Free Software Synthesizers

TrapezoidSynth

TrapezoidSynth is a free software synthesizer developed by Uhhyou. Available format(s): VST3 for Windows 64b, macOS, Linux.

Note: Currently Linux build doesn’t display GUI due to some problem related to VSTGUI. For Linux, LV2 version is available at https://github.com/ryukau/LV2Plugins.

Note: I don’t have mac so macOS build is not tested. If you find bug, please report it to https://github.com/ryukau/VSTPlugins.

TrapezoidSynth is a monophonic synthesizer equipped with two trapezoid oscillator which is piecewise function of PTR ramp function. In other words, it’s just a fancy version of tri-pulse oscillator:

Equipped with 2 trapezoid oscillator.

Pitch drift with white noise for oscillator 1.

Slope and pulse width controls for trapezoid shape.

Phase modulation to oscillator 1. Feedback knob is just another phase modulation.

Up to 8 order low-pass filter with saturation.

Can be modulate filter cutoff with Oscillator 1 output.

2 ADSR envelopes for output gain and filter. Filter envelope can be used to modulate oscillator pitch in octave.

2 AD envelopes for various modulation.

Retrigger control for all envelopes.

1 LFO for oscillator 1 and filter cutoff.

3 types of pitch slide. Always, only when sustain, reset to 0 Hz when first note on or last note off.

Pitch slide time offset between oscillator 1 and 2.

LV2 version is used in demo video. Only difference between VST3 version and LV2 version is small details in GUI.

{See video at top of page}

https://ryukau.github.io/VSTPlugins/

Trans Computer Maschine

Trans Computer Maschine is a free software synthesizer developed by Cescato Musiktechnologie. Available format(s): VST for Windows.

Trans Computer Maschine is a semi-modular Vintage Lead Synthesizer + Pattern Sequencer, firstly modelled after two legendary synths and a custom analogue sequencer from Germany:

3 Multi-Oscillators with Sawtooth, Triangle, Saw-Triangle and variable Pulse shapes. True analogue behaviour feat. accurate upper harmonics, phase isolation and drift.

Color adjustable Noise Generator.

3 mode Ring Modulator.

Advanced Sample/Hold section.

Selectable 2/3/4-pole resonant LP Filter with auto-oscillation and Bass Recover.

HP Filter with bus selection and linked mode for bandpass operation.

2 exponential Envelope Generators offering 3 operation modes.

Extended modulation routing including Multi-LFO and inverted sources.

Unique Sequencer features like ‘skip’ and ‘set’ can be played live from MIDI keyboard.

Inter-patch Sequencer pattern ‘Copy/Paste’ feature.

Fully MIDI controllable.

Fully VST automatable.

Kujashi Soundbank Demo 1
Kujashi Soundbank Demo 2

http://cescato.altervista.org/

TranceDrive

TranceDrive is a free software synthesizer developed by Maik Menz. Available format(s): VST for Windows.

TranceDrive is a subtractive synthesizer that was build for Trance music – it has built-in supersaw oscillators for fat synths and pads, harsh filters, a trancegate and a huge reverb effect.

Features:

3 main oscillators:

Each main oscillator supports 6 waveforms: sine, saw, triangle, pulse, saw7 and cry.

The waveform “saw7” is a supersaw with 7 detunable sub-oscillators.

The waveform “cry” is an experimental waveform, it is built up with several hard-synced saws.

Main oscillator 2 has an additional unisono mode, when it is enabled, the whole oscillator triples its voice and the voices can be detuned from each other.

The oscillators can be chained (osc1 to osc2 and osc2 to osc3) using FM, PM and sync, these 3 options can also be used at the same time.

Separate noise oscillator.

3 LFOs:

Each supports 5 waveforms: sine, saw, triangle, pulse, sample and hold

The LFOs can be synchronized to the host tempo or run free at a specific frequency.

Each LFO can control multiple parameters of each OSC, you can even assign several LFOs to the same parameter.

LFO1 can control the filter cutoff.

2 Envelope generators (Mod & Amp) with variable shapes. The modulation envelope can control multiple parameters of each OSC, and it can also be mixed with the LFOs. Additionally it can control the filter cutoff.

3 types of filters: lowpass, highpass and bandpass. Each filter type can be set to 6dB, 12dB, 18dB and 24dB steepness.

9 effects, and they can be used at the same time: gater, chorus, phaser, flanger, distortion, delay, reverb, equalizer, stereo-effects.

Each of the unused parts of the synth is shown with less contrast, so you can focus on the active parts.

