Alternatives to VCV RACK
Compare VCV RACK alternatives for your business or organization using the curated list below. SourceForge ranks the best alternatives to VCV RACK in 2026. Compare features, ratings, user reviews, pricing, and more from VCV RACK competitors and alternatives in order to make an informed decision for your business.
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1
Reason
Reason Studios
Reason is a powerful collection of fantastic instruments, synthesizers and effects for you to create endless amazing sounds and music. Use it as a plugin with your favorite DAW or produce music in Reason standalone. Sound Packs are like musical building blocks that just sound perfect together. Sound Packs are filled with Reason patches (aka presets) that are powerful combinations of various Reason devices, made by world-class sound designers. With new Sound Packs every week, you’ve always got somewhere to turn for some inspiration. -
2
Roland Cloud
Roland
Roland Cloud is an evolving cloud-based suite of software synthesizers, drum machines, and sampled instruments for modern creators. Harness the vast power of the ZEN-Core Synthesis System and dive deep into the world of custom sound design with ZENOLOGY Pro. For nearly fifty years, Roland has delivered memorable, genre-defining sounds. And a big part of that sonic footprint is our unique approach to effects processing. The swirling JUNO chorus, feedback-drenched tape echo, and other sounds have left their mark on countless tracks over the decades, and with ZENOLOGY FX, you can now add that flavor to any keyboard sound or instrument track right inside your DAW. With over 90 processors to choose from, there's a wealth of ways to make your synth sounds come alive. Add delays to arps, larger-than-life modulation effects to chord progressions, and twist and distort basses and lead tones that leap from the speakers. -
3
Blindfold EQ
AudioThing
Blindfold EQ, a plugin designed for you to mix with your ears. Blindfold EQ is a freeware EQ plugin inspired by a quote by Matt Wallace from the book Recording Unhinged by Sylvia Massy. It has 4 bands (LowShelf, LowMid, HighMid, HighShelf), but each knob is blind. There are no indicators or numbers to show frequency values, gain values or Q values. Multi-band resonant filter, lightweight on CPU, preset system with randomizer. Blindfold EQ is a freeware plugin. Just put your email address in the form to get your download links. No connection required to activate. We offer a wide range of audio plugins, including vintage tape and valve emulations, analog tape echos, analog drum machine emulations, complex convolution processing effects, and more. We are committed to developing professional yet affordable products for every kind of composer, producer and sound designer. -
4
AudioThing
AudioThing
AudioThing is an audio software company focused on audio plugins (VST2, VST3, AU, AAX). We are committed to developing professional yet affordable products for every kind of composer, producer and sound designer. We offer a wide range of audio plugins, including vintage tape and valve emulations, analog tape echos, analog drum machine emulations, complex convolution processing effects, and more. Our copy protection is simple and user-friendly, no iLok, no dongles, no internet required. To activate a plugin you can choose between online and offline authorization. Create an account, log in through the plugin to activate, or download your license file for offline activation. Motor is a plugin effect that uses side-chaining to combine signals in new and interesting ways. Put in any two signals and they will dance around each other like courting birds drunk on fermented cherries.Starting Price: $35 one-time payment -
5
Audacity
Audacity
Free, open source, cross-platform audio software. Audacity is an easy-to-use, multi-track audio editor and recorder for Windows, macOS, GNU/Linux and other operating systems. Developed by a group of volunteers as open source. Audacity can record live audio through a microphone or mixer, or digitize recordings from other media. Import, edit, and combine sound files. Export your recordings in many different file formats, including multiple files at once. Supports 16-bit, 24-bit and 32-bit. Sample rates and formats are converted using high-quality resampling and dithering. Support for LADSPA, LV2, Nyquist, VST and Audio Unit effect plug-ins. Nyquist effects can be easily modified in a text editor – or you can even write your own plug-in. Easy editing with Cut, Copy, Paste and Delete. Also unlimited sequential Undo (and Redo) in the session to go back any number of steps. Real-time preview of LADSPA, LV2, VST and Audio Unit (macOS) effects. Plug-in Manager handles plug-in installation.Starting Price: Free -
6
Reaktor
Native Instruments
Experiment with rack-style modular patching using blocks. Discover 70+ included instruments plus thousands of sounds in the user library. Reaktor 6 is the ultimate creative toolkit for deep sound exploration, featuring cutting-edge DSP and high-fidelity sound. Reaktor is the beating heart that gives life to synths like Native’s Razor and Monark, as well as third-party releases from Twisted Tools, Tim Exile, Blinksonic, and many more. It’s a sandbox for sound creation – a limitless platform for experimenting and diving into new sound directions. Simply put, Reaktor lets you build instruments to replicate the sounds in your head – in a way that existing instruments can’t. Reaktor's trademark sound quality is unmistakable. From anti-aliased oscillators and ZDF (zero delay feedback) filters to granular synthesis engines, a team of leading developers builds every component in Reaktor from the core level up.Starting Price: $199 one-time payment -
7
Qithesizer
Robkoo
