The Plugiator from Use Audio is a hardware DSP-based synthesizer that enables you to use its included plug-in instruments either with or without a computer. The idea is to give you the range and versatility of software instruments without being dependant on a computer to run them. The included instruments are all true emulations-- they are not playing back samples of real instruments; the sounds are generated with virtual circuit modeling.

Four high-quality software instruments are included: the Minimax (which emulates the MiniMoog with both monophonic and polyphonic modes), the Lightwave (which is a polysynth that emulates the Prophet VS), the B4000 (which is a Hammond B4 emulation, with a leslie cabinet simulation), and the Vocodizer (which is a powerful vocoder that utilizes the built-in microphone input). The Vocodizer is available as a free download from Use Audio's website, where several other software instruments can be purchased and loaded into the Plugiator.

There are dedicated hardware controls on the face of the Plugiator to tweak the instruments in real-time, whether connected to a computer or not. There are 10 buttons on the front panel of the Plugiator that different patches from different instruments can be assigned to for instant program changes (only one instrument at a time can be played). For deeper control you can utilize the Plug In Manager software (Mac & Windows) when attached to a computer via USB. Here you can build your sounds from scratch, add instruments, and configure your Plugiator for stand alone use.