Current is a virtual instrument plug-in from Minimal Audio for creating sounds with synthesis and sampling inside a compatible DAW. Its sound engine combines wavetable oscillators, an additive sub oscillator, a sampler and filters, with FM and AM modulation. Users can shape sounds in an effects rack that holds up to nine effects; the effects can be reordered and saved as rack presets. An arpeggiator and chord generator provide controls for key, scale and voicing. Current also connects to Stream, where users can browse and download presets and sounds from within the plug-in. An internet connection is needed to activate the software and browse new Stream content, while downloaded Stream content remains searchable and usable offline. Current is compatible with major DAWs including Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro and Pro Tools. It supports VST2 and VST3, AU on macOS, and AAX for Pro Tools, and requires a 64-bit DAW that supports third-party plug-ins. It runs on macOS 10.11 or higher, including native Apple silicon, and Windows 10 or higher. The All Access plan costs 15.00 USD per month and includes Current, released standalone effect plug-ins and Current expansion packs, with subscribe-to-own ownership credit.
Who it is for
Current suits music makers who want synthesis, sampling, effects and MIDI tools in a DAW plug-in. It fits users of compatible 64-bit DAWs on macOS or Windows who want to browse sounds through Stream and can work with the All Access subscription model.
What is good
- Combines wavetable, additive, sampler, filter and FM/AM sound tools.
- Effects rack holds up to nine reorderable effects.
- Arpeggiator and chord generator include key, scale and voicing controls.
- Stream content can be searched and used offline after download.
- The license permits one user to use the software on up to two computers exclusively owned and used by that user.
- Included sounds may be used in finished commercial or non-commercial productions under the license terms.
What to know first
- No free plan is available.
- All Access costs 15.00 USD per month.
- The seven-day trial automatically starts the subscribe-to-own program when it expires.
- Requires a compatible 64-bit DAW; there is no standalone app.
Verdict
Choose Current if you want a DAW instrument that brings synthesis, sampling, MIDI tools, effects and an in-plug-in sound library together. Look elsewhere if you need a standalone app or do not want a monthly plan that begins its subscribe-to-own program after a seven-day trial.
Get started with Current
- Choose a macOS or Windows computer meeting the supported system requirements.
- Use a 64-bit DAW that supports third-party plug-in formats.
- Install Current in a supported format: VST2 or VST3, AU on macOS, or AAX for Pro Tools.
- Connect to the internet to activate Current and browse new Stream content.
- Start the seven-day All Access trial or subscribe for 15.00 USD per month.
Limits to know first
The All Access trial lasts seven days and automatically starts the subscribe-to-own program when it expires. The license covers one user on up to two computers exclusively owned and used by that user.
Questions about Current
How much does Current cost?
The All Access plan is 15.00 USD per month, billed monthly. It includes Current, released standalone effect plug-ins and Current expansion packs, with subscribe-to-own ownership credit.
Is there a free plan or trial?
There is no free plan. The All Access trial lasts seven days and automatically starts the subscribe-to-own program when it expires.
Which operating systems and DAWs does Current support?
It supports macOS 10.11 or higher, including native Apple silicon, and Windows 10 or higher. It works with major DAWs including Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro and Pro Tools, and requires a compatible 64-bit DAW.
Which plug-in formats are supported?
Current supports VST2 and VST3, AU on macOS, and AAX for Pro Tools.
Can I use Stream sounds offline?
An internet connection is required to activate Current and browse new Stream content. Downloaded Stream content can be searched and used offline.
Who makes Current, and what does its license allow?
Minimal Audio makes Current and provides online product support and troubleshooting. The license allows one user to use it on up to two computers exclusively owned and used by that user; included sounds may be used in finished commercial or non-commercial productions under the license terms.
Current plans and pricing
All plansCompared on sound design software
- Free plan
- No
- Paid from
- $15/mo
- Primary workflow
- hybrid
- Standalone app
- No
- Sample import
- Yes
- Plugin formats
- VST2, VST3, AU (macOS), AAX (Pro Tools)
- Supported platforms
- macOS 10.11 or higher; Windows 10 or higher