Qithesizer is a powerful multi-engine hybrid software synthesizer designed with wind controllers in mind, combining virtual analog, wavetable, and physical modeling synthesis into one versatile platform. It features two wavetable oscillators, four physical instrument models, three noise generators, three classical filters, two envelope generators, two LFOs, four modulation slots, 11 modulation sources, and 18 modulation destinations, allowing users to craft their own unique sounds. The app includes a patch library for immediate sound creation and supports playability via keyboards and other MIDI controllers, making it accessible even for beginners without prior synthesis knowledge. Real-time visualizations provide visual feedback synchronized with performances, enhancing confidence during play. Qithesizer is available on iPad, iPhone, and Mac (requiring an Apple M1 chip or later), and supports AUv3 format for integration with hosts on iPad, iPhone, and DAWs like Logic Pro on Mac.Starting Price: $12.99 one-time payment -
8
King of Digital
AudioKit Pro
AudioKit's King of Digital is an epic 64-voice hybrid synthesizer that combines virtual analog and PCM synthesis, offering over 900 handcrafted presets and 3+ gigabytes of original samples recorded from analog and FM synths over 30 years old. Designed for versatility, it is ideal for creating epic pads, retrowave, digital keys, vaporwave, synthwave, and more. The app features dual layers per voice, keyboard splits, a fun step sequencer, three LFOs capable of modulating each other, and per-voice harmonic key-tracked envelope filters. Its space-saving compression technology compresses all sounds and expansions to a total of 450 MB, ensuring efficient use of device storage. King of Digital is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iOS AUv3 plug-ins, supporting MIDI input from various sources, including customizable on-screen keyboards, USB MIDI controllers, Bluetooth MIDI controllers, and networked MIDI sources.Starting Price: $4.99 one-time payment -
9
Bitwig Studio
Bitwig
Bitwig Studio inspires you to take greater control of your music, giving you access to every aspect of your production. Streamline your creative process and quickly evolve your ideas into complete songs, tracks, and compositions. Record and arrange, improvise and perform, or do it all at once. Linear and non-linear workflows for sound design, recording, live performance, and beyond. Enjoy over 10 GB (and counting) of world-class sound content from Bitwig and selected partners. The modulation system in Bitwig Studio allows you to use Macro controls, Note Expressions, LFOs, and Envelopes to modulate any device, VST plug-in, or hardware parameter. With 30+ modulators (and counting) the potential for creative expression is endless. -
10
LUNA
Universal Audio
Designed for seamless integration with Apollo audio interfaces, LUNA is our free Mac‑based recording application that lets you do music recording, audio editing, composition, sound design, and more, all in real time, and with big analog studio sound. Far beyond plug‑ins, LUNA extensions are built into the fabric of LUNA's mixer, giving you authentic analog sounds without having to manage multiple plug‑in windows. Create with precisely emulated analog summing from legendary Neve and API consoles. These optional LUNA Extensions will transform a clean, sterile mix to sound as if it was mixed on a classic analog desk. Get the punch and rich textures of magnetic tape on any audio or instrument track, as well as your master fader and buses, with optional Studer A800 and Ampex ATR-102 LUNA Extensions. You can also sculpt warm analog tape tones with the included Oxide Tape Machine Extension. -
11
Surge
Vember Audio
A digital recording is just a sequence of numbers. Easily quantifiable as ones and zeros, stored on physical media, combined together into larger numbers to form a continuous stream of data. Surge is an instrument capable of generating truly beautiful sequences of numbers. Your ears will agree with us. Architecturally speaking, Surge is a rather complex synthesizer. But because of how it’s put together it’s still easy to learn. Once you do, you will turn the sounds in your head to audio faster than ever. The effortless workflow, attention to detail and sound quality can’t really be appreciated without trying it yourself. We suggest you try the demo! Each patch contain two ’scenes’ which are separate instances of the entire synthesis engine (except effects) that can be used for layering or split patches. 8 versatile oscillator algorithms, Classic, Sine, Wavetable, Window, FM2, FM3, S/H Noise and Audio-input. -
12
Arturia Synths
ARTURIA
Arturia's Pigments is a versatile software synthesizer that combines multiple synthesis engines, including virtual analog, wavetable, sample-based, and harmonic synthesis, allowing users to create a vast array of sounds. It features an intuitive interface with a color-coded modulation system, making complex sound design accessible. Pigments offer a comprehensive set of filters, effects, and a powerful sequencer, enabling intricate sound shaping and modulation. The software includes over 1,500 presets, providing a wide range of sounds suitable for various musical styles. Pigments is compatible with major DAWs and supports VST, AU, and AAX plug-in formats, making it a flexible tool for music producers and sound designers. Visualize and perfect your sound with an interface that adapts to your creative process. You can be finishing a composition in the play view, retouching a color-rated modulation, or watching a patch or preset come to life with dynamic visualization.Starting Price: $99 one-time payment -
13
Bazille
u-he
Bazille, developed by u-he, is a modular synthesizer that combines digital oscillators with analog-style filters and extensive modulation capabilities. It features four digital oscillators capable of frequency modulation, phase distortion, and fractal resonance synthesis, allowing for complex sound design. The synthesizer includes four self-oscillating multimode filters, each with up to six parallel outputs, providing versatile filtering options. Bazille offers four ADSR envelopes with adjustable fall and rise controls, two LFOs with multiple waveforms and outputs, and a 6-step morphing sequencer with eight snapshots for dynamic modulation. Additional components include mapping generators, multiplex modules for signal mixing and modulation, and built-in effects such as stereo delay, distortion, phaser, and spring reverb. The interface is fully modular, allowing users to connect any output to any input, facilitating intricate patching possibilities.Starting Price: €129 one-time payment -
14
TyrellN6
u-he
TyrellN6 is a compact, sporty synth. Based on concepts and ideas for a hardware synth: a few modules, novel features, analog sound, and low cost. TyrellN6 is the software version manifestation of these ideas. Available as a free download exclusively from the German online magazine Amazona. TyrellN6 is a free virtual analog synthesizer developed by u-he, inspired by the design of classic hardware synths like the Roland Juno 60. It features two oscillators, noise, a ring modulator, and two LFOs with eight waveforms. The audio source mixer includes authentic overdrive and filter feedback, while the twin filter is related to u-he's Diva synthesizer. TyrellN6 supports unison with up to eight voices and offers analog-type ADSR envelopes that are loopable or LFO-triggered. A small modulation matrix with depth modulation from a second source, a chorus effect with three modes, and MIDI learn/unlearn for hardware control are also included.Starting Price: Free -
15
Magix Music Maker
MAGIX
Want to fulfil your dream of being a creative music producer, even without any experience? Music Maker lets you get started right away. Simply choose sounds from a massive collection of beats, tunes and vocals at chart quality level. Combine sounds and loops per drag & drop, play a whole library of software instruments and apply professional effects. Choose sounds and loops from your favorite genre and combine them with virtual instruments on your timeline. Analog synthesizers, drums that pack real boom or elegant strings – they can all be applied with a single click. Form an entire band! Start recording your own melodies or vocals from the get-go. Just connect your MIDI keyboard, drum pad controller or microphone – that's all you need to do. Want to record a live guitar solo? No problem. You're free to customize each and every element for your groove. Create a track that's one of a kind. Drag & drop to apply professional effects to your sounds, loops, instruments and vocals.Starting Price: $59 -
16
DRC
Imaginando
DRC delivers an amazing, warm analog sound. DRC is a virtual analog synthesizer that emphasizes authentic analog modeling, delivering a warm and rich sound across multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows. It utilizes the same synth engine on all devices, ensuring consistent, high-quality audio. The synthesizer features a clean, minimalistic interface focused on accessibility, allowing users to concentrate on creativity without visual distractions. DRC supports cloud-based preset synchronization, enabling users to create patches on mobile devices and seamlessly access them on desktop versions. This cross-platform functionality facilitates music production anytime and anywhere. The software includes a range of built-in effects and supports MIDI integration, catering to both beginners and experienced musicians seeking a portable and powerful synthesis tool. DRC uses the exact same synth-engine on all platforms for a consistent, high-quality sound.Starting Price: $93.55 one-time payment -
17
Syntronik
Ik Multimedia
Syntronik is a cutting-edge virtual synthesizer that raises the bar in sound quality and flexibility thanks to the most advanced sampling techniques combined with a new hybrid sample and modeling synthesis engine. Syntronik includes 17 amazing Synths, available as a collection or separately, with over 2,000 preset sounds covering a wide selection from 38 of the most iconic to ultra-rare and painstakingly multi-sampled vintage synthesizers. Syntronik’s synthesis engine goes well beyond traditional sampling thanks to a brand new analog modeled filter section created with the utmost expertise from IK, the pioneer in virtual circuit modeling. This is coupled with exclusive DRIFT™ technology to accurately reproduce the behavior of oscillators from real hardware synths. All of this combined with an effects section that is unrivaled in the world of virtual instruments along with advanced features like 4-part Multis, splits and arpeggiators make Syntronik the ultimate source of inspiration.Starting Price: $299.99 one-time payment -
18
HOFA SYSTEM
HOFA
It’s time to create your own channel strips & FX. HOFA SYSTEM offers you 32 high-end plugins, that you can use in your DAW or connect them with each other in the revolutionary SYSTEM environment. For mixing, mastering and sound design. With premium dynamics, EQs, reverbs, FX, modulation and saturation effects and utilities. Intuitive and fast workflow for multiband, mid/side, parallel and dual mono routings. All plugins can be used as inserts and within HOFA SYSTEM. Buy now and get 3 upcoming plugins for free! It has never been easier or faster to change the signal flow of your plugin chain. You can use multiband, mid/side, parallel and dual mono tools anywhere, just drag and drop the plugins around. You want to use an equalizer only on the side signal? Or saturate the signal above 200 Hz? No problem, SYSTEM can do that in no time. More than 300 carefully selected presets not only provide you with a starting point for your own creations, they also sound great!Starting Price: $169.90 one-time payment -
19
ACE
u-he
Compact, clear, careful selection of modules and semi-modular architecture makes ACE easy to learn. Simple but not simplistic. Compact but not limited, clear but definitely not underpowered. With the ability to connect any output to any input, ACE is a powerful synth with tools and features ready for beginners or seasoned users. The “boxes and cables” philosophy of modular synthesizers gives you the freedom to create your own custom instruments. Once you start connecting the sixteen modules in ACE, exploring new combinations, and cross-pollinating ideas, the vast potential of modular soon becomes clear. The two VCOs act as the main sound generators, but as ACE does not differentiate between audio and control (modulation) signals, the full-range LFOs can also be used to generate audio frequencies. ACE’s oscillators are modeled on analog circuits, including instabilities and various non-linear characteristics.Starting Price: €69 one-time payment -
20
Diva
u-he
Diva captures the spirit of five decades of analog synthesizers. Oscillators, filters, and envelopes from some of the greatest monophonic and polyphonic synths of yesteryear were meticulously modeled for unmatched analog sound. More than a single synthesizer: Recreate an old favourite or mix-and-match modules to design your unique hybrid. Authentic, award-winning analog sound. Per-voice oscillator detunes and user-definable modulation source. Zero delay feedback (ZDF) filter design for authentic resonance behavior. 3 ADS(S)R envelope models based on classic synth hardware with keyboard follow and velocity scaling. Host-sync-able arpeggiator with continuous rate offset, swing, and various progression options. 2 host-sync-able LFOs with multiple waveforms, restart options, and phase controls. 2 stereo effects slots, each with chorus (3 modes), phaser (2 modes), plate reverb, delay, rotary speaker.Starting Price: €179 one-time payment -
21
Beatzille
u-he
Beatzille is a compact version of our monster modular synthesizer Bazille. Although its condensed feature set makes it the ‘little brother’, Beatzille is still an engaging and capable synthesizer. Power and style run in the family. Digital oscillators, analog-style filters,s, and flexible patching will keep you busy for a good while before thinking about tackling Bazille. Striking the balance between too much and too little, Beatzille is the happy medium. It presents an introduction to modular synthesis and a taste of the power of Bazille without being overwhelming. All three synthesis methods run simultaneously, so you can combine them to create an extensive range of sounds. Beatzille is great at generating weird modular blips and squeaks, but you can even coax soft pads and organic keys from the oscillators, as demonstrated by the factory library. Add modulation for even more sound possibilities.Starting Price: Free -
22
Repro
u-he
Repro dives into the past for analog inspiration, meticulously modeling two famous synthesizers. Every detail of the original was captured using component-level modeling technology to create the most authentic model possible. All the subtle characteristics and quirks found in the originals are present in Repro. One product, one installer, two synths. The classic design gives you immediate access to all the raw power. Two oscillators, a self-oscillating 4-pole lowpass filter, an arpeggiator, a step sequencer, the unique modulation section, and five stomp-box effects can be arranged in any order. Hard-working, raw sounding, and immediately playable, it's a simple and intuitive synthesizer that belies a deep feature set capable of a wide range of sounds. Our plug-in version includes all the lovable quirks of this classic synth, but with a much more capable sequencer, lots of presets, several under-the-hood tweaks, and more modulation options.Starting Price: €149 one-time payment -
23
BazilleCM
u-he
BazilleCM is a streamlined version of u-he's modular synthesizer, Bazille, offering a compact yet powerful synthesis environment. It features two digital oscillators capable of simultaneous frequency modulation, phase distortion, and fractal resonance, providing a rich palette for sound design. The synthesizer includes a multimode analog-style filter with six parallel outputs, two ADSR envelopes with adjustable sustain slopes, and a low-frequency oscillator with multiple waveforms. A 16-step sequencer with eight morphable snapshots allows for intricate pattern creation. Additional components such as multiplex units for mixing and modulation, a built-in stereo delay, and various audio-rate signal processors enhance its versatility. BazilleCM supports a polyphony of up to eight voices and offers a resizable, skinnable user interface. It comes with over 265 factory presets to inspire creativity.Starting Price: Free -
24
Dreamtonics Synthesizer V
Dreamtonics
Warmth and tonality are hallmarks of the human singing voice. Behind the scenes, Synthesize V leverages a deep neural network-based synthesis engine capable of generating incredibly life-like singing voices. Plus, unlike other solutions that utilize neural networks, our first-of-its-kind synthesizer is 100% offline yet runs at lightning-fast speeds. Bad connection? No worries, you will never lose access to your work. Experiment with an expanding inventory of voices ready to plug and play with Synthesizer V Studio. Dive deeper and customize voices with dynamic vocal modes like chest, belt, and breathy. Visualize your modifications in waveforms in real-time via the live rendering feature, helping you minimize hearing fatigue and reduce the idea-to-sound cycle. Synthesizer V AI voices are available natively in English, Japanese and Chinese. Plus, the cross-lingual synthesis feature breaks the language barrier, empowering any voice to sing in any of our three languages!Starting Price: $79 one-time payment -
25
iZotope Suite
iZotope
At iZotope, we’re obsessed with great sound. Our intelligent audio technology helps musicians, music producers, and audio post engineers focus on their craft rather than the tech behind it. We design award-winning software, plug-ins, hardware, and mobile apps powered by the highest quality audio processing, machine learning, and strikingly intuitive interfaces. In media production environments, where budgets are tight and timelines are even tighter, sound is often forced to take a backseat to picture. From flawed location sound to prohibitively expensive ADR to loudness requirements in final delivery, sound quality is compromised too often. iZotope products distinguish themselves by solving seemingly unsolvable audio challenges like these and doing so in a way that’s proven to save both time and money.Starting Price: $19.99 per month -
