Synapse Audio: DUNE and Obsession Virtual Synthesizers

Synapse Audio: Virtual Synthesizers (DUNE, Obsession)

Synapse Audio is a German publisher of virtual synthesizer plug-ins, renowned for its sound quality and the precision of its analog emulations. Since the brand's founding, its software instruments — DUNE, Obsession, The Legend — have established themselves as references in electronic and cinematic music production. The sounds of DUNE 3 resonate in blockbusters such as No Time to Die, Wonder Woman 1984 or Top Gun: Maverick, and Synapse Audio synths can be heard on recent albums by Jean-Michel Jarre. Discover the history, the ranges and our advice for choosing the right Synapse Audio virtual synth.

Quick Summary: Why Choose Synapse Audio?

• High-precision virtual synths: advanced analog modeling, 8x oversampling, innovative synthesis engines
• DUNE 3, the flagship: versatile virtual-analog synthesizer, used in Hollywood and on the global EDM scene
• Vintage emulations: Obsession (OB-XA), The Legend (Model D), Proxima (P-600) — classics recreated with fidelity
• Hans Zimmer collaboration: The Legend HZ, developed with the legendary composer
• Best prices at Green Musicians: 6 new products with 2-year warranty
• Universal formats: VST2, VST3, Audio Unit, AAX — compatible with macOS and Windows

The History of Synapse Audio: Germany at the Service of Sound

Synapse Audio is a publisher based in Germany, a country with a long tradition of audio engineering and synthesizers — from Waldorf and the PPG Wave to the instruments of u-he. Synapse Audio follows in this lineage with a rigorous approach: modeling analog circuits with almost scientific precision, while offering modern, high-performance instruments.

The brand first made a name for itself with DUNE (Difference UNison Engine), a virtual-analog synthesizer whose unique synthesis engine can generate sounds of exceptional richness. Over the versions — DUNE 2, then DUNE 3 — the instrument gained depth, sound quality and recognition. Today, DUNE 3 is used by EDM professionals worldwide and credited in major film productions.

Alongside DUNE, Synapse Audio developed a range of vintage emulations: The Legend (based on the Moog Model D), Obsession (OB-XA), Proxima (Sequential P-600). Each one relies on component-by-component analog circuit modeling, capturing the character and warmth of the original synthesizers. The collaboration with Hans Zimmer on The Legend HZ marked an additional milestone: a plug-in co-designed with one of the most influential film music composers of our time.

Synapse Audio Product Ranges

DUNE 3: The Versatile Virtual-Analog Synthesizer

DUNE 3 is Synapse Audio's flagship. This virtual-analog synthesizer combines a powerful synthesis engine, wavetable layers, a powerful modulation system and a complete effects section. Its extended polyphony and Unison engine make it possible to create massive sounds — cinematic pads, deep basses, cutting leads. You can hear DUNE 3 in films such as James Bond 007 — No Time to Die, Wonder Woman 1984, Top Gun: Maverick, Army of Thieves and the Dune remake (2020).

• Synapse Audio DUNE 3 — virtual-analog synthesizer, VST/AU/AAX, macOS and Windows

Obsession: The Emulation of the Vintage OB-XA

Obsession is an analog modeling plug-in based on the vintage OB-XA synthesizer, a legendary 80s instrument known for its lush pads and organic character. Synapse Audio modeled every component of the original analog circuit — oscillators, filters, amplifier — with striking realism. Obsession is the ideal choice for producers looking for authentic analog sound without investing in expensive, temperamental vintage hardware.

• Synapse Audio Obsession — OB-XA analog modeling, VST/AU/AAX

The Legend: The Moog Model D as a Plug-In

The Legend faithfully reproduces the vintage Model D synthesizer — the Moog that defined the sound of 70s electronic music. Beyond emulation, Synapse Audio added many improvements: 8x oversampling, extended polyphony, modulation matrix, arpeggiator/sequencer. The Legend is available in a standard version and an HZ version, co-developed with Hans Zimmer.

• The Legend VST/AU/AAX — Model D emulation, VST2, VST3, AU, AAX formats
• The Legend HZ — version developed with Hans Zimmer, 6 oscillators, modulation matrix, 32-step sequencer, exclusive vintage 914 filter

Proxima: The Sequential P-600 Resurrected

Proxima dives into the golden age of analog synthesis by recreating a 1982 synthesizer — the Sequential P-600, famous for its 6-voice polyphony, its iconic Curtis analog chips, and for being the first synth to integrate MIDI. Proxima adds a 10-slot modulation matrix, a full arpeggiator/sequencer and an effects section, while retaining the warmth and character of the original hardware.

