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I’ve recently been scouring the web for free vst plugins, you can find more on the free stuff page. Meanwhile, In no particular order, here is a list of the best free synth VST plugins available to download now:
Related: The Best Synth Plugins
- 1984
- 2getheraudio Cheeze Machine 2
- Applied Acoustics Systems AAS Player
- Ample Sound Guitar M LITE II
- Ample Sound Ample Bass P LITE II
- Arppe2600VA
- Ample Sound Cloudrum
- Audjoo Helix
- Blamsoft VK-1
- B-Line 303
- Blaukraut Charlatan 2.0
- Bruce Sutherland JuceOPLVSTi
- Crystal Synth by Green Oak
- CFA Sound Super-7
- Dead Duck Deducktion
- Dexed
- discoDSP OB-Xd
- DSK Dynamic Guitars
- DSK Saxophones
- DSK The Grand
- Eclipsis
- Extent of the Jam Digits 2
- Fathom Mono
- Full Bucket FB-3300
- Full Bucket ModulAir
- HY-Plugins HY-Mono
- Ichiro Toda Synth1
- IK Multimedia Syntronik FREE
- Keyzone Classic
- LinPlug FreeAlpha 3
- Lokomotiv
- Matt Tytel Helm
- ML PG8X
- MinimogueVA (by Voltkitchen)
- MINIspillage
- Mysterion
- Muon Tau Bassline
- NUSofting Sinnah
- OB-Xd 1.5
- Ohm Force SymptOhm PE
- Orpheus
- One Small Clue Grace
- Plogue Alter/Ego
- Plogue Sforzando
- Poly 2106
- Prodigious
- Synthmaster Player
- Soca Labs PAPU
- Sound Magic Piano One
- Spitfire Audio LABS
- Steinberg Model E
- Synister
- Swierk
- TAL-Bassline TAL Software
- TAL-Elek7ro (by Togu Audio Line)
- TAL-U-NO-62
- TAL-NoiseMaker
- Thump by Metric Halo
- Twisted Energy
- Tunefish 4
- u-he Triple Cheese
- u-he Tyrell N6
- u-he Zebralette
- VACS2
- VCV rack
- Vember Audio Surge
- Versilian Studios Chamber Orchestra 2 Community Edition
- Wavosaur VST Speek
1984
1984 is a basic virtual analog synthesizer by Piano Vintage. Created by Alexandre (sound design) and Minika (VST Design).
Features
- Two oscillators with many waveforms.
- Filter section including Moog filter type.
- Envelope generator.
- Built in effects Chorus and Echo.
Available for Windows.
Download HERE
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2getheraudio Cheeze Machine 2
Cheeze Machine 2 is a remastering of the original Cheeze machine vst synth. It’s based on the style of the vintage string machines to provide the clasic fake, yet rich, synth string sound. Includes, convolution reverb and a vintage ensemble chorus to help provide those fuller cheesier string sounds.
Features
- Mac version includes VST, AU, AAX, and Standalone app (64 bit only)
- Vintage String Box virtual instrument plugin
- Two virtual analog oscillators plus a sub oscillator for super thick sounds
- Vintage Ensemble, Phaser and Modulation Effects
- Windows version includes VST, AAX, and Standalone app (64 bit only)
- Over 60 strings, brass, bass, pads and keyboard sounds
- Super simple interface for quick intuitive editing
- Ultra CPU and memory efficient!
Download HERE
(Available for Windows & Mac)
Related: 200 Free Ableton Packs
Applied Acoustics Systems AAS Player
I thought that was a picture of an octopus, but it might be a plant? Whatever it is, you can have it for free. Designed with ‘no tweaking required’ this free vst synth focuses on ease of us and sound quality – a preset lovers dream. The AAS Player comes bundles with a bunch of free soundbanks for you to explore.
Download HERE
(Mac & Windows 64 / 32 bit)
Related: 100+ Free Effect Plugins
Ample Sound Guitar M LITE II
Ample Sound Guitar aims to provide your studio with a Martin D-41 Acoustic guitar. I find playing guitar synth sounds with a keyboard can lose the voicing and fingering you get when playing real guitar. This free synth offers solutions to that with an articulations section offering you slide in & out, palm mute, popping, strum and natural harmonics.
Features
- Real strum samples.
- 14 Strum notes + 28 ways to play for every chord.
- Strum Legato – legato articulations can be played while strumming.
- 4 humanization settings.
- Select and Detect 2 chord modes, any chords could be customized.
- Strum SEQ with customized rhythm.
- Delicate presets with Drag & Drop Support.
Download HERE
(Available for Mac & Windows)
Ample Sound Ample Bass P LITE II
Another stringed VST synth from Ample Sound, this time bass Guitar. Designed to provide your studio with a Fender Precision bass sound. Check out the video below for a demo.
Features
- Rich Fingering Noise
- Sustain, Hammer On & Pull Off, Accent. Legato at random length & pitch & poly.
- CPC(Customized Parameters Control), any button knob etc can be controlled by MIDI CC or Automation.
- Poly Legato and Slide Smoother.
- Multiple Capo Logics – providing various options of automatic fingering logic to cover different performance such as solo, chorus, and so on.
- Stereo DI Signal.
- Automatic and manual Buzzing system.
Download HERE
(Available for Mac & Windows)
Related: Free VST Drum Machines
Arppe2600VA
Volt Kitchen base the Arppe 2600VA virtual synth plugin on the ARP 2600 semi-modular analog monosynth. The analog sound is very close to the original and, unfortunately, like the original, is monophonic. There’s lots of frequency modulation options for you to delve into. (Only windows… booo!)
Features
- PWM, Sample & Hold, virtual Spring Reverb, Ring Modulation, and a dedicated Noise Generator.
- Oscillator Sync and Filter Colour (to adjust between LowPass and HiPass filter types).
- Arppe2600va is now completely patchable via a cleverly designed Mod Matrix!
- You can have up to 12 patch routings with a very user-friendly (and visible!) drop-down menu interface.
- All controls are mapped to MIDI CC#’s, and you can override the default settings by using the MIDI Learn feature.
- Use as a simple stand-alone synth (.exe file included), or copy the DLL into your favorite DAW or sequencer’s plugin folder.
Download HERE
(Available for Windows)
Related: Free Ableton Templates
Ample Sound Cloudrum
Cloudrum is a VST Steel Tongue Drum! It has a lot of colour and is capable of producing lush, relaxing tones. I was a little skeptical about the quality, I was wrong, it sounds great! Check out the soundcloud link below.
Features
- true stereo reverbs that will not affect stereo imaging
- 64bit internal precision
- 24bit/96Khz audio support
- highly optimized DSP code
- ultra clean and noiseless processing
- factory presets
- parameter automation (depending on the host application)
- stereo output (mono->stereo, stereo->stereo)
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Windows)
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Audjoo Helix
The Helix is a subtractive synthesizer boasting a massive collection of waveforms for all your sound design needs. Audjoo were inspired by the ‘super-saw’ unison concept, allowing you to make any waveform ‘super’. This helps create some super wide unison leads and pads – ideal for electronic music production & acheiving a fat sound. The trial version is almost fully functional – it occasionally creates a noise burst or goes out of tune (unless you upgrade).
Features
- 4 stereo oscillators per voice
- Innovative Wave-Shaping-Morphing
- Digital Noise (sample and hold)
- Analog Pulse / Analog Dual-Saw
- String-model
- Rompler (sfz compatible)
- 3 innovative stereo filters per voice
- Multi-Mode
- Ladder Emulation
- Ring-Mod / Amp-Mod / Phase-Modulation
- Limiter (with Parallel-Mode)
- Dynamics
- String-model (the incoming signal is the exciter)
- Delay-Line with Audio-Rate modulation
- 3 stereo distortion stages per voice
- Multiple Shapes of Soft-Clipping
- Hard-Clipping
- Sine-Wave-Shaper
- Sample-Rate-Reducer
- Bit-Depth-Reducer
- 8 ADSR envelope generators per voice
- 4 LFOs per voice (plus 2 global)
- 24 voices of polyphony
- 3 Modes of portamento sliding
- 1000+ presets.
