Free Apple Logic Pro 10.2 update brings back famed Alchemy synth

When it emerged that UK-based Camel Audio—a highly respected developer of professional audio plugins—was acquired by Apple earlier this year, many wondered what the fate of its flagship Alchemy synthesizer would be. Early signs of Alchemy's influence appeared in the mainstream music production app GarageBand, leading to fears that perhaps one of the most highly regarded software synths of all time was being chopped up for use across a wide range of apps across Apple.

Fortunately for the music making elite, not only is the full-fat version of the Alchemy synthesizer back, it's been given a significant overhaul compared the last 1.5 release by Camel Audio. This includes not only improved audio morphing features and synthesis engines, but also an improved UI. The new UI promises to make browsing sounds and patches, and creating new ones, easier than before, while still offering the depth of sound design that Alchemy was renowned for.

Even better is that Alchemy has been integrated into Apple's Logic Pro Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software, and comes with the free 10.2 update to all existing users. While that may be disappointing news to those hoping for a standalone version to use with their DAW of choice, at least Logic is good value. At £149 ($199), it actually sells for less than the $249 Alchemy did on its own, so you could feasibly pick it up just for Alchemy and then bounce down those tracks for use in other DAWs, or route things through MainStage.