• Synapse Audio Proxima — P-600 modeling, VST3/AU/AAX, MPE and NKS support

Hydra: Multi-Synth and Wavetable

Hydra completes the range with a different approach: a multi-engine synthesizer combining virtual-analog synthesis, wavetable and FM. This versatile instrument lets you explore a wide sonic palette, from aggressive basses to ethereal textures, through percussive and experimental sounds.

• Synapse Audio Hydra — multi-synth, VST/AU/AAX

Buying Guide: Which Synapse Audio Virtual Synth to Choose?

For the EDM or Cinematic Producer

The DUNE 3 is the obvious choice. It is the most versatile instrument in the range, capable of doing everything: powerful basses, cutting leads, cinematic pads, arpeggiated sequences. Its presence in Hollywood blockbusters and EDM productions speaks for itself. If you can only choose one Synapse Audio synth, this is the one.

For the Vintage Analog Sound Lover

The Obsession is made for you. The OB-XA sound — warm pads, organic leads, round basses — is reproduced with remarkable fidelity. For the Moog sound, The Legend is the reference, with a Model D modeling that rivals the emulations of u-he or Cherry Audio.

For the Media Music Composer

The The Legend HZ was developed in collaboration with Hans Zimmer himself. With its 6 oscillators, modulation matrix, 32-step sequencer and exclusive vintage 914 filter (modeled after Zimmer's personal unit), it is a unique instrument for creating cinematic sounds.

For the Versatile Musician or Synthesis Beginner

The Proxima offers the charm of a vintage synth (the P-600) with modern features that make it accessible. Its intuitive modulation matrix and arpeggiator make it an excellent entry point into the Synapse Audio universe. The Hydra is an alternative for those who want to explore several synthesis engines in a single plug-in.

Why Buy Synapse Audio at the Best Prices on Green Musicians?

Synapse Audio is a brand available at the best prices at Green Musicians. Concretely, this means:

• Reduced prices: at Green Musicians you benefit from lower prices than those of conventional resellers.
• New products under warranty: new, never-opened products, with a 2-year manufacturer's warranty.
• Reliable stock: 6 Synapse Audio products in stock, immediately available for download.
• Ecology: immediate download — less transport, less packaging.
• Local support: our teams know the products and can advise you on choosing the synth that fits your workflow.

FAQ: Your Questions About Synapse Audio and Virtual Synths

Is DUNE 3 compatible with my DAW?

Yes. DUNE 3 is available in VST2, VST3, Audio Unit and AAX formats, covering all major DAWs: Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, Cubase, Pro Tools, Reaper, Studio One, Bitwig. It runs on macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon) and Windows (64-bit).

Does The Legend faithfully reproduce the Moog Model D?

The Legend uses component-by-component analog circuit modeling, with 8x oversampling for maximum precision. The result is a Model D emulation widely regarded as one of the best on the market, rivalling plug-ins such as u-he Diva. The HZ version, developed with Hans Zimmer, adds exclusive features: additional oscillators, modulation matrix, vintage 914 filter.

Is Obsession an exact copy of the OB-XA?

Obsession is based on the vintage OB-XA synthesizer and models its analog circuits with precision. Synapse Audio captured the sonic character of the original — its oscillators, filters, amplifier — while adding modern features such as MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) and NKS compatibility. The goal is not to copy the OB-XA identically, but to capture its sonic essence with the flexibility of a modern plug-in.

Can you use several instances of these plug-ins simultaneously?

Yes. Synapse Audio plug-ins are optimised for multi-instance use within the same project. DUNE 3 and The Legend offer an 'economy' mode that reduces CPU load. In practice, you can run 8 to 16 instances simultaneously on a modern machine, depending on patch complexity and the polyphony used.

Are the licences lifetime?

Yes. Synapse Audio licences purchased at Green Musicians are permanent — no subscription, no recurring fees. You receive a licence key by email after purchase, and you can use the plug-in indefinitely on your macOS and Windows machines.

Is Synapse Audio a good alternative to Arturia or u-he?

Synapse Audio positions itself as a credible alternative to Arturia and u-he in the field of virtual synths. Where Arturia offers a vast collection of emulations (V Collection), Synapse Audio focuses on a few instruments, each pushed to an exceptional level of quality. Compared to u-he (Diva, Zebra), Synapse Audio offers very competitive value for money, with analog emulations of comparable precision.

Synapse Audio vs Other Virtual Synth Publishers

Synapse Audio stands out through its philosophy: few products, but each designed with maximum rigour. Compared to u-he (the German reference with Diva and Zebra), Synapse Audio offers more financially accessible instruments, with comparable modeling quality. Compared to Cherry Audio (specialist in affordable vintage emulations), Synapse Audio moves upmarket with more advanced synthesis engines such as DUNE 3. And in the German tradition, there is also Waldorf with its historic wavetable — a complementary approach to synthesis.

To go further in choosing a virtual synth, check out our article on u-he and virtual synthesizers or our guide on Cherry Audio and vintage emulations.