We're currently living in the age of digital audio. Synth is an incredibly powerful tool that is essential to any music producer.

But there are so many different Synth plugins in the music production landscape, so we decided to create the ultimate list of the top Synth plugins today that will help you find the perfect fit.


Orb Synth

Synth by Orb Plugins



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Description


The Powerful Homemade Wavetable Synth

Orb Synth gives you amazing sounds for all of the 4 plugins of the suite. Two oscillators, two LFOs plus Amp and envelope. Hexachords have also added a cool reverb, delay, and a powerful crunchy drive.

The built-in synth provides you with two wavetable oscillators, each with its own state-variable filter. Two envelope generators (ADSRs) let you tweak the output envelope (AMP) or modulate other synth parameters (ENV).

The modulation matrix lets you assign more modifiers like the LFO1, LFO2 to selected synth parameters. Try assigning an LFO to a filter frequency and click PLAY to enjoy a classic modulation sound.

Finally, the synth provides an effects section on the lower right where you can add delay, reverb overdrive and turn on a glide effect to slide between notes.

Dozens of Presets

Hexachords state-of-the-art wavetable synth includes dozens of handmade presets by industry professionals.




Features

  • 2 Oscillators
  • Sub Oscillator - A secondary oscillator that adds a single unison, octave, or 2-octave tone below the main oscillators.
  • Noise Generator - The Noise Generator can be used to create a noise sound that will mix with the rest of your synth. You can choose from Red Noise and White noise,
  • Unison - The unison selector enables you to select up to 8 voices to add to an existing sound. You can control how many voices, the amount mix, and the type of unison being used.
  • Modulators: AMP - Adjusts the ADSR of the synth’s volume J. Modulators: ENV - Adjusts the ADSR of the sound's shape
  • 2 Independent LFO's
  • Delay - A standard delay that lets the user adjust the delayed sound by time left and time right, overall feedback, and mix percentage.
  • Reverb - A standard reverb plugin that allows you to adjust room size, width, and mix percentage.
  • Drive - Adds a varying level of drive to a sound based on saturation percentage.
  • Glide - An effect of sliding from one note to the other.
  • Randomize - A button that enables you to randomly set various parameters, like presets, modulations, frequencies, matrix, etc. to produce a new and unique sound every time. 

Video


Rating


Value For Money

Sound Quality

General Ease of Use

Number of Presets


  • 64-bit Operating System
  • 64-bit DAW that supports VST2 and VST3

OS Compatibility



Darkstar

Synth by Minimal System Group



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Description


Important Note: This product is only compatible with Windows operating systems.

DarkStar is a monster analogue modelled synth. With its 4 oscillators you can easily create the sounds you need.

Features:

  • 4 Oscillators split into two modules each with Sine, Tri, Saw, Square, Noise waveforms.
  • Each two oscillator module has its own dedicated ADSR envelope.
  • Two filter banks (one for each two oscillator module) with full ADSR envelope and LFO controls. Filter types include LP, HP, BP, BR, PK.
  • Space Generator' module.
  • Echo Box' module.
  • Driver' Module
  • Professional GUI Design.
  • 20 presets to get you started.
  • Regular updates, next update will include new features.
  • Very low CPU usage.



Video


Rating


Value For Money

Sound Quality

General Ease of Use

Number of Presets


  • PC running a Windows operating system. VST compatible DAW or VST hosting software.
  • This plugin is 32bit but can be run on 64bit systems using jBridge.
  • This plugin also operates within the 64bit versions of Cubase, Nuendo, Bitwig Studio, Reaper, Tracktion, Renoise, FL Studio, Sonar, Mixcraft and Samplitude using their inbuilt bridging.
  • It is recommended that you always try out the demo before purchases to ensure that the plugin is compatible with your system.

Host Compatibility

  • Minimal System Group Plugins run on Windows based PC's using a suitable VST host or DAW. Our plugins have been fully tested within Ableton Live, Adobe Audition, Cakewalk Sonar, FL Studio, Energy XT, Presonus Studio One, Renoise, and Cubase

Please Note: This plugin is 32bit but can be run on 64bit systems using jBridge.

OS Compatibility



Saturn 5

Synth by Minimal System Group



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Description


Important Note: This product is only compatible with Windows operating systems.

Analogue synthesis was introduced in the early 70's and took the music production world by storm and even inspired new musical genres. The synthesisers of the time had logical, user friendly front panels where every parameter had its own dedicated control. XStudioToolz have developed a synthesiser inspired by early synth pioneers with the intention of bringing back the essence of pure synthesis. 

The Saturn 5 analogue modeling synthesiser has been lovingly developed to accurately produce the classic big sounds of classic synths. We have cut out the gimmicks and concentrated on perfecting the key elements of a good synthesiser such as the oscillators, the filter, and the workflow for the user. 

Saturn 5 can produce big bass, sharp leads, lush pads, and modulated sequences and is suitable for any genre of electronic music.

Features:

  • Analogue modeling synthesiser inspired by legendary synthesis pioneers 
  • 3 oscillators and 1 sub oscillator 
  • Mixer for blending oscillators 
  • Filter with Peaking, Low Pass, and High Pass modes with multi-mode LFO 
  • Additional LFO's for OSC 1 and 2 controlling pitch and pulse width 
  • Chorus effect 
  • Reverb effect 
  • Full automation 
  • Presets 



Rating


Value For Money

Sound Quality

General Ease of Use

Number of Presets


  • PC running a Windows operating system. VST compatible DAW or VST hosting software
  • This plugin is 32bit but can be run on 64bit systems using jBridge
  • This plugin also operates within the 64bit versions of Cubase, Nuendo, Bitwig Studio, Reaper, Tracktion, Renoise, FL Studio, Sonar, Mixcraft and Samplitude using their inbuilt bridging
  • It is recommended that you always try out the demo before purchases to ensure that the plugin is compatible with your system

Host Compatibility

  • Minimal System Group Plugins run on Windows based PC's using a suitable VST host or DAW.
  • Our plugins have been fully tested within Ableton Live, Adobe Audition, Cakewalk Sonar, FL Studio, Energy XT, Presonus Studio One, Renoise & Cubase.
  • Please Note: This product is not compatible with Reason. 

This plugin is 32bit only, but can be run on 64bit systems using jBridge.

OS Compatibility



Union

Synth by SoundSpot



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Description


Union is SoundSpot’s next-generation wavetable synthesizer audio plugin, featuring a unique wavetable generator that lets you create harmonically rich wavetable sets from the output of Union’s main oscillators: a technique frequently used by the world’s best sound designers to create rich and deep sounds. Union allows you to utilize this synthesis technique with a single click of a button.

The Union plugin comes with unique features such as independent filters per oscillator, which allows a deeper control over the shaping of your sound, and a unison engine that can run up to 96 voices in a single note play.

Innovative Modulation System

Union features an innovative click through modulation system that allows you to quickly create rich and compelling sounds.

Oscillator 1, 2 and 3 include their own dedicated ADSR, MOD ADSR and LFO envelopes and Oscillator 3 include an additional wavetable window that allows you to scrub through stereo wavetable sets to create organic movement in your sounds.

In addition, the master FX chain features 4 LFOs that can be assigned to any master FX control and includes a trigger mode so they can be used more like a conventional ADSR envelope further increasing the creative possibilities.

The Best Of Analog And Digital In One Audio Plugin

Everyone loves the rich, dense sound of hardware, but most find it’s limitations frustrating. With this in mind, we set out to build a synthesizer that provided all of the features of analogue equipment with the precision and convenience of the digital realm.

Union has been modelled from some of the best sounding synths in music history and combines this raw power with unique features such as wavetable generation that simply wouldn’t be possible in purely analogue form. This results in a synthesizer that truly rivals hardware but lives inside your computer.

Do All Your Post-Processing Inside The Union Audio Plugin

Once you’ve made your sound, it’s time to give it that final polish. However, there’s no need to go adding multiple audio plugins to your channel strip as the Union plugin features an FX rack that contains 9 professional quality post-processing effects.

These include Compressor, 4 Band Parametric EQ, Distortion, Delay, Phaser, Chorus, Filter & Flanger. Furthermore, a brand new Reverb modelled on analogue hardware has been included.

All of the FX use the best algorithms from SoundSpot’s post processing audio plugins range. This means you can acheive a professional polished sound inside of Union.




Features

  • Intuitive workflow for control over every aspect of your sound.
  • Up to 32 voices of unison per oscillator
  • Spectral anti-aliasing.
  • 2 Main analogue-style oscillators.
  • Wavetable generator oscillator.
  • Intuitive modulation system.
  • 9 FX modules based on SoundSpot’s post-processing range.
  • Over 300 professionally designed presets.
  • What's new in version 1.0.3?

  • Copy & Paste: Create blindly fast presets with the new copy & paste feature. Copy ADSR, MOD ADSR & LFO settings between oscillators in seconds.
  • LFO Retrigger: Develop intricate patterns and retrigger them with each note press. A great addition for more refined preset design with Union's multi-node LFO.
  • D Mode: Want that little extra CPU then "D" Mode is the button for you. Offering up to 10% CPU reduction in certain scenarios giving you more control.
  • More Power: Global CPU optimisation has also been applied to Union for more power.

Video


Rating


Value For Money

Sound Quality

General Ease of Use

Number of Presets


macOS:

  • 10.12 – 10.15 (older OS versions may work but are not tested)

Plugin Formats:

  • VST
  • VST3
  • AU
  • AAX (Pro Tools 11.0.2 or higher)

Windows

  • Windows 7, 8 or 10 (32 & 64-bit)

Plugin Formats: 

  • VST
  • VST3
  • AAX (Pro Tools 11.0.2 or higher)

Specification Requirements:

  • RAM: 8 GB RAM or more is recommended. Plus at least 8 GB hard disk space for installation.
  • Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo, AMD Athlon 64 X2 or newer.
  • Formats: In theory any 32 or 64-bit VST, VST3, AU, or AAX compatible host application should work.
  • Licensing: Internet access for activating licence key. Please ensure any outgoing connection blockers are deactivated.
  • Sample Rates: Supported sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz, in both mono and stereo.

OS Compatibility



Strum Session

Synth by Applied Acoustics Systems



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Description


Your New Session Guitarist

Combines an acoustic and an electric guitar in the same package. With chord recognition, chord voicing, strumming and picking action, MIDI riff library, amp and effects, playing guitar on a keyboard has never been so easy.

Strum with MIDI loops

Use the collection of recorded strumming patterns over the chords you play and find inspiration for your track. drag and drop the loop to your host sequencer and make it perfect for you song.

The right voicings for the chords you know

Strum gs-2 chord library contains basic and extended chords available in open, movable, or drop voicings. play the chords you know and strum voices them automatically as a guitarist would.

Strum on your keyboard

Trigger down and upstrokes, scratches and mutes, or create picking patterns using the arpeggio keys.

Articulation and expression

Slide and bend with the pitch wheel or aftertouch. add vibrato with the modulation wheel. natural hammer-ons and pull-offs when playing leads.

The benefits of physical modeling

  • Sound manipulation at the source core
  • Presets load in a flash
  • Super smooth dynamics—no velocity layers!
  • Small memory footprint—less than 256 MB of RAM per instance
  • Installs in less than a minute—less than 61 MB on disk

Presets

Acoustic

  • Dreadnought
  • Nylon
  • Dreadnought Smooth
  • Dreadnought Bright
  • Dreadnought Lite Bright
  • Dreadnought Swooshy
  • Dreadnought FX
  • Dreadnought Mellow Dynamic
  • Nylon Bright
  • Nylon Mellow
  • Nylon FX
  • Nylon Dynamic

Electric

  • Shinny Electric
  • Twangy Trem
  • Amped Jazz
  • Stingy
  • Warm Crunch 1
  • Warm Crunch 2
  • Shred 1
  • Shred 2
  • Ballistic Squeeze
  • Maxed Out 1
  • Maxed Out 2
  • Maxed Out 3



Video


Rating


Value For Money

Sound Quality

General Ease of Use

Number of Presets


WINDOWS · 64bit · MAC OS X · 64bit · VST · AU · RTAS · AAX NATIVE · STANDALONE

AAS products are compatible with nearly all DAWs...

