Acustica Audio Releases Alice-9

Acustica Audio has introduced Alice-9, (previewed last month), which they say is a next-generation sample-based synthesizer forged from the chaos of the unknown and built for creators who refuse to follow.

A spokesperson told us, "Built on the proprietary SCO (Sample-Controlled Oscillator) system, and infused with analog soul, AL9 isn't here to emulate. It's here to change the rules."

Here's more details direct from the company...

Alice-9 (AL9) is a next-generation sample-based synthesizer in the digital domain, part of the Marea virtual instrument series, and powered by the innovative MUST (Modular Unified Synthesis Technology). Early testers have described it as an instrument with a deeply organic and varied sound palette -- evocative of iconic synthesizers from the 1990s and early 2000s. AL9 redefines what a sample-based synth can be, merging analog realism, playable feel, and modern digital power into a single instrument. Available in VST3, AU, and AAX formats, ensuring integration with all major DAWs.

Made to Inspire
The architecture of AL9 goes far beyond sample playback or wavetable synthesis. Its sound engine is built around SCO (Sample-Controlled Oscillator), a high-resolution resampling system capable of reproducing natural analog behaviors such as frequency drift and evolving dynamics. Unlike typical static samplers or rigid waveforms, AL9's oscillators breathe and shift like their analog ancestors.

This realism is further enhanced by the proprietary Superstereo system for natural stereo placement , the Age control that adds subtle imperfections, emulating the warmth of aged hardware and Integrated multiband dynamics processor inspired by the popular OTT compression paradigm, delivering musical glue and energetic punch.

Whether you're chasing nostalgia or forging new paths in sound design, AL9 provides an inspiring playground that rewards musicianship and creativity.

Beyond Emulation
The idea for THING originated during the development of Thing (TH8 – TH5) -- an emulation of a classic 1980s DCO synth. During that process, a question arose: what if, instead of replicating digital waveforms, we could capture and reproduce the actual behavior of an analog VCO? What if we could push timbral diversity beyond the limitations of traditional synthesis methods?

Many synths claim to do something similar, through wavetable synthesis, sampling, or vector reconstruction. But we believe the issue isn't the method -- it's the execution.

Wavetable and traditional sampling methods are often too static. Developers try to hide this with tricks like round-robin cycling or randomization. AL9 took a different route -- building a synthesis core that is organic, reactive, and truly dynamic.

Power at a glance
Alice-9 (AL9) sets a new benchmark in sample-based synthesis, combining analog authenticity with modern digital power. Below are its defining strengths:

• Next-Generation SCO Oscillators AL9's Sample-Controlled Oscillators go beyond traditional sampling and wavetables, delivering dynamic, time-evolving waveforms with natural drift, modulation, and analog-like behavior.
• Enhanced MUST Engine Powered by a refined Modular Unified Synthesis Technology (MUST), AL9 blends analog circuit modeling with convolution-based processing for exceptional realism and responsiveness.
• Hybrid Sound Architecture Combines high-resolution sampling, analog-modeled filters, and dynamic modulation into a unified engine -- bridging the gap between VCO, DCO, and sampler.
• Extensive Waveform Library Hundreds of carefully curated sounds, from vintage analog tones to orchestral textures, including rare instruments and hybrid timbres.
• Superstereo Imaging & Aging Control Create wide, immersive stereo fields with natural decorrelation, and add analog imperfection through adjustable aging for a vintage character.
• Advanced Modulation & Envelopes Flexible but focused tools: intuitive LFOs, fast envelopes, key tracking, velocity sensitivity, and creative modulation paths without unnecessary complexity.
• Integrated Studio-Quality Effects Includes Acustica-grade Chorus, Delay, Reverb, and EQ, plus a Saturator with a powerful OTT-style multiband dynamics processor for impactful, polished sound.
• Complete Performance Toolkit Features like real-time MIDI Learn (local/global), arpeggiator, portamento, MPE functionality, modulation sliders, and visual feedback make AL9 a true instrument -- not just a sound source.
• Professional Sound Design Over 500 presets created by top-tier musicians and engineers demonstrate AL9's full sonic palette and versatility across genres.

Pricing and Availability:
Introductory price: €169 until May 13, 2025 (Regular price: €249)

More information:

• AL9

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