The spirit of analogue
Diva supports the next generation of Native Instruments NKS technology to optimize integration with the latest NI Kontrol keyboards as well as Maschine and other Komplete Kontrol hardware. For further information go to native-instruments.com
You can download the NKS Preview Files by clicking on the button below.
Diva: Dinosaur Impersonating Virtual Analogue synthesizer.
Diva captures the spirit of five decades of analogue synthesizers. Oscillators, filters, and envelopes from some of the greatest monophonic and polyphonic synths of yesteryear were meticulously modelled for unmatched analogue sound. More than a single synthesizer: Recreate an old favourite or mix-and-match modules to design your unique hybrid.
Diva in the spotlight…
Hover over the dots to learn about Diva's features
- Authentic, award-winning analogue sound
- Mix-and-match panels for custom layouts
- Per-voice oscillator detune and user-definable modulation source
- Zero delay feedback (ZDF) filter design for authentic resonance behaviour
- 3 ADS(S)R envelope models based on classic synth hardware with keyboard follow and velocity scaling
- 5 oscillators models based on classic synth hardware
- 5 filter models based on classic synth hardware
- 2 host-syncable LFOs with multiple waveforms, restart options and phase controls
- 2 stereo effects slots, each with chorus (3 modes), phaser (2 modes), plate reverb, delay, rotary speaker
- Host-syncable arpeggiator with continuous rate offset, swing, various progression options
- MIDI learn page and editable list
- Resizable UI from 70% to 200%
- Over 1200 factory presets
- NEW in v1.4.5: Support for Oddsound MTS-ESP
- NEW in v1.4.8: MPE Support
Sights and sounds
- Videos
- Demo Tracks
- Screenshots
Venus
Holst’s Venus arranged by Mike Leghorn . All Diva except for a bit of Zebra, plus Uhbik-A for reverb.A Tribute To Jack
A dance piece by Benjamin Wild . All synth sounds are Diva. Additional drums and processing.Divavavoom
A short Diva demo track by NedFX . Additional drums and processing.Diva Ice Cool
A demo track by ARKSUN Sound, made entirely with Arksun’s Diva Arksun Soundbank .BigTone patch sampler
A walk through selected Diva factory patches by BigTone . All patches played in draft quality.Bronto Scorpio’s Demo
Diva’s heavier side. By Bronto Scorpio .Long Distance
An ambient track by Chris Micali . All Diva except vocal samples, drums and gated breath pad.Angular Momentum (Kriece’s Diva Dub)
Chunky, thick tech-house track from Ugly Frank & Kriece starring Diva. All sounds from Diva except drums and percussion.Diva captures the spirit of various analogue synthesizers by letting the user select from a variety of alternative modules. The oscillators, filters and envelopes closely model components found in some of the greatest monophonic and polyphonic synthesizers of yesteryear. But what sets DIVA apart from other emulations is the sheer authenticity of her analogue sound. This comes at the cost of quite a high CPU-hit, but we think it was worth it: Diva is the first native software synth that applies methods from industrial circuit simulators in realtime.
One spirit, many flavours
Oscillators and Filters
The filters are at the heart of Diva’s analogue sound. A combination of realtime circuit simulation and zero delay feedback (ZDF) design gives Diva its remarkable sound. With ZDF, the delays normally produced when modelling analogue circuits are vastly reduced, resulting in a much more authentic resonance behaviour. (If you are interested, Urs wrote an in-depth blog post about ZDF.)
Diva models five different filters found in classic hardware synthesizers. All filters have modulation options and the traditional cutoff and resonance controls, but each has its character, quirks and options.
Like the filters, Diva’s oscillators are also modelled on classic hardware. The five models offer a wide range of different characteristics that fundamentally affect the overall sound, giving you a broad palette to start with for your next riff, bass and pad.
All five share common controls: waveform selection, octave range, mix or independent output volume controls, a noise source and plentiful modulation options. Plus a few touches unique to each model.
- Oscillators
- Filters
- Triple VCO
- Dual VCO
- DCO
- Dual VCO Eco
- Digital
Triple VCO
With three oscillators, Triple VCO is the largest of the oscillator panels. Waveform shape selection is continuous rather than discrete: choose ramp, triangle, sawtooth, square or any position inbetween for hybrid shapes. Try out frequency modulation (FM), oscillator sync, waveform modulation for striking tones. Use feedback to route post-filter sound back into the oscillator mixer for effects ranging from mild bass boost to subharmonics / low-frequency howling.
Dual VCO
A bit simpler than the Triple VCO, but still extremely capable. Multiple waveforms can be activated per oscillator for rich and diverse sounds. Pulse width modulation (PWM), sync and cross modulation (FM) are available. Select one of three hardware revisions for different characteristics.
DCO
DCO This is the only single oscillator model in Diva, but a few special tricks make it a worthy addition. The oscillator is multi-wave, summing four sources: pulse, sawtooth, suboscillator and noise, so the final sound can still be quite complex. Try the DCO whenever you need a crisper sound than the other analogue oscillators provide.
Dual VCO Eco
A simpler panel for a more CPU-friendly model—a pair of oscillators with independent tuning and multiple waveforms. While neither PWM nor FM are included, this model does offer ring modulation.
