Hello everyone, thanks for joining me as I continue exploring the Native Instruments Play series. In this video, we'll be taking a look at Deft Lines. As with all the Play series synths, this review will focus solely on the sounds and presets rather than walkthroughs or tutorials. There's a lot more ground to cover, so let's jump right into the review and keep making our way through the Play series!
Deft Lines from Native Instruments offers a streamlined yet powerful interface centered around two sound layers and six macro controls. The interface provides five additional views—Sound, FX, Sequencer, Macros and Settings—that give you expanded controls for tweaking different parts of the synth engine. The six macros can be assigned to key sound parameters for quick sonic sculpting from any view.
The Sound Editor covers all of the sound generation features, including traditional subtractive synthesis controls as well as lo-fi shaping tools. In the FX Editor, you can build custom effects chains for extra tonal shaping and expression. The Macro Editor lets you assign and manage the six macros as needed. The Settings view allows you to fine-tune how the synth responds to your playing dynamics and prioritizes notes for each layer. The built-in sequencer lets you create a 16-step melodic phrase, with velocity modulation for articulating dynamics. Six extra sequencing lanes give you hands-on control over the six macros too.
While the streamlined interface and macro controls make it quick to create sounds, the limited deeper editing and modulation options may leave some users wanting more. The included presets offer a starting point but further tweaking may be necessary depending on your production style. The sequencer is a nice bonus for melodic animation and macro modulation. Overall, Deft Lines provides a solid basic virtual analog synth for easily crafting sounds, though advanced users may desire more detailed editing capabilities.
Given the price point around $50 as part of the Native Instruments Play series, Deft Lines offers good value that's hard to beat. However, it may not be one I would purchase as a standalone synth for my personal productions and style.
