BA-1 by Baby Audio analog synth plugin interface

BA-1: Analog-Modeled Synth Plugin by Baby Audio Free Download

Rated 4.7/5 on Plugin Boutique (493 ratings)

BA-1 is an analog-modeled synth plugin from Baby Audio, based on a 1980s portable synth. It is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats for Windows and macOS.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

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Free trial available from the developer

01Overview

BA-1 models a cult portable synth from 1982 that Baby Audio describes as having a toy-like look and a gritty sound. The plugin keeps the original's mono character and adds a second oscillator, FM, and polyphony. Its sound generators, 24dB low-pass filter and envelope are built to recreate the raw, drifting quality of the hardware. A built-in effects section inspired by 1980s rack units completes the instrument.

Best for

80s dub basslines
Retro synth pads
Lo-fi hip hop leads
Synthwave sounds
Sidechain synth pumping
Lo-fi speaker textures

Developer: Baby Audio
Category: Synths
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Analog-modeled oscillators with triangle and PWM waveforms
Second oscillator added compared to the original hardware
FM oscillator for plasticky 80s textures
Analog-modeled 24dB low-pass filter with self-oscillating resonance
Host-syncable envelope attack time and LFO
Tone and Drive section with Circuit and OD modes
Delay, reverb and chorus modeled on 1980s rack units
Re-Gen smart patch generator and 500+ presets

03In depth

Oscillators, Filter and FM Sound Design

The oscillator section is modeled on the original hardware, and the triangle and PWM waveforms are highlighted for classic 80s dub sounds. BA-1 adds a second oscillator that the original did not have, giving more flexibility in sound design.

FM adds complexity to the subtractive architecture. The FM oscillator can be set an octave above or below Oscillator 1 for plasticky 80s textures. The 24dB low-pass filter is analog-modeled, and its resonance starts to self-oscillate when pushed toward the 95 to 100 percent range.

Effects, Re-Gen and Workflow Features

The Tone and Drive section includes two shelving filters for darker or brighter tone, plus two drive modes: Circuit, which models circuit bending, and OD, which models an 80s overdrive pedal. Delay, reverb and chorus are modeled on budget rack hardware.

Re-Gen generates new patches with each click using an algorithm designed to produce usable, musical results. Sidechain can run in internal mode with a 4/4 ducking pattern synced to host tempo, or in external mode. The plugin window is resizable.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

Developer	Baby Audio
Type	Plugin
Category	Synth
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit
Free trial	Yes

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does BA-1 support?

BA-1 is available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows 7 and later and on macOS 10.7 and later.

Does BA-1 require an internet connection?

Yes. An internet connection is required to authorize the software.

What do I need to use BA-1?

BA-1 runs as a plugin inside a compatible DAW. Listed hosts include Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase, Nuendo, Reaper and Reason. It is 64-bit compatible on macOS, with native Apple Silicon support, and supports 32-bit and 64-bit on Windows.