The String Theory VST plugin by Ugo is a physical modeling hybrid synth with delay based oscillators perfect for making plucked strings, atmospheric pads, and ambiences. It comes with 173 presets and features an amplitude envelope with tremolo, two filter envelopes with LFO's, a pitch LFO, and a metalize fx section. 64-bit 2018 2019 analog au bass best DAW delay Download easy Editor edm eq fm free free. download full fx help high sierra hip hop izotope MAC mastering microsoft mixing mojave native instruments osx os x plugin Plugins release reverb sine sound design studio synth synthesizer techno trance vst. The sounds cover everything from electric pianos, synth pads to synth brass, all with that unique DX7 flavor. As impressive as the UI is, it can still be daunting if you are new to FM synthesis. However, with a little time, it becomes very easy to navigate. All 144 of its synth engine parameters are available for DAW automation. Download Free Pads AU VST Plugins & VSTi Instruments Here is our colection of FREE software, VST plugins, VSTi instruments, audio utilities and DAWs. Should you know of anything that we have not listed here let us know.
Synths are one of the most entertaining things to use on your tracks. They sound fantastic, and by using them, you can create ambient chimes, warm chord sounds, weird & psychedelic sounds, & much much stuff like that.
But the issue with analog synths is that they are expensive & too big. And that’s where synth plugins come in. All you’ve to do is load them in your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), and you’re ready to rock.
In the past, it was impossible to imagine that so many quality tools used for mixing could be available at no cost. But now there are many free plugins available on the internet than ever before.
So, how can you know which free VSTs are worth installing? And which VST’s will suit you the most? We’ve got you covered! Here’s the list of the best 10 Free VST Synth Plugins available that sound fantastic!
So Let’s get started.
Synth1
Synth | Synth Analogue/Subtractive
Synth1 is one of the most used and most popular long time free choices for aspiring producers to create music with a plugin synthesizer. It’s a very decent synthesis powerhouse with lots of potential on one side, & also a bit of unexpected trouble missed opportunities.
The look of Synth1 is quite rough visually, but it’s a well-organized & functional plugin. Synth1 is resizeable up to 250%, and it’s perfect for modern high-resolution displays. You can also set the color of the text & the panel separately.
Synth1 updates are infrequent ( the last update was back in 2014 for Windows operating system, & it’s still called ‘beta’ today), but the Japanese author keeps adding GUI optimizations & charming new features.
Synth1 has got an astonishing abundance of presets. By searching on the internet, you can easily download tens of thousands of presets in organized preset packs. It’s worth skipping essential factory banks/presets & spent more of your time finding those little inspiring gems.
Features:
- FM modulation, 2 Oscillators, Ring Modulation, Sync, Modulation Envelope.
- 2 LFOs (synchronized with host).
- Four types of filters, distortion.
- Arpeggiator (synchronized with host).
- Tempo delay (synchronized with host), stereo chorus/flanger.
- 16 notes polyphony.
- Legato mode, portamento.
- 128 presets
- Thoroughly optimized for light CPU load using SSE instructions, etc.
Arppe2600va
Synth | Synth Analogue/Subtractive
The number 2 in our list of the best 10 VST synth is Arppe2600va. It’s based on ARP’s legendary semi-modular analog monosynth! This multi-functional softsynth sounds very close to the original ARP 2600. Like the original one, its mono synth (no polyphony).
But also like it’s the original version, it has got a multitude of Frequency Modulation options and by which you can create some awe-inspiring sound effects.
Features:
- It has PWM, Sample & Hold, Ring Modulation, virtual Spring Reverb, & a dedicated Noise Generator.
- Filter Color (to adjust LowPass & HiPass filter types).
- Oscillator Sync (Original Arp 2600 didn’t have Oscillator Sync and Filter Color).
- You can get up to 12 patch routings with a very user-friendly (and visible!) drop-down menu interface.
- Arppe2600 started with the version 2.0, but now Arppe2600va is purchasable via a cleverly designed Mod Matrix!
- Instead of messy virtual of cables cluttering up the screen, All controls in the Arppe2600va are mapped to MIDI CC#’s, & you can override the default settings by using the MIDI Learn feature.
- You can use it as a pure stand-alone synth (.exe file included), or you can also copy the DLL into your favorite DAW or sequencer’s plugin folder.
Requirements:
- VSTi Format
- Windows System
SQL8
Synth
The SQ8L (L stands for Light) is a free demo version of the forthcoming SQ8X (X Ffor eXtended) version. It’s a software model of Ensoniq’s classic 1980s synth SQ80. SQ80 contains three digital wavetable oscillators for each of its eight voices fed through analog 4-pole lowpass filters (-24dB gain) with resonance. Sound parameters in SQ80 can be modulated by four envelopes, 3 LFQs & several MIDI sources.
SQ80 has also got a predecessor, and it’s the ESQ1, which can do almost the same things as SQ80. Although the technology may seem obsolete, these synths can gene ate a wide variety of extraordinarily usable & exciting sounds.
Because of the lo-fi oscillators & the analog components, it can sound very digital & dirty, but also, this synth is very analog & warm. And that’s very good because modern synths often lack to sound rather clean.
Limitations:
- Polyphony limited to only eight voices.
- Universal MIDI controllers (Pan, Master Volume,…), by default, do not affect & must be programmed as modulators.
- LFO humanization not implemented.
- No internal sequencer (and there will never be one).
- No Split/Layer to combine several sounds.
The full version SQ8X will get the following additional features.
Features:
- Combinations of up to 4 single sounds.
- Adjustable polyphony (far more than eight voices).
- New Filter algorithms with different modes such as bandpass, lowpass, highpass.
- Improved GUI
- Different routing modes for the filters: parallel, serial, split. & the second FILTER.
Noisemaker
Synth | Synth Analogue/Subtractive
The Noisemaker’s name speaks for itself; when it comes to making some noise, this VST can do lots of things for you. Its interface is accessible, clean & to the point & thick. And you will be able to get some beefy sounds from the get-go.
Noisemaker comes in both AU plugin & VST formats. It’s an improved version of TAL-Elek7ro & has an entirely new synth engine with lots of improvements in sound and usability. This synth also has a small effect section with a reverb chorus & a simple bit crusher effect.
You can see slider & Knob values on the display screen of Noisemaker. In this way, you will be able to control this synth more effectively. It also has a ring modulator & a syncable triangle. Some of its features are given below.
Features:
- 3 Oscillators
- Osc 1, +-24 semitones, fine-tune, phase control (saw pulse, noise).
- Osc 2, +-24 semitones, fine-tune, phase control (saw pulse, rectangle, line, triangle).
- Sub Osc (rectangle).
- Osc 1 PM for pulse waveform.
- Osc 2 FM controlled by Osc 1.
- Osc 1 & Osc 2 sync to sub-OSC (pulse, saw, rectangle, triangle (bipolar sync))
- Up to 6 voices/
- Adjustable master tune & transpose.
- Portamento in mono & poly mode (off, auto, on).
- Ring mode modulates Osc 1 with Osc 2.
- Filter ADSR (negative & positive).
- Self resonating 4 X oversampled filters (24 dB LP, 18 dB LP, 12 dB LP, 6 dB LP, 12 dB LP, 12 dB LP, Notch).
- Volume ADSR.
- Routable ADSR, Modulates Filter, Osc 1, Osc 2, PW, FM (negative & positive).
- Adjustable Velocity dependent control over volume filter contour & cutoff.
- One pole HP filter.
- Detune & detune notes randomly.
- A built-in reverb.
- Adjustable Pitch Wheel control over Cutoff & Pitch.
- A built-in delay.
- Adjustable filter drive.
- Panic Button.
- MIDI Learn for all knobs.
- 256 Great Presets.
MiniMogueVA
Synth | Synth Analogue/Subtractive
Based on the most popular and one of the most used mono synth of all time! This fantastic and free softsynth sounds very close to the original Minimoog. Yet, it has tons of new features not present on the original Mini (as well as the Minimoog Voyager!).
Features:
- It has got a 5-note polyphony.
- Dedicated Release knobs for the two Contour Generators (envelopes).
- Tuning of Osc 1.
- Arpeggiator & 16-note Step Sequencer.
- Excellent Tuning sliders for Osc2 & Osc3.
- This fantastic VST has got aftertouch control.
- Has an adjustable filter Velocity curve.
- 3 Independent Overdrive sliders (one per oscillator).
- Global Overdrive with hi & lowpass cutoff.
- This VST has Oscillator Sync, Chorus, an independent LFO that includes oscillator drift & stereo panning, & has a fully programmable Digital Delay!
- There is no dedicated Noise Generator as on the original Mini, However white & pink noise are selectable on Osc 3.
- Like the original Mini, you can also turn Osc 3 into an LFO with dedicated modulation for the Osc Pitch & the Filter.
- In this VST, all controls are mapped in MIDI CC#’s, and you can also override the default settings by using the all-important MIDI Learn Feature.
- You can use it as a pure stand-alone synth (.exe file included), or you can also copy the DLL into your favorite DAW or sequencer’s plugin folder.
Requirements:
- Windows System
- VATi Format
Chimera
Synth | Synth Analogue/Subtractive
Chimera is a popular noise-driven synth and a free VST synth by Majken. The sounds that Chimera generates are based on white noise filtered into notes by resonant bandpass filters. And as a result, we hear some organic sounds ranging from warm pads to atmospheres with wind & water elements.
This VST is a perfect pick, especially for ambient & chill-out. It’s a very smooth and beautiful sounding synth. It’s an experimental synth that uses subtractive Synthesis in a new way. White noise is sent through a series of few narrow bandpass filters, which are controlled by pitch.
The filtered noise of Chimera is used as resonant sinewaves to create atmosphere organs, pads, and percussive sounds. In simple words, everything we hear from Chimera is white noise filtered into music (in realtime). Some of the features of Chimera VST are as follows.
Features:
- It has more than 50 included presets.
- Has a unique synthesis method.
- It’s built-in soft clipper distortion & has a 2-tap stereo delay.
- It has got a wide range of modulation options with three envelopes & three LFOs.
- This VST has freely assignable MIDI CC controls.
- Chimera has cross-modulation with free routing.
Crystal
Synth | Synth Analogue/Subtractive
Crystal VST is a semi-modular software synthesizer featuring both frequency modulation (FM) synthesis & subtractive Synthesis. Some people think that crystal VST is no longer enjoyable, but actually, it’s still trendy. It’s like an old fart trying to survive in the harsh world of modern and popular soft synths.
Crystal VST is still alive with fantastic sound quality & flexibility, and it can beat any of its free rival or any commercial soft synths. The versatility of this VST synth made it popular among music producers & sound designers. And also, preset libraries are readily available on the internet.
Features:
- This VST offers abundant modulation control over with over 90 parameters which may be multi-stage envelopes with graphical editors, modulated, great tempo sync of envelopes/Iforates/delay times, a band splitter for effects processing by frequency band, and built-in effects for flanging/chorus/comb/filtering/echoes.
- Crystal VST also offers wave sequencing, granular synthesis, program morphing, imports sound fonts, MIDI learn. The musical applications for this ultimate crystal VST are boundless.
Chip32
Synth | Synth Wavetable
Chip32 is a kind of wavetable softsynth, created by Sam. This virtual synth VST produces old school electronical sounds & features a graphical wavetable editor. This synth responds to realtime midi control, & provides 8-bit wavetables for “Chiptune” sort of music.
In Chip32, there are an ADSR envelope, a bit crusher, and a primary filter. Some of the common waveshapes in Chip32 are sine, saw, triangle and square. To use this synth and its effects, you need to have a plugin host like Renoise, Studio, or others.
There are various synth parameters in Chip32. The first four parameters are the standard amplitude ADSR settings. In Chip32, the ‘B’ slider controls the bit depth (roughness). The ‘F’ slider in it is the filter setting that controls how often the wave is filtered. On the left side of the GUI, there’s a place where waveshape can be drawn.
Features:
- Chip32 has an amazing Filter.
- It’s an 8-bit/32-byte wavetable synth.
- It has a Bitcrusher.
- It supports MIDI CCs.
ZynAddSubFX
Synth | Synth Hybrid
The ZynAddSubFX synthesizer project was the first time released nearly 15 years ago by Paul Nasca Octavia with lots of latest features. This synth has analog sound, robust modulation, and a complete set of built-in functions.
ZynAddSubFX is a beautifully designed, fully-featured open-source software synthesizer & its capable of making a countless number of instruments. It can generate all sorts of sounds you want to hear. It can produce some commonly heard sounds from expensive hardware to many other unusual sounds.
Features:
- Polyphonic with support for mono playing modes & legato
- Three synthesizer engines:
- Additive Synthesis for classic synth sounds composed of a variety of different voices with robust modulation. This exposes modulators ranging from LFOs & envelopes to oscillator modulators for PM, FM, & AM.
- PAD synthesis for creating beautiful pads & other instruments.
- Subtractive Synthesis for creating variable bandwidth harmonics from filtered white noise.
- A variety of filters, including farming filters, analog modeled filters, & state-variable filters.
- It has a powerful waveform generator with up to 128 sines/non-sine harmonics.
- Envelopes in this synth can have ASDR (or ASR, etc.) modes or free modes (with any shape)
- This VST synth has got effects for Reverb, Chorus/Flanger, Echo, Phasing, Wave-shaping, Equalizing, Dynamic Filtering with flexible signal routing.
- In it, instruments can be organized in kits, which allows you to make drum kits or layered instruments; this will enable you to use more than one tool for a single part. It’s also possible to choose what the part’s effects should process items from the kit.
- This synth has Random settings to create subtle differences in each sound to help create that familiar analog warmth.
- It has Microtonal capabilities with any scale, up to 128 notes per octave, & critical mapping.
- Has a built-in Virtual Keyboard which can be used even if you don’t have a physical midi keyboard.
- Has extensive MIDI/Audio driver support, including ALSA, JACK, and
- The graphical user interface in ZynAddSubFX can be completely disabled if the user needs to.
- Plugin Support via DSSI/LV2/VST.
- Session Management Support via LASH/NSM.
- Over 1100 high-quality instruments included.
Podolski
Synth | Synth Analogue/Subtractive
Podolski is a very simple and CPU-efficient virtual analog synthesizer. It’s a cut down version of FilterscapeVA with only one oscillator, one envelope, one filter, and two LFOs. It also has a Zebra-style arpeggiator/sequencer, chorus & delay effects.
Some of the Podolski specialties are Click parameter & it’s the ability to morph between three waveforms seamlessly.
Podolski is one of the hidden gems of the freeware world. This synth was first-time released as a gift for the visitors of Musikmesse 2005, And since then, it’s distributed as one of the freebies on the cover of a CD of keyboard magazine until 2009.
This VST synth is extremely CPU friendly on modern-day computers. It was completely offline for a few years; it was re-released as a free download for everyone in 2012. The 2012 version of this VST came with a fully refurbished GUI & a collection of factory presets crafted beautifully by none other than Howard Scarr (a sound designer). Some of its features are given below.
Features:
Free Pad Synth Vst
- Polyphonic (up to 16 voices), arpeggiator, mono sq2 and legato modes.
- Four envelope modes: ASDR or HDSR, linear or exponential.
- Oscillator with variable symmetry (sawtooth to the triangle, PWM) and glide.
- It has a multimode filter: bandpass, lowpass or highpass with FM and drive.
- Combination arpeggiator/ 16-step sequencer with other modulation sources.
- It has over 520 factory presets.
- Skinnable UI.
Conclusion
So those are the ten best free VST synths that you really should get. While these synths may not be the best things in life but my experience, I learned something from every piece of software.
Exploration & experimentation yield many rewards for the adventurous, & freeware can be a great start to your journey. If you are a big fan of video game music, sound design, or even electronic music, then you should try these synths.
As all these VST synths are entirely free, I recommend you try as many as possible, because each one might be a bit better at doing something in particular. You don’t need tons of expensive gear to make great game music.
The free synth has proved that there’s plenty of things you can do by using these tools by making music that sounds good at a low budget.
Whether you are looking for in-depth sound design tools, classic vintage tones, or you are just looking to choose an excellent synth to get started, then you can choose a free VST from the list above. Even if you have paid synths that get your work done, then it’ll still be wise to pick up at least a few of these free ones to experiment with.
I hope this list was useful for you & if you feel that we’ve missed a good one, please let us know in the comment section below.
Best free synth VST plugins
If you’re looking to make your audio tracksmore appealing and interesting, then you really need to use the free synth VSTplugins. Synths are offering you a cool way to make your music even better andmore interesting. While analogue synths are expensive, synth plugins are ratheraffordable, and you can find many free of charge.
Zebralette
Zebralette sounds amazing and the best partabout it is that this is just an oscillator set from Zebra2. That being said,it does have a great array of features like oscillator waveform editing withspectroblend, geomorph, geoblend and spectromorph modes. It also includes 24spectral effects, a stereo VCA with volume and pan modulation! All in all, it’san amazing free synth VST plugin and one that works great specifically forelectronic and EDM music in particular. However, you can use it in most genreswith a bit of creativity!
Thump
With Thump you are able to synthesize lowfrequency audio. Either that, or you can add a new set of sounds if you want.This is a great VST plugin if you want to bring in an old school synth drumsound. Plus, you have two independent oscillators, not to mention there arethings like 12+ presets detailed metering and complete control if you want tomix the synthesized sound with the overall source as well.
T-Force Alpha Plus
T-Force Alpha Plus brings in someinteresting features like new synthesis, new Mod Envelopes, revised oscillatorsand so on. It also has 3 free running multiwave oscillators, 1 noise oscillatorand subtractive/FM support. It’s a product that delivers a tremendous value formoney, so we recommend you to give it a try, especially if you need a dedicatedsidechain FX system. We guarantee that you will not be disappointed with it!
Charlatan
Charlatan’s main benefit is that it focuseson ease of use and sound quality. It’s a subtractive and polyphonic analogsynth plugin. It makes it easy for you to learn how to adapt sounds so youdon’t have to rely on presets all the time. It’s great for experimentalnoises, but it also offers a way tocreate classic synth vibes which are a pleasure to use. There’s a stereo noisegenerator here, 2 oscillators that support shape modulation, as well as 2 ADSRenvelope generators and an LFO that has host tempo sync.
Scorpius
Scorpius is a great free synth VST pluginthat offers you some amazing psychedelic sounds. The interface is not the mostintuitive, however it has a vast range of different features for you toexplore. It has a ring modulator, flanger, stereo delay, routing options, 2filters, 3 oscillators and many others. It’s definitely one of the coolest VSTplugins for a different, rewarding sound.
PG-8X
Even if PG-8X is inspired by an old school program,it does have a great analogue synth experience. The bass sounds are veryimpressive, you also have cool pads and string ensembles. Some of the featuresprovided by PG-8X include a 3-stage HP filter, stereo chorus, hard sync, 24 dBresonant LP filter and 12-voice polyphony among others.
Tal-NoiseMaker
Tal-NoiseMaker is quite simple, intuitiveand easy to use. It also has features like a bit chrusher, chorus and reverb.With 256 presets you will get a really good experience, and the reality is thatall these presets are working super nicely. We encourage you to test itespecially if you want to use the great 3 oscillators. It’s a fullycustomizable synth VST plugin with lots of versatility and value.
Podolski
While Podolski is not the most complex VSTplugin, it’s very convenient and CPU efficient. It has an oscillator withvaried symmetry, multiple modes like legato, mono or polyphonic, as well as 4envelope modes, a multimode filter and more than 520 factory presets. That goesto show the great value you can get from it, not to mention there are somedelay effects you can use as needed.
Helm
Matt Tyrell’s Helm is a polyphonic synththat can also be used as a standalone. It has a 64 and 32 bit version too.Unlike other synth VST plugin options in this list, this one actually has agreat interface and you won’t have a problem identifying and adapting stuff asyou go along. Even if it might seem a bit intimidating in the beginning, itlooks really well and that’s what really makes it worth the effort.
MiniSpillage
MiniSpillage is one of the most interestingdrum synths you can find out there. It brings you a set of synthesis algorithmscreated for electronic percussion and it also has a high resolution 64-bit DSPprocessing engine. The interface is great, it also has ADSR envelopes andcustom algorithms that really make it stand out of the crowd and very powerful.
Lokomotiv
Lokomotiv’s main focus is to create a verygood analog retro synth sound. This sounds really well and it has a simpleinterface too. What we like about Lokomotivis the fact that it has a lot offeatures. It comes with an oscillator, filter, modulator and specificationtools. Since it’s not overwhelming, it will offer you a great experience whilestill making it easy to create impressive sounds very fast and easy.
Digits
If you need a good phase distortion synthplugin, then Digits might be able to help. Its interface is quite unique and itdelivers 100 presets. These have things like brass sounds, realisticinstruments, pads, leads, basses and many others. You even get access to aharmonic bit crush, flanger, realistic instruments and other great tools. It’scertainly worth it so you should give it a try for yourself. It works supernicely and the best part is that the interface is very good especially forbeginners. Changing the audio parameters might make things crack a little. Yetif you get past that, it’s actually a nice plugin.
Crystal Synth
Crystal Synth comes as a semi-modularsoftware synth. It has both frequency modulation as well as subtractivesynthesis. You have more than 90+ parameters to work with, tempo sync,dedicated effects, a band splitter and wave sequencing. They also integrated granularsynthesis, and multi-stage envelopes with graphic editing. The problem for a lotof people is the interface is not the best, it can become rather overwhelming.But if you get past that, you will find it pretty interesting to use. It justtakes time to get used to the features and the overall interface alignment.
Tal-Bassline
The name clearly shows that this is asynthesizer created for bass and it does a very good job at it. With its helpyou can get effects and acid tones that you can’t get anywhere else. You canuse this for EDM, trap and even dance music where you use bass a lot. It’sactually going to help you a lot with its numerous presets, the MIDIautomation, great panic button, sub-oscillator and bandlimited oscillators.Overall, it’s a great tool to use and you will find it incredibly impressiveand a pleasure to use.
Muon Tau Bassline
This monophonic bassline synth is very similar to the Roland 303 synth, a very popular unit. What they did very well here is the interface. Instead of going the overly complicated route, they did the opposite and that means offering a better experience to customers and the results are incredible because of that. It’s a good tool especially for beginners. But despite the focus on beginners, everyone can use it without issues. There are things like an 18 db lowpass resonant filter, complete MIDI control or the great 64-bit waveform oscillator that really make the difference. You will find it incredibly different when compared to other free synth VST plugins and that’s for the best.
Helix
Helix is very flexible, easy to adapt toyour needs. They have a lot of built-in sounds and presets. You can pay for alicense, but the free trial is fully functional. It has more than 1000 presetsyou can use, 10 different distortion types, 17 filters as well as deepmodulation. It’s very powerful, dependable and you will certainly find it apleasure to use and adapt to your needs. It’s well worth your time, especiallyif you are into creating great music.
Combo Model F
You must use Combo Model F if you want anorgan synth. As you can imagine, it’s very simple but you can adapt it to yourneeds without a problem. One thing to note is that it has a great harmonicrange, a volume pedal, bass voice, a knee lever control and full automation.It’s certainly worth your time and if you check it out this will be a very goodtool to use.
Conclusion
You don’t have to pay a lot of money for synth VST plugins. There are many free options that will work just as well. If you take your time and study the market, you will find that there are free alternatives to just about any synth plugin, so don’t hesitate and give these a try. You will be very impressed with the value and versatility provided by these great VST plugins!
My name is Shane Beat, I’m a record producer, DJ, and songwriter. I’m from Canada, I worked with many biggest rappers from United states and Canada like Smoke purpp, Ski Mask the Slump God, k-os, I’m here to help you to develop your skills with new and best plugins in the world.