u-he Diva

Active

Country: Germany (DE)
Founded: 2001
Developer: u-he (Heckmann Audio GmbH, Berlin, Germany)
Pricing: Paid (one-time purchase)
Open source: No
Platforms: macOS, Windows

Indexes

Audio/Music Production

Overview

Diva is a virtual analog synthesizer plugin that emulates components from classic monophonic and polyphonic hardware synthesizers, allowing users to mix and match oscillators, filters, and envelopes for custom designs.¹² It targets music producers and sound designers requiring authentic analog sound in DAWs, using real-time circuit simulation for realism at the expense of high CPU usage.¹⁹

Key Features

Oscillator Models - Five models based on classic synth hardware with per-voice detune and modulation options.
Filter Models - Five models with Zero Delay Feedback (ZDF) design for authentic resonance behavior.
Envelope Models - Three ADS(S)R models from classic hardware with keyboard follow and velocity scaling.
LFOs - Two host-syncable LFOs with multiple waveforms, restart, and phase controls.
Effects - Two stereo slots with chorus, phaser, plate reverb, delay, and rotary speaker.
Arpeggiator - Host-syncable with rate offset, swing, and progression options.
Presets - Over 1200 factory presets, resizable UI, and MIDI learn support.
MPE Support - Added in v1.4.8 for MIDI Polyphonic Expression.

Pricing

Plan	Price	Includes
Standard	One-time purchase (price varies by retailer)	Full plugin with all features, presets, and updates.

Platforms & Requirements

Runs as a plugin in DAWs on macOS (64-bit CLAP, AUv2, VST3, AAX*) and Windows (32/64-bit VST3, 64-bit CLAP, AAX*); requires modern CPU due to high demands in 'Divine' mode with multithreading support.¹²⁶ No standalone operation or support for Linux, mobile, or web.¹

Integrations & Ecosystem

VST3
AUv2 (macOS)
AAX*
CLAP
Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol/Maschine
MIDI Learn
Oddsound MTS-ESP
Preset import (.uhe-soundset)

Alternatives

App	Difference
Arturia Analog Lab	Broader collection of emulated synths but less modular mixing than Diva's component selection.
Softube Model series	Focuses on specific hardware models rather than Diva's mix-and-match analogue modules.
Xfer Serum	Wavetable synthesis focused, less emphasis on circuit-modeled analog authenticity.
Spectrasonics Omnisphere	Sample-based hybrid synth with less precise analog emulation than Diva.

Reputation

Diva is widely praised for its authentic analog sound achieved through circuit simulation, often considered a benchmark for virtual analog synths.¹³⁹ Criticisms center on high CPU usage, particularly in 'Divine' mode, which demands powerful hardware.¹²⁶ It maintains strong reputation with active updates like v1.4.8 in 2025.²

Sources (9)