Free Software Synthesizers

Daedalus

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

Daedalus is a polyphonic synthesizer with special attention paid to MIDI controls such as Pitch Bend, Modulation Wheel, Velocity and Aftertouch. It has been developed for the performing musician in mind.

Key Features:

VCO

2 Pulse width modulated oscillators

Octave tune

Semi tune

Fine tune (VCO2)

Keyboard tracking

Envelope modulation

PWM mode and modulation

VCO2-to-1 modulation

Oscillator sync

MIXER

Oscillator volume

Dual mode noise oscillator

Ring-modulation

HPF

1 separate 12dB/octave hipass filter

VCF

4 filter modes (1x 12dB/oct, 3x 24dB/oct.)

Envelopes (ADSR)

VCO,VCF and VCA

LFO

2 BPM syncable LFOs

Shape

Shape invert

Rate

Trig mode

Modulation destinations and sources

MASTER

Key mode (mono, poly and unison)

Unison detune

Main tuning

Main Volume

Extensive MIDI Control section including

Pitch Bend

Modulation Wheel

Portamento

Play dependant release control

EFFECTS

Chorus

Delay

Arpeggiator

http://www.omnitaur.se/

Cygnus

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

Developed as a collaboration between Krakli Software and sound designer Tim Conrardy, Cygnus is a “space synth” in both looks and tones. 3 distinctly different tonal sources are mixed in stereo through various sound modulators. The quality of the sound is further affected by 3 sequencer rows which can affect note pitch or act as configurable LFOs. The GUI is designed to be anything but conventional but the inclusion of switchable labels makes everything a little bit more manageable for those that like to know what they are tweaking.

http://www.krakli.com

Cyclone – Vintage Sampler Emulator

Cyclone – Vintage Sampler Emulator is a free software synthesizer developed by Sonic Charge. Available format(s): VST, Audio Unit for Windows 64b, macOS.

Cyclone is a clone of a machine that runs Typhoon: a complete TX16W software emulator in VST and Audio Unit formats.

Cyclone is a true low-level hardware emulator. It simulates all the important circuits of the Yamaha TX16W, including the main 68000 CPU, the proprietary Yamaha DSP circuits, the 12-bit sample memory and the 400kHz non-linear DACs. Cyclone not only looks like a real TX16W, it sounds like a real TX16W and it runs the exact same software as a real TX16W.

That last sentence is worth elaborating on. Sonic Charge have not merely created a new virtual instrument with a vintage sound, neither is Cyclone an updated version of Typhoon. Cyclone features a full 68000 emulator that runs the exact same version of Typhoon that was released 14 years ago. This implies that using Cyclone will require a bit more effort than your average modern virtual instrument. But this can also be a very rewarding experience. Regard Cyclone as a time travel portal to an era from the past. The era of the monster dinosaur samplers.

http://soniccharge.com/

Cycle-Lite

Cycle-Lite is a free software synthesizer for HALion, developed by Sample Fuel. Available format(s): for .

Cycle-Lite is a sample based synth engine that houses 4 different sample layers with 24 different sample sources each. The engine cycles through each layer in order in tempo with the host/DAW. When the cycling is disabled, this instrument is capable to create thick and powerful 4 layer pads. The factory library includes over 35 professionally curate program presets.

This is a lite version of Sample Fuel’s full version instrument, Cycle-CRE8.

This is not a demo or timed-out version. Cycle-CRE8 is hosted in Steinberg’s HALion Sonic SE (free multi-timbral host).

https://www.samplefuel.com

Curve 2 CM

Curve 2 CM is a free software synthesizer developed by Cableguys. Available format(s): VST, Audio Unit for Windows 64b, macOS.

Curve 2 CM is a reduced version of Curve 2, featuring the same filter settings, 16-voice unisono mode, legato modes and unique waveform editor for broad oscillator timbres and sound manipulation.

It ships with Curve 2’s online preset sharing system, has 2 OSCs, 1 LFO, 2 envelopes and 3 macro controls. Powered by Curve’s sound engine, it has the same excellent sound quality. Make sure to check its preset library—tuned for its feature set and with a variety of sounds, created by skilled preset designers.

Purchasers of Computer Music Magazine 188 (or any later issue) will get Curve 2 CM with the magazine.

