With the new Synapse Audio EKS-9 software synthesizer (Mac / Win; $39 introductory price), you can make electronic bass drum sounds reminiscent of vintage hardware. The VST and Audio Units plugin sports a virtual analog engine that, according to the manufacturer, is capable of both delivering authentic re-creations of the sounds from such machines, and producing new kick sounds with lots of punch.

EKS-9, also known as the Electronic Kickdrum Synthesizer, kicks off with two modes, 808 and 909, that have their own characteristic sound based on that of the original hardware. Functional parameters and precise pitch control are offered, along with a well-organized user interface divided into four sections for pitch, amplitude and pitch envelopes, attack stage, and pitch modulation.

To try a free, fully functional demo version of EKS-9, visit synapse-audio.com.