October has brought a handful of plugin stories that matter to expressive players. Here is a quick roundup of three of them, with what each offers MPE users and where to find the official pages.
Delta Sound Labs Stream Pro: spatial granular with MPE
Stream Pro from Delta Sound Labs is a live granular synthesizer. It was announced at NAMM 2026 under the name XStream and is now out under its final name, according to SYNTH ANATOMY. The key points:
- Two modes: Single mode turns samples into evolving textures, while Multi mode makes them playable across the keyboard
- Flexible sources: sample audio live with overdubbing, or drag and drop files
- Polyphonic grain engine with eight independent playheads and per-voice effects chains
- Built-in 3D spatializer using Steam Audio HRTF, with orbit, drift and randomized motion paths
- Modulation: four multi-wave LFOs, MPE, velocity and a simple matrix
The latest update lists a price of $99, and formats of VST3, AU and AAX on macOS, Linux and Windows. Earlier coverage mentioned a lower introductory price, so confirm on the product page. For MPE players, granular synthesis is a natural fit: pressure can control grain density or position, while slide can sweep the spatial field.
Overtonium: free additive synthesis with per-channel pressure
Benjamin Dehli's Overtonium is a free 32-partial additive synthesizer. Each partial is a sine oscillator tuned to a harmonic of the played note, with its own tuning, envelope and modulation including dedicated pitch and amplitude LFOs. A separate noise channel and a multi-effects section round out the sound.
On the MPE side, the developer states support, with pressure having its own amount on each of the 33 channels. That level of control lets a single press of the finger reshape the harmonic balance, from a pure tone to a bright, buzzy spectrum. It runs on macOS, Linux and Windows as standalone, VST3, AU and LV2, and the source code is open under the AGPLv3 license. For musicians who want to experiment with expression without spending anything, this is an easy download. Our free MPE synths guide lists other no-cost options.
Native Instruments Absynth 6.2: workflow, not sound
Native Instruments has released version 6.2 of Absynth 6 as a free update for existing users. According to SYNTH ANATOMY's review, it changes workflow rather than the sound engine. New features include:
- An on-screen keyboard that can be swapped for macros
- A Focus mode for editing a single channel's modules
- Subpresets for waves, envelopes, modules, channels and effects
- Solo and mutate controls in the channel headers
- Drag-and-drop reordering of macros, including several at once
The MPE capabilities came with version 6.0, which added polyphonic aftertouch and MPE support. Pressure or slide can be mapped to the 16 macros, and MTS-ESP tuning is embedded. Absynth 6 is priced at $199 new, with a $99 upgrade for owners of Absynth 2 to 5. The reviewer found that upgrade price high, but that is an opinion; compare for yourself.
What to take from this month
Three different approaches, one theme: expression is now expected, not exceptional. A paid granular synth, a free open-source additive engine and a long-running soundscape instrument all treat MPE as part of the design. If you are deciding where to start, consider these questions:
- Do you want textures or classic tones? Stream Pro and Absynth suit textures, Overtonium suits spectral sculpting.
- Is budget a factor? Overtonium costs nothing.
- Does your host handle MPE well? Our DAW support overview is a good place to check.
Remember too that "supports MPE" can mean different things from plugin to plugin. Our article on what MPE support in a plugin update really means explains what to test before you buy.