Acustica Audio has long been one of my favorite plugin developers when it comes to hardware emulation. They’ve consistently impressed with top-tier EQs, compressors, and full channel strips, bringing the warmth of analog gear into the digital world.
But now, they’ve taken things a step further. With their first-ever synthesizer emulation, THING, Acustica Audio has entered the world of virtual synths—and they didn’t hold back. THING is a software recreation of the legendary Roland Jupiter-8, one of the most iconic analog synths of the 80s.
Instead of relying solely on traditional modeling, Acustica combines analog circuit emulation with their Modular Unified Synthesis Technology (MUST), a convolution-based approach designed to capture the depth and character of real hardware. And they didn’t stop there—modern features like Sub-frequency control, Superstereo, and an integrated effects section push this synth beyond a simple clone.
Therefore, this synth should be on your radar if you’re after that unmistakable 80s sound.
Get The TH2 Synth (Free Version)
And if you want to test the waters first, Acustica has also released a free version—the TH2. While it has some limitations (two-voice polyphony, no second oscillator), it still offers a taste of Acustica’s unique approach to synth modeling.
I’ve put together a video (at the top of this post) demonstrating how you can shape your sounds with the TH2—so if you’re curious, be sure to check it out!
Quick Overview of the TH2 Features:
✅ Polyphony – Switch between monophonic and polyphonic modes for flexible playability.
✅ Versatile Filter Section – Six different VCF filter modes allow precise sound shaping.
✅ Advanced Envelopes – Four envelope modes (ENV-8, ENV-Ser, ENV-Lin, ENV-Pro) for detailed control.
✅ AGE Control – Emulates the warmth and imperfections of vintage analog synths.
✅ SUB Control – Adds deep, rich bass frequencies for extra weight.
✅ 100+ Professional Presets – Instant inspiration with a range of classic and modern sounds.
Let me know if you’ve already tried THING or the TH2, and what you think about Acustica Audio’s first venture into the world of synths!
In terms of sound quality, this synth is definitely one of the best, whether you like the sound of the Jupiter clone for your songs is up to you to decide
Cheers Marcus
