Retcon Plugin Review: Boards of Canada Inspired Kontakt Instrument

If you’re a music producer drawn to vintage textures, granular atmospheres, and nostalgic analog warmth, the Retcon plugin from AudioWarp deserves your attention. Built for Kontakt and packed with sonic character, Retcon is more than a synth — it’s a full-fledged ambient instrument.

What Is the Retcon Plugin?

Retcon is a Kontakt-based synthesizer plugin that focuses on delivering retro-analog sounds inspired by artists like Boards of Canada. With a deep multi-layered architecture and thoughtful sound design, Retcon caters to genres like ambient, lo-fi, cinematic, IDM, and experimental electronic music.

Core Features That Shape Your Sound

• Dual Sound Engine Layers: Blend two independently controlled layers for deep and evolving tones.
• Massive Sample Bank: Contains over 1,400 samples across 84 sound sources, including analog synths and outboard gear.
• 130 Snapshot Presets: Get started fast with a wide range of pre-designed sounds for pads, leads, keys, drones, and textures.
• Custom 16-Step Chord Sequencer: Unlock melodic movement by sequencing complex chord progressions and voicings.
• Six-Page Interface with HEX Layout: Tweak Voice, Filter, FX, Modulation, Sequencer, and Options pages with an intuitive design.
• Kontakt Compatibility: Works with the full version of Kontakt 5.8.1 or later (not Kontakt Player compatible).

How Retcon Plugin Fits in Your Workflow

Retcon’s layout emphasizes creative freedom without overwhelming complexity. It’s a playground for sound sculptors, offering both instant gratification and deep control. You can use it to:

• Build Ambient Soundscapes: Layer droning textures and pads with modulated warmth.
• Compose Cinematic Cues: Perfect for emotional, nostalgic, or futuristic scores.
• Inject Lo-Fi Vibe: Ideal for chillhop, vaporwave, and downtempo tracks.
• Craft Evolving Motifs: The chord sequencer lets you bring motion and structure into your sound design.

Who Should Use the Retcon Plugin?

• Ambient producers looking for character-rich textures
• Cinematic composers in need of dreamy, emotional backdrops
• Synth enthusiasts exploring retro tones with a modern engine
• Kontakt users ready to expand their library with a flexible tool for sound layering

Sound in Motion

What sets Retcon apart is its ability to combine analog warmth with digital precision. The dual-layer design makes it easy to blend evolving tones, and the step sequencer keeps compositions fresh and emotionally engaging. You’re not just triggering samples — you’re manipulating the mood.

Workflow Tips

• Assign macros to MIDI controllers for real-time modulation
• Use the FX section to shape space (reverbs, delays, filters)
• Automate filter cutoff or pitch for evolving builds
• Experiment with randomization to discover happy accidents

Suggested Genre BPMs

• Ambient: 60–90 BPM
• Lo-Fi: 70–85 BPM
• Cinematic: 50–80 BPM
• Synthwave/Downtempo: 80–100 BPM

Final thought: If you’re hunting for a Kontakt instrument that oozes vintage synth nostalgia with modern flexibility, Retcon is worth the download (Loot Audio). Although it costs around $50 USD, I believe it’s a value at it price. Please also check out my blog post on the Vibe Rewind Plugin that gives a similar vibe for your music production.