Digital
Digital? In Diva? Yes, it is true. This addition models all the grit and “flaws” of the original and broadens Diva’s palette of sounds admirably. Digital includes very different waveforms, most notably Multisaw, which is great for rich pads. More common waveforms such triangle and sawtooth can be warped and modulated for intriguing results.
Effects and envelopes
Oscillators and filters get your sound humming, but a little polish and refinement make it sing.
Switching oscillators and filters on or off like an organ would be very limiting. Envelopes provide more nuanced and engaging results. Diva has two slots—one dedicated to the amplifier, the other to the filter—both with three models to choose from. Craft gently rising sounds, notes that fade slowly into the distance, or sharp percussion.
As a final touch you can put Diva’s two stereo effects slots to use. In keeping with the vintage feel, the available effects would be right at home in the studios of bygone days. Add space with the plate reverb and delay, or movement with the phaser, chorus and rotary speaker effects.
Subtle Details
Small details can transform static, lifeless sounds into something much more lively and organic.
The Trimmers panel is where you can make your sounds feel more analogue. Control voice detuning per oscillator, adjust variance between individual voices (round robin), voice drift and more—adding life to your music. These options mirror the inherent variations in analogue hardware. As the circuit boards are not always 100% the same (due to component tolerances), oscillator tuning may differ slightly, some envelopes are a little less snappy. The individual effects may be subtle, but they add up to a more authentic analogue sound.
Dive into the Modifications panel for more modulation options and an opportunity to push Diva into more experimental and unusual territories. Modulation processors such as Invert, Add, Quantize and Lag open up fresh ideas for manipulating Diva. These capabilities take Diva beyond the original hardware that inspired it.
December 2019
KVR
December 2012
Computer Music
December 2012
Computer Music
December 2012
Computer Music
December 2012
December 2012
December 2016
July 2014
December 2013
KVR
“Diva's slick, accessible interface and truly mind-blowing sound make it a fine addition to your synth rack.”
May 2012
Honorable Mention - Best Synth Plug-in: “The Plug-In That Changed My Life”
December 2013
KVR
“…offers some of the best analogue emulation that I’ve ever heard in a virtual instrument…”
March 2015
“…immense attention to sonic quality and detail has made it one of the best available.”
July 2014
“If you’re looking for a realistic analogue experience in plug-in form, Diva’s up there with the best.”
Semptember 2012
Oscillators
5 oscillator models based on classic synth hardware: Triple VCO, Dual VCO, VCO, Dual VCO Eco, Digital
Filters
5 filter models based on classic synth hardware: Ladder, Cascade, Multimode, Bite, Uhbie
Envelopes
3 ADS(S)R envelope models based on classic synth hardware with keyboard follow and velocity scaling
LFOs
2 host-syncable LFOs with multiple waveforms, restart options and phase controls
Effects
2 stereo effects slots, each with chorus (3 modes), phaser (2 modes), plate reverb, delay, rotary speaker
Global
- Polyphonic (up to 16 voices), duophonic, monophonic, or legato mode
- Adjustable quality settings with a separate offline / bounce option
Arpeggiator
Host-syncable arpeggiator with continuous rate offset, swing, various progression options
Configuration
- Resizable UI from 70% to 200%
- MIDI learn page and editable list
- Global preferences page
Modifications
Modulation processors: invert, quantize, rectify, lag, multiply, add
Trimmers
- 4 transient mode options with per-oscillator phase setting
- Voice stacking with individual voice tuning
- Glide: Constant time or constant rate, with per-oscillator offset and range control
- Variance (slop) controls for cutoff, envelopes, pulse width and glide rate
- Global drift
Built-in oscilloscope
Download the demo and enter your serial number to unlock the full version. The demo version emits crackling sound at irregular intervals.
Diva 1.4.8 (revision 16519)
Released August 27, 2024
Release notes
* About Linux: Before purchasing, please be aware the Linux versions of our plug-ins are still considered beta. While the plug-ins are stable, we are not able to provide the same level of support for these products as we do for the macOS and Windows versions. Support is provided via the Linux and u-he communities on our forum .
Requirements
Mac OS X 10.10 or newer
or
Windows 7 or newer
or
Linux
- Host software / DAW
- 1GB RAM, more recommended
- 1000 × 600 or larger display
- 60-250 MB free disk space
- Modern CPU required:
Windows/Linux: Intel Nehalem or newer, AMD Bulldozer or newer
Mac: Intel Nehalem or newer, Apple silicon M1 or newer - Linux: glibc version 2.28 or newer
Formats
Diva is not a standalone product, it requires host software. Diva is compatible with nearly all DAWs.
macOS:
CLAP, AUv2, VST2, VST3, AAX*
64-bit
Windows:
VST2, VST3
32-/64-bit
CLAP, AAX*
64-bit
* AAX requires Pro Tools 10.3.7 or later
This product is Native Instruments NKS-ready and compatible with Maschine and Komplete Kontrol hardware.
VST is a trademark of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH, registered in Europe and other countries.
User Guides
Reviews & Articles
- Keyboard, May 2012 (en)
Downloads for Diva
Try the latest builds of Diva, which include improvements and bug fixes. Note: these are stable, but still beta versions.
Older Diva installers are in our release archive (for legacy systems).