Nakst releases Apricot, a freeware hybrid synthesizer instrument (public beta) in CLAP plugin format for Windows.
One of the first things that stand out about Apricot is that it comes in the CLAP plugin format and showcases some benefits, like non-destructive polyphonic modulation. It also comes as a native FL Studio plugin.
We looked at the CLAP format from Bitwig and U-He a little while ago, and it’s worth checking out if you haven’t yet.
Apricot has two main oscillators, each featuring six subtractive waveforms, panorama, modulating phase offset, and unison. The unison mode emulates the JP-8000 Supersaw, which is essentially multiple detuned sawtooth oscillators and sounds huge. Each main oscillator also provides a nice preview of your selected waveform.
There’s a third oscillator with fewer parameters, which is intended for use as a sub-oscillator.
Next to the third oscillator, you’ll see a Sample Layer with kay tracking (on/off) and one-shot/looped modes. At the moment, there are 44 factory samples in ten categories, but you can import samples in the standard WAV format.
Apricot has two mod envelopes, two LFOs, and a combined sixteen modulation slots. Each mod envelope and LFO has two modulation slots, and a modulation matrix provides an additional eight.
This hybrid synth provides over 70 modulation destinations and ten modulation sources. Hovering over a modulated control will show the modulation slots that control it.
The built-in arpeggiator is perfect for classic Trance sounds or even chiptune effects if you want to recreate your favorite classic arcade game soundtracks. Talking of classic Trance, the AR My Promise demo on the Nakst website showcases a supersaw pluck that perfectly captures that sound/genre.
I also liked the PD Elder’s Wisdom demo showing Apricot can produce some lovely synth pads.
Apricot features five built-in effects, including Reverb, Ping-Pong Delay, EQ, Distortion, and a Stereo Phaser.
Some of Apricot’s sounds and effects are modeled on iconic hardware synths, like the Roland JP-8000 (mentioned above) and the Access Virus.
The nice-looking resizable (100-200%) GUI completes its feature line-up with a multi-mode filter with low-pass, band-pass, and high-pass modes at 12dB/oct or 24dB/oct. The filter comes with controls for Cutoff, Resonance, Drive, and Key track. Increasing the Drive generates a “warm” boost to the signal.
Apricot looks like a promising synth and one I’m sure Windows users will have a lot of fun using.
Another nice freebie worth mentioning is Heavyocity’s Synth Bass library for Kontakt Player.
Apricot requires Windows 64-bit and a CLAP-compatible host.
Download: Apricot
More:
- CLAP Audio Plugin Format: Will It Join The Current Industry Standards?
- Fluctus Is A FREE FM Synthesizer In CLAP Plugin Format For Windows
Last Updated on September 15, 2022 by Tomislav Zlatic.
