Drive modes: "Circuit" (hardware bending) and "OD" (80s overdrive pedal)
"Tone" block with shelving filters for sound coloration (dark/bright)
Sidechain function with internal 4/4 automatic ducking or external trigger
simulated battery discharge for pitch fluctuations, noise and distortion
modeled speaker output for real 80s lo-fi sound
Arpeggiator with three modes (Up / Down / Up+Down) and 3-octave range
Over 500 presets including genre-specific expansion packs
Preset browser with search function, color tags and import function
mono/poly switchable, Velocity can be activated, MIDI settings directly accessible
Note: This product is supplied as a license code. No box, no data carrier or similar. Please inform yourself about compatibility with your system, registration, download etc. on the manufacturer's websiteBEFORE purchasing. Registered software cannot be exchanged.
A tribute to the 80s - rethought
The BA-1 from Baby Audio is no ordinary software synthesizer. It is based on a compact and charmingly raw synth from the early 1980s - known for its "toylike" look and dirty, lo-fi sound. For decades, this little powerhouse served as a secret weapon for many pop producers, especially from Sweden, and played a formative role in 90s digital dancehall and the indietronica scene.
But Baby Audio makes it clear: it's not just about emulation - it's about evolution. The BA-1 has been meticulously modeled to authentically capture the characteristics of the original, and then enhanced with thoughtful features. The result is a flexible, musical and inspiring software synth that retains its raw character despite its modern range of functions.
New features in version 1.5 - creativity reignited
With the update to version 1.5, BA-1 receives numerous features that significantly improve the creative workflow:
Vintage-style arpeggiator: Three classic modes (Up, Down, Up/Down) with up to three octaves provide authentic 80s vibes.
Standalone Retro FX Strip: The characterful effects - Drive, Filter, Chorus, Delay and Reverb - are now also available as a separate plugin for external tracks.
"Easter Eggs": Hidden parameters such as LFO Fade and Chaos offer even more sonic unpredictability.
New UI design: The "Black & Crimson" theme provides a fresh look in the studio.
Enhanced preset browser: Color-coded tags, search function and significantly improved pack management for over 500 inspiring presets.
Sound design with soul - the synthesis section
Two analog oscillators + FM: In addition to the main oscillator (with iconic triangle and PWM waveforms), BA-1 offers a second, freely tunable oscillator and an easy-to-use FM section - ideal for vivid 80s sounds and playful modulations.
Analog filter with bite: A 24 dB low-pass filter with intense resonance - up to self-oscillation - brings the dirty hardware character to the point.
Extended envelope and LFO: The envelope remains true to the original, but now offers host-sync for the attack time. The LFO is also host-syncable and extremely intuitive to use - perfect for organic movements.
Vintage effects with lo-fi love
BA-1 offers an integrated effects rack that can be seen - and above all heard:
Drive & Tone: Choice of analog circuit bending or classic overdrive.
Delay, Reverb & Chorus: Authentically modeled after inexpensive 80s rack hardware - the ultimate lo-fi triumvirate.
Sidechain: Internal ducking effect in 4/4 time or externally triggerable.
Battery & Speaker Modes: Modeled battery mode with sound artifacts and a lo-fi speaker mode for real mix vibes.
Maximally inspired - minimally overloaded
With over 500 presets, intelligent Re-Gen Randomizer, five UI colour variants and full resizability, BA-1 is a modern tool with a vintage soul. The operation always remains lean, direct and musical.
Compatibility & formats
BA-1 runs on all common platforms (VST, VST3, AU, AAX) under macOS (incl. M1/M2 support) and Windows from version 10. Compatible with all common DAWs such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Cubase, FL Studio, Pro Tools and more.
System requirements:
Windows
Operating system: Windows 7 or higher (64-bit)
Plugin formats: VST, VST3, AAX
Processor: Modern CPU with at least 2 cores (quad-core or better recommended)
RAM: At least 4 GB (8 GB or more recommended)
DAW compatibility: Runs in all common 64-bit DAWs that support VST or AAX