  • Ableton Live
  • Apple GarageBand
  • Apple Logic Pro
  • Apple Mainstage
  • Avid Pro Tools
  • Bitwig Studio
  • Bandlab Cakewalk
  • Cockos Reaper
  • Image-Line FL Studio
  • MOTU Digital Performer
  • Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol
  • Native Instruments Maschine
  • PreSonus Studio One
  • Propellerhead Reason
  • Steinberg Cubase

Mac minimum system requirements*

  • macOS 10.11 (El Capitan) or later
  • Intel Core i5 (circa 2015), Apple M1 processor or later
  • 64-bit DAW

PC minimum system requirements*

  • Windows 10 64‑bit or later
  • Intel Core i5 (circa 2015) processor or later
  • 64-bit DAW

Note: The minimum system requirements mentioned above are for standalone usage. For plugin usage, please refer to your DAW software requirements (Sonar, Pro Tools, Cubase, Live, Digital Performer, Logic Pro, etc.).

OS Compatibility



Ultra Analog Session

Synth by Applied Acoustics Systems



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Description


Few Knobs, big Sounds. The container may be small but Ultra Analog Session is a really fun to play and packs outstanding sounds.

Signature Sounds: A superb sound library with signature presets from producers Richard Devine and Sean Divine.

Arpeggiator: Ready, willing, and able, Ultra Analog Session’s arpeggiator offers various syncing resolutions, playing algorithms, and rhythmic patterns that will spruce up any chord progressions into percolating melodies or pulsing sequences.

Performance: Ultra Analog Session will match your playing style or musical context with ease thanks to the tap tempo and sync to host clock options; poly- or monophonic with note priority keyboard modes; up-to-4-voice unison; glide and legato functions; and the flexible vibrato.

Effects: You’ll love the pure raw sound of Ultra Analog Session, but the built-in effects will bring it to so many places that you’ll enjoy having them on hand.

PRESETS

Arpeggio

  • 303 Dreamz, Vintage, Travel Frontiers, Uplifting, Twinkle Star, Ignition, Monster Bass, Analog 5th, Arp Bass, Cortini 5-Step, Ober, Session Power, Blink, Beauty, Fifth Dimension, Chiptune, Mesmerize, Scream Cycle, Trance Life, Galaxy, Gliding Knights, TB Bassline, Phatso, Carbon, Syncers Paradise, Dotted Lines, Sync You Later, Blue Monday's, Entranced, Massive Bassline, Approaching Kick

Bass

  • Electro, Distorted, Deeper, Classic 3, 303 Sizzle, Transporter, Not Meager, Wowzas, Slightly Driven, Grape Juce, Plain, Classic, Efficient, Phaser, Tooth 1, Tooth 2, Pap, Popping Corn, Rezilience, Acid Bassline, Pulsar

Lead

  • Blissful, Creamy, Hi Octane, Sync Sync, Smooth, Looking Up, Kanagawa, Clarinet, Motion, Warm, Accordion, Harsh, Torsion, Canyon, Distorted Fifths, Squarer, Smooth, Super Wide, Lead Poisoning, Harmon, Syncers P2, Spiral, Rude 303, Delay, 5th Dimension, Harper, Throwback Trance, Harmony, Sparkle, Monster Woof

Pad

  • Serenade, Cathedral Strings, Solace Pad, Fried Sweep, High, Space Strings, Pillow, Heaven, Super Saw-You-There, Brassy Sweeps, Poly, Wishing Well, Electromagnetic Waves, Pearl, Distant Shores, Angélique, Shine, Dreamers Only, Overtones, Grand, Equalilty, Epic, Seattle Strings, Purple Sunset, Lingering, Cloudy Daze, Bowed Oscillator, Blue Memories

Polysynth

  • Synthetic Piano, 1982, CTO Sound, Wailer, Delayed JP Pluck, Holy Transistors, Void If Removed, Sine Attacks, Late Night Pluck, Funky Polykey, Sax, Say Cheese, Staccato Ice, 5th Pluck, Synth Pop, Chunga, Square Tine, Plucked Oscillator, Absent Minded, Mellow, Phase Play, 80's, Warm, PolyTines, 5th Pop Sine, Silver Clouds, Old Tines, Morning Run, Sync, Echo + Decay, Hit, Double Shot, Power Fifth, Sparkle Poly

Richard Devine Signature

  • Classic Bass, 5th Pluck, Warm Lead, Square Tine, Heaven Pad, Mellow Poly, Phase Play, 80's Poly, Vintage Arp, Pearl Pad, Canyon Lead, Smooth Lead, Poly Pad, Warm Polysynth, Pulsar Bass, Shine Pad, Harmon Lead, Synthetic Piano, Sine Attacks, Acid Bassline, PolyTines, 5th Pop Sine, Ober Arp, Beauty Arp, Grand Pad, Seattle Strings, Blue Memories, Travel Frontiers, Silver Clouds, Mesmerize Arp, Old Tines Poly, Massive Bassline, Galaxy Arp, Blissful Lead, Electro Bass, Monster Woof, Spiral Lead, Delay Lead, TB Bassline, Sparkle Pad, Harper Lead, Morning Run, Harmony Lead, Carbon Arp, Cathedral Strings, Dotted Lines, Sparkle Lead, Sync Poly, Twinkle Star Arp, Echo + Decay, Sean Divine Signature, Session Power Arp, 303 Dreamz Arp, Fifth Dimension Arp, Analog 5th Arp, Scream Cycle Arp, Trance Life Arp, Gliding Knights Arp, Phatso Arp, Ignition Arp, Monster Bass Arp, Syncers Paradise Arp, Sync You Later Arp, Blue Monday's Arp, Entranced Arp, Approaching Kick Arp, Transporter Bass, Not Meager Bass, Deeper Bass, Wowzas Bass, Classic 3 Bass, Popping Corn Bass, Rezilience Bass, 303 Sizzle Bass, Slightly Driven Bass, Super Saw-You-There Pad, Wishing Well Pad, Distant Shores Pad, Dreamers Only Pad, Purple Sunset Pad, Equalilty Pad, Serenade Pad, Cloudy Daze Pad, Creamy Lead, Accordion Lead, Hi Octane Lead, Distorted Fifths Lead, Super Wide Lead, Syncers P2 Lead, Looking Up Lead, Rude 303 Lead, 5th Dimension Lead, Throwback Trance Lead, Delayed JP Pluck, Late Night Pluck, S Dot Kick 1, S Dot Kick 2, S Dot Kick 3, The Drop FX, Lifterz FX, Futuro FX

