NEWS, VST, GEARMathias PageauUniversal Audio Anthem, Anthem Analog Synthesizer, UA Anthem VST, best analog soft synth 2025, virtual analog synth plugin, lo-fi synth VST, Arturia MiniBrute V, Cherry Audio PS-20, TAL-BassLine-101, mono synth plugin, UAD Spark plugins, gritty synth VST, analog style plugin

Universal Audio Releases Anthem Analog Synth: Lo-Fi Grit Meets Classic Mono Vibes

NEWS, VST, GEARMathias PageauUniversal Audio Anthem, Anthem Analog Synthesizer, UA Anthem VST, best analog soft synth 2025, virtual analog synth plugin, lo-fi synth VST, Arturia MiniBrute V, Cherry Audio PS-20, TAL-BassLine-101, mono synth plugin, UAD Spark plugins, gritty synth VST, analog style plugin
Universal Audio Releases Anthem Analog Synth: Lo-Fi Grit Meets Classic Mono Vibes

Universal Audio has just dropped Anthem, a bold new soft synth that steers away from vintage emulations and dives headfirst into expressive analog-inspired sound design. Unlike UA’s recent DSP-bound plugins, Anthem runs natively, making it accessible to anyone with a DAW—no Apollo hardware required. It blends two sweeping oscillators, drive-enhanced filtering, lo-fi effects, and a generative sequencer into a modern monosynth that feels like it came from a parallel retro future. That said, some might be surprised to learn that Anthem is monophonic, with no true polyphonic mode in sight. But that design choice seems intentional—it’s meant to be played, not layered. Whether you’re after basslines with teeth or warbly melodic leads, Anthem makes a strong case for being more than just another analog wannabe. It’s gritty, musical, and weird in all the right ways.

 

TL;DR – Anthem at a Glance

  • What it is – A native, virtual analog monosynth with lo-fi effects and a built-in generative sequencer

  • What it’s for – Basslines, leads, and analog-style sounds with character and movement

  • What’s new – Warpable oscillators, Drive + Growl filter, and Mod FX including phaser, flanger, and Warble

  • Why it’s different – No polyphony. Anthem embraces intentional limitation to create unique expression

  • Who it’s for – Producers looking for inspiring mono synths with a lo-fi edge—without needing UA hardware

  • Alternatives – Arturia Mini V, TAL-BassLine-101, u-he Diva, Softube Model 84

 

Craving analog grit without the hardware?

Anthem might be exactly what your DAW is missing.

 
 

What Is Anthem and Why Is It Mono?

The Anthem Analog Synthesizer is Universal Audio’s first native soft synth in a while—and instead of chasing nostalgia, it tries to reimagine the analog experience with a twist. It’s a dual-oscillator monosynth with a flexible signal path and a sonic attitude that feels hands-on, raw, and ready to misbehave.

Its oscillators go beyond the usual waveforms, offering sweepable shapes from triangle to pulse and modulating potential via LFOs or envelopes. OSC 1 adds a sub oscillator for punch, while OSC 2 introduces a Warp knob for syncing and ring modulation, giving it a more aggressive edge. It’s not just about thick tones—it’s about shapeshifting them in motion.

But yes—it’s mono. There’s no full polyphony here, though you do get mono, paraphonic, and unison modes. In a synth market where “more voices” is the norm, Anthem’s constraints force you to focus on texture, movement, and performance. It’s a choice that says: this isn’t for pads—it’s for presence.

 

Filter, Modulation, and Grit

Anthem’s filter section is deceptively powerful. Alongside the resonant lowpass filter, it includes a non-resonant highpass, Drive and Growl circuits (likely adding some filter FM behavior), and a good set of routing options including keytracking, envelope, and LFO controls.

You get two ADSR envelopes, one each for amp and filter, and a single LFO with triangle, square, and random waveforms. A Tilt knob lets you adjust the waveform shape on the fly, while sync and retrigger controls make the modulation feel rhythmic or chaotic depending on how you patch it.

In practice, this section makes Anthem more than just another analog-style plugin. It’s a modulation playground with quirks—offering tools that are expressive without becoming overwhelming.

 

Lo-Fi Effects and the Sequencer

Where Anthem really starts to feel like a Universal Audio product is in its built-in FX section. UA has a deep bench when it comes to vintage-style effects, and here you get a curated lineup: chorus, phaser, flangers, Warble, and a “Space FX” section that includes spring reverb and tape echo flavors.

Then there’s the step sequencer. It’s not just your standard note-repeater. Anthem’s sequencer supports polyrhythms, accents, and generative behavior, making it ideal for experimental grooves or unexpected happy accidents. It’s not a modulation matrix per se, but it adds life and motion to patches without relying on automation.

Combined with the lo-fi effects and modulation, Anthem’s sequencer makes it feel like a mini groovebox or an idea generator—perfect for sketching lines that sound vintage but behave unpredictably.

 
 

Alternatives to Consider

If you're into Anthem’s dirty analog feel but want to explore other flavors, three standout options come to mind.

First up, TAL-BassLine-101. It’s a faithful emulation of the Roland SH-101 and brings that iconic snappy bass and lead sound in a clean, easy-to-use interface. While it’s not as aggressive or mod-heavy as Anthem, it delivers a similar punch and immediacy—especially great if you’re chasing 80s-style synthlines or stripped-down techno grooves.

For something gnarlier, Cherry Audio PS-20 recreates the MS-20’s screaming filters and semi-modular chaos. It's polyphonic, patchable, and loaded with character. If Anthem is about slick constraints, the PS-20 is about controlled chaos—more knobs, more feedback, and more opportunity to twist things out of shape.

Then there’s Arturia MiniBrute V, which might be the closest spiritual cousin to Anthem. It captures the brash, unpredictable energy of the original MiniBrute hardware with extras like Ultrasaw, Metalizer, and onboard FX. If you're looking for a native synth that feels alive under your fingers, this is one to check out.

 

Final Thoughts: Who Is Anthem For?

Anthem isn’t trying to be everything—it’s trying to be something. It’s a soft synth for people who value expression over flexibility, and movement over menus. If you want to design lush pads or stacked keys, this isn’t the one. But if your goal is grimy bass, angular melodies, or happy accidents, Anthem offers a refreshing, focused toolkit.

The lack of polyphony might scare some off, but that’s part of the point. This is a synth for producers who are drawn to analogue character, who want things to feel alive, and who want to work inside the sound rather than on top of it. For $149 (intro price), it’s a creative tool that punches above its voice count.

 

Wondering if a mono synth can still surprise you?

Anthem makes a strong case.

 
 
 

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