Apricot
Key Features
- Two main oscillators with six subtractive waveforms and JP-8000-inspired supersaw unison for massive layered leads and pads
- Sample layer with 44 factory samples across ten categories and full SFZ import for hybrid sound design
- Five built-in effects including four-algorithm reverb, ping-pong delay, stereo phaser, parametric EQ, and Access Virus-modeled distortion
- Arpeggiator and step sequencer for classic trance patterns, chiptune sequences, and rhythmic textures
- Sixteen modulation slots with over 70 destinations and dedicated mod envelopes and LFOs for deep sound shaping
- Multi-mode filter with low-pass, band-pass, and high-pass modes at 12 dB/oct or 24 dB/oct, plus resonance drive and warm boost
- Over 90 production-ready factory presets spanning leads, pads, basses, arps, keys, and sound effects
Description
Apricot by Nakst is a compact hybrid synthesizer that punches well above its weight. It pairs two main oscillators with six subtractive waveforms and JP-8000-style supersaw unison alongside a sample layer loaded with 44 factory samples across ten categories, plus full SFZ import support.
The oscillators deliver thick, layered tones ideal for trance supersaws, aggressive basses, and evolving pads. A dedicated third sub-oscillator adds low-end weight without eating into the main oscillator voices.
Five built-in effects round out the signal chain, including a four-algorithm reverb, ping-pong delay, stereo phaser, parametric EQ, and a distortion unit closely modeled after the Access Virus. The Virus-inspired distortion in particular gives Apricot a distinctive asymmetric saturation that sets it apart from typical subtractive synths.
A flexible arpeggiator and step sequencer open the door to classic trance patterns and chiptune-style sequences. Sixteen modulation slots with over 70 destinations provide deep sound-shaping potential, all presented in a clean single-window interface.
Apricot ships with over 90 factory presets covering leads, pads, basses, arps, and keys. Community feedback consistently praises the preset library as one of the strongest in any synthesizer, with patches that are immediately usable in a mix and roughly 50 MB of disk space required.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What plugin formats does Apricot support?
Apricot is available as a CLAP plugin and an Audio Units (AU) plugin. It also ships as a native FL Studio plugin with slide and glide note support, requiring FL Studio 9 or newer. There is no VST2 or VST3 version.
Can Apricot load custom samples?
Yes. Apricot supports SFZ sample import in addition to its 44 built-in factory samples. You can load your own samples into the sample layer and use them alongside the subtractive oscillators for hybrid sound design.
What hardware synths inspired Apricot's sound engine?
The supersaw unison mode is modeled after the Roland JP-8000's iconic supersaw waveform. The distortion unit features four algorithms closely modeled after the Access Virus, delivering the same distinctive asymmetric saturation character.
What is Apricot used for in music production?
Apricot excels at creating thick supersaw leads, lush pads, aggressive basses, and rhythmic arpeggiator sequences. Its hybrid engine combining subtractive synthesis with sample playback makes it particularly strong for trance, EDM, and electronic music genres.