- Huge modulation-matrix
- Master Stereo effects:
- Distortion
- Phaser
- chorus / flanger / mod.delay
- Equalizer ( Lo-shelf, peak and Hi-shelf)
- Delay
- Reverb
Download HERE
(Available for Windows & Mac)
Related: The Best Electronic Music Production Books
Blamsoft VK-1
Want the sound of a Moog Voyager? Blamsoft VK-1 is a free emulation of the classic monophonic synthesizer. If you want thick bass and rich lead sounds, this synth excels at them. Blamsoft VK-1 comes with 228 free sound banks of Bass, Bright Lead, Electro Bass, FX, Percussive Lead, Soft Lead, and Synthwave. Sound designer eXode provides 50 Electro Bass and 50 Synthwave presets.
Download HERE
(Available for Windows & Mac)
Related: Best Free Reverb Plugins
B-Line 303
B-Line 303 is your the best free vst synth for the acid house/techno sound of the 80s. B-line is based on the Rolad TB-303 but with added extras! An intuitive interface features Pattern Control Filter, Doppler Chorus and Stereo Echo. The Pattern Control Filter allows you to sequence the filter values, creating the squelchy iconic acid sound of the hardware synth. Rave on!
Features
- 200 user presets, 50 custom presets
- Midi automation
- Pattern Control Filter
- Groove Sequencer
- Doppler Chorus, Stereo Echo effect
- VST 2.4 effect!
Download HERE
(Available for Windows & Mac)
Blaukraut Charlatan 2.0
Charlatan is a free synth plugin that focuses on easy usability with great sound quality. It’s a subtractive virtual analog, polyphonic synth that creates a big, fat, rich analog sound. Suited to classic sounds and experimental noises.
Features
- 2 oscillators with shape modulation
- Oscillator hard synchronization and ring modulation
- Unison mode with upto 7 voices and stereo spread
- Stereo noise generator
- 2 ADSR envelope generators
- LFO with host tempo synchronization
- 3 filter types modeled after classic analog hardware: 4-pole (24 db/oct) and 2-pole (12 db/oct) lowpass, bandpass
- 3 voice modes: Monophonic, Monophonic Legato and 8-voice Polyphonic
- Ultra-low CPU usage
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST/VST3 plugin for Windows)
Bruce Sutherland JuceOPLVSTi
Did you like the sound track to the original video game DOOM?? Geek fact – the chip used to create the soundtrack was a Yamaha YMF262 FM synthesis chip. This synth is a VST version of that chip. Perfect for all you Japanese Chiptune heads! The source code is also available on GitHub if you want to hack it.
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST/VST3 plugin for Windows & macOS)
Crystal Synth by Green Oak
If you’re open to navigating a slight learning curve Crystal will reward you. There are presets to try which give you an idea to the ambient atmospherics you can create. If you are looking for a synth that is different from the norm, check it out. There’s a (small) Facebook community too.
Features
- Patch breeding
- Wave Shaper
- Reverb
- Hard sync
- Hi – Lo Filter
- Wave Sequencing
- Sample import
- Random Square shape LFO
- Program Morph
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST/VST3 plugin for Windows & macOS)
CFA Sound Super-7
Want Supersaw!? The developer of this plugin wanted to understand how the Supersaw of the Roland JP8000/8080 hardware synth worked. During this exploration the Super -7 emulation was created.
Features
- polyphonic virtual-analog modelled synthesizer
- 32 voices polyphony
- one emulated supersaw oscillator
- 4-pole lowpass filter
- shape-able envelopes
- 20 presets included
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST/VST3 plugin for Windows & macOS)
Dead Duck Deducktion
Deducktion is a classic 32 note subtractive polyphonic synth. You get three envelopes, four LFOs, two oscillators, a filter, delay, reverb, chorus and a 12 slot modulation matrix. The dead duck website contains a decent guide to the build and functionality of the synth, so check it out. KVR audio voted this 2nd place in their developer challenge for 2018!
Features
- Two oscillators with saw, square, triangle and noise waveforms with ‘supersaw’ detune, PWM and square/triangle sub-oscillator options.
- A resonant multi-mode filter with lowpass, highpass, bandpass, bandstop and peaking options.
- Three envelopes, four LFOs and a 12-slot modulation matrix for a wide range of modulation possibilities.
- Built-in delay, chorus and reverb effects.
- MIDI CC control of parameters and modulation sources allowing full interaction with hardware controllers.
- Customisable GUI themes.
Available for Windows.
Download HERE
Dexed
If you’ve not got an FM synth in your arsenal – get Dexed! Dexed’s fm synthesis is modelled on the classic Yamaha DX7 synth. Check out the video below – or just go and get it! It’s one of the best free vst synths!
Features
- Multi platform (OS X, Windows or Linux) and multi format (VST, AU, LV2)
- The sound engine music-synthesizer-for-android is closely modeled on the original DX7 characteristics
- 144 DAW automatable DX7 parameters available from one single panel
- Fully supports DX7 input and output Sysex messages; including controller change. This means that you can use this with a native DX7/TX7 as a patch editor and sysex manager
- Each operator have a realtime VU meter to know which one is active
- Can load/save any DX7/TX7 sysex programs. It is also possible to save a single program into a different sysex file.
Available for Windows & Mac.
Download HERE
discoDSP OB-Xd
disco DSP OB-Xd is a freeware synthesizer emulation of another classic vintage synth, the Oberheim OB-X. Although the OB-Xd recreates the original it also improves upon the original design by including a blendable multimode filter in 12dB mode and a 4-1 pole in 24dB mode. The source code is also available from the site should you wish to hack it.
Features
- 12 Variations of the Early Reflection
- 3 band EQ Section
- Gating Section
- Sample Rates 44,100Hz to 192,000Hz
- Two graphical interfaces
- 36 Presets
Available for Windows & Mac.
Download HERE
DSK Dynamic Guitars
DSK Dynamic Guitars is another sampled based guitar VST plugin for you to try. It’s fairly basic with some level of strum control and envelope control. Check out the video below to see if you like the sound.
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Windows)
DSK Saxophones
DSK Saxphones is a saxophone sample VST synth plugin. Is it any good? Maybe. Could you use it to replace a real saxophonist? Nope. Why include it then? If you make music for lifts or casino lobbies you might find it handy – also, possible to use sampled instruments as a guide track before you hire your session musician. May also suit some for experimental sound design?!
Available for Windows & Mac.
Download HERE
DSK The Grand
The Grand is a very simple free piano VST. Adding a little quality reverb to this VST really enhances the richness of the sound. I always prefer live instrumentation to a VST but for productions that can’t afford that luxury, this piano plugin will find a place.
Features
- 4 velocity layers, 4-6 samples / note
- ADSR envelope control
- Reverb fx included
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Windows)
Eclipsis
Eclipsis is a three oscillator hybrid wavetable software synthesizer with its own subtractive and frequency modulation. There are a lot of modulation options, 6 assignable LFOs from 9 sources to 39 modulation target via modulation matrix. It’s got an arp and Arp/Gate dynamics module that can also be assign to 7 targets. That is a lot of modulation mayhem! It also packs in two effect racks containing reverb, chorus & delay. If you like to go twiddling down a patch hole, check it.
Features
- Preset manager.
- Complex preset randomization.
- Subpreset saving/loading for easy preset creation/modification.
- Main aplitude control.
- Polyphony / voice selector (up to 32 voices).
- Portamento (glide).
