Top Vst Synths Free
If there is one free VST synth that you want to get yourself familiar with, it is the Synth1 by Ichiro Toda. This synthesizer is actually a favorite among many music producers, and is often the one that’s most recommended. Synth1 is an analog modeled subtractive synthesizer. It’s functions are modeled on the Clavia Nord Lead 2 Red Synth. Here’s a compilation of all the articles about free VST plugins that try to emulate the most famous synths, plus links to the freeware plugins that are the only one to recreate a kind of machine (they didn’t get an article). Below is a list of best free VST emulations.
- Free Bass Synth Vst
- Top Vst Synths Free Download
- Vst Instruments
- Best Vst Synths Free
- New Vst Synths
- Top Vst Synths Free Download
Synths are most used for electronic music production but one should not ignore them for Reggae and furthermore for Dub music. These are the best free synthesizer VST plugins for digital audio workstations on PC and Mac. For more instruments categories, you can check my other posts.
The synthesizers featured on this page aren’t listed in any particular order. Check out the best free synth plugins below and find more info about each synth further down the page.
Available in VST 2
Free Bass Synth Vst
FEATURING :
- Analog waveforms and wavetable synthesis
- Powerful hybrid subtractive synth
- Dual synthesis engine
- Three oscillators per voice
- Eight algorithms per oscillator
- Two multi-mode filters
- Eight filter types & twelve LFO
- Eight FX slots with ten different effects
Top Vst Synths Free Download
Available in VST 2
FEATURING :
- Digital modelisation of the Moog Voyager
- Three adjustable wave oscillators
- Variable waveforms
- Noise oscillator
- Two modulation busses and LFO
- Classic transistor ladder filter
- Different drive modes
Available in VST, AAX, AU
FEATURING :
- Three waveforms (sin, saw, square)
- Seven modes (tone up, tone down…)
- Reverberation
- Tape delay
- Feedback up to 110%
- Precise rate control for long sweep effects
Available in VST, AAX, AU format.
FEATURING :
- Virtual analogue with classic architecture plus extras
- 2 oscillators, noise, ring modulator
- 2 LFOs with 8 waveforms, host-syncable
- Audio source mixer with authentic overdrive and filter feedback
- Twin filter related to Diva (early model)
- Analogue-type ADSR envelopes, loopable or LFO-triggered
- Skinnable UI
- Over 580 factory presets
Available in VST, AU format.
FEATURING :
- Pure FM synthesizer
- accurate emulation of the Yamaha DX7
- Can load DX7 presets
- 144 DAW automatable DX7 parameters
- Each operator have a realtime VU meter
As promised, this follow-up to the 10 Best Free VST Plugins list (that is, just effects and processors) is all about synths.
Some of these synths are early projects from designers who have gone on to work for larger companies making some of the most high-profile VST instruments; others are passion projects from solo sonic adventurers who simply want to share their skills with the music-making community. And some are simply streamlined versions of commercial synths.
But what these VST synths have in common, other than price, is that they all have a fantastic sound and great tone-shaping features. You can load them up in your DAW right now and give any of them a spin in your next production. You won’t be disappointed!
1. u-he TyrellN6
Similar design to the classic Roland Juno 60, and awesomely named after the rogue replicants in Blade Runner…
Available for PC and Mac. More info and download link here.
2. Green Oak Crystal
Created by Glenn Olander, who went on to design Spectrasonics Omnisphere and Stylus RMX. No slouch then…
Available for PC and Mac. More info and downloads here. There’s also an iPad/iPhone version, available here.
3. Togu Audio Line TAL-NoiseMaker
A great synth from the guys who brought us the TAL-Effects bundle I mentioned previously. Well worth a look.
Available for PC and Mac. More info and download here.
4. Ichiro Toda Synth1
This synth is modelled on the modern classic Clavia Nord Lead 2 Red Synth… Nuff said really :)
Available for PC and Mac. More info (translated from the Japanese) and download here.
5. de la Mancha FMMF
This FM synth, with 4 operators, is especially good for pads and sound design-y noises and effects.
Available for Windows VST only. More info and download here.
6. Ohm Force Symtohm:Melohman Performer Edition
A slimmed-down version of the original Symptohm:Melohman, the only actual difference being that you’re limited to presets from the Symptohm sound library.
But there are 1200 sounds there, enough to keep anybody busy for a while…
Available for PC and Mac. More info and download here.
7. u-he Zebralette
Again, this synth is a slimmed-down version of a commercial soft synth – in this case, the u-he Zebra2. But the Zebralette is very popular in it’s own right, as it’s capable of making some pretty great sounds of it’s own.
Available for PC and Mac. More info and download here.
8. Tonebytes Bleep’
Vst Instruments
Recreating the legendary sound of the Commodore 64 SID sound chip, this synth is an absolute must for chiptune makers and anyone who’s into retro / 8-bit game style sounds and FX.
It’s available for Windows VST only I’m afraid. More info and download at tonebytes.com.
9. Kairatune
A bass and lead synth with an inspiring interface, designed specifically with EDM in mind.
Windows VST only. More info and download here.
10. E-MU Proteus VX
A free synth sound module from the legendary hardware sampler makers. It’s a slimmed-down version of their Emulator X3, and can load any sounds from the Emulator X library.
Best Vst Synths Free
Windows VST only. More info and download here.
New Vst Synths
Which other free synths are you using that I might have missed? Leave a comment below, cheers!
Top Vst Synths Free Download
If you like this, you’ll probably also be interested in: