Overview

A thoroughly modern synth for making next-generation sounds
Thorn is a cutting-edge tool for making cutting edge sounds. Designed with the modern electronic music producer in mind, DS Audio’s main goal was to develop a top notch software synthesizer, for creating punchy, snappy and aggressive sounds that leap out at the listener

A new kind of synthesis for a new kind of electronic musician
The sound engine in Thorn is built on the novel Spectral Synthesis method, which gives you complete control over the individual harmonics that go into creating a final timbre. Three Harmonic Oscillators with an additional Harmonic Filter allow you to create a wide range of forward-looking sounds.

Flexible filters for futuristic fun
Two analog-modeled multi-mode filters—with a zero delay feedback path—are there to help you tailor your tones and make them shine in the mix. Use them to modulate any parameter you’d like to. A set of 9 high-quality effects help you polish your sound and breathe life into it. For even more fun, check out the pattern-based Glitch sequencer to create the glitch-effects that have become an essential part of electronic music production.

Limitless possibilities, but incredibly easy to use
Simplicity, flexibility and effectiveness are the key principles of Thorn. Just take a short tour through the carefully crafted sound library provided by Thorn (600+ presets!) to get started auditioning sounds you’ll want to put in your mix right away, or go under the hood to craft your own future-focused tones.

Features

  • Additive synthesis engine with spectral effects, harmonic filtering and FM, RM, PWM, Hard Sync support

  • Analog modeled filters with sensitive internal saturation stages

  • 3x ADSR, 3x LFO, 2x Multi-stage Envelopes

  • 9 high quality effects

  • Glitch sequencer

  • Noise Oscillator with WAV-sample playback feature

Audio Examples

Industry Reviews

  • BT (Brian Wayne Transeau)

    BT (Brian Wayne Transeau)

    Musician, Composer, Singer, DJ and Audio Technician

    Synth is fantastic - one of the best arp’s I’ve ever used in a soft synth. Cuts in a mix, really hitting all the notes you want from a clean, elegant, modern soft synth. I love it.

  • The Thrillseekers

    The Thrillseekers

    I love the raw, gritty vibe that Thorn adds to my sonic arsenal. It contrasts nicely against the sea of analog-modelled VSTs out there and has some unique features, like the Glitch Sequencer.… Read More

  • David Forbes

    David Forbes

    Music Producer, DJ

    After 4 clicks of a button i fell in love with this synth, it will be a staple piece of kit used in my productions over the coming years, its a simple as that.... absolutely solid!!

  • Ryan Farish

    Ryan Farish

    Artist & Producer

    After working with Thorn for just under 5 minutes, I immediately found myself in one of those rare moments where the sound of this synth had me racing to record and capture down all the ideas that… Read More

Customer Reviews

  • Thorn

    ★★★★★
    by Lionheart
    There's something really special about Thorn. When I listen very closely it just doesn't sound like anything else I have ever heard. It is punchy, aggressive and yet somehow organic and beautiful… Read More
  • beautiful and efficient

    ★★★★★
    by Synthitize
    Very nice and very good synth. The sounds are of very good definition, very strong bass and slamming leads ... It is complete with all the options of settings and effects that we just need
  • So much fun!

    ★★★★★
    by Boris M.
    This is such a cool powerful plugin! I wanted to know what the fuzz was all about and now I get it. This plugin has really opened up my mind to a new array of sounds and options that I hadn't… Read More
  • DS Audio Thorn

    ★★★★★
    by Kevin Anthony Hitch
    Thorn sounds great, with fantastic body and great presets. Above that, Thorn is the kind of synth that will make you want to experiment beyond the presets. It is so easy to tweak one or two things to… Read More
  • nice

    ★★★★★
    by mk
    5 *

Specifications

Supported Plugin Formats
AAX Native, AU, AAX AudioSuite, VST2, VST3

Supported Operating Systems
MacOS 10.13 through 13.6
Windows 8.1 through 11

Mac
Intel, or Apple Silicon
Modern CPU with SSE3 support

PC
Modern CPU with SSE3 support

System Requirements
Display resolution: 1440 × 900px or 1280 × 960px or higher
Memory: 2 GB RAM

Downloads

With the Installation Manager you can select, download & install all the Plugin Alliance products. Select any and all formats you need for your system! Mac & PC.

ChangeLog

Thorn

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2023.08.23: DS Thorn v1.3.2
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- Added Apple Silicon support for AAX

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2022.01.20: DS Thorn v1.3.1
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- Preset switching with keyboard keys works now
- Fix issues with recalling VST3 session chunks in some DAWs

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2021.09.18: DS Thorn v1.3.0
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- Fixed volume control automation issue for AAX

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2021.08.20: DS Thorn v1.3.0
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- Fixed incorrect BX activation message UI scaling

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2021.07.06: DS Thorn v1.3.0
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- Fixed automation issue (https://plugin-alliance.atlassian.net/browse/DS-218)

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2021.06.24: DS Thorn v1.3.0
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- release candidate