Plastic Pop: 127 Ultra-Analog VA-3 Presets for 80s Synthpop

The bank covers two eras of 80s synthesis. The 60 analog presets, dated 1980 to 1985, sit alongside 67 digital presets from 1986 to 1990. Together they give producers a range of textures from warm analog voices to the brighter digital tones of the late decade.

The developer names several classic instruments as sources of inspiration, including the Juno, DX7, Wavestation and D-50. Presets also include guitar synth sounds, the TX81Z's LatelyBass and a Honkytonk sound. Applied Acoustics Systems says the collection is suited to revisiting the new wave and synthpop sound of acts such as Duran Duran, Japan, Frankie Goes to Hollywood and ABC.

Plastic Pop suits producers working on retro synthpop, new wave or 80s-inspired pop who want ready-made starting points rather than building patches from scratch. Because the sounds are grouped by arpeggio, bass, effect, lead and pad roles, it is easy to find a part for a given arrangement.

The sound bank is also credited to sound designer Andre Ettema, who has worked on audio design and synthesizer programming for film, game and commercial projects. Presets are a practical resource for anyone who wants a quick route to period-correct tones.