VCV Rack is an open source modular synth. It’s got tons of modules. Including some popular recent creations. By default, VCV Rack is a standalone program. The MT Power Drum Kit is the ideal drum VST for the musician who knows exactly what they are wanting to achieve and prefer something that feels more realistic and intuitive. Massive sound libraries are always something I tend to look for in the best drum machine VST plugins, but sadly, I am usually let it down with lackluster drum packs. Matt Tytel’s Helm is an open-source VST synth. That means you’re free to install it anywhere on anything and tinker with the source code.
This is a list of software plugins that have full or partial support for microtonal tuning. Most are synth instruments, though some are MIDI tuners to be used with other instruments or effects to applied to audio tracks.
Helm is an unbelievably versatile, open-source VST instrument plugin. It has a huge abundance of features, including an easy-to-use step sequencer, a stutter section and even a formant function. It is perfect for beginners to understand the process of sound design, as the interface is brimming with visual envelopes, graphs and sequencers.
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About software plugins
A plugin is a software synthesizer which can be accessed within a DAW. Usually the plugin is loaded on a MIDI track.
Instrument plugins interface with your DAW through one of a handful of standards. Steinberg's VST is a standard supported by many DAWs. AudioUnit (AU) is widely supported on macOS. RTAS is used by ProTools. LV2 is an open-source plugin format commonly supported on Linux. Put simply, you should check your DAW's user manual to see what kind of plugins you can run.
In some synths portamento/glide doesn't work properly when microtuned. Examples are Xfer Serum and LinPlug synths. There may be others, so it is recommended to test this function before making a purchase, if it is important for you.
The list
Further information about the list of microtonal software plugins is below the list.
Name | Description | OS | Plugin type | Tuning ability | Tuning method | Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
accSone crusher-X | Granular synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl or tun file import | €289 |
amsynth | Subtractive / virtual analog | Linux, macOS | VST, AU, LV2, DSSI | Full-keyboard microtuning (Linux version only) | scl/kbm file import | Free |
Applied Acoustics Chromaphone 2 | Physical modelled percussion | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX, RTAS | Partial Scala support (keyboard mappings are missing) | scl file import | $199 |
Applied Acoustics Lounge Lizard EP-4 | Physical modelled electric piano | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX, RTAS | Partial Scala support (keyboard mappings are missing) | scl file import | $199 |
Applied Acoustics String Studio VS-2 | Physical modelled strings | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX, RTAS | Partial Scala support (keyboard mappings are missing) | scl file import | $199 |
Applied Acoustics Ultra Analog VA-3 | Virtual analog | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX, RTAS | Partial Scala support (keyboard mappings are missing) | scl file import | $199 |
Arturia Pigments | Wavetable, granular, virtual analog, sampling | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX | Partial microtuning support (keyboard mappings are missing) | scl or tun file import | €199 |
Audio Damage Quanta | Granular synthesizer | Windows, macOS, iOS | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | $99 |
Big Tick Angelina | Vocal formant synthesizer | Windows | VST (32-bit) | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | Free |
Big Tick Rhino | Hybrid FM | Windows, macOS | VST, AU | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | $49.00 |
Cakewalk Dimension Pro | Combines real instruments with advanced synthesis | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl file import | Discontinued |
Cakewalk Rapture Pro | Multisample synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl file import | Discontinued |
Cakewalk Z3TA+2 | Waveshaping synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl file import | Discontinued |
Camel Audio Alchemy 1.x | Additive synthesizer/spectral sampler | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | Discontinued |
Camel Audio Alchemy 2 and above | Additive synthesizer/spectral sampler | Logic Pro X bundled plugin | N/A | Limited to 12 note scales, each note ±100 cents from 12-edo | Via Logic Pro settings | Now part of Apple Logic Pro X |
Celemony Melodyne | Polyphonic pitch editing and autotune | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX, RTAS, standalone | scl file import | €99-€699 | |
