Free Software Synthesizers

Syncla-X [Large Version]

Syncla-X [Large Version] is a free software synthesizer developed by Digital Systemic Emulations. Available format(s): VST, VST3, Audio Unit for Windows 64b, macOS.

The first free emulation of the Synclavier II FM Unit… Extended.

“That’s pretty awesome sounding. I love it when I run the bit-depth it has real character. […] It’s very impressive!”

-100 Things I Do, original owner of a Synclavier II.

Features:

4 Carriers, 4 Modulators.

8 Harmonics generator.

8 ADSR + 2 ADSR.

Individual Pans.

Velocity.

Filter.

Mono/Poly modes.

2 LFOs.

2 Effects: Flanger and Bit Depth.

NOTE: You have to install VC runtimes c++ 2015 to make the software works.

(Only windows, Macs don’t need this obviously).

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=53587

https://sites.google.com/site/digitalsystemic/

SynC Modular

SynC Modular is a free software synthesizer developed by Dr SynC. Available format(s): VST for Windows.

SynC Modular is a modular software synthesizer.

Features:

High Performance: The performance of SynC Modular compares to the performance of non-modular software synths. This means higher polyphony and/or patch complexity.

Flexibility: SynC Modular allows you to create your own oscillators and filters (using Z-1 modules of course).

Multi-timbrality: SynC Modular allows you to have as many as 16 parts playing together. Each part can select a different instrument in realtime by receiving a MIDI program change.

http://www.sync-modular.org/

Symphonic Ensemble

Symphonic Ensemble is a free software synthesizer developed by Synthescience. Available format(s): VST for Windows.

The Symphonic Ensemble is a VST plugin modeled after the Chorus/Ensemble stage found on a vintage Strings Machine model currently owned by Synthescience.

It is a special kind of Chorus in the way that employs three independent stages of chorus linked in parallel, modulated at a different phase and rate each, and then mixed with the original sound to impart that characteristic Strings Ensemble sound. It is a far more richer effect than chorus by itself and it can instantly turn any harsh or dull waveform into something organic and alive.

(Sounds naturally good on synthesized brassy pads as well as on guitars, other sound sources can benefit from it too).

The controllers are very few, meaning that with little tweaking you can get “That” sound right there on the spot.

The Symphonic Ensemble is fully automatable and has the ability to store 32 presets. It ships with a few already pre programmed ones that will show what its all about.

Installation procedure: Unzip the file, then copy the DLLs into your VstPlugins folder.

Sylenth Modern Pop Sounds

Sylenth Modern Pop Sounds is a free software synthesizer preset pack for Sylenth1, made by Diginoiz.

Sylenth Modern Pop Sounds is a free collection of 64 carefully selected, great sounding Sylenth1 presets, made from scratch by one of Diginoiz best sound designer! The main genre is Modern Pop but this pack can be used in many genres! It is also good in hip hop, r&b, future r&b and all club styles. This pack is free.

http://www.diginoiz.com/

SwarmSynth

SwarmSynth is a free software synthesizer developed by Anarchy Sound Software. Available format(s): VST for Windows.

Features:

Makes sound by mixing output from a user-sizeable bank of oscillators.

Oscillators are controlled by five parameters – volume, pitch, pan, resonance and noise.

Values of each oscillator’s parameters continually change, equating to movement through five-dimensional hyperspace.

Movement through hyperspace is constrained to a bounding box specified by a home position and permissive range for each parameter.

Graphical envelopes modify the bounding box through the duration of each note.

Within the bounding box, each oscillator follows a rule-based flocking algorithm – a 5D equivalent of AI simulations of 2D and 3D animal flocking behaviour.

3D visualisation of the oscillator’s movement through hyperspace, using hue & luminance to represent the other 2 dimensions.

Mouse-clicking the hyperspace visualisation affects the sound by causing oscillators to veer towards or away from the mouse.

Hotkey powered sticky-mouse for moving the cursor in 5 dimensions.

Controllable reseeding to make the algorithm deterministic or non-deterministic.

100 automatable parameters, controllable through VST automation or fully remappable MIDI control messages.

Collection of preset sounds.

Anarchy button to randomise current settings.

Context-sensitive help system.

http://anarchysoundsoftware.co.uk/anarchysoundsoftware/

Surge

Surge is a free software synthesizer developed by Vember Audio. Available format(s): VST, VST3, Audio Unit for Windows 64b, macOS.

General:

Synthesis method: Subtractive hybrid.

Each patch contain two ‘scenes’ which are separate instances of the entire synthesis engine (except effects) that can be used for layering or split patches.

Category based patch-browser.

MPE support.

Oscillators:

3 oscillators/voice.

7 versatile oscillator algorithms: Classic, Sinus, Wavetable, S/H Noise, Audio-input and FM2/3.

The classic oscillator is a morphable pulse/saw/dual-saw oscillator with a sub-oscillator and self-sync.

Most algorithms (all except sinus and audio-input) offer up to 16-voice unison at the oscillator level.

Oscillator FM/ring modulation.

All oscillator algorithms are band-limited yet they still cover the entire audible spectrum.

Noise generator with variable spectrum.

Filter block:

Two filter-units (7 different configurations).

Feedback loop.

Available filter-algorithms: LP12, LP24, LP24L (ladder filter with 1-4 poles), HP12, HP24, BP, Notch, Comb+, Comb-.

Waveshaper (5 shapes).

Modulation:

12 LFO-units available to each voice (6 are running on each voice and 6 are shared for the scene).

DAHDSR envelope generators on every LFO-unit.

7 deformable LFO-waveforms + 1 drawable/step-sequencer waveform.

Fast and flexible modulation routing. Almost every continuous parameter can be modulated.

Effects:

8 effect units arranged as 2 inserts/scene, 2 sends and 2 master effects.

9 algorithms: Delay, Reverb, Chorus, Phaser, EQ, Distortion, Conditioner (EQ, stereo-image control & limiter), Rotary speaker, Frequency shifter.

https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/

Superwave P8

Superwave P8 is a free software synthesizer developed by SuperWave. Available format(s): VST for Windows.

SuperWave P8 is a virtual analogue synthesizer.

Oscillators:

2 Oscillators: Single, Dual, 7 Oscillators SuperWave mode.

Waveforms: Sine, Saw, Ramp, Triangle, Pulse, White Noise, Pink Noise.

Controls: Waveform, Mode, Fine-Tune, Semi-Tune, Detune, Octave, Sync.

Filters:

2 Resonant Filters: 12dB.

Filter Types: Low Pass, Band Pass, High Pass.

Controls: Filter Type, Cutoff Frequency, Resonance, Key Follow, Lock (Cutoff Frequency).

Amplifiers:

2 Amplifiers.

Controls: Level, Pan, On/Off.

Envelopes:

4 Envelopes (Filter x2, Amp x2).

Controls: Depth, Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release.

Low Frequency Oscillators:

2 LFOs with multiple routing options.

Waveforms: Sine, Saw, Ramp, Triangle, Pulse, White Noise, Pink Noise.

Beat Ratios: 10.

Controls: Waveform, Destination, Mode, Rate, Beat, Depth, Key On, Route.

Modulation:

Modulation with multiple routing options.

Controls: Input, Destination, Depth.

Effects:

Effect Types: Mono Delay x2 (1 Stereo pair).

Other Features:

8 note polyphonic operation.

Main volume control.

Mono/Polyphonic control.

Portamento control.

MIDI CC control with learn capability.

64 high quality presets.

http://www.superwavesynths.co.uk/

Superubbish

Superubbish is a free software synthesizer developed by Spacedad. Available format(s): VST for Windows.

A 3 Oscillator Polyphonic Lo-Fi Synth.

Controls include:

Faulty.

Mud.

Crackle.

Hiss.

Very Rubbish.

More Rubbish.

Oil.

http://www.spaceraiders.co.uk/spacedad.html

SuperSynthFX

SuperSynthFX is a free software synthesizer developed by Denis Eismann. Available format(s): VST for Windows.

SuperSynthFX (SSFX) is a freeware software-synthesizer and sample player with integrated effects. It was developed primarily for use with an Touch Panel PC or Tablet PC.

The goal of this project is to provide an analog control surface, similar to that of old analog synthesizers. Instead of using mouse controls, the finger or a pen can be used to control the sliders. The user interface of SSFX is optimized for this purpose. Control the virtual sliders, buttons and knobs as you would control a classic synthesizer with an analog control surface. Thus, creating your own sounds can be very intuitive.

Features:

Synthesizer and sampler for Touch Panel PC, Tablet PC or regular DAW users.

48 MB sample library.

32 demo sound patches.

4 OSC + 1 Waveplayer with max. 8 sample zones.

6 voice polyphony per OSC and Waveplayer.

4 LFO with wide range of selectable modulation targets.

2 VCA with 2 ADSR.

2 VCF (24dB LPF / HPF) with resonance and 2 ADSR.

1 ADSR (target is selectable).

Cross- and ring-modulation for OSC 1 & 2.

Effect processor with 6 simultaneously usable FX (reverb, delay, flanger, phaser, chorus and overdrive).

http://www.superdrumfx.com/

SuperSoundShaper

SuperSoundShaper is a free software synthesizer developed by DocNashSynths. Available format(s): for Windows .

A polar-to-cartesian sound synthesizer, uses ‘superformula’ to produce a wide variety of polar plot shapes and corresponding waveforms, and lets you morph from one set to another.

http://flexibeatz.weebly.com/