D16 Group Talks Origins, Innovation, and What’s Next

D16 Group has built a reputation for delivering some of the most authentic and inspiring software instruments and effects in the music production world. Founded by a team of passionate musicians and developers, the company started with a mission to bring classic hardware sounds into the digital realm. From their first breakthrough with Phoscyon, a highly acclaimed TB-303 emulation, to their expansive lineup of drum machines, synthesizers, and creative effects, D16 has continuously pushed the boundaries of plugin design.

We recently spoke with Przemek from D16 Group to see how it all began and what the future holds for D16 Group. In this interview, we discuss the company’s origins, their development process, and what’s next for this innovative brand.

Can you tell us about the origins of D16 Group? What inspired you and your co-founder to start the company?

Well, we’ve always been passionate about music and creating it on a computer. In the early years, some of us performed live in clubs, and we wanted to bring the sound of iconic machines into our setups. However, purchasing that hardware was beyond our reach, so we started exploring ways to emulate their sound on a computer. That’s how the idea for D16 Group was born.

How did your background and experiences influence the creation of your first product?

Our first product was an emulation of the TB-303, called Phoscyon, and it directly stemmed from our experience using the original hardware. We knew the machine well, we loved its iconic sound, and our programming skills allowed us to recreate it as faithfully as possible.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in the early days of D16 Group?

In the beginning, everything was a challenge—from learning how to develop plugins properly to getting access to the hardware we wanted to emulate. On top of that, growing the company as an organization brought a whole set of additional challenges.

D16 is known for its exceptional emulations of classic hardware. What was the first product that gained significant attention, and why do you think it resonated with users?

Our first product, Phoscyon, an emulation of the TB-303, gained significant attention right from the start. At the time of its release, it was considered one of the best-sounding TB-303 emulations available. Additionally, we put a lot of effort into making it visually appealing. In our view, it was the first truly accurate TB-303 emulation.

Among all the plugins and virtual instruments D16 has created, which one are you most proud of, and why?

There isn’t a single product we’re most proud of. Phoscyon was the first, and it laid the foundation for everything that followed, but every plugin we’ve developed has been our top priority while working on it. We always strive to create each product to the best of our ability. Lush-2, for example, is a synthesizer that still holds many undiscovered possibilities for some users. Many of our effects, like Decimort, have become industry standards in their field. Our drum machines have also brought us a lot of joy and provide excellent emulations of classic Roland machines. Ultimately, we take great pride in all of them.

What’s the most unique or unexpected way you’ve seen people use your products?

To be honest, we don’t always have the time to track everything our users create with our plugins, but we’re always thrilled to see the results. Whether it’s a short clip on social media, a live performance in an underground club, or a use case in a Hollywood blockbuster soundtrack, every example brings us joy and motivates us to keep pushing forward.

Are there any upcoming products or features that you’re particularly excited about and can share with us?

Yes! Exciting new products are coming from D16 soon. We’re about to introduce a completely revamped version of our kick synthesizer, PunchBox, featuring an updated design and brand-new functionalities. We’re also working on several creative effects—true to the legacy of our SilverLine series—as well as something special for vintage sampler enthusiasts. More details will be revealed soon on our channels, so stay tuned!

How does D16 decide which classic hardware to emulate or which new concepts to develop?

To be honest, we’ve moved away from strict emulations of classic hardware—though one of our upcoming products will be an exception. Nowadays, we focus more on original concepts and unique ideas. The inspiration for new products comes from various sources. Sometimes, developing one plugin sparks ideas for several more. Other times, we take suggestions from our users seriously, as we greatly value their input. And of course, we also keep an eye on emerging trends in the industry.

Can you share some insight into your development process? How do you balance technical precision with user-friendly design?

Finding that balance is one of the hardest parts of this job. As developers, we want to replicate every detail as accurately as possible, but at the same time, the product needs to be intuitive and easy to use. After years of experience, we’ve learned how to strike that balance and find the sweet spot between depth and usability. On the technical side, our process involves extensive analysis of electronic circuits, schematics, and a lot of math. When it comes to UI/UX design, it’s all about continuous refinement—constantly improving on what we’ve done before to make our plugins even more enjoyable to use.

The music production industry is constantly evolving. How do you see D16’s role in shaping its future?

We see our role as continuously delivering products that bring joy to our users. As long as our plugins make the process of creating music more enjoyable—no matter how they are used—we believe we are fulfilling a meaningful purpose.

What are your thoughts on the growing use of artificial intelligence in audio production? Do you see AI playing a role in D16’s future products?

Yes, we’ve noticed the increasing use of AI in audio production, and we’re carefully observing how it evolves. We’re considering if, when, and how it might have a place in our products. However, we deeply believe that no matter how AI develops, the human element in music creation will always remain essential.

Looking back at your journey, what moment or achievement stands out as the most rewarding?

The first major moment was the release of Phoscyon almost 20 years ago, when we realized that our hobby had also become our profession. Another significant milestone was launching Lush-101, as it was a very large and complex project that we spent an incredible amount of time developing. But the truth is, every product release is an exciting experience that brings us a lot of joy.

If you could collaborate with any other company or artist, who would it be and why?

There are many incredible artists and companies we’d love to collaborate with, but if we had to choose, it would be fascinating to work with someone who truly pushes sonic boundaries—perhaps an artist like Aphex Twin, who constantly experiments with sound in unexpected ways. On the company side, collaborating with a hardware manufacturer to create a hybrid plugin-hardware solution could be an exciting challenge. We always enjoy exploring new ideas that blur the lines between classic and modern production techniques.

How do you stay inspired and keep up with trends in the ever-changing world of music production?

The answer is simple—we just keep doing what we love. There’s always an opportunity to add something exciting, improve existing ideas, or develop something entirely new. Honestly, there are more possibilities than there is time to bring them all to life!

What advice would you give to aspiring developers or musicians looking to enter the world of audio software development?

We’d recommend observing and learning from those who inspire you—those whose work you admire. Try to understand how they do what they do, and then experiment, experiment, and experiment some more. That’s the best way to grow and develop your own unique approach.

For fans of D16, what’s the best way to stay informed about updates, releases, and your work?

It’s simple—follow us on social media, subscribe to our newsletter, and visit our website at d16.pl.

As our conversation with Przemek reveals, D16 Group remains dedicated to crafting tools that inspire musicians and producers. Whether revisiting legendary hardware sounds or pioneering new creative effects, their approach is rooted in a deep understanding of both technology and musicality. With exciting new products on the horizon—including a revamped PunchBox and fresh innovations for vintage sampler enthusiasts—it’s clear that D16 Group is not slowing down anytime soon.

For those eager to stay updated, following D16 on social media and subscribing to their newsletter is the best way to keep track of their latest developments. No matter where music production trends may lead, D16 Group’s passion for sound design ensures that their plugins will continue to shape the sonic landscape for years to come.