UVI Synth Legacy Software Collection

50 synths for $50... But how do they sound?

By Chris Loeffler

Synthesizers have long been the go-to for trippier, “non-instrument” sounds for musicians, and most guitar and bass players have been caught at some point in their life falling for the allure of the synth sound as a compliment to the music or for background atmospherics. Original units, however, are expensive and hard to come by… certainly too much for someone considering synth as a second (or third) instrument. Current production models run the gamut from cheap and plastic-sounding to bank-bustingly expensive and other-worldly. As a counter to that, UVI has been making a name for itself for some time now for its high-quality, sampled recreations of some of the most amazing synthesizers to paint their sonic hue on classic recordings.

Looking to capture the casual player (although there is nothing casual about the quality of the instruments), UVI has partnered with Guitar Center to celebrate Guitar Center’s 50th anniversary by packaging 50 of their most sought after synthesizers for $50. The software package (or download) includes fifty synthesizers, 1,000 presets, and a host of additional effects and modulators to recreate classic synth sounds or create something entirely new.

What You Need to Know

UVI’s proprietary sampling method starts with engineers acquiring an original synthesizer they want to recreate and thoroughly restoring it (when required) to original spec. Once the synth is perfectly dialed in, the instrument is recorded using studio-quality analog recording devices. The result is an authentic sample that captures the resonance, depth, grind, and quirks that make each synthesizer’s sonic character. 

The included synths are a “who’s who” list of classic synths- Roland, Oberheim, Waldorf, Moog, Korg, Yamaha, etc. With such a robust assortment of sampled synths, the Synth Legacy collection manages to offer every major method of classical synthesizer technology- analog, analog modeled, FM and formant, digital and wavetable, vector, additive and pcm are all accounted for. While it wasn’t practical (nor possible) to run the sampled synths against their physical counterparts for the sake of the review, those units that did have their original model to test against proved to be solid, faithful sonic reproductions that were indistinguishable once recorded. In many cases, the UVI sample fared better as many vintage units today have noise and clock issues exacerbated over years of use and the samples were taken from tuned-up models.

Each synth features ADSR (Attack-Decay-Sustain-Release) envelopes for amplification, filtering, sub oscillators, overdrive, and pitch and can be animated via UVI’s proprietary LFO or 16-step modulator. Synth Legacy includes six product-specific effects within the instrument and can utilize and of the dozens of studio-grade effects available in the UVI Workstation. 

Limitations

Requires UVI Workstation (free) to run, either as a standalone platform or as a virtual instrument within a DAW.

Conclusion

$50 for 50 synthesizers of remarkable depth and authenticity. While the beefier software synths offered by UVI go a bit deeper into the original units they are modelling, it is hard to think of a classic synth effect or tone that can’t be achieved with the Synth Legacy. While hardcore synth players will find a lot to love in Synth Legacy, its simplicity of use and deep library is probably one of the best (and most affordable) ways to draw in people who have a different primary instrument as there is so much available to learn and the sound quality is fantastic.

Complete List of Sampled Synths

Alesis Andromeda, Roland Jupiter 4, Roland Jupiter 8, Roland VP-300, Roland TB-303, Oberheim Matrix 6, Oberheim Xpander, Oberheim OB-X, Studio Electronics ATC, SCI Prophet 5, Yamaha CS-80, Elka Synthex, RSF Kobol, Korg PS-3200, Moog MiniMoog, Moog MemoryMoog, Waldorf Pulse, Access Virus C, Yamaha AN1X, Novation Nova, Waldorf Q, Clavia NordLead, Yamaha DX7, Yamaha DX100, Yamaha FS1R, Korg DS8, NED Synclavier 2, Waldorf Microwave XT, PPG Wave 2.3, Casio VZ-1, Casio CZ-1, Korg DW8000, Kawai K3, SCI Prophet VS, Korg Wavestation, Yamaha SY22, Kawai K5000, OSC OSCar, Seiko DS301, Ensoniq VFX, Kawai K4r, Roland JD-800, Roland D-50, Korg M1, Korg DSS1, Korg MS20, Ensoniq SQ80, Ensoniq Fizmo, Yamaha SY77, Mellotron M400, Fairlight CMI IIx, E-MU Emulator 2

Resources 

UVI Synths Legacy at Guitar Center (MSRP $100.00, Street $50,00)

UVI Synths Legacy Product Page

UVI Synths Legacy User Manual

Chris Loeffler is a multi-instrumentalist and the Content Strategist of Harmony Central. In addition to his ten years experience as an online guitar merchandiser, marketing strategist, and community director he has worked as an international exporter, website consultant and brand manager. When he’s not working he can be found playing music, geeking out on guitar pedals and amps, and brewing tasty beer.