ACE modular-style synth plugin interface by u-he

ACE: Modular-Style Synthesizer by u-he Free Download

Rated 4.8/5 on Plugin Boutique (249 ratings)

ACE is a semi-modular synthesizer plugin by u-he that offers classic modular synthesis in a patchable software instrument. It runs as VST3, VST2 and Standalone on Windows, macOS and Linux.

VST3VST2StandaloneWindowsmacOSLinux64-bit

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Free trial available from the developer

01Overview

ACE is a software synthesizer built around modular-style patching. Its modules include oscillators, filters, envelopes, LFOs, VCAs and global effects, and nearly any output can be connected to any input. The developer says it was designed with modern computers in mind, aiming to deliver the flexibility of dedicated modular hardware at a much lower cost. Because it is semi-modular, it starts with a default routing that is easy to follow, so newcomers can learn the signal flow before building more complex patches. It requires a host DAW to run.

Best for

Learning modular synthesis
Experimental sound design
FM and cross-modulation bass
Evolving pads and drones
Unison lead sounds
Microtonal composition

Developer: u-he
Category: Synths
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Semi-modular architecture with default routing modeled on ARP 2600
25 signal sources and 30+ signal targets for flexible patching
Two VCOs from 0 Hz to 20 kHz with PWM and linked sub oscillator
Up to 8 unison voices per oscillator, each detunable ±2 octaves
Filters with LP1–LP4 and HP, BP, BR modes; can self-oscillate
Two LFOs that can also be used as VCOs
Sync, FM and cross modulation routing
Custom LFO waveforms via tap map; Scala .tun microtuning support

03In depth

Modular Architecture and Signal Routing

ACE uses a semi-modular layout with default routing modeled on the ARP 2600. From there, you can patch freely between its 25 signal sources and more than 30 signal targets.

The developer points to unusual routings as a key part of the instrument. You can patch an LFO into a filter and then use that filter as an FM source for an oscillator. LFOs can serve as VCOs and VCOs can act as LFOs, and sync, FM and cross modulation are all available. Multiples let you invert signals or build amplitude and ring modulation.

Oscillators, Filters and Sound Design

ACE includes two VCOs covering 0 Hz to 20 kHz, with pulse-width modulation and a sub oscillator linked to VCO1. Each oscillator can run up to 8 unison voices, with a detune range of plus or minus two octaves per voice.

The filters offer LP1 to LP4 along with HP, BP and BR modes, and the developer notes they can self-oscillate. A ramp generator, a mapping generator with up to 128 values, and white or pink noise add further modulation and sound-shaping options. Custom LFO waveforms can be drawn with a tap map, and microtuning follows the Scala .tun standard.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	u-he
Type	Plugin
Category	Synth
Formats	VST3, VST2, Standalone
Operating systems	Windows, macOS, Linux
Architecture	64-bit
Free trial	Yes

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats and operating systems does ACE support?

ACE is available as VST3, VST2 and Standalone. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, and the developer lists 64-bit support.

What do I need to use ACE?

ACE is not a standalone product and requires host software. The developer says it is compatible with nearly all DAWs. The minimum listed requirements include 1 GB RAM, 50 MB of free disk space and a display of at least 1000 × 600.

Is ACE suitable for beginners in modular synthesis?

The developer describes its careful module selection and clear layout as suited to newcomers. Its semi-modular default routing gives a starting point before more open patching.