Universal Audio has long been a household name in the audio effects world, renowned for their premium plug-ins and digital signal processing. But with the Anthem Analog Synthesizer, the company is stepping into new territory.
Key Features:
- Analog-modeled filter: From subtle warmth to full sonic destruction, create the perfect tone.
- Step sequencer: Craft intricate rhythms, polyrhythms, and generative patterns with ease.
- Lo-fi effects: Built-in chorus, flanger, spring reverb, and tape echo to bring warmth and vibe.
- Hundreds of presets: Jump-start your creativity with a vast collection of sounds or build your own.
- Runs natively on macOS and Windows: No UA hardware required for seamless integration.
While Universal Audio isn’t exactly known for their virtual software instruments, their legacy in audio effects and DSP means there’s a lot of potential for any synth they develop, and Anthem seems to be a perfect showcase of that.
Designed to offer bold, fat analog sounds with the flexibility of modern digital tools, Anthem is a blend of the classic analog feel with the power of today’s production workflow. If you’re after huge basslines, punchy leads, or evolving textures, Anthem offers the kind of sound that inspires from the moment you hit a note.
Universal Audio Brings Their Expertise to Synth Design
Universal Audio’s Anthem offers that signature analog warmth, inspired by classic synths but with plenty of new twists. The analog-modeled filter brings gritty distortion, but you can easily dial it back for lush warmth, and the fat oscillators give you punchy leads that cut through any mix. But what’s really exciting is the way Anthem pushes the boundaries of sound design, with paraphonic chords and dynamic textures that feel both retro and fresh.
Step Sequencer: Quick Grooves at Your Fingertips
If you’re someone who loves to create on the fly, you’ll appreciate Anthem’s intuitive step sequencer. It’s perfect for quickly sketching out ideas, whether you’re laying down a basic riff or experimenting with more complex patterns. The sequencer gives you the tools to generate polyrhythmic and generative effects, adding depth to your sound without any friction or delay.
Onboard Effects: Analog Warmth Without Extra Plug-ins
One of the best things about Anthem is the onboard effects. Universal Audio’s DSP expertise shines through with analog-modeled chorus, flanger, spring reverb, and tape echo, giving you that vintage lo-fi vibe straight out of the box. No need for extra plug-ins — everything you need is built-in, making it easy to add space, width, and depth to your sounds in real time.
A New Approach to Virtual Synthesis
While Universal Audio has made its name in the world of audio effects and digital signal processing, Anthem proves that they’re just as capable in the virtual instrument space. With a focus on performance, ease of use, and high-quality sound, Anthem is a serious contender in the world of software synths, especially for those already familiar with the UA ecosystem.
Artists like Eric J Dubowsky (Flume, Sabrina Carpenter, ODESZA) and Jennifer Decilveo (Hozier, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato) have all found value in Anthem’s diverse sound palette, from smooth pads to biting leads. As Jeremy Ruzumna (Fitz and the Tantrums) puts it, Anthem’s dirty, gritty tones allow you to step away from traditional hardware synths without sacrificing that authentic analog feel.
Anthem might be new ground for Universal Audio in the world of virtual synthesizers, but if this is what they can do with their first attempt, the future of software synthesis with UA looks incredibly promising.
