Electronic Antique
Key Features
- Authentic samples captured from a restored 1940s Ondioline, one of the earliest electronic synthesizers ever built
- Diverse preset collection spanning string-like patches, brassy tones, atmospheric leads, and experimental soundscapes
- Intuitive three-control interface with dynamics slider, expression slider, and multi-parameter effects wheel
- Built-in effects including reverb, chorus, distortion, and granular pitch delay preloaded on each patch
- Effects wheel provides quick access to release, attack, delay, vibrato, and tone shaping in a single control
- Runs through the dedicated LABS plugin with no Kontakt dependency, keeping CPU and memory usage minimal
Description
Electronic Antique is a Spitfire Audio LABS instrument that captures the wobbly, tape-saturated sound of the Ondioline, one of the world's earliest synthesizers. Designed and patented by French inventor Georges Jenny in the early 1940s, the Ondioline reached its peak in the 1960s as an unconventional replacement for string sections in psychedelic instrumental hits and spaghetti-western film scores.
The LABS team sampled and processed an original restored Ondioline, transforming the raw recordings into a collection of playful presets. These range from string-like patches and brassy tones to atmospheric lead lines and experimental soundscapes, all drenched in the instrument's characteristic modulating vibrato.
The interface follows the LABS philosophy of simplicity, with just three controls: sliders for dynamics and expression, plus an effects wheel. The effects wheel adjusts release, attack, delay, vibrato, and tone, while each preset comes preloaded with reverb, chorus, distortion, or granular pitch delay for immediate sonic experimentation.
The Ondioline's modulating tone sits somewhere between a Mellotron and an Ondes Musicales, producing sounds that feel both vintage and otherworldly. Electronic Antique runs through Spitfire's dedicated LABS plugin and works with all major DAWs without requiring Kontakt.
Video Preview
Tips
- Experiment with the effects wheel to find the perfect balance of release, attack, delay, vibrato, and tone.
- Use the preloaded effects like reverb and chorus to add depth and character to your sounds.
- Try feeding the presets through guitar amplifiers for unique and unexpected results.
- Utilize the dynamics and expression sliders to add more emotion and variation to your tracks.
- Explore the range of presets to find the perfect sound for your project, from 60s-inspired psychedelic leads to otherworldly soundscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Electronic Antique require the Spitfire Audio LABS plugin?
Yes, Electronic Antique runs inside the Spitfire Audio LABS plugin, which is a separate download from the Spitfire Audio website. The LABS plugin itself is completely free and acts as the host for all LABS instrument packs.
What is the Ondioline and why does it sound so distinctive?
The Ondioline is an electronic keyboard instrument invented by French designer Georges Jenny in the early 1940s. It uses a unique oscillator circuit and mechanical vibrato system that produces a wobbly, modulating tone reminiscent of both the Mellotron and the Ondes Musicales, giving it a character unlike any modern synthesizer.
Can the presets in Electronic Antique be customized?
Yes. While the LABS interface is intentionally simple, each preset can be shaped using the dynamics and expression sliders plus the effects wheel. The effects wheel controls release, attack, delay, vibrato, and tone simultaneously, and each preset comes with different built-in effects chains that transform the base sound significantly.
Is Electronic Antique compatible with Apple Silicon Macs?
Yes. The LABS plugin supports Apple Silicon natively. It runs on macOS 11 (Big Sur) and later on both Intel and Apple Silicon processors, as well as Windows 10 and 11.
