The Best Free & Paid Sofware Synths
A soft synth for both budgets
Software synths are everywhere, and it can feel overwhelming with all the options. Choosing a good synth is critical whether you’ve been producing for a long time or not. Here are the best free and paid software synths to make it a little easier.
Free
Surge XT
Surge is an open-source hybrid synthesizer with a fantastic community backing it. Many producers flock to it as an alternative synth when their computer cannot handle Vital’s CPU load. As a bonus, Surge comes with thousands of presets, all free.
Vital
What most would consider the most famous free wavetable synth on the market, Vital, packs a serious punch with capabilities that rival paid synths. If you’re willing to spend a little bit of money, you could splurge on the other packs for the program, which can enhance your sound design exponentially. As mentioned above, the one drawback is that it can deal a heavy load on your CPU.
Zebralette
The free software synth, dubbed “the mini zebra” because it is a slimmed-down version of the complete Zebra plugin, is excellent for those on a tight budget. Although it may be slimmed down, the plugin still manages to have enough packed within to give any home producer a run for their money.
VCV Rack 2
Although not a free plugin, VCV Rack 2 is the best free standalone modular synth program. The program allows you to create your modular setups, try out emulations of actual modules, and create unique sounds with complete expressive freedom. It even has thousands of free modules, with some notable paid ones.
Paid
Pigments
Arturia’s Pigments is an excellent paid plugin for those looking to live in the sound designer’s dream. With an amazing workflow and sleek UI, it’s no surprise why it’s considered an elite plugin.
It has four separate synth engines:
- Wavetable synthesis
- Virtual analog oscillators
- Sampling and granular synthesis
- And a harmonic engine
It’s also a great alternative to Serum if you find the plugin too dark to work with.
Phase Plant
If you like the freedom and control of working with a modular synth setup, then Kilohearts Phase Plant is the way to go. Not only can you create your synth patches from scratch, but you can also form the entire synth itself. Depending on how much your CPU can handle, you can have as many oscillators, filters, LFOs, and whatever else you want in excess.
Diva
Diva, also made by U-he, is what many consider the best analog software synth. The electronic instrument comes with all of what you expect with that added analog flavor many producers tend to lean towards. The look and UI also give it that retro vibe you might be looking for.
Serum
Xfer Records created Serum as a wavetable synth with a visual and creative workflow. Unlike many other wavetable synths around the same budget, Serum has ultra-clean oscillators that minimize audible artifacts while sound designing. This plugin is so widely known that you could throw a stone and hit a music producer who uses it by chance.
Whether you choose a paid or free option, a synth can be a sound designer’s tool for destruction and creation. When choosing, make sure to experiment and have fun with it.
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