Good Free Synths

Good Free Synths

Good Free Synths
Good Free Synthesizer
Article ContentIt's been a while since I surveyed the market for free software synths, so I thought I'd give it go and see what's new and what has stood the test of time. Some of these instruments were released as prototypes or were the early experiments of developers just entering the market.
Free stuff is not always actually free. Often you will follow a link only to find out that it's a free 'demo'. Aren't all demos supposed to be free?? In other cases, free software is dangled like a carrot in order to get your email address or to entice you into buying other products, preset libraries, add-ons, etc.
Well, business is business, and I suppose everyone needs to make a buck. I really don't mind spending a few dollars for some shareware now and again to support a budding developer. But it behooves even the most experienced consumer to proceed with caution when the word free is thrown around.
Friday Free Synth Plug-in - TAL-NoiseMaker TAL-NoiseMaker is an improved version of TAL-Elek7ro and has a completely new synth engine and a lot of improvements in sound and usability. The synth also includes a small effect section with a reverb, chorus and a simple bit crusher effect. Friday Free Plug-In - Synthmaster Player Free. The free synth loops, samples and sounds listed here have been kindly uploaded by other users. If you use any of these synth loops please leave your comments. Read the loops section of the help area and our terms and conditions for more information on how you can use the loops. Most of these free versions give you the ability to create rich and warm sounds that feel unique and original. All you need is a little bit of creativity and lots of experimentation to know how your Synth Instrument works. Below is a list of some of the top 30 best FREE Synth Instrument VST plugins you can add to your music production gear.
A free and very versatile synth VST, Tunefish 4 can infuse life in your compositions through its powerful presets. 15) OSL Chorus Free Chorus Plugin An emulation of the chorus effect module of Roland Juno 60 hardware synthesizer, OSL chorus is strictly meant for fans of euphoric choruses in the mix. Download the Best Free Synth Audio Plugins. Just click and download.
What follows are some awesome sounding instruments in no particular order that are indeed free with very few strings attached. And if you can stomach a little extra spam, some of these may prove valuable additions to your stockpile of synths.
1. TyrellN6 by u-heVirtual analog with classic architecture, plus extras.
Two oscillators, noise, ring modulator.
Two LFOs with eight waveforms that are host-syncable.
Audio source mixer with authentic overdrive and filter feedback.
Twin filter related to Diva (early model).
Unison with up to eight voices.
Analog-type ADSR envelopes, loopable or LFO-triggered.
Small modulation matrix with depth modulation from a second source.
Chorus effect with three modes.
MIDI learn / unlearn for hardware control.
Resizable UI from 70% to 200%.
Skinnable UI.
Over 580 factory presets.
This thing is responsive as hell and sounds sweet! I love the stained and grungy aesthetic of the interface. It's really hard to believe it's free. But it serves its purpose I suppose because it truly whets the appetite for more stuff from u-he.
2. DexedDexed is an emulation of the classic FM synth: Yamaha DX7.
From the Github page:
'Dexed is a multi-platform, multi-format plugin synth that is closely modeled on the Yamaha DX7. Dexed is also a midi cartridge librarian/manager for the DX7. Do not expect this to be a perfect clone of a DX7 since this will take years in the open source world and multiple collaborators before getting there … Since Dexed is modeled on the DX7, the Yamaha DX7 Operating Manual can be used as a reference documentation.'
The interface is a little cluttered and is more functional than it is aesthetically pleasing, but there are a ton of sonic possibilities with this for those willing to dig in.
3. MiniSpillage'MiniSpillage is a free professional quality drum synthesizer plugin featuring high-resolution 64-bit DSP processing.
MiniSpillage includes three exclusive drum synthesis algorithms along with distortion effects and resonant filters.'
Bass Drum – Single oscillator bass drum synth with pitch sweep, internal FM and harmonic controls.
Wood Drum – Flexible wooden drum model synthesizes natural and synthetic timbres from log drums to toms.
Hi-Hat – Six oscillators closed and open hi-hat generator with a noise source and dual resonant filters.
This is a great free option for those that want to create their own drum sounds with modulation, filtering and distortion effects.
4. Crystal Synth by Green OakThis is one is a bit frustrating and takes a while to get anything remotely usable. The interface is on the clunky side. But a little patience can be rewarding.
5. LokomotivLokomotiv is an analog retro synthesizer that is impressive from the first launch. Its austere interface is surprisingly responsive and sounds immediately great.
Oscillator:
Mathematically generated high definition Oscillator without using wavetable or interpolation.
Silky smooth 9X detuned sawtooth wave.
Pulse wave with self PWM.
Shape morphing sub-oscillator.
Filter:
MG ladder modeling multimode filter featuring Zero Delay Feedback technology.
Routable filter Drive (Pre/Post).
Modulator:
Natural Curved ADSR Envelope generator.
One-shot LFO which can be used as envelope.
Specification:
1X OSC (Saw+ Pulse) + One Sub OSC, Noise Generator.
1X multimode Filter with Drive.
1X LFO, 1X Envelope Generator.
Eight polyphonic voices, Mono and Legato mode supported.
64 Factory presets included.
Native 64-bit, Mac and Windows OS supported.
6. Digits from Extent of the JamThis one sports a subdued color palette with beefy growls, preset chords and brass sounds. A bit of crackling when parameters are modified, but worth the time to download for sure.
7. Spitfire Audio – LABSNot long ago, Spitfire Audio released an ongoing series of completely free instruments called LABS. These are very, very simple sampled instruments with just a handful of controls and they sound really, really good. So far the collection includes:
Good Free SynthsCharango
Electric Piano
Amplified Electric Cello Quartet
Drums
Strings
Soft Piano
If you've used any of the Spitfire Sample Libraries before, you know how well they're recorded, and these instruments are no exception. While you won't get the flexibility or deep sampled variety of a full-scale library, you will get a great sound that can be slightly varied to taste. While these are sampled instruments as opposed to synths, they're free and so good that I felt they warranted inclusion.
8. TAL NoiseMakerThis is one my of favorite choices. The interface is accessible, clean and to the point and thick, beefy sounds are possible from the get-go. Really nice!
From the developer: 'TAL NoiseMaker is an improved version of TAL-Elek7ro and has a completely new synth engine and a lot of improvements in sound and usability. The synth also includes a small effect section with a reverb, chorus and a simple bit crusher effect. A display shows the knob and slider values. This allows more control over the synth. A ring modulator and a syncable triangle are also part of this synth.'
TAL NoiseMaker includes new filter types and the self-resonating 6 dB low pass and notch filter. Its improved amplitude ADSR is very suitable for slow pads and for really fast envelopes. 128 factory presets included, 80 made by Frank 'Xenox' Neumann.
Features:
Three Oscillators. Osc 1, +/- 24 semitones, fine tune, phase control (saw, pulse, noise). Osc 2, +/- 24 semitones, fine tune, phase control (saw, rectangle, triangle, sine). Sub Osc (rectangle).
Osc 1 PM for pulse waveform.
Osc 2 FM controlled by Osc 1.
Osc 1 & Osc 2 sync to sub osc (saw, pulse, rectangle, triangle (bipolar sync)).
Adjustable master tune and transpose.
Up to six voices.
Portamento in mono and poly mode (off, auto, on).
Ringmod modulates Osc 1 with Osc 2.
Self resonating 4x oversampled filters (24 dB LP, 18 dB LP, 12 dB LP, 6 dB LP, 12 dB HP, 12 dB BP, Notch).
Filter ADSR (negative and positive).
Volume ADSR
Routable ADSR, modulates Filter, Osc 1, Osc 2, PW, FM (negative and positive)
Two LFO's with different running modes: free, sync to host, triggered by note. Modulates filter, Osc 1, Osc 2, FM, PW, LFO rate, Panorama and Volume. Sine, Triangle, Saw Square, S&H, Noise. Positive and Negative modulation. Phase control.
Adjustable Velocity-dependent control over volume filter contour and cutoff.
Adjustable Pitch Wheel control over Cutoff and Pitch.
One pole HP filter.
Detune, detunes notes randomly.
Juno chorus with different modes.
A built-in reverb and delay.
Adjustable filter drive.
Bitcrusher affects Osc 1 and Osc 2. It's a pre-filter stage effect.
MIDI Learn for all knobs.
Panic button.
Easy to use, no hidden panels.
256 great presets (Presets by Frank 'Xenox' Neumann, The Unshushable Coktor, Alexandra Sendy, TAL, Patrick Kunz).
9. Thump by Metric HaloThump is a unique audio processor that allows you to synthesize low-frequency audio to add low end to a track or generate another sound entirely. Thump looks at the pitch and dynamics of its audio input and uses this information to control its oscillators. You can add low end to drums, augment a bass or even create synthetic drones.
Thump is ideal for beefing up a kick drum, adding low end to percussive tracks, recreating classic drum synth sounds and more. You can use Thump's envelope driven, percussive sub-harmonic synth for the following things (among others):
Build low-octave support for bass drum, tom, snare and other percussive tracks.
Create kettle drum sounds from regular drum tracks.
Recreate the sounds of classic drum synths like the TR-808.
The effect of Thump is similar to generating a sine wave or other waveform on a gated track that is side-chained to a transient on another track such as a kick. But Thump allows more control, two oscillators that can be changed on the fly and more pitch specific envelope control. If you like kicks that are thick as hell and challenge the range of human hearing, you will like Thump a lot.
NOTE: the instrument requires a transient input to be activated so you would use it like an insert rather than a standalone synth.
10. Synth 1 by Daichi LaboratoryWhile the interface is a bit nasty and pixelated, Synth 1 by Ichiro Toda is modeled after the Nord Lead 2 Red Synth and sounds decent. It doesn't take long to get a few usable sounds and the onboard arpeggiator is great for experimenting.
11. PG-8X by Martin Lüder'The PG-8X is a virtual synthesizer, inspired by the Roland JX-8P with the PG-800 programmer. The synth architecture is a standard 2-oscillator -> Filter -> VCA design. These elements can be modulated by a common LFO and one of two envelopes. The PG-8X is patch compatible with the JX-8P and can read and write JX-8P Sysex data'. (Manual)
ConclusionWhile these instruments may not be the best things in life — they are free. And it has been my experience that there is something to be learned from every piece of software, as there is from all types of music. Experimentation and exploration yield untold rewards for the adventurous, and freeware is a great place to start your journey or a means to unshackle yourself, at least temporarily, from the financial constraints that plague us all.
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Synthesis 101: 4+ Hours of In-Depth Synth TrainingIt's been a while since I surveyed the market for free software synths, so I thought I'd give it go and see what's new and what has stood the test of time. Some of these instruments were released as prototypes or were the early experiments of developers just entering the market. Free stuff is not al
3 FREE Max for Live DevicesDownload three free Max for Live Devices from Phil Mantione.
Leads are great. They are the sugary surface of any good track. They get you in the door and perk you up.
But we all know what that one special ingredient is… The most important part of arranging and writing songs. It's the soul of any good track:
The BASS. 
But there's thousands of free VSTs out there. Which ones are good for bass? No sweat. We found all the best ones so you don't have to dig.

