Akai's Air Sub Factory: 808 Machine or Monosynth (VST and MPC Hardware)

Since the release of the MPC line, Akai has consistently delivered updates and standalone instruments that delight MPC owners. With anticipation building for MPC 3.0, it was a surprise to see Akai drop a new plugin to keep us engaged in the meantime.

The newly released Air Sub Factory VST plugin and MPC standalone instrument from Air Music Tech is a welcome addition to their plugin lineup.

Air Music Tech Sub Factory VST Interface — Sub Factory VST Interface

More Than Just 808s

The AIR Sub Factory from Air Music Tech is more than just a powerhouse for sub-bass and 808s; it's a versatile monophonic synth that delivers rich low-end bass sequences with ease. Designed for producers who crave depth and texture in their basslines, the Sub Factory goes beyond the typical, offering a wide range of wavetables that add complexity and character to your sound. Whether you're crafting deep, resonant basslines for electronic music or exploring unique textures, the Sub Factory's capabilities make it a must-have for modern music production.

Sub Factory Standalone Screens

The Verdict: Could I get a side of sequencer to go with my monosynth?

This is where a good sequencer with parameter automation could really turn my MPC into a monomachine. Sure, you can technically do it now with the MPC, but if you’ve got one, you know how that goes. The internal step sequencer just doesn’t give enough power to squeeze the molecules out of this incredible synth. After playing around with the 808 presets, you'll want to dig deeper into the interface to discover its full potential. The wavetables alone make this synth worth the investment, and its modulation options and tweakability go far beyond just 808s or bass. There is a deep synth that allows for some interesting sound design and it’s almost unbelievable that this is all available in standalone mode.

Air Sub Factory is available now for an Intro Price of $40 until September 5th (then $80).

Its runs on OSX and Windows (VST/ VST3/ AU/ AAX/ MPC Standalone) *No Force Compatability yet