For 3 OSCs with noise generation and waveform crossfade, for 4 LFOs, 3 EGs, 4 macro controls, additional richness for the sounds, more depth for pads and more rhythmic options, as well as for tons of additional presets (3000+ presets at the time of writing), check the Curve 2 demo—it is fully functional and has no time limit.

{See video at top of page}

http://www.cableguys.com

Cumulus

Cumulus is a free software synthesizer developed by Loomer. Available format(s): VST, Audio Unit, RTAS for Windows, macOS.

Cumulus is a granular sampler which radically transforms sample content by breaking it into tiny slithers of audio called grains and reorganizing them to form new sounds. Cumulus is capable of a wide ranges of timbres: from evolving atmospheric soundscapes; to organic physical textures.

Up to eight Scenes can be created; a Scene corresponding to a particular sample position and set of synthesis parameters. Scenes can be played in realtime via MIDI, or arranged internally using the built-in sequencer.

Cumulus is available free on the cover-mounted DVD of Computer Music magazine.

http://www.loomer.co.uk/

Crio

Crio is a free software synthesizer developed by Solcito Música. Available format(s): VST for Windows.

Crio is a virtual analog/FM/Ring modulation synthesizer to make arpeggios, bass, solos, leads, FX-style sounds. Its goal is to achieve maximum functionality with minimal controls, to be used at studio or live, with facilities to drastically modify the sounds while playing.

The LFO has special functions for rhythmic uses, such as quantization of waveforms synchronized with tempo. For example, If the user applies tone modulation from the LFO with quantization, the resulting tones are forced to a scale, like an autotuner. An interesting result occurs when quantized noise wave is selected there.

The modulation wheel can be linked to the overall function of the LFO. Therefore, the user must use that wheel to check the importance of the sound modifications that can be done. For example, in certain presets, the player can use the modulation wheel to add automatic tone variations.

Features:

– 1 monophonic oscillator with:
noise generator
3 voices, including sub oscillator.
Frequency modulation (FM)
Ring modulation (RM)

.

– 1 LFO with functions of wave quantization and tempo synchronization.

– 2 filters: typical state variable filter and comb filter.

– 1 envelope generator.

– 1 amplifier with booster and saturation.

– slide tone control that applies to keyboard and tone modulation from LFO.

– MIDI learn in most of the controls.

https://solcitomusica.blogspot.com.ar/

Creakbox

Creakbox is a free software synthesizer developed by Bioroid. Available format(s): VST for Windows, macOS.

Creakbox Bassline is a 303 like mono synth with a built in sequencer.

Features:

1 oscillator (Square/Saw).

Resonant filter.

Envelope mode & Decay.

Accent.

Slide(Glide).

Step sequencer with a 5 octave range (Can be set to a BPM (40 – 300) or to Sync with your sequencer).

http://www.bioroid.com/vst/

Cosmo Girl II

Cosmo Girl II is a free software synthesizer developed by Elogoxa. Available format(s): VST for Windows.

New version of the old Cosmodelia’s synth of the same name. With a fresh GUI, 64 presets, automation of all parameters and also denormalization filter.

3 Voices Polyphony.

1 Standard Oscillator plus 1 LFO, each one with 7 selectable waveforms, and both controlled by a single VCA.

Several filtering options, with control over pitch, modulation and resonance.

Crusher and Echo units built in.

Includes 64 Factory Presets.

Fully automatable via MIDI Standard Controls.

http://www.uv.es/~ruizcan/p_vst.htm

Cooly

Cooly is a free software synthesizer developed by PQN Audio. Available format(s): VST for Windows.

Cooly combines a classic analog style oscillator with a SoundFont oscillator to produce cool pads and more.

Features:

Osc1 has 7 waveforms (sin, saw, ramp, triangle, pulse, white noise et pink noise) and is connected to a 4-pole resonant low-pass filter. The cutoff frequency can be modulated by an LFO.

The filter has a dedicated envelope (ADSR).

Osc2 has 6 waveforms (attack, brass, organ, string, analog, perc).

The 2 oscillators share the same amplitude envelope (ADSR) but you can adjust the volume of each oscillator separately.

http://pquenin.free.fr/pqnaudio/