 presets with 979 variations. Emisynth’s sound palette covers a wide range, including basic sounds, bass, keys, leads, pads, and plucks. The library’s distinctive feature is its focus on authenticity. Each synthesizer, aged between 30 to 50 years, has been recorded through its original speakers, ensuring that the sound remains true to the designers’ intentions. The effects of time and storage conditions have left their mark on these instruments, resulting in a variety of artifacts that contribute to their unique character. Strix Instruments has carefully preserved these nuances, offering users a genuine slice of Soviet-era electronic music history.
Pros:
• Unique collection of rare Soviet children’s synthesizers
• Authentic sound capture preserving original characteristics and imperfections
• Extensive preset library with numerous variations
• Incorporation of Chernobyl exclusion zone impulse responses
Cons:
• Requires full version of Native Instruments Kontakt
Emisynth goes beyond mere sampling by incorporating impulse responses captured in the Chernobyl exclusion zone, adding an extra layer of atmosphere and historical context to the instrument. This fusion of vintage synthesizers and environmental sampling creates a truly one-of-a-kind sonic experience that sets Emisynth apart from other virtual instruments. The features of Emisynth are both comprehensive and distinctive. At its core, the library consists of 11 Soviet children’s synthesizers, each with its own unique tonal qualities and quirks. These instruments have been meticulously sampled, resulting in over 3,500 individual samples that form the foundation of the library.
The preset system in Emisynth is robust and versatile. With 100 base presets and 979 variations, users have access to a wide range of sounds right out of the box. These presets are categorized into various types, including basic sounds, bass, keys, leads, pads, and plucks. This organization allows for quick and intuitive sound selection, catering to different musical needs and genres.
One of the standout aspects of Emisynth is its commitment to authenticity. Each synthesizer has been recorded through its original speakers, ensuring that the true character of these vintage instruments is preserved. This approach captures not only the intended sound but also the unique artifacts and imperfections that have developed over time. The age of these synthesizers, ranging from 30 to 50 years, has imparted distinct characteristics to each instrument, resulting in a rich and varied sonic palette.
The incorporation of impulse responses captured in the Chernobyl exclusion zone adds a unique dimension to Emisynth. This feature allows users to place the synthesizer sounds within a haunting and historically significant acoustic space, creating an immersive and evocative sonic environment.
Emisynth’s user interface is designed to be intuitive and functional. It provides easy access to various sound-shaping parameters, allowing users to tweak and customize the presets to their liking. While the exact details of the interface are not specified in the available information, it’s likely that it includes standard synthesizer controls such as envelopes, filters, and modulation options.
The library’s compatibility with Native Instruments Kontakt ensures seamless integration into many modern music production workflows. This also means that users can take advantage of Kontakt’s powerful scripting and sampling engine to further manipulate and customize the sounds.
Emisynth’s focus on Soviet-era children’s synthesizers sets it apart from many other virtual instruments on the market. While there are numerous vintage synthesizer emulations available, few focus on this specific niche of electronic music history. Compared to more mainstream vintage synth emulations like Arturia’s V Collection or Native Instruments’ Komplete, Emisynth offers a more specialized and unique sound palette.
The closest comparisons might be found in other boutique sample libraries that focus on rare or unusual instruments. For example, Spitfire Audio’s LABS series or some of Sounddust’s more experimental offerings share a similar ethos of exploring unconventional sound sources. However, Emisynth’s specific focus on Soviet children’s synthesizers remains relatively unique in the market. In terms of sound quality and authenticity, Emisynth appears to hold its own against higher-end vintage synth emulations. The attention to detail in capturing the original instruments’ characteristics, including their imperfections and artifacts, is comparable to the level of care seen in premium vintage synth libraries. Where Emisynth particularly stands out is in its historical and cultural significance. The incorporation of Chernobyl exclusion zone impulse responses adds a layer of contextual depth that is rarely found in other synthesizer libraries. This feature allows Emisynth to not only serve as a sound design tool but also as a means of exploring and preserving a specific era of musical and technological history.
This plugin is best for:
• Sound designers seeking unique and characterful synth sounds
• Composers working on projects with a Soviet or retro-futuristic theme
• Electronic music producers looking to incorporate authentic vintage synth tones
• Film and game score creators in need of distinctive and atmospheric sounds
Emisynth offers a truly unique addition to the world of virtual instruments. Its focus on Soviet-era children’s synthesizers provides a fresh and distinctive sound palette that stands out in a crowded market. The meticulous sampling process and attention to preserving the original characteristics of these vintage instruments result in a library that is both authentic and inspiring. The extensive preset library, combined with the ability to further shape and customize sounds, makes Emisynth a versatile tool for various musical applications. Whether used for creating retro-inspired electronic music, adding character to modern productions, or designing evocative soundscapes for film and game scores, Emisynth provides a wealth of sonic possibilities. For those seeking to explore the unique sounds of Soviet-era electronic music or add distinctive vintage flavors to their productions, Emisynth offers a compelling and historically significant option in the world of virtual instruments.