The output of the synth can be clipped to avoid overdriving noise. The clipping is done with a soft limiter, that can be used to compress the whole synth sound (just enable clip and turn up the main volume).

http://www.yedey.com/

Trance Blizzard

Trance Blizzard is a free software synthesizer developed by RunBeerRun. Available format(s): VST for Windows.

Trance Blizzard is an audio triggered synth designed for computer guitarists to create classic trance music. It comes with 52 diverse presets, showcasing the sequencer and trancegate effects in it. Don’t forget the bassists, it works for them, too, and includes 2 pickup tracking modes, one for neck pickup and one for bridge.

https://runbeerrun.blogspot.com/

Tramp 4

Tramp 4 is a free software synthesizer developed by Deztex Limited Productions. Available format(s): VST for Windows.

Tramp4 is a 4 Operator FM synth with functionality somewhere between a Yamaha DX7 and a Yamaha TX81z.

Features

4 Operators with settings similar to the DX7.

Each Operator has:

Ratio / Fixed OSC Frequency settings.

A 4 level envelope generator and keyboard scaler.

AM and PM.

Velocity Sensitivity.

Operators may be disabled with an on/off switch.

An output level.

The oscillators may be arranged in 8 different algorithms similar to the ones found on the Yamaha TX81z.

A 4 stage pitch EG is useful for messing up the pitch signal before it enters the operators.

A delayed LFO.

http://deztex.home.comcast.net/

Tramp Model A

Tramp Model A is a free software synthesizer developed by Deztex Limited Productions. Available format(s): VST for Windows.

Tramp Model A is an FM Synth with 3 Operators that can be configured into 4 different algorithms.

Features:

Each Oscillator has Sine, Ramp, Saw, Triangle & Square Wave. Frequency is set by keyboard pitch with ratio adjustments up to +- 5 octaves. A control also can be used to tune up or down 1 octave in semi-tones (notes).

Each Operator has a separate 4 stage envelope generator; the rate settings can be multiplied for attack and decay rates that can run into minutes.

Each Operator has a separate control for setting the sensitivity for Velocity, Amplitude Modulation or Pitch Modulation.

An output level controls the output level for each OSC; each OSC can also be switched off.

Two LFOs: each is gated and has an Attack and Release Envelope; each produces Sine, Ramp, Saw, Triangle and Square Waves.

A 4-stage pitch envelope generator.

Operator 3 includes an adjustable feedback path.

A Biquad sweepable filter: Low Pass, Hi Pass, Band Pass or Notch; the Fc (critical / center frequency) and Q (bandwidth) is adjustable. The filter includes a built in gated LFO with Sine, Saw, Ramp, Triangle and Square Waves; the LFO is gated and can be delayed; LFO Speed and Depth controls are also included; the LFO modulates the FC of the filter.

Portamento and a Master Volume.

http://deztex.home.comcast.net/

Tiny Femme

Tiny Femme is a free software synthesizer developed by Tiny God. Available format(s): VST for Windows.

Features:

FM oscillator.

Carrier tone controlled directly or via MIDI in.

Input signal modulates the frequency of the oscillator.

The squelch knob controls the release time of an envelope follower on the input, which envelopes the carrier tone as well, so it isn’t an irritating constant tone while the input is silent.

NOTE: Tiny Femme is constructed as a synth with input channels, so some hosts may not know what to do with it.

http://www.tinygod.com/

ThreeOsc

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

ThreeOsc is a 3-oscillator subtractive synth.

Features:

8 voice poly / mono synth.

3 VCOs: 4 waveforms + noise.

1 VCA: ADSR envelope.

1 VCF: 2 filter types with ADSR envelope.

1 LFO

Velocity control over filter and amp.

Selectable pitch bend range.

http://klinikal.net/

theBOX

theBOX is a free software synthesizer for Reaktor, developed by Dario Lupo / Daze. Available format(s): for Windows, macOS.

theBOX is an intuitive 3-oscillator experimental synthesizer for Native Instruments Reaktor.

http://www.dazesounds.com/

TheBlue

TheBlue is a free software synthesizer developed by Jeff51. Available format(s): VST for Windows.

TheBlue is a simple synthesizer with:

2 VCO, 1 VCF (2 kinds of filter: SV and MG), 1 VCA.

2 BPM modulation (can act simultaneously on VCO1, 2, VCF, VCA, Pan).

Scale button to adjust the sensitivity of sliders.

1 supplementary envelope can be assigned to many parameters.

Chorus.

2 “manual” BPM delays.

http://perso.wanadoo.fr/MAOpassion/