Neat features

  • Standalone operation for quick jams and experimentations
  • Real-time control over any parameters via your MIDI controller knobs, faders, and switches
  • MIDI clock, tap, and host tempo synchronization for effects and modulations
  • Relaxed editing with unlimited undo/redo capability

The benefits of physical modeling

  • Sound manipulation at the source core
  • Presets load in a flash
  • Super smooth dynamics—no velocity layers!
  • Small memory footprint—less than 256 MB of RAM per instance
  • Installs in less than a minute—less than 61 MB on disk



Video


Rating


Value For Money

Sound Quality

General Ease of Use

Number of Presets


WINDOWS · 32 / 64bit · MAC OS X · 64bit · VST · AU · RTAS · AAX NATIVE · STANDALONE

AAS products are compatible with nearly all DAWs...

  • Ableton Live
  • Apple GarageBand
  • Apple Logic Pro
  • Apple Mainstage
  • Avid Pro Tools
  • Bitwig Studio
  • Bandlab Cakewalk
  • Cockos Reaper
  • Image-Line FL Studio
  • MOTU Digital Performer
  • Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol
  • Native Instruments Maschine
  • PreSonus Studio One
  • Propellerhead Reason
  • Steinberg Cubase

Mac minimum system requirements

  • macOS 10.11 (El Capitan) or later
  • Intel Core i5 (circa 2015), Apple M1 processor or later
  • 64-bit DAW

PC minimum system requirements

  • Windows 10 64‑bit or later
  • Intel Core i5 (circa 2015) processor or later
  • 64-bit DAW

Note: The minimum system requirements mentioned above are for standalone usage. For plugin usage, please refer to your DAW software requirements (Sonar, Pro Tools, Cubase, Live, Digital Performer, Logic Pro, etc.).

OS Compatibility



Lounge Lizard Session

Synth by Applied Acoustics Systems



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Description


Lounge Lizard Session delivers authentic classic electric piano tones with outstanding sound quality, action, and feel.

Compressor and Equalizer: Craft your sound and add punch.

High-end effects: Tremolo, chorus, phaser, and reverb especially tuned for an electric piano.

Key controls: Craft your tone with access to key synthesis parameters acting on the mallet, pickup, tine, and tone bar.

Character knob: Provides five classic studio and stage signal path emulations.

Library: 16 classic electric piano sounds from the award-winning Lounge Lizard EP-4:

  • Classic
  • Tremolo
  • Chorus
  • Phaser
  • Compressed
  • Dark
  • Dark Tremolo
  • Dark Chorus
  • Dark Phaser
  • Bright
  • Bright Tremolo
  • Bright Chorus
  • Bright Phaser
  • Groovy EP
  • Bite
  • EP Bass

Neat features

  • Standalone operation for quick jams and experimentations
  • Real-time control over any parameters via your MIDI controller knobs, faders, and switches
  • MIDI clock, tap, and host tempo synchronization for effects and modulations
  • Relaxed editing with unlimited undo/redo capability

The benefits of physical modelling

  • Sound manipulation at the source core
  • Presets load in a flash
  • Super smooth dynamics—no velocity layers!
  • Small memory footprint—less than 256 MB of RAM per instance
  • Installs in less than a minute—less than 61 MB on disk



Video


Rating


Value For Money

Sound Quality

General Ease of Use

Number of Presets


WINDOWS · 64bit · MAC OS X · 64bit · VST · AU · RTAS · AAX NATIVE · STANDALONE

AAS products are compatible with nearly all DAWs...

  • Ableton Live
  • Apple GarageBand
  • Apple Logic Pro
  • Apple Mainstage
  • Avid Pro Tools
  • Bitwig Studio
  • Bandlab Cakewalk
  • Cockos Reaper
  • Image-Line FL Studio
  • MOTU Digital Performer
  • Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol
  • Native Instruments Maschine
  • PreSonus Studio One
  • Propellerhead Reason
  • Steinberg Cubase

Mac minimum system requirements

  • macOS 10.11 (El Capitan) or later
  • Intel Core i5 (circa 2015), Apple M1 processor or later
  • 64-bit DAW

PC minimum system requirements

  • Windows 10 64‑bit or later
  • Intel Core i5 (circa 2015) processor or later
  • 64-bit DAW

Importat Notes:

  • The minimum system requirements mentioned above are for standalone usage. For plugin usage, please refer to your DAW software requirements (Sonar, Pro Tools, Cubase, Live, Digital Performer, Logic Pro, etc.).
  • The sounds shown in the first video are from Lounge Lizard EP-4 and are NOT included with this product.

OS Compatibility



RYM2612 Iconic FM Synthesizer

Synth by Inphonik



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Description


Iconic FM Synthesizer

Synth of Rage

RYM2612 is a software FM synthesizer in VST, Audio Unit and AAX formats. It’s an emulation of the Yamaha YM2612 sound chip, best known for being the vibrant voice of the Sega Genesis/Megadrive videogame console. More than a simple sound-alike, the emulation is cycle-accurate to the original chip, that allows reproducing every unique possibility of the synth. On top of this, the amp circuitry of the console has been reproduced too, in order to obtain the same grain you'd get if you plugged the real hardware into your DAW.

Key Features

  • Cycle-accurate emulation of the YM2612 FM soundchip
  • Genuinely reproduces the unique and characteristic sound of its hardware counterpart (digital saturation, huge feedback amount, natural distortion, …)
  • Audio input for adding 8-bit PCM sweetness to any signal
  • Low CPU usage
  • Switchable output filtering and ladder effect
  • A couple of limitations from the soundchip have been taken away: up to 16 voices of polyphony, dedicated PCM channel (you can of course stick to 6 simultaneous voices if you want to experience the real thing)
  • 100+ various, sorted, evocative patches to start with

The 16-bit Legacy

Not many people were aware of this, but unlike other videogame consoles, the Sega* Genesis/Megadrive had a complete FM synth onboard. The Yamaha* YM2612 provided enough features to produce complex, evolving tones, as well as crazy sound effects and PCM samples playback. This is your chance to get your hands on this altered beast, combined with the rich control and modulation possibilities offered by your modern DAW.

*Sega and Yamaha brand names are the trademark of their respective owners. This product is in no way affiliated with these companies.

Insert Extra Patches

Meet RYMCast, the perfect companion app for RYM2612. It's a Genesis music files player that has the special ability to let you mute/solo each channel of your favourite soundtracks and to drag & drop the sounds directly to an RYM2612 instance. Also, RYMCast is free and runs on Windows, macOS and GNU Linux.

Feel the FM vibe for your retro and modern needs, with a lively and authentic tone, taking the RYM2612 Iconic FM Synthesizer as a bonus weapon in your synth arsenal.

Free Soundbank

Packed with a generous array of instruments, this free soundbank is a direct portal to the mysterious temple of God of Rainbows with eerie sounds, cavernous synths, as well as realistic acoustic recreations, and responsive performance instruments.

This soundbank demonstrates the vast potential of the original hardware’s FM engine, proven to have given birth to some of the best video game music soundtracks, and the RYM2612's ability to reproduce its full spectrum and is available for download here -  RYM2612 Soundbank: God Of Rainbows.



Video


Rating


Value For Money

Sound Quality

General Ease of Use

Number of Presets


Mac

  • macOS (10.7 and higher)
  • 64-bit only
  • VST 2 / VST 3 / AU / AAX

Windows

  • Vista and higher
  • 32-bit & 64-bit
  • VST 2 / VST 3 / 64-bit AAX

OS Compatibility



Addiction Synth

Synth by Stagecraft



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Description


Get Addicted to the Power of Subtractive Synthesis

Addiction synth is a professional, intuitive, and versatile subtractive synthesizer. Shape the sound easily through the synth’s user-friendly interface. Watch as the sound changes and evolves on the synth’s beautiful spectrum display. Create almost any kind of sound you like, from a sweet organ ideal for playing light chord pads to a sharp, funky clav capable of satisfying all your groovy needs. 

Addiction Synth allows you to play with multiple voices and contains a high level of velocity sensitivity as well as mono/polyphonic switching, versatile LFOs and filter, and a variety of effects. 

Designed with the Novice User in Mind

Addiction Synth is designed to help novice users understand how the different elements of a synthesizer fit together. With this synth, anyone can create amazing synths right out of the box.

The philosophy behind Stagecraft's design principles is that the software should show you visually what it does. Because of that, every knob or button produces a visual change as well as a sonic one. This unique approach lets you see exactly how the sound is changing and evolving throughout the track.

Unique Spectrum Display for Unprecedented Visual Feedback

The fundamental building blocks of any subtractive synthesizer are waveform generators (voices), a filter (where the tone is shaped), and effects (or mods).
Addiction Synth includes a high-definition auto-filter with a unique spectrum display showing you exactly how the sound is being shaped at every moment. This level of audio and visual feedback is unparalleled.

Automate Sounds and Effects with Perfect Precision

Use automation to create unique sounds, from that dubstep-characteristic wobble to voices coming in and out at random intervals, and effects fading in and out with perfect quantized precision.




Features

  • MPE and Aftertouch support.
  • Three Oscillators with independent volume, pan and pitch.
  • Filter bank with auto filter style display.
  • Full automation of any or all parameters.
  • LFO for filter sweeping.
  • Advanced quantization options for all parameters.
  • Waveform skewing (Pulse Width modulation for all oscillators and LFOs).
  • Over a dozen effects and full effects chaining, including bit crusher, reverb, delay, and chorus.
  • Better anti-aliasing and waveform control.
  • More presets, and full preset sharing between users.
  • 30-day FREE trial.

Video


Rating


Value For Money

Sound Quality

General Ease of Use

Number of Presets


All downloads are full versions that can be used for free for a 30 days trial period.

Mac

  • Mac OS X 10.11 or newer (64-bit only)
  • AAX, AU, VST, VST 3, Standalone

Windows

  • ­Windows 7 or newer (64-bit only)
  • AAX, VST, VST 3, Standalone

OS Compatibility



miniBit

Synth by AudioThing



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Description


miniBit 8-Bit / Chiptune Synthesiser

miniBit is an 8-bit/chiptune style synthesizer plugin that emulates the sound of 80s game consoles and retro computers.

It features a main oscillator with 18 waveforms paired with a tunable sub-oscillator (square wave). The waveforms are not bandlimited and will produce aliasing. Same of the waveforms were carefully created and edited with an Amiga 1200, while others were meticulously recreated from the sounds of the best classic games that we have collected over the years.

You can create all kind of noisy and retro sounds with the built-in bitcrusher, delay section and filter. You can also use the synced 8 Steps Stepper/Sequencer with multiple destinations.
From noisy, snare-like steps to ambient subs, miniBit has many uses beyond what one expects from a chip tune synth.