Dexed | FM synthesizer | Windows, macOS, Linux | VST, AU, LV2 | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl/kbm file import | Free |
EP-MK1 | VST, virtual Rhodes electric piano. | Windows, macOS, Linux | VST, AU | Limited to equal divisions of the octave or a non-octave interval | In tuning section, set number for '# of Divisions' and 'Interval to Divide.' Can actually work on non-integer decimal EDOs (!) | Free |
FB-3300 / FB-3200 / FB-3100 | Virtual analog synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU | Limited to 12 note scales, each note ±100 cents from 12-edo | User input, some presets | Free |
Fxpansion Cypher2 | Various synthesizer, MPE-optimised | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX, standalone | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | €179 (demo 30 min) |
Fxpansion Strobe2 | Various synthesizer, MPE-optimised | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX, standalone | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | €165 (demo 30 min) |
Galactix | VST, Additive synthesizer | Windows | VST | Full-keyboard microtuning | The built-in choice for the temperaments: Equal, Pythagorean, Just and Mean-tone 1/4 comma. Main note flexible tune (from A=440), Supports each oscillator tuning by 0.01% | Free / €19+ VAT |
Garritan Personal Orchestra 5 | Sample-based orchestra library | Windows/macOS, VST/other? | Full-keyboard microtuning (buggy with nonoctave scales) | scl/kbm file import | $149.95 | |
Humanoid Sound Systems Enzyme | Scanned synthesis | Windows, macOS | VST, AU | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | Discontinued |
Image-Line Harmor | Additive synthesizer | Windows | VST | Partial Scala support (keyboard mappings are missing) Each note is ± 6000 cents from 12edo | scl file import (doesn't adjust reference frequency properly) or user input, or from fnv preset files | €139 |
Image-Line Sytrus | Subtractive FM/RM synthesizer | Windows | VST | Each note is ± 4800 cents from 12edo | User input, or from fnv preset files | €169 |
Key Tuner JSFX Script | MIDI note retuning | Runs in ReaJS in Reaper | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl file import | Free | |
KORG Legacy Collection M1 | Retro Wavetable / Sampler | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, RTAS | Limited to 12 note scales, each note ±99 cents from 12-edo | User input, some presets | 99.99 USD (199.99 USD for 6 instrument Legacy Collection bundle) |
KORG Legacy Collection Mono/Poly | Virtual Analog Synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, RTAS | Limited to 12 note scales, each note ±99 cents from 12-edo | User input, some presets | 99.99 USD (199.99 USD for 6 instrument Legacy Collection bundle) |
kv331audio Synthmaster and Synthmaster One | Flexible semi-modular synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX | Partial Scala support (keyboard mappings are missing) | scl file import | $99 $79 |
LinPlug Alpha | Subtractive synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | Discontinued |
LinPlug CRX4 | Sample manipulation synth | Windows, macOS | VST, AU | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | Discontinued |
LinPlug MorphoX | Subtractive synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, RTAS (RTAS is macOS only) | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | Discontinued |
LinPlug Octopus | Modulation synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | Discontinued |
LinPlug Organ 3 | Organ emulation | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, RTAS (RTAS is macOS only) | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | Discontinued |
LinPlug SaxLab | Saxophone emulation | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, RTAS (RTAS is macOS only) | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | Discontinued |
LinPlug Spectral | Additive/subtractive synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | Discontinued |
Madrona Labs Aalto | Semi-modular synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl file import | $99 |
Madrona Labs Kaivo | Semi modular synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl file import | $129 |
Madrona Labs Virta | Sound-controlled synthesizer and effects | Windows, macOS | VST, AU | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl file import | $89 |
Mark Henning AnaMark | Virtual analog/modulation synthesizer | Windows | VST | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | Free |
MeldaProduction MPowerSynth | Versatile synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | €199 |
MSoundFactory | Semi Modular | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | €299 |
Microtonal Polyphonic Shiny Dirt | Based on circuit-bent analog synths | Windows | VST (32-bit) | Full-keyboard microtuning | .mts file import, 5000+ tuning files included, easy to add more | Free |
