UJAM releases Usynth DRIVE, a streamlined freeware virtual synthesizer for house music production.
Usynth DRIVE is a virtual instrument tailor-made for electronic music producers. More precisely, UJAM describes it as a “turbo boost for electronica” and a virtual instrument suitable for use in house music.
Similar to the other plugins in the Usynth range, Usynth DRIVE is powered by a versatile synthesis engine. In fact, it uses two layers per sound and combines multiple synthesis algorithms, including subtractive, FM, wavetable, and multi-sample synthesis. It also features a multi-mode filter, a 12×12 modulation matrix, five-stage envelopes, and other advanced modulation features.
Despite the complex synthesis engine buried underneath the surface, the GUI shows only a handful of controls. The idea behind this approach is to provide the user with a selection of ready-to-use sounds without having to worry about synth programming.
On the other hand, Usynth DRIVE offers a set of customization controls so that each patch can be modified to fit a particular project. The interface is organized into three main sections: Sequencer, Synthesizer, and Finisher. Each section can be bypassed, randomized, or tweaked manually.
The Sequencer section helps you sequence the loaded sound by adjusting the swing, note length, tempo, and similar parameters. The Synthesizer section is where you’ll modify the timbre and the internal modulation. The Finisher module features a set of built-in effects that will add depth and movement to the loaded preset.
The plugin also features a handy Surprise feature that lets you create a fully randomized preset. The surprise can be “small” or “big,” which basically determines how much the randomized preset will deviate from the current setting.
A virtual keyboard is present at the very bottom of the interface, along with the pitch bend, modulation wheel, and MIDI settings.
Check out the demo video embedded below to hear Usynth DRIVE.
According to UJAM, the new Usynth DRIVE synthesizer is completely free to use with no strings attached. They say it’s a “present to friends old and new.” Being that the other Usynth plugins cost $79 each, this is quite a generous freebie from UJAM.
Even if you don’t produce house music, Usynth DRIVE is worth considering as a source of modern electronic music sounds. It’s also a nice way to check out UJAM’s style of creating plugins. They value hands-on playability above tweakability, and producers who are working on tight deadlines will certainly appreciate that approach.
Usynth DRIVE is available in VST, AU, and AAX plugin formats for compatible digital audio workstations on Windows and macOS.
Download: Usynth DRIVE
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22 Comments
Lesha
onIt will not accept my ZIP code…
Lesha
onAnd Serbia is not found in the country list.
Lesha
onManaged to download it by choosing another country.
Tomislav Zlatic
onI don’t see the country list at all, just the ZIP code field.
Lukas
onTry some random zip codes. I had to do it around 5 times before it worked!
Numanoid
onYou need to select your region and country in the upper right corner when checking out
I guess a reason to why they give it away, is because they want to check their website set up, including that
Tomislav Zlatic
onWell spotted, thanks for the tip! I didn’t see that at all when checking out.
Tomislav Zlatic
onA big thank you to BPB reader Aris for the info about Usynth DRIVE.
MRG
onI know, I know. But freeware, with authorization, to me is not freeware. It’s “for free” but not “free”. Loks nice, but I’m probably gonna skip it, unfortunately, my loss. I sincerely hope some of you will find pleasure with it, tho.
Judging by the GUI, it looks pretty much preset-y kind of synth, right? No hands-on on every parameters?
Tomislav Zlatic
onYeah, it offers presets with limited tweakability.
MRG
onAh, no problem with that, it’s not like Roland never sold a JV or XP-series synth in the past. :D
Who knows, I might even try it, someday, when my thatsnotfreewarititis gets better.
Angie
onFree second hand version of Trap Tune by United Plugins available
unitedplugins.com/news/detail/96
Tomislav Zlatic
onInteresting, thank you!
Dewil
onI am wondering how to authorize this. Don’t see any option adn it did not ask me anything after I started the trial. Any help much appreciated.
Tomislav Zlatic
onLooks like everything is handled with the UJAM app. https://support.ujam.com/hc/en-us/articles/360007472200-How-can-I-authorize-and-activate-my-plugin-
Dewil
onIndeed it is, much obliged. Thank you for the awesome blog.
Tomislav Zlatic
onThanks for reading BPB!
Bob
onVST2, shame, it looks good, will need to be VST3 for Cubase users soon
Tomislav Zlatic
onYes, that’s kind of surprising. I see many complaints about VST3-only plugins, but I was surprised to see that UJAM is still VST2-only.
Michael Jackson
onI got this and it’s really cool. But I had to use my UJAM account to get it activated through their portal app. I have several of their VSTs but this one is the best and its FREE.
The Real MJ
onalways connected to home via ujam app in system tray for some generic presets? I don’t think so! Promptly uninstalled. Thank you but no thank you.
Tish Thometz
onThanks for the blog post, is there any way I can get an email whenever you publish a fresh article?