Tekno is an analog-inspired drum synthesizer that combines circuit modeling, advanced synthesis, and modern drum machine techniques to deliver fully-synthesized drums without relying on samples.
The team behind popular plugins like Humanoid and Smooth Operator has released a new plugin designed for electronic music producers. The plugin, named Tekno, takes inspiration from techno—a genre long associated with analog hardware and drum synthesis. In techno, producers design drums to be hard-hitting and cut through the mix, driving the energy on the dance floor.
In collaboration with veteran sound designers, Baby Audio has packed these qualities into a single plugin. Many techno producers use drum kits bundled with DAWs like Ableton, which draw on the sound of classic Roland machines but are still sample-based. Tekno approaches this differently. It recreates the warmth and unpredictability of analog sound while retaining the flexibility and control of modern digital tools.
Sound Engine and Features
Most drum plugins rely on samples, but Tekno takes a different approach. It features 18 drum engines that synthesize sounds in real time, with no pre-recorded material involved. The software combines circuit modeling, advanced synthesis, and classic drum machine techniques, giving producers a level of control not typically available in sample-based tools.
Because every hit is generated on the spot, no two strikes sound exactly the same. A built-in Humanize function further introduces variations in timing, velocity, and timbre, adding subtle realism to programmed patterns.
For years, electronic music production has depended heavily on static samples for drum programming. With Tekno, Baby Audio has taken a bold move that introduces a model to replace those fixed sounds with fully synthesized, adaptable alternatives.
Features and Preset Content
Tekno includes 18 fully synthesized drum engines covering kicks, toms, tonal percussion, claps, snares, rimshots, and more. The engines use circuit modeling, advanced synthesis, and drum machine techniques to create flexible and detailed drum sounds. Producers can adjust each voice through a synthesis panel with five macros, or use an additional calibration panel for deeper control.
The plugin also introduces a Smart Randomizer, which can generate new sounds by randomizing entire drum engines, individual voices, or specific parameters such as effects.
For its development, Baby Audio worked with Jatin Chowdhury, a noted engineer in analog modeling known for his open-source projects and academic research in audio technology.
The release also features custom preset kits from well-known sound designers. Fifty custom kits were created by artists, including Richard Devine, Mr. Bill, and Virtual Riot.
Key Features:
- 18 fully synthesized drum engines covering kicks, snares, claps, hats, percussion, and more.
- No pre-recorded samples; every hit is generated in real time through circuit modeling.
- Built with analog-inspired synthesis and DSP in collaboration with engineer Jatin Chowdhury.
- Humanize controls introduce variation in timbre, velocity, and timing.
- Option for deep editing at the circuit level or quick sound generation via randomizer.
- Preset library includes 73 kits and over 1,300 individual voice presets from sound designers such as Richard Devine, Mr. Bill, Virtual Riot, and Yoad Nevo.
- Onboard effects include tape saturation, excitation, compression, and a limiter/clipper.
- Sounds can be sequenced via MIDI or exported as audio directly to a DAW or folder.
Price: BABY Audio Tekno is now available at a price tag of $129 MSRP with a $79 intro sale.
More info on babyaud.io
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