UVI Synth Anthology 4 $149 PC MAC

From the very old to the über new, UVI's latest library has been collated with care. Roland Schmidt blows off the dust on some classics

- Roland Schmidt

We all know that hardware synthesisers can be a costly alternative to their software counterparts, albeit with the tactile joy, but imagine a compendium of classics that could satisfy your synth-gear lust in one convenient and cost-effective package.

Anthology rising

Well, you needn’t imagine any further. UVI’s newest release and update to its applauded Synth Anthology series has risen to version 4, but this is no minor release with a few tweaks here and there. Apart from a smart new look, there’s a wealth of additions and improvements that add up to a package which feels to be far more than a sum of its parts.

Firstly, a bit of background. UVI has an excellent track record for creating sample-based software instruments, which operate from within its own plugins. UVI’s freebie Workstation plugin is the basic host software, presenting the information in a style which always feels uncluttered. This is exemplified with SA4, as the interface graphics have received a makeover, revealing a stunning new look. You can also use UVI’s Falcon softsynth plugin as host, which does open up a greater number of options at the programming level, but for our money, the clarity provided by Workstation is a thing to savour, as well as being free.