Features

  • 18 Waveforms + Sub Oscillator
  • Poly and Mono mode with Glide
  • 2-poles LowPass/HighPass Filter
  • Delay and BitCrusher effects
  • LFO with multiple destinations
  • Volume and Pitch Envelopes
  • 8 Steps Stepper with multiple destinations
  • 128 Presets + Preset randomizer

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General Ease of Use

Number of Presets


Mac:

  • OS X 10.9 – macOS 12
  • 2GHz CPU, 4 GB RAM
  • VST2, VST3, AU, or AAX (64-bit only)
  • Universal 2 Binary

Windows:

  • Windows 7, 8, 10 (64 bit)
  • Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon 64 X2, 4 GB RAM
  • VST2, VST3, or AAX (64-bit only)

OS Compatibility



Tines

Synth by Klevgrand



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Description


Electric Piano

A very playable electric piano in its own right

Tines emulates an electric piano. With internal effects like a stereo tremolo, a multiband distortion panel, and a subtle roomy reverb, Tines can sound like anything between a dreamy slick Rhodes to a nasty Wurlitzer (however, it is not designed to be a ”vintage” emulation, but a modern and playable instrument).

A fine-tuned velocity curve makes Tines a true joy to play on a MIDI keyboard.

Anatomy

1. Wobble Depth / Wobble Speed - Sets how each note should vibrate dynamically (like a Tremolo but on each note).

2. Phase / Decay - Controls the phase offset between the left and right output channels. Decay sets a note's decay time.

3. 3-band EQ - If you need more, rearrange your song.

4. Fresh air - A well-balanced room reverb + stereo spread.




Features

  • Tremolo depth and speed (XY pad) with phase offset
  • Variable decay time
  • Variable Air (room) amount
  • Multiband distortion

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  • macOS 10.10 or later (optimized for the M1-processor)
  • Windows 7 SP1 or later
  • AU, VST-2, VST-3, AAX

OS Compatibility



Baervaag

Synth by Klevgrand



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Description


FM Synthesizer

FM synthesis for the masses

Baervaag is a fairly simple FM synthesizer with one carrier and one modulator. The oscillator waveforms can be modified seamlessly between sine wave to pure square wave with PWM (pulse width modulation).

Anatomy

1. Carrier Oscillator - This XY pad controls pulse width modulation on the X-axis and the wave shape on the Y-axis.

2. Carrier ADSR - Controls the carrier oscillator envelope. The attack time is optionally reactive to MIDI Velocity.

3. Modulator Oscillator - This XY pad works like the Carrier Oscillator, but it also has a frequency multiplier button.

4. Modulator relative ADSR - These sliders control the envelope of the Modulator oscillator and are relative to the Carrier ADSR. If all values of the sliders are in the middle, the Modulator envelope will be the same as the Carriers.

5. FX & Master section - High-Quality Delay, High-Quality Chorus, High-Quality Master Output Knob.




Features

  • FM Feedback, Filter, ADSR Attack and Volume can be modulated by velocity
  • Oscillators can be shaped between sine, square and PWM
  • One ADSR for each oscillator.
  • Controllable wobble factor that adds analogue unpredictability
  • 50+ handcrafted presets created by professional musicians

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Sound Quality

General Ease of Use

Number of Presets


  • macOS 10.10 or later (optimized for the M1-processor)
  • Windows 7 SP1 or later
  • AU, VST-2, VST-3, AAX

OS Compatibility



Jussi

Synth by Klevgrand



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Description


Vocal Synthesizer

A golden throat at your fingertips

Jussi emulates male voice vowels in a unique way. Thanks to a set of powerful parameters you can make Jussi sing anything from soft and airy choir-like vowels to hard and angry shouting. Formants are controlled by playing with different velocity, which makes it fun and easy to play using a MIDI keyboard.

Anatomy

1. Character - Drag the XY pad to alter tone intensity. The ’intense’ axis controls the formant’s Q value and the ’narrow’ axis is the formant’s gain value.

2. Throat - This XY pad controls grain-factor (Y-axis) and the tonality/noise-factor (X-axis).

3. Three legato modes - Off: Like an ordinary polysynth. On: Normal legato mode (use XY pad to control). Hold: Smart polyphonic mode (see documentation for full info).

4. ADSR / Turn in & out - The ADSR controls the volume envelope of a triggered note with an option to slide the pitch (Turn in/out).




Features

  • ADSR with ”Turn-in” and ”Turn-out” option (Turn-in and Turn-out affects the pitch and maps it to attack and release) Voice character XY pad (Intensity and Narrowness)
  • Legato mode (glides between notes and velocity levels)
  • Legato Hold mode (polyphonic legato when using a sustain controller, consult the documentation for more info) Throat emulation XY pad (Grain and Tonality)
  • Built-in reverb

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  • macOS 10.10 or later (optimized for the M1-processor)
  • Windows 7 SP1 or later
  • AU, VST-2, VST-3, AAX

OS Compatibility



Pads

Synth by Klevgrand



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Description


Lush Pad Synthesizer

A pad synthesizer with soul

Pads is a thriving and organic pad synthesizer. It consists of a wavetable synth with a noise/grain generator and a high cut filter. With a carefully developed ”wobbler” that detunes the waveforms and makes very small inconsistencies to several internal parameters and a nice sounding chorus, this synthesizer is able to create some really interesting and non-statical pad sounds.

Anatomy

1. Wave selector - Select two waveforms, and morph between them by dragging the slider.

2. Wobble - Adds some analog character with de-tune/filter inaccuracy.

3. Grain / Noise - Drag horizontally to add white noise and upwards to add some more irrational noise/grain.

4. Filter / Envelope / Chorus - Various toys in the toolbox for shaping the sound further.




Features

  • Filter, Attack, and Volume can be modulated by velocity
  • Controllable grit/grain level, sampled from a real Hammond organ with a broken tone wheel
  • Controllable wobble factor that adds analogue unpredictability
  • 30 handcrafted presets created by professional musicians

Video


Rating


Value For Money

Sound Quality

General Ease of Use

Number of Presets


  • macOS 10.10 or later (optimized for the M1-processor)
  • Windows 7 SP1 or later
  • AU, VST-2, VST-3, AAX

OS Compatibility



Syndt

Synth by Klevgrand



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Description


Polyphonic Synthesizer

A versatile, morphable polyphonic synthesizer

Syndt is a high-quality polyphonic synthesizer with a lot of possibilities. The oscillator waveform can be morphed between pure sine to pure square and supports altering of pulse width. Both the shape and pulse width can be modulated by two independent LFOs.

With fine-tuned low pass and high pass filters combined with a separate filter attack setting, (optionally based on velocity) this synth can create some raw and interesting sounds.

The additional LFO can be shaped exactly as the oscillator, and optionally controls filters, gain, and pitch (using a modulation wheel or just automatically). This LFO can be synchronized to an AUv3 host.

Globally there’s a nice stereo chorus, ping pong stereo delay (that also can sync to an AUv3 host's BPM), and EQ.

Anatomy

1. Oscillator - This XY Pad sets the wave shape. X-axis: pulse width (pure sine to the left, short pulse width to the right). Y-axis: morphs between pure sine and square.

2. Mini LFO:s & Filters - These sliders affect the oscillator's values. These LFOs only output pure sinewaves. If the NOTE ON SYNC is ticked, the LFO will be reset on a new note. If not, it will keep ongoing. HP & LP Filters with separate resonance control.

3. LFO - A powerful LFO that can affect filters, gain & pitch.

4. ADSR - Controls the Attack time, Decay time, Sustain Level and Release time of the voice.

5. Special effect - A very competent delay section, a chorus, EQ & more.




Features

  • 70+ professionally made presets
  • XY pad based oscillator and LFO (PWM on the X-axis and morphs between sine and square on the Y-axis)
  • Independent mini-LFO (sine only) for each axis of the oscillator XY-pad.
  • LP / HP filter with resonance
  • LP Filter can be velocity-sensitive
  • LP Filter has an optional attack time
  • LFO can affect LP filter, HP filter, gain level, and pitch
  • LFO has an optional attack time
  • LFO can be synchronized with an AUv3 host (AUv3 mode only!)
  • Ping pong delay
  • Stereo Chorus
  • Three-band EQ
  • Legato mode with glide speed parameter
  • Pitch bend range

Video


Rating


Value For Money

Sound Quality

General Ease of Use

Number of Presets


  • macOS 10.10 or later (optimized for the M1-processor)
  • Windows 7 SP1 or later
  • AU, VST-2, VST-3, AAX

OS Compatibility



Hand Clapper

Synth by AudioThing



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Description


Claps Synthesizer Plug-In

Hand Clapper is a drum synthesizer dedicated to claps sounds.

The internal design is inspired by a famous Japanese percussion synthesiser from the ’80. There are three internal noise sources that are used to recreate the classic sound of vintage analog drum machines (such as 808, 909, HC2, and more).

You are not limited to just the onboard sounds though, you can also load in any sample you want.




Features

  • 4 sources: 808, 909, HC2, Custom
  • 20 Factory Presets
  • Tone bandpass/peak filter
  • Vintage Reverb
  • Preset system with randomiser
  • Platforms: OSX, Windows

Video


Rating


Value For Money

Sound Quality

General Ease of Use

Number of Presets


Mac

  • macOS 10.9 - macOS 12 Monterey (Intel only) 64-bit only)
  • 2GHz CPU, 4 GB RAM
  • VST2, VST3, AU, or AAX
  • Universal 2 Binary

Windows

  • Windows 7, 8, 10 (64-bit only)
  • 2GHz CPU, 4 GB RAM
  • VST2, VST3, or AAX

OS Compatibility



Simple Concept

Synth by Krotos



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Description


Simple Interface, Infinite Sounds

Simple Concept is an interactive and easy to use soft-synth powered by Krotos’ Concept synth engine, wrapped into a compact interface. With a simple workflow and a user-friendly set of controls, Simple Concept lets you focus on your music. 

Dial-in your sound quickly with the expertly pre-tuned controls and perform a range of basses, melodic leads, keys, pads, and FX.

Shape modulation and effects and choose from a diverse range of 80 presets. Use ‘Tweak It’ to instantly create endless preset variations with just a few clicks.

Simple Concept’s Oscilloscope gives you real-time visual feedback based on the master output of the plugin

Effortless, quick, and controllable, Simple Concept allows you to focus on what’s most important: your music.




Features

  • Flexible Macro System
  • Simple 'Tweak It' Customisation System
  • 80+ presets
  • Audio Input for modulation (specific presets only)
  • Oscilloscope visualiser
  • ADSR Envelope

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Rating


Value For Money

Sound Quality

General Ease of Use

Number of Presets


Mac

  • Mac Intel computer with a minimum of 2.4 GHz Intel Dual Core Processor
  • 4 GB of RAM
  • OS X 10.9.5 or later
  • Graphic card capable of running OpenGL 3.3
  • VST, VST3, AU, AAX Native formats
  • 64-bit only

Windows

  • 2.4 GHz Intel Dual Core Processor
  • 4 GB of RAM
  • Windows 10 1909 and newer
  • Graphic card capable of running OpenGL 3.3
  • VST, VST3, AAX Native formats
  • 64-bit only

Other Information

  • This product does not use iLok
  • This product comes with 2 activations
  • This software is a digital download
  • An internet connection is required at the time of activation
  • Audio Input feature is not supported on FL Studio or Studio One

Supported Host Applications

Ableton Live 10.1.14 and above, FL Studio 20.7.1 and above (Windows Only), Reason 11.3d36 and above, Pro Tools 11 and above, Logic Pro X 10.4.6 and above, Nuendo 10.2.20 or above, Cubase 10.5.20 and above, Reaper 6.11 and above, Studio One 4.6.1 and above

Please Note: Other versions of these hosts may work with the plugin, but Krotos can only guarantee expected behaviour on these systems, which have been tested extensively. Krotos recommend trying the demo before you buy.

OS Compatibility



CA2600 Synthesizer

Synth by Cherry Audio



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Description


The 2600 Experience Like Never Before

The Cherry Audio CA2600 Synthesizer is a powerful, self-contained duophonic synthesizer inspired by the groundbreaking ARP 2600 synthesizer. Every aspect of the original, from the quirky oscillator waves to the powerful ladder filter, to the external audio input and preamp section was modelled with tremendous precision.

Though it features similar functionality, it’s been thoughtfully updated for increased flexibility - with semi-normalled patch cabling, integrated effects, and no hidden windows or menus in the audio path, CA2600 delivers an unprecedented hands-on, “everything right in front of you, right now!,” vintage synthesis experience like no other.

Wildly flexible, capable of chunky basses, cutting leads, super-creative external audio processing, absolutely insane effects, and so much more, we believe you’ll find CA2600 to be the finest 2600 emulation ever created.




Features

  • Every aspect precisely modelled in exact detail.
  • 300+ of presets.
  • Monophonic and duophonic voice modes.
  • Vintage-correct multi-mode filter with 12db and 24db slope.
  • Integrated, fully CV-controllable distortion, reverb, and delay with sync.
  • Sidechain audio input for external signal processing.
  • Flexible CV Routing.
  • Multiple voice assign modes.
  • Advanced patch cabling with unlimited multis per jack, “quick patch” for rapid multiple destination routing, and click and drag movement of multiple connections.
  • Additional LFO with six waveforms and tempo sync.
  • Voltage Processors section with additional VCA and a 1/2-step quantizer.
  • Selectable blue, grey, or black/orange colour schemes.
  • Full MIDI control.
  • Full DAW automation for all controls.
  • CA2600 is available in AU, VST, VST3, AAX, and standalone formats.

Video


Rating


Value For Money

Sound Quality

General Ease of Use

Number of Presets


  • macOS 10.9 or above, 64-bit required. Quad-core computer with 8GB of RAM recommended.
  • Windows 7 or above, 64-bit required. Quad-core computer with 8GB of RAM recommended.
  • AU, VST, VST3, AAX, and Standalone.

OS Compatibility



DCO-106

Synth by Cherry Audio



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Description


Discover the Iconic Sound

Recreating the sound of a classic synthesizer is no easy task. DCO-106 lovingly recreates the unique sonic footprint of one of the most iconic 80’s polysynths in exhaustive detail, while adding modern features for massively expanded creativity. 

The DCO-106 is both easy to understand and powerful to explore, creating a massive array of sonic landscapes, cutting lead sounds, warm and hazy pads, punchy synthetic electro drums, and far more.




Features

  • Every aspect precisely modeled in exact detail.
  • 330+ presets, including original 106 Factory Presets.
  • Up to 16-voice polyphony.
  • Rich stereo chorus.
  • Three lush reverb modes, gorgeous new proprietary reverb algorithm.
  • Full-featured delay section with tempo sync.
  • Multiple voice assign modes.
  • Single-key chord memory mode.
  • Expanded LFO section with six waveforms and tempo sync.
  • Unison detune for massive lead and bass sounds.
  • MPE support.
  • Full MIDI control.
  • Full DAW automation for all controls.
  • Fully compatible with original 106 SysEx commands.

Video


Rating


Value For Money

Sound Quality

General Ease of Use

Number of Presets


  • macOS 10.9 or above, 64-bit required. Quad-core computer with 8GB of RAM recommended.
  • Windows 7 or above, 64-bit required. Quad-core computer with 8GB of RAM recommended.
  • AU, VST, VST3, AAX, and Standalone.

OS Compatibility



CFA Sound MonoGrizzly 2

Synth by Resonance Sound



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Description


Time to let your DAW gone wild with the all-new MonoGrizzly 2 VST synthesizer! A full grown monophonic and analog modelled synth for raw and wild analog styled bass and synth sounds.

After some years in the cage, the MonoGrizzly 2 has finally grown to its full size and is ready to bare it`s claws! Coming with a completely reworked engine, a lot of own character, massive oscillators, a toasty filter module based on the classic ladder design and fx effects – packed into an easy-to-use interface.

Starting on the all-new oscillators, which generating 3 analog modelled waveforms at once, you can use with all 3 oscillators together up to 9 waveforms on one note. Every oscillator is enhanced two new sound shaping features: “Spread” – allows to modulate the phases of each contained waveform, and “Roast” – with this mode you can drive the hole sound character of the oscillator to a way more crunchy and rough taste with just one mouse click. In addition you can also sync the second and third oscillator and add noise through the mixer module.

Followed by the overworked filter module, loaded with a tube-based filter drive unit for saturation and an analog modelled 4-pole lowpass ladder filter with a passive controlled feedback circuit. Rounded off with the improved envelopes and new LFO with 8 waveforms, which allows more modulation targets as in the previous version. The new effect section contains a decimate and overdrive fx, aswell as the new two band equalizer. All this packed together with 2x oversampling and anti-aliasing algorithm into the new GUI and charged with 75 new presets – waiting to shows it`s claws and bring you raw and wild sounds!




Features

  • Monophonic analog modelled synthesizer
  • With 2x oversampling and anti-aliasing algorithm
  • Three massive oscillators
  • Every oscillator generates 3 waveforms at once
  • Spread option to modulate the phases of each waveform
  • Roast mode for changing the character to a more deep and rough taste
  • Oscillators 2 & 3 can be synced
  • Additional noise oscillator with tone filter
  • 4-pole lowpass ladder filter
  • Tube-based filter drive unit
  • Passive controlled feedback circuit
  • Improved envelopes
  • New LFO with 8 waveforms and more modulation targets
  • Decimate and overdrive effect
  • Two-band equalizer
  • New GUI with 2 different skins
  • 75 complete new factory presets

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Sound Quality

General Ease of Use

Number of Presets


  • VST 2.3 (32-bit) for Windows

Note: MonoGrizzly 2 could maybe work via Jbrigde in a 64-bit DAW, but we don`t guarantee that. If you`re using WinOS 64-bit DAW please try the Demo Version before buying.

  • Win32 compatible OS with SSE2-supporting CPU (or higher)

Important note: This software is Windows (PC) 32-bit compatible only.

OS Compatibility