The new soft synth adapts A. G. Cook’s layered supersaw production techniques for a dedicated plug-in. Super*Saw combines dual oscillator banks, patch morphing, harmonic tools, effects and Native Instruments hardware integration.
Native Instruments has released Super*Saw, a soft synth developed with British producer and PC Music founder A. G. Cook. The instrument is based on patches and production techniques Cook has used to create layered electronic textures for artists including Charli xcx, Caroline Polachek, Beyoncé and Oklou.
Developed over two years, the project involved Native Instruments’ design team working from Cook’s existing sounds and production sessions. Super*Saw is designed to bring techniques that can require several synthesiser instances, detailed automation and extensive routing into a single instrument.
Dual oscillator banks and patch morphing
Super*Saw is built around two independent oscillator banks, each generating up to 16 sawtooth waves. Supersaw sounds are commonly created by layering multiple saw waves and introducing small differences in tuning, phase, level and stereo position. The resulting wide and harmonically dense sound has long been associated with trance and rave, while also becoming prominent in hyperpop and contemporary electronic pop.
A four-corner X/Y Morpher allows users to store four separate patch states and move continuously between them. This makes it possible to alter several sound parameters through a single performance control rather than programming each transition separately with automation.
The instrument also includes chord, scale and quantisation functions intended to keep generated notes within a selected harmonic framework. Controlled deviations can be introduced for more dissonant results, while per-voice glide and offset controls provide adjustment of pitch movement and stereo positioning.
The interface shown in the release materials separates oscillator, morphing, modulation and effects controls across three main areas. Its visual identity and Morpher design were created with Simon Whybray, Cook’s long-term visual collaborator.
Presets
Super*Saw includes presets covering sustained harmonies, metallic textures, lead sounds, pitch glides, basses and stacked chords. Monophonic and polyphonic modes allow it to handle single-note leads and bass parts alongside wider chordal material.
Its internal effects include chorus, delay and reverb. Low-pass, band-pass and high-pass filters are available with two-pole and four-pole slopes. The instrument also integrates with Native Instruments’ Komplete Kontrol keyboards and Maschine hardware.
Super*Saw is priced at $99 or €99 and available now. Buy here.
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