Microtonal Poly Worms | Virtual analog | Windows | VST (32-bit) | Full-keyboard microtuning | .mts file import, 5000+ tuning files included, easy to add more | Free |
Modartt Pianoteq | Physical-modeled piano | Windows, macOS, Linux | VST, AU, RTAS, standalone | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl/kbm file import | €249-€399 |
Native Instruments Absynth | Virtual modular subtractive synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX, RTAS, standalone | Full-keyboard microtuning | gly file import | $149 |
Native Instruments FM8 | FM synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX, RTAS | Limited to 12 note scales, each note ±50 cents from 12-edo | User input | $149 |
Native Instruments Kontakt 6 | Sampler | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX, RTAS, standalone | Full-keyboard microtuning | Kontakt script | $399 |
Native Instruments Reaktor 6 | Modular synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX, RTAS, standalone | Full-keyboard microtuning | macros, .txt file import | €199 |
Plogue chipsounds | Emulation of classic arcade/console sound chips | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX, RTAS | Full-keyboard microtuning (buggy with nonoctave scales) | scl/kbm file import | $95 |
Plogue chipsynth | Emulation of classic sound chips | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX, RTAS, standalone | Full-keyboard microtuning (to be confirmed: if this plugin uses the ARIA engine it is likely buggy with nonoctave scales) | scl/kbm file import | $49.95 |
Plogue Sforzando | Sampler, .sfz soundfont format | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX, RTAS | Limited to 12 note scales | scl/kbm file import | Free |
PolyGAS | Granular synthesis | Windows | VST | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl/tun file import | Free |
Imoxplus Respiro | Physical Modeling wind synthesizer | MacOS, Windows | AU, VST | built-in one-octave editor, also loads full-keyboard tuning maps | .tun file import | 165 € + VAT |
Retune for Live | Polyphonic MIDI retuning (pitch-bend based) | Windows, macOS | Max for Live device | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl file import, csv file import | Free |
Reveal Sound Spire | Subtractive synthesizer with flexible oscillators | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl file import with adjustable reference pitch | $189 + VAT |
rncbc padthv1 | Polyphonic synthesizer | Linux | LV2, standalone | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl/kbm file import | Free |
rncbc samplv1 | Sampler, .wav format | Linux | LV2, standalone | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl/kbm file import | Free |
rncbc synthv1 | Subtractive polyphonic | Linux | LV2, standalone | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl/kbm file import | Free |
Simple Microtonal Sampler 64-bit Windows | Sampler, .wav format | Windows | VST | Full-keyboard microtuning | .mts files (5378 included) | Free |
Simple Microtonal Synth (64-bit Windows) Simple Microtonal Synth (32-bit Windows) Simple Microtonal Synth (macOS version) | Virtual analog | Windows, macOS | VST | Full-keyboard microtuning | .mts files (5378 included) | Free |
Spectrasonics Keyscape | Piano rompler | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX, RTAS | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | €349 |
Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2 | Rompler/synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX, RTAS | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | $499, €399 |
Steinberg Halion 6 | Sampler / Synth | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX, standalone | Full-keyboard microtuning | Midi module with manual entry, presets and SCL file import. Also Lua script. | $349 |
Surge | Subtractive hybrid synth | Windows, macOS, Linux | VST, AU, LV2 | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl/kbm file import | Free |
SynthFontVSTi | Soundfont player (sf2, sfz, sfark, gig, dls, etc.) | Windows | VST | Limited to 12 note scales | Manual entry or choose from a list | Free |
TAL BassLine-101 | Virtual analog synthesizer | Windows, macOS, Linux | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | €55,80 |
TAL Mod | Virtual modular analog synthesizer | Windows, macOS, Linux | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | €68,34 |
TAL Sampler | Sampler/Synthesizer | Windows, macOS, Linux | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | $60 |
TAL U-NO-LX | Virtual analog synthesizer | Windows, macOS, Linux | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | €55,80 |
Tuning Workbench Synth | Realtime tuning synthesizer & scl/kbm exporter | Windows, macOS, Linux | VST3, AU, Standalone | Full-keyboard microtuning | Manual input, scl/kbm file import | Free |
u-he ACE | Virtual modular analog synthesizer | Windows, macOS, Linux | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | €69 |
u-he Bazille | Virtual modular synthesizer | Windows, macOS, Linux | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | $129 |
u-he Diva | Virtual analog synthesizer | Windows, macOS, Linux | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | $179 |
u-he Hive 2 | Wavetable synthesizer | Windows, macOS, Linux | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | €149 |
u-he Repro | Virtual analog synthesizer | Windows, macOS, Linux | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | €149 |
u-he Zebra 2 | Semi Modular | Windows, macOS, Linux | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | $199 |
UVI Falcon 2 | Hybrid synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl, kbm and tun file import | €349 |
VAZ Modular | Virtual modular synthesizer | Windows | VST, standalone | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | discontinued |
VAZ Plus | Virtual analog synthesizer | Windows | VST, standalone | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | discontinued |
Virtual CZ | Virtual emulation of classic digital synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | €70 |
Vital | Wavetable synthesizer | Windows, macOS, Linux | VST, standalone | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl, kbm and tun file import | Free (registration) $25, $80 for additional features |
Xen-Arts Ivor2 | Subtractive Synthesis | Windows | VST (32-bit) | Full-keyboard microtuning | MIDI Tuning Standard (MTS) | Free (discontinued) |
Xen-Arts Xen-FMTS 2 | FM synthesis | Windows | VST (32-bit) | Full-keyboard microtuning | MIDI Tuning Standard (MTS) | Free (discontinued) |
Xfer Serum | Wavetable synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | $189 |
Zyn-Fusion | Various synthesizer | Windows, macOS, Linux | VST, LV2, standalone | Full-keyboard microtuning | Direct input of values, or import scl/kbm file | Free (if installed via AUR or KxStudio repo or compiling from source) $55 for pre-compiled binary |
Notes about this list
'Full-keyboard microtuning' means that the plugin is capable of any arbitrary pitch, note or frequency on any given MIDI note. This is possible via .tun format, MIDI Tuning Standard, and .scl/.kbm pairs (but not .scl support on its own).
All synths in the list are assumed to be 64-bit by default or offer an option of 32- or 64-bit. Synths that are 32-bit only are marked with '(32-bit)'
To be added: all Homegrown Sounds synths, xen-arts
See Also
Here you can find some VSTHost add-ons that have been created by ToyleY.
VSTHost Slavery Suite
It was just a little question in a forum... 'Is there a way to route the output of vsthost to Kristal Audio engine? And without latency?' that triggered the addition of a slave mode to VSTHost. And since I got a rather bad taste of humor, it got the above title.
When started with the parameter /slave, VSTHost goes into Slave Mode and waits for a Master to control it. The first (and currently only) master is a VST(i) plugin that can be embedded into any VST Host program (even another instance of VSTHost), called Legree. It comes as an effect and as a VSTi, since there are hosts that accept only effects, hosts that only accept VSTis, and of course hosts that accept both.
You can download Legree here (.zip file, 209K).
Current version: 1.07
Comes in 32- and 64-bit versions
You can download the current documentation for the VSTHost Slavery Suite here (.pdf file, 171K).
Open Source Variant
Best Open Source Vst Plugins
Originally, I made VSTHost available including the complete source code. Since I had to find out that (parts of) it made their way into other people's programs, and that without even mentioning my contribution, the open source variant has been frozen. I continue to add bug fixes to the existing code base, but new features won't make their way into it any more. Starting with V1.16k, this program is released under the terms of the GNU Lesser GPL.
Anyway - the important part of the program is an implementation of a VST host in form of 2 classes:
CVSTHost
This implements the audio callback needed by an effect plugin as a neatly encapsulated VST host class. This is practically platform-independent code. The few platform-specific things are encapsulated in...
CEffect
This encapsulates a VST effect, as loaded by the VST host. This class isn't fully complete - since I don't have a Mac, I've only included the Windows code. If a kind MacIntosh programmer could fill out the few Mac-specific sections and send it to me it would be great and, of course, publicized here!
Open Source Vst Plug-ins
You can download the sources for V1.16q here (.zip file, 285K).
Current version: VST 2.4 rev2 + ASIO 2.0 support, ASIO Channel selection, bug fix from V1.19-1.46