DS-2500

The DS-2500 is a virtual instrument that recreates the rare Seiko DS-250, an additive synthesiser from the 1980s used by Jean-Michel Jarre. It delivers the original’s earthy, organic and grainy tones, but adds modern playability: velocity sensitivity, resonant filters with velocity modulation, multiple filter types, ADSR envelopes, hi-pass filters and MIDI-syncable LFOs. Two layers each offer 16 presets, and you can stack them for rich, textured sounds. Two random patch generators let you explore chaotic new timbres, while a full effects section includes chorus, phaser, flanger, tape saturation, convolution reverbs, syncable delays and an arpeggiator. With 110 presets and 30 multis, it’s ideal for producers of ambient, electronic and soundtrack music seeking characterful, lo-fi digital textures. It runs on Windows and macOS in FL Studio, Ableton Live and Logic.