Recapturing the endearing charm of classic arcade machines, 8-Bit Synth may seem gimmicky at first, but a vibrant instrument lurks within

Over the last ten years, we’ve seen a boom in media aimed at scratching that 80s nostalgia itch, from Stranger Things’ infatuation with the era’s cinematic tropes (and a lush synth soundtrack), Wonder Woman’s recent colourful adventures in 1984 and the trend for the bleeps and bloops of classic, 8-bit video game soundtracks that pepper EDM and even creep their way into mainstream soundtracking. It seems that as long as there are sentimental memories to conjure, the past will never die.

With that in mind, Paris-based UVI has painstakingly built what, at first glance, appears to be the ultimate retro sample library and performance instrument, specifically tailored for 8-bit music-makers. First bundled as part of their gleefully fun, humungous Toy Suite (2019), the 8-Bit Synth now stands on its own two feet…

Sid games

Taking its inspiration largely from vintage video games, arcade machines and early computersounds, 8-Bit Synth provides 30,000 individual samples, and 375 retro-tinged patches, all of which are neatly organised into a diverse array of categories, including Bass, Leads, Chords, Composite, Drums, FX, Plucks and Polysynth, all selectable via the familiar UVI Workstation framework which houses this (and, indeed all) UVI software. These presets have been carefully sampled, and are ready to serve as the building blocks of a quirky chip-tune track, or as flavourful sprinkles to layer over more conventional fare.