Here's our 10 favourite free bass VST plugins that will give you bigger, better bass.
Steinberg – Model EThe Model E is a useful 3 oscillator bass station capable of pumping out some nice lines.
The super simple controls make all your options easy to see and tweak. Plus the lower CPU usage means easy breezy basslines in no time.
TAL – Elek7roWhen it comes to free VSTs no one beats TAL. All their free plugins work great and are super useful. I'm a huge fan of their plugins and you should be too.
The Elek7ro is no exception to their history of producing high quality tools. This synth-plug is good for pretty much everything. Including making some nice full basses for your tracks.
It even comes with a super helpful user guide for getting the most out of Elek7ro.
Plogue – Sforzando TableWarp2The TableWarp2 is part of Plogue's Sforzando bundle. It's a versatile synth that gives you tons of classic sounds…
Including some superb mid-low range basses perfect for beefing up your tracks.
NUsofting – SinnahThe Sinnah is great. It can create cool noisy tones with its 3 channel delay matrix and feedback sculpting.
It also has a pretty solid onboard EQ which really helps bring out the magic in each tone. So you can get tons of control over the bass sounds you create.

TAL – BasslineI've already talked about the TAL-Bassline in an older Free Plugins article. But I had to put it on this list because it's so good. The Bassline is basically built for better bass.
This plug has a warm analog sound and ‘robust core‘ for all your bass and acid needs. Plus, the TAL Bassline user guide will have your walls rattling in no time.
u-he – TyrellN6U-he is another major source for some very superb free plugins. The TyrellN6 is a powerful overall plugin that will give you all varieties of nice analog synth sounds.
That means wicked basses too. It also has some nice triggering features that are super fun to play around with and a nice, clean interface for easy tweakage.
The download page is in german. So if you don't speak German just scroll down to find the download link!
Ample Sound – Ample Bass P Lite IIThe Ample Bass P Lite II is a nice electric bass plug perfect for some groovier and more rock-centric bass sounds.
Ample Bass also comes with some nice ‘articulations' including palm mute, slap and legato slide for those little accents that makes bass pop.
LinPlug – FreeAlphaThis plugin is the free version of LinPlug's Alpha. But just because it's the free version doesn't mean it's not good. In fact, it's great!
Good Free SynthesizerFreeAlpha‘s 2 oscillators are perfect for all sorts of nice basses and the built-in presets are superb starting points for all types of bass and more.
Bruce Sutherland – JUCEoplvstiIf you ever dreamed of making all those incredible sounds that lived on old DOS games then this plugin is your hot ticket.
JuceOPLVSTI is modelled on the Yamaha OPL sound chip found in some old PC computers.
Juce's interface is a lot like a video game and is super easy to use to get some superb basses, leads and pretty much any other sound you need from an FM synth.
Synister – SynisterSynister is one of the best looking and easiest to use synth plugins I've ever seen. This 3 oscillator synth is perfect for making all types of basslines.
The interface is simple, organized and easy to follow. The effects, envelopes, oscillators, LFOs and filters all have their own drop down menus for an easy workflow. And it even has a built in step sequencer!
The bassline bottomlineA good bassline can make or break a track. Finding the best one for your track can be tricky.

These bass VSTs will give you everything you need to find the right one (Hot tip: Turn your monitors way up while you're experimenting if you wanna meet the neighbours).
Put these in your DAW, start experimenting and take a trip to the international bass station.
If you're already set for bass check out our other Free VST Plugin Favourites: