FXpansion just announced the release of a brand mono synth called ORCA. This news coincides with the launch of the company’s newly designed web page and support forum. ORCA is an experimental monosynth built to showcase some exciting new technology that has been under development. Based on accurate, detailed models of analog synth circuits and components, ORCA excels at deep, resonant basses and thick unison leads. But here’s the best part: FXpansion is offering ORCA absolutely free! Yup, anyone can download the synth simply by creating a free user account at the FXpansion web page. This account also gives access to the company’s forum for discussion, tips, and support. ORCA is available as a VST 2.3 plug-in for Windows (XP) and OS X (10.4 PPC and Intel), and can be used in other hosts (Audio Units, RTAS) via the company’s VST-RTAS and VST-AU Adapters. Note that Ableton Live does not currently support VST 2.3 on Intel-based Macs. ORCA can be downloaded from the FXpansion web site.