Acustica Audio intros SQUID-3: You don’t need make-up when the sound is this good

SQUID-3 is a forward-thinking synthesizer born from Acustica’s groundbreaking MAREA series, available in VST3, AU, and AAX formats. Built to respond better than a real instrument, SQUID-3 gives you the speed to create instantly, and the depth to design without limits. It’s fluid, focused, and sonically honest.

SQUID-3 is not another virtual synth.

It’s a new breed - designed to sound finished, even before the FX. Every stage of its engine, from oscillator to output, was built to make raw synthesis sound like a mastered record.

You don’t need make-up when the sound is this good.

This isn’t a vintage emulation, or a collection of pretty presets under reverb.
SQUID-3 fuses algorithmic modeling with advanced convolution, capturing the behavior of analog gear - better than gear does.

Two separate GUI editions: Standard and Flat

SQUID-3 is available in two separate editions:

• the Standard (3-D, multi-page) edition, hardware-inspired interface with depth, lighting, and tactile realism for an immersive studio feel.
• a Flat (2-D version, single-page) edition, A clean, flat design optimized for speed, built for maximum graphic efficiency, where all controls are summarized on a single page

SQUID-3 (3D) GUI

SQUID-3 Flat (2D) GUI

SQUID-3 | Complete Walkthrough

Key Features

• Superstereo - Analog drift so real, it creates stereo depth by itself
• Berserkr - Continuously tilt from vintage roll-off to full modern clarity.
• Up-Rate Wave Morphing (UPRM) - True audio-rate, oversampled waveform morphing with consistent detail and stability under fast, complex modulation.
• Return - Pre-filter feedback adds thickness before the filter sculpts the tone.
• Drive - Post-filter drive - polyphonic, analog-like tone with no extra FX needed.
• Precision - Sample-accurate event and modulation timing.
• Saturation - Realistic saturation with ultra-low aliasing.
• Full MPE - True per-note expression with pitch, pressure, and timbre control.
• Studio FX - Mastering-grade FX unit including shimmer, reverbs, chorus, delays, distortion, OTT, and EQ.
• Modulation - Audio-rate and oversample-rate modulation.
• Morphing - New morph synthesis operating at upsampled/oversampled rates.
• Oversampling - FIR-based oversampling also supported.
• Workflow - Multi-page layout gives deep access to synthesis, modulation, and FX—while the flat interface keeps CPU low and editing fast.
• Engine - MUST Hybrid Engine: analog-style modeling fused with convolution.
• 350+ Pro Presets - Curated by sound designers, producers, and musicians.

About the Technology (MUST)

At its core lies MUST (Modular Unified Synthesis Technology), Acustica’s proprietary engine designed to deliver ultra-low latency, efficient CPU usage, and pristine audio quality. This cutting-edge architecture ensures that SQUID-3 delivers not just authenticity, but also the reliability and flexibility demanded by today's music producers and sound designers.

Marea: Acustica's virtual instrument series

The Marea line by Acustica Audio heralds a transformative era in virtual instruments, embodying the fluidity and dynamism of the ocean's currents. Just as the tide—"marea" in Italian—moves with natural elegance and power, this series is designed to seamlessly connect creativity and innovation in music production.

Technical information:

• Supported formats: VST3, AAX, and AU.
• Compatible with Windows 10 and 11.
• Compatible with macOS 10.15 (Catalina) to macOS Sonoma (version 14.x).
• Intel, AMD, and ARM compatible.
• Native Apple Silicon support (Rosetta not supported).

Price and availability

SQUID-3 introductory price: €139 | 30% OFF until January 14, 2026 at 11:59 pm CET (reg. price €199)
Get it here!

The product is available as a beta preview during its introductory period, which coincides with the four-week introductory pricing window. During this time, the product may receive improvements, changes, or fixes through Aquarius Desktop updates.

Try our FREE 30-Day Trial
Please remember that trials expire 30 days after authorization, and we strongly recommend not using trial products in commercial sessions or any important project.

Squid-3 user's manual

SQUID-3 webpage: https://www.acustica-audio.com/shop/products/SQUID3