Evolve Dark Matter is a sample-based synthesizer from Excite Audio built around dense, low-frequency sound sources, and the latest addition to the company’s Evolve instrument series. The concept ties the sound design to the heavy, gravitational qualities of dark matter, with a library leaning toward sub-rumbling drones, tectonic low-end textures, and ominous soundscapes.
The instrument is aimed at dark drum and bass, atmospheric techno, and experimental electronic music, with Excite Audio citing Skrillex, Burial, and Jon Hopkins as reference points for the territory it covers. That positioning puts it alongside other texture-first sample synthesizers, though the focus here is narrower: weight and low-end character rather than broad genre coverage.
At its core is a quad-engine that runs four distinct sound layers, each of which can hold samples or synth sources. The four layers are blended in real time through the Evolve XY Pad, which sits at the center of the workflow and doubles as a modulation source. Users can import their own samples into any layer to build custom patches, so the factory content is a starting point rather than a closed system.
Modulation is handled with a drag-and-drop system covering envelopes, LFOs, and the XY controls, letting any of those route to a wide range of destinations. A one-click randomization function generates new patch states for quick idea generation, which fits the sound-design and experimental use case the instrument targets.
Signal shaping comes from dual filters and a rearrangeable three-slot FX chain, alongside four macro effects named Quanta, Entropy, Orbit, and Infinite. The macro effects are framed around the same physics concept as the rest of the instrument, each acting as a single-control gesture for more complex processing underneath. The factory library ships with 250 presets spanning the genres the instrument is built for.
Evolve Dark Matter comes in two editions, Lite and Full, both sold exclusively through Plugin Boutique. The split lets producers start at a lower tier and move up, with the Full version carrying the complete preset and feature set.
Features
- Quad-engine combining four sample or synth layers.
- Evolve XY Pad for real-time morphing between layers.
- User sample import for custom patch building.
- Drag-and-drop modulation with envelopes, LFOs, and XY controls.
- One-click randomization.
- Dual filters and a rearrangeable three-slot FX chain.
- Four macro effects: Quanta, Entropy, Orbit, and Infinite.
- 250 presets.
- Lite and Full editions, exclusive to Plugin Boutique.
Pricing and Availability
Available now in VST, VST3, AU, and AAX formats for PC and Mac, exclusively from Plugin Boutique. An introductory sale runs until July 31, with savings of up to 50% and prices starting from £19 / $19, covering bundles, upgrades, and loyalty crossgrades. Rent-to-Own is available. Regular pricing starts from £29 / €29 / $29.
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