Baby Audio BA-1 $99 PC MAC

Baby Audio has set the effects world on fire with a string of top releases. Can it do the same for synths with its first instrument plugin?

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It’s fair to say that Baby Audio has come from pretty much nowhere to be a dominant force in the world of plugin effects. Its Super VHS tape sim, TAIP saturator, Parallel Aggressor processor, Comeback Kid delay, Crystalline reverb, Spaced Out reverb/delay and Smooth Operator balancer have all scored at least a 9/10 from us. So when it announced its first synth, it was big news. The suitably-titled BA-1 is its name and, unusually for Baby Audio, it’s not a new design, but based on the Yamaha CS-01.

We say ‘unusually’ because Baby Audio has become well known for its unique creations that put ease of use and sounds above complex workflow. Sure, some harken back to classic gear – Spaced Out is a re-imagined Space Echo – but it’s mostly treading new ground. So there was a slight tinge of bemusement when we heard about BA-1, as we can’t wait to see the allnew BA take on synthesis. Instead, its first offering is an emulation of a decent, if not mindblowing old mono synth.

But actually… 

We’re probably being a little harsh on both BA and the original Yamaha. The CS-01 has enjoyed something of a comeback in recent years, and is being employed for its gritty character across a variety of modern genres; indeed Vintage Synth Explorer say it’s great for “cool little analog bass blips, bass lines and bass bubbles that are just perfect for today’s electronic musicians”.