A new player has entered the software instrument scene, and it’s leaning hard into retro charm. Circle Cynths has announced the release of OBSO, its debut instrument for Kontakt and Kontakt Player, a library that embraces the imperfect beauty of obsolete technology.

Rather than chasing pristine fidelity, OBSO celebrates the quirks of the past. Its sounds are drawn from the hiss and warble of VCRs, the warmth of worn cassette decks, and the fuzzy grit of consumer electronics from the 1980s and ‘90s. The result is a library that feels lived-in, textured, and instantly emotive.

At the heart of OBSO is a dreamlike interface built around five control circles. While designed to “sound good no matter where the knobs are set,” the system allows players to dig deep and uncover surprising tonal shifts within a single patch. From nostalgic synths and creamy pads to lush basses, shimmering bells, burnished brass, and strings, the instrument offers a wide palette. Circle Cynths describes the sounds as ones that “sink into a mix like they’ve always been there,” yet they’re strong enough to stand on their own without heavy layering or external processing.

Producers working in film, game scoring, or lush pop productions may find OBSO’s tactile soundscapes especially appealing, offering that elusive blend of warmth and character that modern digital instruments sometimes lack.

For integration, OBSO is NKS-ready, ensuring seamless compatibility with Native Instruments hardware. It runs on Kontakt Player and Kontakt 7.10.5 or later, and is priced at $69.69.

More information, demos, and press inquiries can be found at www.circlecynths.com