Best Software Synths for Windows - Page 2

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.

SynthGPT, developed by Fadr, is a VST audio plugin that enables users to create playable instruments through text descriptions. By simply describing the desired sound, SynthGPT generates 100 options to choose from, streamlining the sound design process and fostering creativity. The plugin is compatible with all major Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) and operating systems, available in VST3 format for Windows and both VST3 and audio unit formats for Mac. Currently in active development, SynthGPT is accessible in its beta version to Fadr plus subscribers, who can download it from their account page under the "plugins" tab. Fadr Plus is a subscription service priced at $10 per month or $100 per year, granting access to Fadr's advanced music technology, including SynthGPT. While an internet connection is required for initial login and sourcing new sounds, once a sound is loaded, it can be used offline indefinitely.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Zebra Legacy is a comprehensive synthesizer suite developed by u-he, encompassing the renowned Zebra2 synthesizer, the ZebraHZ variant, and all associated sound sets, including The Dark Zebra, totaling over 4,300 presets. Zebra2 is celebrated for its versatility, featuring four wavetable oscillators, four FM oscillators, and an array of filters and modulation options, making it a favorite among sound designers and composers, particularly in Hollywood. The ZebraHZ version, initially created in collaboration with composer Hans Zimmer, offers additional features such as Diva filters and polyphonic compressors, enhancing its sonic capabilities. Zebra Legacy supports various formats, including VST2, VST3, AU, AAX, and CLAP, and is compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux platforms. The suite also includes NKS-ready presets for integration with Native Instruments hardware. Existing Zebra2 owners can access Zebra Legacy and its content at no extra cost.

Omnisphere is the flagship synthesizer of Spectrasonics, an instrument of extraordinary power and versatility. Top artists all over the world rely on Omnisphere as an essential source of sonic inspiration. This award-winning software brings many different types of synthesis together into one amazing-sounding instrument that will spark a lifetime of exploration. Omnisphere is the only software synth in the world to offer a hardware synth Integration feature. This remarkable innovation transforms over 65 well-known hardware synthesizers into extensive hands-on controllers that unlock Omnisphere's newly expanded synthesis capabilities. Simply put, this ground-breaking feature makes using Omnisphere feel just like using a hardware synth. By bridging the physical experience gap between software and hardware, users gain intuitive control of Omnisphere by using the familiar layout of their supported hardware synth.

Vanguard2, developed by reFX, is a virtual analog synthesizer that offers a blend of classic and modern sound design capabilities. This updated version introduces a cleaner, vector-based user interface that is resizable to accommodate various screen resolutions. It features ten new wavetables, two additional filter types, a new delay mode, an enhanced reverb, and a new distortion effect, expanding its sonic versatility. The advanced librarian system provides three columns for easy navigation, color-coded tags, bookmarks, and favorites, and a dedicated location for user presets, facilitating efficient sound management. Vanguard2 is compatible with all existing Vanguard1 projects and libraries, ensuring seamless integration for users upgrading from the previous version. The synthesizer includes 2,440 sound presets across 23 categories and 63 one-shot drum samples, offering a comprehensive toolkit for music production. It supports major digital audio workstations.

NEXUS, developed by reFX, is a powerful software synthesizer designed to streamline music production with high-quality sounds and an intuitive interface. It features a vast library of over 2,000 factory presets, organized into categories such as arpeggios, basses, leads, pads, and more, catering to various musical genres. The advanced librarian system offers three columns for easy navigation, color-coded tags, bookmarks, favorites, and a dedicated location for user presets, facilitating efficient sound management. NEXUS includes a comprehensive suite of effects, including reverb, delay, chorus, phaser, and distortion, allowing users to enhance and customize their sounds directly within the plugin. The arpeggiator features 16 layers, each with its own pattern and settings, enabling the creation of complex sequences and rhythms. NEXUS also supports expansion packs, providing access to additional sounds and presets tailored to specific genres or styles.

UVI Falcon is a comprehensive hybrid instrument that combines advanced sampling and synthesis capabilities within a semi-modular environment. It features 20 oscillator types, including virtual analog, wavetable, FM, additive, and granular synthesis, allowing for extensive sound design possibilities. With over 100 high-quality effects, users can apply various processing techniques such as reverb, delay, modulation, and filtering to enhance their sounds. Falcon's modulation system includes envelopes, LFOs, and step sequencers, enabling dynamic and evolving textures. The software also supports MIDI processing and scripting, providing tools for creating complex performances and custom instruments. Falcon's interface is adaptable, featuring a new browser for efficient preset management and an intuitive workflow for sound creation. It comes with a factory library of over 1,500 presets and offers expansion options through additional sound libraries.

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.

Aparillo is an advanced 16-voice FM synthesizer, tailored for majestic sonic motions. A clever arrangement of synthesis, wave shaping, filtering, FX, and modulation unfolds into a serious sound design tool for epic sonic creation. Make sure to check out the orbiter, a mass controller for immediate, instant blockbuster-sounding themes. Two FM operators give birth to waveforms so complex it's like they have a life of their own. Different FM complexity/and ratio modes, waveshaping, folding, formant shifting, complex LFOs and the orbiter deliver sonic spectacles that are sure to blow you out of your seat. A modulable scale editor creates unbelievable unison spreads with the deepest of harmonic structures, stacking up to a 16-voice orchestra from another planet. Total control for an almost unlimited range of sounds. The orbiter pulls strings throughout the engine putting all the power at your fingertips, with an XY pad to control a massive, record-ready engine.

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.

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 BPM), and EQ. 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.

MidiSoundSynth: The Future of MIDI Player Software. MidiSoundSynth is one of the best solutions in the MIDI Player software landscape thanks to its intuitiveness and power. Developed in collaboration between GoldMidiSF2 and SynthFont, this software not only allows for smooth MIDI file playback but also integrates the innovative sfkr soundfonts, enhancing every piece of music. With its user-friendly interface and advanced features, such as track customization and sound optimization, MidiSoundSynth is destined to become an indispensable tool for musicians, producers, and music enthusiasts. Every work session becomes an opportunity to explore musical creativity. For live playback and excellent performance, MidiSoundSynth supports low latency WASAPI technology.