26
Reaper
Cockos
REAPER's full, flexible feature set and renowned stability have found a home wherever digital audio is used: commercial and home studios, broadcast, location recording, education, science and research, sound design, game development, and more. REAPER's full, flexible feature set and renowned stability have found a home wherever digital audio is used: commercial and home studios, broadcast, location recording, education, science and research, sound design, game development, and more. From mission-critical professional environments to students' laptops, there is a single version of REAPER, fully featured with no artificial limitations. You can evaluate REAPER in full for 60 days. A REAPER license is affordably priced and DRM-free. -
27
T-RackS
Ik Multimedia
Welcome to the ultimate mixing and mastering suite for producers and studio professionals. Powerful processing and effortless mixing and mastering are just a click away. The T-RackS 5 MAX collection for Mac/PC comprises 38 superb modules that range from compressors and limiters to equalizers, channel strips, reverbs and more. All the gear has been modeled after some of the most sought-after production equipment of all time and chosen for its unique sonic character. T-RackS 5 MAX is a must-have set of tools for discerning producers, engineers, and musicians wishing to sculpt single tracks and full mixes with some of the most popular, best-selling plug-ins ever created. Not only is T-RackS MAX the superior choice when it comes to building a serious in-the-box configuration, but it is also the most cost-effective solution on the market — in other words, you get a full-fledged recording studio for a sum that won't break the bank and that is simply unrivaled.Starting Price: $499.99 one-time payment -
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UAD Spark
UAD Spark
Our reverb, delay, and modulation plug‑ins are the standard by which all others are judged, giving you timeless dimension and space. Studio pros use analog mic preamps and EQs, to warm up their tracks and give them character. Explore the world's best analog brands below, exclusively on UAD. Each one has a unique personality and tone. Our compressors perfectly emulate classic studio units, giving your music a professional punch. UA's expertise in modeling, sampling, and synthesis gives our virtual instruments the realism to inspire your next masterpiece. Add punch, warmth, and cohesion with the musical, mixable sound of tape. Give your recordings the pro analog tones heard on your favorite albums, get exclusive new instruments and tools with our ever‑expanding library. -
29
REAMP
Kleverb
REAMP is a complex spectral saturation processor, simulating a set of different analog gear in a new and unique way. Benefits of this algorithm is that it is highly CPU efficient and adds (almost) no latency. The seven models available are based on real analog gear, individually measured in two dimensions; gain responses (-inf dB to +6 dB) at the frequency spectrum 20Hz to 20kHz. This data is used to transform input audio to output audio. A four-band spectral drive allows you to let the unit work even more. Seven handpicked profiles based on gear we love. Plenty of factory presets. Ultra low latency.Starting Price: $59.99 one-time payment -
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VladG Limiter No6
Tokyo Dawn Records
5 modules, RMS compressor, peak limiter, high-frequency limiter, clipper, true peak limiter. High-quality signal processing to use for mastering purposes. Brickwall and soft limiting with different timing settings. M/S and multiband modes, optional 4x oversampling, true inter-sample peaks (ISP) limiting, analog-style indication, 2 different GUIs. Analog-style indicators are used to show the level of signal limiting in corresponding module. Indicator scales are in dB format. Rightmost position means 0 dB of signal limiting. In some host applications, there can be problems with using the mouse wheel to change parameters. In the Windows version, in order to use the mouse wheel, the plugin window must be active (to activate the window, you should click on the window header or at any point in the plugin's window background). -
31
Podolski
u-he
Created in 2005 and still going strong. Podolski is a free, straightforward, CPU-efficient virtual analog synthesizer. One oscillator, one filter, one envelope, and an arpeggiator/sequencer. Simple, but with a few tricks up its sleeve. Create high-quality sounds with ease. Podolski is a simple, CPU-efficient virtual analog synthesizer. Basically a cut-down version of FilterscapeVA with just one oscillator, one filter, one envelope, and two LFOs, it also features a Zebra-style arpeggiator/sequencer plus chorus and delay effects. Podolski's specialties are the click parameter (which emphasizes the filter attack) and its ability to seamlessly morph between three waveforms (WaveWarp). Oscillator with variable symmetry (sawtooth to triangle, PWM) and glide. Combination arpeggiator/16-step sequencer with extra modulation source. ADSR or HDSR, linear or exponential. Sustain has fall/rise control.Starting Price: Free -
32
ZENOLOGY
Roland
Synthesizers are in just about every style of modern music, so you need something versatile, authentic, and forward-thinking. ZENOLOGY embodies nearly 50 years of synthesizer research and development. Its roots go back to the dawn of synthesis. Its future will reshape your relationship with sound. For decades, Roland sounds have had a massive influence on music. A string of legendary instruments defined genres like techno, house, rap, trap, and hip hop, and deeply influenced pop, rock, and film music. This experience has culminated in the ZEN-Core Synthesis System. It’s the most advanced sound engine we’ve ever made, powering our professional synthesizers like JUPITER-X and FANTOM, used on stages and in studios around the world. ZENOLOGY is an expandable plug-in version of the ZEN-Core Synthesis System. ZEN-Core is based on discrete synth voices,each containing a flexible oscillator, filter, amplifier, dual step-LFOs, and lush effects. -
33
Krotos Concept 2
Krotos
Concept 2 is everything you want in a modern synth plugin, beautiful sounds without the complexity of operation found in many other synths. Your time is valuable, and so we wanted to give you access to a rich sound design palette without having to spend time learning how to use it. With Concept 2, you can get lost in the music, not the manual. We designed Concept 2 for musicians, producers, composers, sound designers, and post-production professionals who want to create sounds fast. Here are just some of the highlights of the benefits of creating sounds with Concept 2. With tons of great-sounding presets from top artists, including Roni Size, Richard Devine, and Kayla Painter, there’s every chance you’ll find a sound that works right out of the box. Cinematic lush pads, organic soundscapes, stirring strings, killer bass synths, screaming leads, and more. Presets are a great starting point, but Concept 2 gives you access to almost limitless routing parameters to shape the sound.Starting Price: $149 one-time payment -
34
Modley
Kleverb
Modley is a modulation delay with effect insert capabilities, which lets you design the whole delay signal with several carefully selected effect modules to create unique signal flows. The idea behind Modley is to push the boundaries of what a delay effect is capable of – only your imagination sets the limits! While Modley sure can be used to do all the traditional tricks - stereo delay, tape delay, short slapback delay etc., its true potential lies within the variety of unexpected effect modules that can be applied. New feedback mode, controls the behaviour of loop insert effects. The filter insert now features a bandpass type. New bitcrusher insert effect. Freeze function, with pre- or post-loop processing. Lots of presets to kickstart the creative flow. The first row is the Pre rack – all effects inserted here will process the incoming audio before entering the Loop rack.Starting Price: $59.99 one-time payment -
35
DS Audio Thorn
Plugin Alliance
Thorn is a cutting-edge tool for making cutting-edge sounds. Designed with the modern electronic music producer in mind, DS Audio’s main goal was to develop a top-notch software synthesizer, for creating punchy, snappy, and aggressive sounds that leap out at the listener. The sound engine in Thorn is built on the novel spectral synthesis method, which gives you complete control over the individual harmonics that go into creating a final timbre. Three harmonic oscillators with an additional Harmonic Filter allow you to create a wide range of forward-looking sounds. Two analog-modeled multi-mode filters, with a zero-delay feedback path, are there to help you tailor your tones and make them shine in the mix. Use them to modulate any parameter you’d like to. A set of 9 high-quality effects helps you polish your sound and breathe life into it. For even more fun, check out the pattern-based glitch sequencer to create glitch-effects.Starting Price: $29.99 one-time payment -
36
Pro Tools
Avid
Your talent and artistry know no bounds. Take your sound further with software and hardware that let you focus on what you do best. Meet Pro Tools. Get everything you need to make beats, write songs, record vocals and instruments, and mix studio-quality music that’s ready to be heard across the world’s most popular streaming platforms. Pro Tools makes music creation fast and fluid, providing the GRAMMY® winning DAW toolset and plugins the pros use to create your favorite songs and albums. Build up songs quickly and create more realistic-sounding tracks with easy-to-use MIDI tools. Add loops that auto-conform to your session tempo. And freely create and experiment without stopping playback. Share ideas and work on projects with anyone, anywhere, with Cloud Collaboration. And take your music to any producer or studio around the world, as the Pro Tools session format is the industry’s universal language. -
37
Music Maker JAM
Loudly
With Music Maker JAM, anyone can create amazing music, and instantly release it to a community of millions. Join the music revolution now. Make it yours, you can choose from hundreds of mix packs across all genres, from hip hip to rock. Or remix the tracks of hot artists and producers to create your own take on a song. Combine studio-quality samples in our 8-track mixer, then add FX to make your own sound. You can even add your own vocals. Take your music to the next level with PRO, bringing you exclusive access to all of our best JAM features. Choose from 300+ Mix Packs with a 100k+ loops library. Become a producer who records live with a perfect mixdown on the 8-channel mixer. Access thousands of studio-quality loops; from beats and vocals to synth leads and bass lines. Compose your own unique sound by combining samples from different music genres. Remix free/premium audio loops from our store. Add vocals to your track on top of studio-quality beats.Starting Price: Free -
38
HALion
Steinberg
HALion is a comprehensive virtual sampling and sound design system developed by Steinberg, offering a versatile platform for creating and manipulating sounds. It combines advanced sampling capabilities with a powerful synthesizer engine, providing users with a vast array of tools for sound creation. HALion supports multiple forms of sound synthesis, including granular, wavetable, and virtual analog synthesis, allowing for a wide range of sonic possibilities. The software features a user-friendly interface with a customizable macro page designer, enabling users to create personalized user interfaces for their instruments. Additionally, HALion includes a comprehensive library of high-quality samples and presets, covering various instruments and genres. It integrates seamlessly with major digital audio workstations and supports VST, AU, and AAX plug-in formats, making it a flexible tool for music production and sound design.Starting Price: $366.92 per month -
39
Ableton Live
Ableton
Live organizes multiple passes of an audio or MIDI performance into individual takes. Pick the best moments of each performance and combine them to create your perfect take. Or approach sound design in a new way by splicing together random samples from your library. Link two or more tracks to edit their content simultaneously. This makes editing multi-tracked instruments or performances with multiple musicians easy and fast whilst keeping everything in time across tracks. This feature also works for MIDI tracks. Plug in your MPE-capable controller and immediately add bends, slides and pressure for each individual note in a chord. Add subtle expression variations, morph between chords and create evolving sonic textures. MPE stands for MIDI Polyphonic Expression. This way of using MIDI allows MPE-capable devices to control multiple parameters of every note in real-time for more expressive instrumental performances. -
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Caelum Audio
Caelum Audio
Plugins, samples and free stuff. Distortions and effects for making big sounds. Premium pack containing crunchy summertime cassette stems. Multi-FX tape plugin with a huge amount of custom control. RMS compressor plugin with a bold and aggressive sound. Peak compressor plugin with a transparent and elegant sound. Premium 808 sample pack. Premium organic sample pack from the British countryside. Synchronized amp and filter custom envelope. Improved and rebuilt plugin that recreates the classic sound of tape cassettes. Even more synth loops, MIDI and WAVs are provided. More sounds from the human body, dry and processed WAVs. Finger cracking samples, dry and processed WAVs. Please ensure your DAW can load VST3 format plugins and is set up to see the containing directory. If you used the installer's default location this should be fine. Ensure that VST3 is turned on in your DAW.Starting Price: $16.47 one-time payment -
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Kontakt
Native Instruments
Imagine any sound, Kontakt lets you find it, create it, and transform it. The latest edition of our revolutionary sampling platform combines a brand-new set of intelligent tools with countless sound design options, redefining how you generate ideas and make music. Kontakt hosts the world’s largest range of virtual instruments. With thousands of libraries, it's the gateway to quality sound from Native Instruments, our official partners, and scores of indie developers. Plus, everything is completely tweakable, so you can make any sound your own. Our most feature-packed release yet is here to transform the way you generate, modulate, and playback sound. Plus, it’s packed with performance updates so you can work faster than ever. Tools add a completely new layer of creative features to get the ideas flowing. They also work with any Kontakt instrument, old and new. For our first drop, we’re launching MIDI content and randomization features with chords and phrases.Starting Price: $299 one-time payment -
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Roland Zenbeats
Roland
Roland Zenbeats is a music creation app that keeps you in an effortless artistic flow. Get started on any device or platform. With its collection of both modern and legendary sounds, Zenbeats brings Roland’s history of innovation into a new, accessible format. Whether you’re an emerging musician or an established producer, Zenbeats makes music creation easy. Make beats, take lessons, and sample the world around you. Wherever you are, no matter what platform or device you use, capture your creative spark with Zenbeats. ZC1 is a new plug-in synthesizer using Roland’s ZEN-Core Synthesis System. Available in Zenbeats as a free instrument, ZC1 has 60 presets and a sleek touch-based interface. Use the XY pad for Resonance and Cutoff or other parameters. Plus, unlock ZC1 to share sounds with ZENOLOGY and ZEN-Core-compatible hardware and get around 900 additional preset tones and 90 built-in MFX effects. These sounds cover a wide range from acoustic and electronic to ethnic instruments. -
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Hive 2
u-he
Hive 2, developed by u-he, is a versatile software synthesizer designed to deliver high-quality sound with a streamlined workflow. It features two oscillators capable of generating standard waveforms or 2D wavetables, each supporting up to 16x unison and tunable sub-oscillators. The synthesizer offers three distinct synth engines, normal, dirty, and clean, allowing users to tailor the character of their sounds. Hive 2 includes a drag-and-drop modulation assignment system, a 12-slot modulation matrix with modifiers, and four user-definable XY control pads for dynamic sound manipulation. Additional features comprise an arpeggiator, a step sequencer with real-time recording, a unique 8-step shape sequencer with four independent outputs, and seven rearrangeable effects, distortion, chorus, delay, phaser, EQ, reverb, and compressor. The interface is resizable from 70% to 200% and offers an alternative Izmo skin. Hive 2 comes with over 2,400 NKS-ready factory presets.Starting Price: €149 one-time payment -
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SyndtSphere
Klevgrand
A unique way of surfing between sounds. SyndtSphere is basically a sphere version of our polyphonic synthesizer Syndt. With a minimalistic approach, it features a unique experience of ”surfing” between presets. All parameters are morphed according to the proximity of the different presets. By rotating a sphere that consists of more than 70 professionally created states, anyone can dial in the perfect sound without having to deal with specific parameters. In addition to the sphere, a ping-pong delay and a few more global settings are available. Highly innovative interface, seamlessly browse between 70+ professionally made presets. Requires macOS 10.9 or later, Windows 7 (SP1) or later, running a AU or VST compatible 64-bit host. Requires iOS 9.3 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. The different nodes represent presets. When you're between these nodes, the parameters are morphed according to the proximity of all surrounding nodes. -
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PreSonus Studio One
PreSonus Audio Electronics
Record, produce, mix, master, and perform all from a single, intuitive application. Designed with ease of use at its core, Studio One® 5 is your creative partner from studio to stage. The Start Page provides what you need to begin your creative process, including a dashboard with all your songs, projects, and shows, plus a personalized user profile that allows you to add custom metadata to all your creations. Test out remix ideas or just capture a synth riff without affecting your arrangement or creating a new session. Patterns reinvent step sequencing, letting you effortlessly create drums, basslines, and synth leads using variable sequence lengths, unlimited variations, and more. Edit multitrack drums blazingly fast thanks to advanced transient detection, slicing, and time-stretching. -
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Pendulate
Newfangled Audio
Pendulate, developed by Newfangled Audio, is a free chaotic mono synth that introduces a novel approach to sound generation through its double-pendulum oscillator. This unique oscillator design allows for seamless transitions from pure sine waves to complex, chaotic textures, enabling the creation of biting basses, searing leads, and gritty soundscapes. Inspired by the designs of synthesizer pioneer Don Buchla, Pendulate incorporates a wave folder and low pass gate, further expanding its sonic capabilities. The user interface features an innovative modulation system, permitting modulation of every control directly from the main page, with support for up to 325 simultaneous modulation routings. Additionally, Pendulate offers MPE support, enhancing expressive control with compatible hardware. The synthesizer comes equipped with 136 presets, including contributions from professional artists.Starting Price: $49 one-time payment -
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Kilohearts Phase Plant
Kilohearts
Phase Plant’s open modular architecture gives you the freedom to design anything from compact synths to complex evolving patches within an ecosystem that is fun and intuitive to use. Combine as many generators, modulators, and effects as you need to create your own unique sounds with precision and ease. Choose from regular waveforms, wavetables, samples, and noise for your source sounds. Make use of an extensive selection of factory wavetables or design your own with Phase Plant’s advanced wavetable editor. Start with solid foundations to create original layers and combinations of sounds within one synth. Phase Plant comes with Kilohearts Essentials, a large range of useful effects plugins. These are all available as snapins to be combined and modulated as you desire in Phase Plant’s three effects lanes. Keep all your FX processing right inside Phase Plant and baked into your presets. Premium Effects are available to buy separately to further bolster your sound design capabilities.Starting Price: $99 one-time payment -
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Cleanvoice
Cleanvoice
Cleanvoice identifies and edits your stuttering to make it sound as natural as possible. Cleanvoice identifies stutters and edits them to make the conversation as natural as possible. Remove Filler words can be tricky, since just removing them can make the recording sound unnatural. Our AI identifies the context of the audio and adds silence (room noise) to make the flow of the podcast more natural. Cleanvoice can editing your filler words in multiple tracks as well, while keeping everything in sync. Got your speakers in different tracks? We remove mouth noises in all of your tracks and keep all your files in sync.Starting Price: €1 per hour -
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Soundminer
Avosound
Contemporary media production demands efficient and intuitive workflows. Soundminer offers powerful programs that interface with archiving and production software. The Soundminer programs offer comprehensive tools and features for the administration of audio material (both music and sound files). Even large archives are easily and efficiently administered and browsed thanks to the unified metadata structure of many sound effects and music labels. Modern workflows not only demand a dependable search engine for the archive, they also need the complete and guaranteed integration of Soundminer programs with industry-standard production systems. You can search for sound files with Soundminer and transfer them directly to your editing system. It's simple and uncomplicated. The Soundminer versions offer a multitude of features to administrate sound and music archives. -
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Nanologue
Steinberg
Nanologue brings the power of VST 3 technology to the iOS platform. As a streamlined version of the acclaimed VST 3 synthesizer Retrologue, Nanologue sports a straightforward multi-touch interface and a great-sounding virtual analog synthesizer for monophonic leads and basses and can be used stand-alone and in connection with your iOS host application. Boasting a wide scope of inspiring sounds and professional sound effects, the Nanologue is your first-choice monophonic synthesizer for all things music on iOS. Under the hood, Nanologue boasts a cross-modulation oscillator with two waveforms, glide, a VCF envelope, LFO, delay, and a filter section with cutoff, resonance, and distortion. With 50 presets the library offers a range of sounds and effects including leads, booming basses, and astonishing effects. User presets can be exported to the Retrologue VST instrument, included in Cubase and Cubase Artist.
