We’ve got physical modeling for instruments, so why not pair them with physical modeling in 3D objects? Anukari is the latest instrument to do that, with lovely-looking modeled visuals and the ability to run as a plug-in as well as standalone.
Lots of folks have been sending me this one; it looks terrific, and there’s a free beta for both macOS and Windows. Plug-in support is what immediately sets this apart from game engines with similar capabilities, since it means you can run the full instrument in your DAW as VST3, AU, or AAX.
Uniquely, this works like a modeling tool; you can build up your own custom systems piece by piece, LEGO brick-style. And there’s an astounding amount of stuff in there:
- Virtual microphones for spatial positioning of sound pickups
- Mallets, plectrum, bows, oscillators, all with MIDI triggering
- Masses and springs in custom-built 3D forms
- Full MPE support
- Sample-accurate modulation, audio-rate FM, envelopes
- External audio input
- Full reverberation system
- Visual customization: skyboxes, 3D models, visual effects
There are some fresh tutorials up now, too:
Since the paid public beta dropped last week, the developer has been responding to feedback. That has included an updated build with improved Apple Silicon performance on M3 and M4; see also the FAQ for performance tips. I’ll try to give this a test after Superbooth.
There are some quick tips and other discussions on the dev’s been posting:
I’ve gotten a lot of questions about how to connect Anukari parameters to controls in the DAW (automation lanes, DAW knobs, etc). Much nicer and more professional tutorial videos are coming in the next few weeks, but for now I thought I’d make a quick & dirty one-take explanation pic.twitter.com/2seFZRtY7E
— Anukari 3D Physics Synthesizer (@anukarimusic) May 4, 2025
Check out what people are doing with this – awesome. (Ooh and all apologies to certain vendors, but I love this so much more than just generic press-a-key sample library instruments.)
“I’m gonna tell my kids this was lofi beats to study to”:
This is maybe the first synth I’ve used since Reaktor 6 almost a decade ago that has actually floored me. I cannot believe it exists. It feels forbidden. pic.twitter.com/bOfBGvtPbh
— SAMUEL MARQUIS (@SamuelMarquis_) May 2, 2025
There’s a fully usable free version with small dropouts in sound; the full version is discounted in beta. You’ll want to try this out on your hardware with the demo, as not every machine will be supported. The builds require macOS with Apple Silicon or Windows with Intel (no Radeon GPU support, either).
This debuted way back in June last year over on Sonic Talk for some initial discussion of how this came about:
Let us know how it’s working for you and what you build!
Of course, if you want patching like this in VR, PatchWorld is the go-to:
