Synthesizer free download - Space Synthesizer, Zebra Software Synthesizer, Virtual Synthesizer, and many more programs. The 10 Best FREE VST Synths to Use – Forgive Me Lord, For I Have Synth! When it comes to VST synths, you can decide on whether you want to buy one, or you want to download one for free. Naturally, the best VST synths are really the one that you’re gonna have to buy.
- Absynth
- Synth Software Freeware
- Modular Synth Software Free
- Bass Synth Software Free
- Synth software, free downloads Uvi
Keyboard music synthesizer free download - Synthesizer Keyboard for Windows 10, Keyboard synthesizer, Space Synthesizer, and many more programs. “MiniSpillage is a free professional quality drum synthesizer plugin featuring high-resolution 64-bit DSP processing. MiniSpillage includes three exclusive drum synthesis algorithms along with distortion effects and resonant filters.” Bass Drum – Single oscillator bass drum synth with pitch sweep, internal FM and harmonic controls. Software Synth developers such as Arturia offer virtual editions of analog synths like the Minimoog, the ARP 2600, as well as the Yamaha CS-80. Gforce produces a Minimoog with sounds designed by Rick Wakeman and version of the ARP Odyssey. Linux synthesizers. ZynAddSubFX is an open-source software synthesizer for Linux, macOS and Windows. Software Synthesizers - Here you will find a collection of software based synthesizers which do the same thing as traditional physical synths, except they run on your computer. Some of these soft synths are completely new while others are replications of your favorite old synths such as the famous, fat TB-303.
There are some amazing free plugin and standalone software instruments out there, if only you could find them. Luckily we have compiled a list of the top 55 - so now you can!
With so many free instrument plug-ins available it's impossible to download and use them all. (We've tried!) So, here's 55 of our top suggestions for FREEE Drum, Synth, Sampler, Real Instrument & Guitar based plug-in instruments.
DRUMS
TactileSounds TS-808
This Windows-only instrument takes original Roland 808 samples, analyses them and matches their waveforms as closely as possible to the real thing. You get 15 channels to create cool-sounding retro drum patterns with it. It’s simple to use and a whole bunch of fun to play with.
Windows VST
Audiospillage - Minispillage
This Mac-ony instrument has three fully editable drum pads that can create a range of drum and percussion sounds : bass drum, wood drum and electro hi hat. With a slick interface, it’s more advanced than you might expect from a free instrument and is capable of making some cool and unusual sounds.
Mac AU
Teragon Audio KickMaker
This unique free plugin is dedicated to one thing only – making kick drum sounds. Ideal for anyone wirking in EDM where a synthesized kick is the beating heart of your track, it uses four oscilators plus effects to work its magic. Each oscillator has its own ADSR curve for sound shaping so you can tweak and tailor indepent kick drum parts for your beats.
Windows VST
DSK Music - SynthDrums
Simple but fun, SynthDrums stores 12 patches and has selectable outputs and MIDI automation support for your DAW, as well as multiple effects including filters, stutter, distortion and EQ. Each of its sounds can be tweaked using the synthesis sections and patches can be copied and pasted, saved and loaded using the utility section at the top. A good way to get into synth drum programming.
Windows VST
Hahaha DS-01
Despite the name there’s nothing hilarious about this free drum synth, but it has the tools where it counts! With eight synth sections, you get one for each drum type ranging from kick and snare through hi hats and several toms. It sounds wonderfully 80s and each sound can be extensively tweaked plus they have panning and volume controls, so you can creatively submix any drum part.
Windows VST
MT PowerDrumKit 2
There aren’t so many “real” drum instruments around for free, but this one uses real samples mapped onto a virtual kit to provide rock, pop and metal fans something to work with. With built-in compressors and a groove library for inspiration, you can mix onboard and the developers have already pre-tweaked the patches for optimum sound character to suit different genres.
Mac and PC, VST / AU
Psychic Modulation Cubix
Cubix has both a drum synthesizer and sample player with an onboard arpeggiated bass synth, making it a smart little box for programming electronic sequences. The developer also makes Minimal, a similar beatbox that provides a useful alternative for making beats and basslines. It looks rather more slick than you might expect from freeware, and it sounds great too!
Windows VST
Groove Analogizer
Groove Analogizer is an 'audio controlled drum synthesizer', meaning that like a vintage electronic drum tone generator such as a Simmons, the percussion sound is triggered by an audio input, not by a MIDI message. This also means that it loads as a VST effect, usually in an insert slot and not as a VST instrument. With a bunch of controls and different ways to tweak the sound, it’s an unusual take on drum synthesis.
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Windows VST
DigiDrum Pro
Surprisingly adept for a free instrument, this has a good selection of features including 5 separate parts with 5 user definable audio outputs, 27 classic drum and percussion waveforms, user wavefile import, layering of parts, a versatile filter setup capable of many different timbres, velocity modulation of amp, pitch and filter to 'humanize' the feel of the beat and full VST automation of every sound editing controls.
Windows VST
SYNTHS
Green Oak Software Crystal
Crystal has been around – and free – for years and is still regularly updated. A clever semi-modular synthesizer, it’s remarkably capable and lets you generate a wide range of cool synth sounds as well as providing some in-depth tools. Despite being a relative senior in tech terms, it still sounds fresh and unique even today.
Mac and PC, VST / AU
u-he Triple Cheese
This proudly cheesy synth, a winner of the KVR Developer Challenge, doesn’t use classic synthesis techniques to make sound but rather multiple comb filters that produce very short, chromatically tuned delays. The three “cheese modules” can either generate their own sounds or process the output of the other modules. So don’t be afraid to be cheesy!
Mac and PC, VST / AU / AAX
Togu Audio Line TAL-NoiseMaker
This free synth sounds as cool as it looks. With three oscillators and up to six voices, it has a bunch of onboard effects to fatten up your sounds including chorus, reverb, delay and bitcrusher. With a simple layout that doesn’t use hidden menus it’s a great way to learn about synthesis by manipulating the different controls.
Mac and PC, VST / AU / AAX
Ichiro Toda Synth1
Modelled after the Nord Lead 2, Synth1 is a simply designed but powerful software synth with two oscillators, FM modulation, four types of filters and two LFOs. There’s an arpeggiator as well as onboard effects including tempo synced delay, a chorus / flanger and a portamento mode. Although the interface looks a bit retro, it will probably come back into fashion any time now.
Mac and PC, VST / AU
MiniMogueVA
Based on the classic Minimoog hardware synth, this free software version adds some bells and whistles not present on the original model. There’s 5-note polyphony, an arpeggiator and 16-step sequencer as well as an onboard chorus effect with oscillator drift and a programmable digital delay. It’s Windows-only, but a lot cheaper than buying a real Moog.
VST (Windows)
Steinberg Model-E
Although officially unsupported you can still download the Model-E synth for Mac and PC. It’s a classic analogue synth with a very low CPU load which makes it great for older machines. In fact you can see the DNA of Steinberg’s newer synths in this vintage model too, and it has plenty of controls to teach you about synthesis and make some cool sounds.
Mac and PC, VST
OB-XD Synthesizer
The OB-XD is based on the classic Oberheim OB-X synthesizer but also expands on some of its limitations. A mixer was introduced to blend the two oscillators and noise source which is much more flexible than the fixed levels of the original design. It’s been built to sound rich and full, though it doesn’t include any on board effects so you can add these yourself via additional plugins.
Mac and PC, VST / AU
TAL Elek7ro
This nifty little virtual analog synth sounds great and of course it’s also free! It has two oscillators with selectable waveforms, one sub oscillator and one noise oscillator. A fat low pass resonance filter helps with richnes and there’s mono or poly playback modes, envelopes and full MIDI learn. A bunch of free presets are also available to download.
Mac and PC, VST / AU
u-he TyrellN6
This free synth started off as a concept for a hardware unit modelled on Roland’s Juno 60, a project which was ultimately aborted. But the developer ported the core design into a software synth, with a cool design, dual oscillators, mixer and filter sections as well as dual LFOs and onboard effects. It has tons of functionality and a great sound. What more could you ask for free?
Mac and PC, VST / AU
Digital Suburban Dexed
Dexed is a free plugin synth that is modelled after the classic Yamaha DX7, a staple of music from the 80s and 90s. It’s also a cartridge librarian for a real DX7! Its sound engine has been based on the Yamaha hardware and you get 144 automatable parameters as well as access to many of the controls that would be found in real life for making classic digital tones. If you happen to have a real DX7 it’s also the perfect patch manager.
VST / AU / LV2 for Linux
Tone2 FireBird 2
Firebird is a subtractive synthesizer that uses a unique synthesis architecture to deliver fresh sounds. Once a paid product, its interface provides you with the tools to create impressive patches with a minimal amount of effort. FireBird comes with 437 built-in sounds and uses Harmonic Content Morphing synthesis and 84 oscillator types, 38 filter effects and 13 processing effects. It’s a no-brainer for Windows users to download this cool synth!
Windows VST
TAL NoiseMaker
Another one of TAL’s cool free plugins, the NoiseMaker is an updated version of the Elek7ro and has a completely new synth engine with an effects section, ring modulator and syncable triangle wave. There are three oscillators and up to six voices, ADSR and MIDI learn among many other cool features. It’s really simple to use, and a fantastic way to learn about how synthesizers work while making cool sounds.
VST / AU / AAX
Big Tick Audio Cheezemachine
This fun instrument emulates the sound of classic string ensembles, with a decidedly retro character. You get a saw waveform, chorus ensemble emulator, 6-stage phaser and a reverb as well as 32-note polyphony and low CPU usage. If you’re after the sound of vintage machines like the Crumar Performer or Arp Solina they are here, for free!
Mac and PC, VST / AU
VST Speek
This synthesizer is about as old school as it gets : a vocal synthesis plugin for Windows that takes text that you type into its window and recreates it as retro robot voices. You can control pitch, speed and mouth and throat formants as well as using MIDI to trigger it, and changing settings mid-speech. Amazingly despite its supremely retro styling, it’s 64-bit so will work with modern DAWs.
Windows VST
u-he Zebralette
Zebralette is essentially one of the oscillators from its larger, paid relative “Zebra” intended as a way to introduce you to the instrument family. But it sounds great, with two LFOs, aulti-stage envelope and three onboard effects as well as dual spectral effects and a megasaw wave. Check it out to get the spirit of the full instrument for none of the cost.
VST / AU / AAX
daHornet
daHornet is the virtual simulation of a cult synth. It’s a fully fledged plugin with MIDI learn, a random patch generator and many cool sounding presets. daHornet used to be payware, but NUSofting decided to make it available for free and even let apulSoft port it to mac OSX VST & AU! It’s actually really useable in many kinds of music, and has a simple, approachable interface.
Mac and PC, VST / AU
Chip32
This tiny, Mac-only virtual synth produces old school electronical sounds and features a graphical wavetable editor. Chip32 has multiple MIDI control options as well as an ADSR envelope, a basic filter and a bitcrusher. Sometimes it’s nice to strip things right back to the basics, and this simple but surprisingly powerful synth will help you get to grips with the building blocks of synthesis.
Mac AU
TAL U-NO-LX
An emulation of the classic Roland Juno 60, this free synth has zero feedback delay filters, up to 12 voices, a multimode arpeggiator, aliasing-free oscillators MIDI learn and 300 presets including the original factory hardware “Bank A”. Literally modelled on one of the orignal units in the company offices, this is a warm-sounding synth that will provide hours of playing and tweaking enjoyment.
VST / AU / AAX
SAMPLERS
Plogue Sforzando
Sforzando is a free, highly SFZ 2.0 compliant sample player. Advanced sample hobbyists now have a powerful tool to experiment and share instruments without relying on proprietary formats. sforzando has only one instrument slot; no fancy UI, effects or mixers. Every tweak has to be done at the SFZ file level! You can also get a free sound collection from ARIA using the link on the product’s homepage.
Mac and PC. Standalone, VST, AU, RTAS, AAX
TX16Wx Software Sampler
This surprisingly advanced software sampler is completely free and has advanced features including sound shaping, unlimited modulation, a mapping editor, sample recording, wave editing and beat slicing, trigger switching, send and insert effects and more. If you’re looking to record, modify and work with yor own samples and even build them into instruments, this is well worth checking out.
Mac and PC, VST and AU
Grace
Bundled with 54 original patches, this free sample instrument for Windows features 2 filters per voice (LP, BP, HP, comb, lofi & ring modulation), 2 x AHDSR envelopes, 2 x LFOs, 2 x step sequencers and 4 x XY control pads. There’s WAV, AIF and SND formats support, SFZ patch import, drag and drop sample loading from some DAWs and a browser with sample preview. There’s no reason not to download it today!
VST for Windows
Sonic Assault SAM
This cool looking free sample player for Windows has 4 16/24-bit Stereo Wave File Players with ADSR Envelopes, Forward/Reverse/Loop Play Start/End Position settings, sliders with Fine Adjust and Cue Markers, manual gatetTriggering and solo switches, 8 patchable 12db LP/BP/HP/notch filters and automation capability.
VST for Windows
Sfz
This simple sample player features 128 internal programs, 256 voices of polyphony, SoundFont compatibiity, unlimited layers per voice, custom sample rate support up to 384kHz and multiple envelope generators and filters. It looks simple but can provide you with a ightweight yet powerful way to work with your samples and SoundFont files.
Windows VST
Xoxos Element
This loop modulating WAV player can load one WAV at a time and has wrap mode looping, bounce mode looping, two crossfade modes, 4 interpolation modes, emulated downsampling and a selection of different filter modes. With 8 voices of polyphony you can use it for simple sample playback inside your Windows DAW.
Windows VST
Instalooper
This nifty instrument loops the incoming audio on the fly and has trigger buttons to loop the audio as well as knobs to change the loop duration. It syncs with your host and once looped you can adjust the speed and/or add an effect on the audio loop.You also get a sample rate reducer, autopan, hi pass filter and chorus effects.
Windows VST
Delamancha Manic
An 8-slot random sample player for Windows, Manic triggers samples based on a propability setting or a tempo sync pattern. You can also randomize volume, pitch, pan, delay reverse and swing as well as controlling it via MIDI. There are 246 samples and 25 presets and it’s an interesting way to generate new and unique variations and patterns without having to spend lots of effort thinking about it.
Windows VST
REAL INSTRUMENTS
Kontakt Player Free
NI is big enough to be able to give away something pretty generous in the form of Kontakt Player Free, which comes with 650MB of sampled instruments split into five sections. Band contains 13 instruments including guitars, basses, acoustic drum kits, electric pianos and a drawbar organ. World has six exotic instruments and Synth has 12 synthesized leads, pads, basses and drum kits. Vintage contains 13 classic analogue synths and keyboards, while Urban Beats has five drum loop production kits. You’d be mad not to get it!
Mac and PC plugin and standalone
MDrummer Small
A smaller version of the bigger paid version, MDrummer Small still has 500MB of samples, multisamples and rhythms and comes in all formats and also as a standalone app on Windows (though not on the Mac). You get over 30 drum kits made up of over 400 drum components, over 200 samples, 50 multisamples, 60 rhythms and over 2500 loops. It has a built-in sequencer and technology to help you humanize your beats as well as all of Melda’s standard plugin tools, which are very advanced.
VST / AU
AZR3 Organ
This virtual organ for Windows provides three different organ models and nine drawbars which can be modified to change the tonewheels and the frequencies present in the signal. As well as six different waveform shapes you can use key click which is a key part of the organ sound, percussion switches, sustain and vibrato as well as using key split mode, monophonic mode for bass sounds and scalable pitch bend. Onboard effects include saturation, distortion and fuzz and there is of course the requisite rotating speaker effect.
Windows VST
BigTick Ticky Clav
Ticky Clav uses a synth engine based on a physical modeling algorithm that reproduces the string vibration and the two pickups of the Clavinet Model C. The click part of the sound comes from the key click that was such an integral part of the sound of the original. You get a built-in wah wah effect that’s a classic part of the Clavi sound and selectable manual or auto wah gives you extra control. Sign up on the site and you will be getting suitably retro in no time.
Mac and PC
UVI Workstation
UVI’s instrument host is free to download and comes with a small selection of free demo instruments for you to test out, including electric piano, analogue strings, jazz drums, Spanish guitar and synth bass. It also has some built-in effects and an onboard arpeggiator and mixer. If you choose to add paid instruments sets they also introduce extra features, but the demo version is unrestricted and good for adding a few sounds to your toolkit. It’s a good introduction to UVI’s world.
Mac and PC
Cellofan
Want a free cello? Of course you do! This very simple VST plugin for Windows only has just three controls: attack, release and slide and sounds much more authentic than you might expect from such a lightweight plugin. If all you need is a cello rather than a whole orchestral suite, save yourself plenty of money by downloading it today completely free.
Windows VST
4Front Piano
4Front makes a few good free and inexpensive plugins and this one is incredibly straightforward: a single patch with no tweakable settings. As such it’s great for just playing rather than spending hours changing virtual mic positions. But if all you want is a piano and you don’t want to part with any cash, you should definitely check it out. Paid versions are available if you do want more features.
PC VST and Mac VST, AU and RTAS
DSK Brass
This surprisingly adept brass plugin for PC gives you 2 layers and 23 instruments including: Sax Soprano, Sax Tenor, Sax Alto, Harmon Mute,Trumpet, Trumpet Cup Mute, Trumpet Staccato,Trumpet Swell and many more. There’s an octave selecter, micro detuner, delay and flange effects and MIDI automation capability as well.
Windows VST
Ixox Flute
It’s basic but hey, it’s free! This sample-based flute instrument was played by the developer and has simple controls including articulation, single or dual flutes, attack and release and virtual distance controls. It’s probably quicker than learning to play the flute for yourself.
Windows VST and SoundFont
DSK Saxophones
Got time to learn the sax? Me neither. This simple free plugin can come to the rescue however with two types, soprano and tenor, an ADSR section, velocity curve selector and built in reverb. It’s simple to use and easier on the pocket than a big, commercial sampled brass instrument.
PC VST and Mac AU and VST
VCSO Community Edition
Here’s something interesting, a public domain 3GB orchestral sound library that’s completely free. There is plenty of information on the site including links to various format converted versions that people have taken the time to create so you can also load it in Kontakt, AU and other more esoteric formats. It requires a little technical knowledge but hey, it’s free.
EXS24, VSTi for Mac and PC, SoundFont
Piamo
This developer actually makes loads of free plugins in all kinds of categories. We have picked Piamo because it’s a modelled virtual piano with plenty of controls that has a light footprint rather than using up gigabytes of space on your hard drive. Check it out along with their other cool free stuff.
Windows VST
Samsara Hurdy Gurdy
Yes you read it right, a hurdy gurdy in VST format. Modelling two strings and a drone source, it looks more like a synth but sounds like something else entirely. You can make many settings and tweak all kinds of parameters. And frankly it’s got to be easier than trying to find someone who can play a real hurdy gurdy.
Windows VST
http://samcycle.blogspot.co.uk
GUITARS
Keolab Spicy Guitar
Modelled acoustic guitars don’t often come for free. Spicy Guitar gives you nine types of guitar : four folk, two classical, one flamenco, one jumbo and one gypsy as well as a choice of either nylon or steel strings. You have MIDI keys for playing notes and then control keys for the playing articulations like legato, palm mute, harmonics, sustain or chord detection. There are different chord types and also a strumming engine to recreate the action of playing that’s virtually impossible to do by using MIDI keys.
VST / AU
Absynth
Voxengo Tube Amp
Basic to look at but sounding great, this free amp plugin from specialists Voxengo applies asymmetric tube triode overdrive usually found in single-tube microphone pre-amp boxes to your signal. The sound varies from a mild “warm” overdrive to a fuzzy distortion and it also includes a -6 dB/oct low-pass filter that is built-in into plugin’s tube/valve modeling equation. Use it on other sounds too like synths or vocals, to give them an edge!
VST / AU
SimulAnalog Guitar Suite
This suite of plugins models various amps and analogue processors aimed at guitarists. Among the included models are a Boss DS-1 distortion, SD-1 overdrive, Tube Screamer, Phaser, Modulation, Fender Twin 1969 and a Marshall JCM900 Dual Reverb amp. Originally conceived as an academic project, it focuses on extremely realistic recreation of tone rather than necessarily flashy graphics. But ultimately that’s better for you!
Windows VST
NI Guitar Rig Player Free
The free version of NI’s hit Guitar Rig processing suite is a generous free giveaway as well as being expandable with extra packs if you want to purchase them. You get one amp, 17 cabinets and 13 effects taken from the full version as well as 50 presets. The software uses an intuitive drag and drop system and there’s a tag-based browser for easier searching as well as automation support and Live View for a more streamlined workflow while performing live. It’s a great way to get started with virtual guitar processing.
VST / AU / AAX
Steinberg VB-1
Synth Software Freeware
Although technically discontinued, Steinberg still makes its classic VB-1 bass instrument available for download both for Mac and PC. It’s four voice polyphonic which is fine for bass, since bass is usually pretty mono or duophonic, and has damper, pickup position, pick position and wave morph controls as well as a ramdomizer to quickly create new bass tones. In today’s world of mega-sample libraries, it’s a refreshing 4.3MB in size, which is tiny. Many longtime Cubase users will remember this charming little bass instrument and now it can be yours for free.
VST for Mac and PC
DSK Akoustik Guitarz
A cool sounding virtual acoustic, this gives you four guitar types, amp, envelope and fine tuning controls, stereo spread and portamento options, three onboard effects and it even responds to velocity. What more could you ask for free?!
Windows VST
DVS Guitar
DVS actually makes a range of free Windows VST instruments and effects which are worth checking out. The DVS Guitar is based on a sampled guitar and includes Overdrive, Reverb and Flanging. It's good for leads and heavy sounds, and very realistic if you are good with a pitch bend controller. Maybe it won’t feature on the next Metallica album, but it’s fun nonetheless.
Windows VST
Related Videos
When it comes to VST synths, there are a multitude of VSTs scattered about on the internet. Whilst some of them are paid, most are absolutely free. Naturally, you would be thinking the best Synth VST plugins are the ones that you’re gonna have to buy. However, there are some hidden gems out there that are totally free.
They can do it all: from sneaky ambient chimes, gigantic wall rattling lines to warm chords that put you in a daze of sonic slumber. Since finding these elusive free synth VSTs is downright painstaking, we have compiled a list of the best synth VST plugins that are absolutely free!
You can download and install them all you want with reckless abandon or throw ‘em in your DAW for some great sounding mixes. What’s more, this list will help eliminate a lot of trial and error for you. So, are you ready to find out the best synth vst plugins and teleport yourself away to synth haven? Without further ado, let’s get started.
Note If you want more free VSTs for synth (that are not included here), as well as free VSTs for guitar, drums and other instruments, you can check out our ultimate list of the 50 Best Free VST Plugins.
1) FireBird 2 by Tone2
Boasting a very intuitive and easy-to-use interface, FireBird 2 is a subtractive synthesizer with over 437 preset sounds. This swish synth is loaded with 38 types of filters including comb-filtering, EQ, low-pass filters, FM and AM modulation and Vocal filters that can add lush symphonic layers to your mix. Besides, you can also choose custom skins to go along with your DAW.
FireBird 2 is based on a wide range of standard waves, such as saw, pulse, trumpets, organs, pads and pianos that are modified by special algorithms. All in all, FireBird 2’s appeal encompasses multiple genres spanning power metal, trap hop, avant-garde, you name it.
2) SYNTH1
2) SYNTH1
Regarded by many as one of the best synth VST plugins of all time, SYNTH1 is hosted on Geocities Japan. It features 2 beautiful oscillators, which can be modulated via modulation, FM, ring, and synchronized envelopes. Plus, you can sculpt some breathtaking wavy synth hooks, and add distortion for effects by using 4 types of filters.
Synth1 also proffers legato mode as well as portamento for interesting slides useful in writing notes. Snag it!
3) Alter Ego by Plogue
A one-of-a-kind vocal synth, Alter Ego mashes vocoder-style synthesis with text-to-speech. Simply type in any phrase into the WORDS section, and Alter Ego will lucidly sing/speak them out for you.
This synth is a beast when it comes to sculpting a powerful sound design for the fine timbres of voice and also boasts polyphonic credentials useful for playing chords. You can also skim through Anime-inspired presets if you want to fiddle around with your tonality.
4) Tyrell N6 by u-he
Originally planned as a hardware synth, Tyrell N6 is a nifty subtractive synthesizer with a massive aural potential. It comes loaded with two LFOs and envelopes that can put some premium synth VSTs to shame.
And, oh you can also revel in an abundant heap of snazzy presets that can render booming bass beats and rich synth harmonies to your mix!
5) Datsounds OBXD
Withouta doubt one of the best synth VST plugins amongst the current crop, Datsounds’ OBXD plugin is a remarkable emulation of Oberheim’s legendary OBXa and OBX synths. If you are a fan of beefy analogue tones of yore, you might as well want to take OBXD for a sonic spin.
6) Sinnah by NUSofting
Despite having only one oscillator, Sinnah rides high on a unique delay matrix with multiple configurations, which makes it one of the best synth VST plugins on our list. To be honest, its single oscillator is powerful enough to comprise 5 waveshapes and allows enough leverage for sculpting the harmonics of each waveshape.
What’s more, the delay matrix boasts configurations spanning highly randomized resonators, and a “triple chorus” per voice. All together, Sinnah is great for lush sounding leads, pads and chorus effects.
7) ComBear Compressor
A very dynamic Parallel Compression effect plugin, ComBear mimes Dada Life’s famous Sausage Fattener and is a must have synth in your arsenal if you are an EDM producer. It brings a quintessential “EDM” feel to drums, synth, and vocals and has the ability to make your track sound mega.
8) Riviera VST Plugin
Released by NuSpace Audio, the Rivera VST Plugin brings to the table a hybrid reverb effect especially for Windows users. To be more precise , Riviera is a nifty hybrid algorithmic-convolution reverb plugin that can model specular acoustic reflections. A must have for ethereal reverb fiends.
9) OSL Chorus Free Chorus Plugin
Based on the chorus effect module of the Roland Juno 60 hardware synthesizer, OSL chorus is available for both 32 and 64-bit hosts on Windows and Mac systems. If you are a fan of soaring, euphoric choruses that reverberate in your head long after the song comes to a closure, this is your go to weapon of mass sonic destruction. And yeah, it sounds equally mesmerizing on guitar, bass, and other instruments.
10) VK-1 Viking Synthesizer Plugin
10) VK-1 Viking Synthesizer Plugin
Originally launched as a replica of the Moog Voyager in the form of a rack extension for Propellerhead Reason dwellers, The VK-1 Viking is armed with three adjustable wave oscillators that render an authentic classic analogue synth experience. It also offers zero delay with feedback filters for improved resonance. Plus, it can be used on all DAWs. Woot, woot!
11) VCV Rack Open-source virtual synth
If you want to satiate your eurorack gear pangs without getting lost in the hardware maze, VCV Rack is a surefireexciting virtual synth. This open-source VST opens a window of opportunity to tweak around and immerse yourself in its vibrant patch cables for hours on end.
12) Martin Lüders’ PG-8X 2.0
This free synth VST emulates the sound of the classic Roland JX-8P with up to 12 voice polyphony and two DCO’s with Noise, Saw, Pulse and Square shapes. What’s more, all the parameters are MIDI mappable with MIDI learning.
All in all, it is one of the best synth VST plugins for 80s style bass patches, and analogue pads thanks to a marvellous sounding chorus module.
13) Full Bucket Music FB-3300
Following the success of FB-3100, Full Bucket Music has propped the FB-3300 on the lines of the mighty Polyphonic Korg PS 3300. Carefully built for low CPU consumption, the FB-3000 boasts three independent polyphonic synthesizer blocks, classic two-pole low-pass filters and band-limited oscillators for groovy synth symphonies.
14) DC Bazz::Murda
If you are a fan of killer kicks and booming bass drums, chances are, DC Bazz::Murda is the best synth VST for you. Although it suits a gamut of genres, it’s best suited for creating custom kicks thanks to three oscillators and a stack of modulation options. A must have for those deep Hip-Hop/Trap-Hop kicks, and layered DnB drums.
15) PolyGAS
PolyGAS is a formidable polyphonic synth VST that can spit out digital tones thanks to a plethora of samples that are supported in WAV and AIFF formats with up to 32 voice polyphony.
Modular Synth Software Free
The scope for tweaking options is mega as you can add time delay modulation effects, amplitude non-linear distortions, add over 18 envelopes, reverbs, filters, et al.
16) Arminator by Krakli Software
Touted as a CS 80 emulator and perhaps the best one thus far at cloning that, Krakli Arminator is an interesting free little synth loaded with a stack of sound design options and an impressive GUI that help deliver archetypal 80s synth vibes.
What’s more, Arminator comes loaded with 128 default patches. Further, since it is pretty lightweight, your CPU won’t be overclocked.
17) Crystal by GreenOak
Banking on it’s modulation controls that offer over 90 parameters, delays, tempo sync, multi-stage envelopes, and inbuilt effects (for chorus, filters, echoes, flanger), Crystal has everything a production nerd needs from a robust synth VST.
It is equally resourceful for someone learning the nuances of sound designing. Moreover, you can also use automation on MIDI controls.
18) MiniMogueVA by Voltkitchen
MiniMogue VA is a powerhouse for creating electronic bass music, funk style music, and generating the notorious sub-bass omnipresent in groovy dubstep wobbles.
It features 3 crafty oscillators with tuning control and fine-tuning sliders. Also, you can turn the third oscillator into LFO with dedicated modulation knobs. There are more goodies in store: you can drown in some massive chorus, delay effects and use MIDI learning as well.
It features 3 crafty oscillators with tuning control and fine-tuning sliders. Also, you can turn the third oscillator into LFO with dedicated modulation knobs. There are more goodies in store: you can drown in some massive chorus, delay effects and use MIDI learning as well.
19) Proteus VX by E-MU Systems
Based on a vintage hardware synthesizer called Proteus 2500, the Proteus VX boasts the same sounds and factory bank as the original version. Apart from 54 eclectic filters, including the likes of flangers, vocal filters, and multi-pole resonant filters, the Proteus VX also features “High Voice Polyphony,” which is dependent upon the power of your system.
Another amazing aspect is that you can expect a pro-level audio quality from this free synth since it proffers 24-bit 192kHz high quality audio playback.
20) 44S by GTG
A rather peculiar plugin, 44S can be harnessed to sculpt interesting and pleasing distortions in resonance. It also has the ability to filter modulation, track the LFO with the keyboard and features pulse with modulation.
21) Superwave P8 by Superwave
Remotely modeled off the Roland JP 8000, Superwave P8 is considered one of the best synth VST plugins on the freeware market. You can craft some sick electronic music, house, trance, new age, or even pop boppers thanks to this plugin.
The novelty factor lies in the pads that provide a layer of richness and thickness to the mix. You get to avail 64 high quality presets, portamento controls, up to 8 notes of polyphonic operation, which can all be controlled via MIDI CC control with “learning” capability.
22) TAL-NoiseMaker by TOGU Audio Line
22) TAL-NoiseMaker by TOGU Audio Line
One of the redeeming factors about TAL-NoiseMaker is that everything is laid out clearly in terms of controls, thus designing a sound sphere becomes a cinch. All knobs can be learned through MIDI and can also be automated inside your DAW.
It comes loaded with 128 factory presets, 3 Oscillators, which can each be individually programmed for frequency/phase modulation, or to generate pulse, noise, sawtooth, sine, square, triangle, or rectangle waves. Overall, TAL-NoiseMaker is an incredible synth with chock full of features that deliver on all fronts.
23) Futucraft Kairatune
Aimed primarily at electronic-music composers, Kairatune delivers a tight, aggro-fuelled sound that will gel well with stripped-down dance mixes. The preset-management system allows you to search by category and then select your presets swiftly.
Even though there are a bewildering number of controls on display, the values are shown by discernible dial-type indicators. All in all, Kairatune stands among the best synth VST plugins out there.
24) U-He Triple Cheese – Comb-filter Synth
After first appearing over a decade ago, Triple Cheese is a comb-filter based synth that has matured rapidly after constant updates over the years. Flanked by more than a dozen banks, Triple Cheese is one of best synth VST plugins for those who like having loads of percussion effects and some ethereal delays in their mix.
25) Archetype Instruments Locamotiv
Another dance-type synth for EDM boppers, Locamotiv sports a dark skin but brings forth a mashup meaty basses and phantasmic leads that are super clean and meant for the modern electronic music producer.
26) Fathom Mono by Seaweed Audio
26) Fathom Mono by Seaweed Audio
For a monophonic synthesizer, the Fathom Mono packs quite a bit of a punch with a full-fledged synthesis engine. The modular and clean design compliments the workflow as well. You can patch up to 20 components in real-time. It also features 5 oscillator modules, 30 varied filters that can be easily handled by your CPU.
Although limited to monophonic leads, bass, and sound effects, Fathom Mono opens the pandora’s box when it comes to sound design possibilities.
27) Hermann Seib’s Wave Simulator
Wave Simulator emulates the big ol’ wavetable synths, PPG Wave 2.2 and 2.3, with flawless panache. Thanks to its sweepable wavetables and analogue-style filters, all the charisma and grunge of the original is present in full effect.
28) Siegfried Kullmann SQ8L
Classic wavetable synthesizer, Ensoniq’s SQ‑80, has been seamlessly recreated in the form of SQ8L which is a pure replica by all means. With a swanky menu-driven interface as the original, you can pump through sampled waveforms via a traditional analogue signal path for getting those retro 80s atmospherics.
29) Dexed
Dexed is one of the most renowned synth VSTs at the moment, after all, it proffers free emulation of the classic Yamaha synth, DX7. For starters, you can harness the power of over 144 DAW automatable DX7 parameters and a gamut of patches.
For those not in the loop, it is also a MIDI cartridge manager for the DX7 hardware synth. So, you can use Dexed as a patch editor for the real DX7 synth! Definitely worth a shot for those interested in FM synthesis!
30) Sonigen Modular – Sonigen
30) Sonigen Modular – Sonigen
For those of you looking for a fully modular synth VST with great sound quality, look no further than Sonigen Modular. With 28 individual modules, either of which can be connected to form a preset or patch, adding synth layers is surely going to be a treat.
Automatic email printing software. You can also use an array of exhaustive usable presets. There is also a nifty “WaveMaker” feature with an FFT display that lets you load, edit, and save your very own wavetables and waveforms. However, tweaking the presets can be a royal pain in the bum.
31) HISE
HISE is a through and through hybrid synth/sampler that can seamlessly provide a turn-key programming environment for creating your own VST, AAX, and AU plugins and iOS instruments, provided you spend some time on it. Of course, it can be used as a plugin as well.
32) u-he Repro Alpha
A fairly standard-issue synth with basic modulation, two oscillators and a swanky filter, Repro Alpha is the prototype to u-he’s full-blown Repro-1 synth. Repro Alpha can come in handy for your musical endeavours big time if only you are willing to dig deeper.
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33) NUSofting Noisetar
If you believe that truncating noise is the best way to make your mix sound clear and compact, you might as well want to give Noisestar a try and change your mind. It is in fact, a slick plugin that promulgates adding the right amount of noise into your mix, albeit slyly.
Remember, noise is a subtle part of most beautiful sounds – from the sharp shock of a pick striking a string to the breathy burst preceding a flute’s pitch – all comprise noise, beautiful noise.
34) Helm by Matt Tytel
One of the best synth VST plugins out there, you can change Helm’s source code and tweak it the way you want. Moreover, this polyphonic synth can be run from anywhere inside your DAW. Besides a nifty step sequencer and a robust modulation system with live feedback, Helm boasts 7 filter types with keytracking and Oscillator feedback and saturation for waveshaping. Get on it!
35) Martinic Combo Model F
If you are a fan of organ synth sounds of the 70s, you are in for a treat. Now, you can easily derive a gamut of nostalgic synth sounds with a hint of modern flair thanks to Martinic Combo Model F.
36) Synister
Synister is an easy-to-use synthesizer that comes with a built in virtual keyboard for dialling in sick tones that can forge an ethereal atmosphere in your mix. Pretty sinister!
37) Brain Control Tunefish 4
A versatile and free synth VST, Tunefish 4 is your go-to weapon for adding a rich layer of tasty leads, pads, and bass over your track. An out and out must have in your arsenal I’d say.
38) Digits 2
Now recreate that 80’s aural synth magic with a dash of warm pads, screaming leads, and dirty bass, all thrown in for a good measure into your mix thanks to Digits 2.
39) Acoustica Nightlife
Budding EDM, dance, and trance beatmaker’s can revel in Acoustica Nightlife which is one of the best synth VST plugins for sculpting a hypnotic soundscape that reverberates in the ears even after a song’s over!
40) Audjoo Helix
Bass Synth Software Free
Don’t be dismayed by the official website’s message that says Helix is up for grabs for a limited period. The good part is, it remains fully functional after the trial period is over. Hence, adding deep bass grooves and synth melodies to your mix is still a feasible endeavour with Helix. Worth a snag!
Bonus Synth
A VST instrument sampler recorded via the legendary Korg MS-20 synth, Anamogue AS-20 is a useful addition for those seeking to emulate the tone of Korg MS-20.
And…that’s a wrap! Did you like our roundup of the best Synth VST plugins that are free? Sound off in the comments.
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Synth software, free downloads Uvi
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