- 3 independent oscillators each with route output, detune, phase offset, scope, ADSR, smoothing control (1 pole LP filter), pan and amplitude control.
- 118 Waveshapes and 3 additional tools to adjust base Waveshape (increase total number of final shapes to 1888).
- FM modulation with selectable input signal source (Frequency, Pitch, Velocity), detune, waveshaper, scope, smoothing (1 pole LP filter) and amplitude control.
- Midi CC and MIDI learn will be implemented in next version.
- Subtractive modulation with 17 Filter types, cutoff modulation with selectable input signal source (Frequency, Pitch, Velocity), detune, waveshaper, ADSR, scope, smoothing (1 pole LP filter) and amplitude control.
- Mod matrix with amplitude controls, 9 input sources and 39 mod targets.
- 6 LFOs.
- 2 Effect rack each with Reverb, Chorus/Flanger and Delay (syncable to host) effect.
- Arp/Gate module with 8 selectable targets, adjustable number of Steps (4-32), frequency control and divider (example: divide one 32 step pattern to 2 patterns with 16 steps), playback control (Forward, Forward and hold, Backward, Backward and hold, Ping Pong /Forward-Backward/).
- Arp module section for semitones (+/-1 octave range) and for octaves (+/- 5 octaves range, pattern randomization, shift, load and save.
- Gate module with smoothing controls, randomization.
Available for Windows.
Download HERE
Extent of the Jam Digits 2
Digits is inspired by Casio’s CZ series. It’s a synth vst that uses phase distortion synthesis to create glitchy sounds, sweeps, leads, dirty basses and warm pads. Have a listen to the soundcloud clip below:
Features
- Pre Delay
- Lo / Hi Frequency Dampening
- Insert / Send modes
- Modulation
Available for Mac & Windows.
Download HERE
Fathom Mono
Fathom Mono is a modular software synthesizer that allows you to drag and drop synth modules and effects and join them with virtual wires. This allows for a lot of user customisation as you can re-arrange the synth’s architecture to truly create your own unique sound design. It’s a great way to get into modular synthesis completely free.
Features
- Free-hand and Bezier curve Wave Drawing, WAV Single Cycle Import/Export.
- 7 Types of Oscillators + AM/FM, 8 Detune Voices, Noise and Distortion.
- 7 Effects including Two Chorus, Two Reverb, 3 Channel Digital Delay, 8 Channel Phaser, Mixer.
- 9 Modulators including ADSR, Drawable LFO, Multi-Segment Envelope, Sequencer, Random.
- Envelope Segments include Line, Exponential, Bezier, Double Bezier, Non-Linear Sin.
- 16 x 16 Wave Table with Morph, Add, Subtract, Phase/Pulse Width Modulation and 3D graphs.
- 33 Types of Filters.
- Continuously Resizable GUI.
Available for Windows & Mac.
Download HERE
Full Bucket FB-3300
The FB-3300 is a simulation of the 1977 KORG PS-3300 Polyphonic analog synthesizers. There is a lot to like about this free synthesizer, its been well developed to generate some classic analog sounds. You can hear the FB-330 in action in the Soundcloud link below.
Features
- Close emulation of behavior and all controls of the original hardware
- Three independent polyphonic synthesizer blocks
- Band-limited oscillators, classic two-pole lowpass filters
- Resonators section plus two Modulation Generators per bank
- Additional Sample & Hold and paraphonic Envelope Generator
- Semi-modular
- Micro-tuning option
- Additional tweaks
- MIDI Learn – all parameters can be controlled by MIDI CC
- Plug-in supports Windows and macOS (32 bit and 64 bit)
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Mac & Windows)
Full Bucket ModulAir
Full Bucket offer up another great free synth. The ModulAir is a free modular software synth. Check out the Youtube video below to give you an idea of the quirky patches the modules can create. The developer notes this is a work in progress, so keep an eye out for updates! Perfect for making your own sounds.
Features
- Fully modular architecture
- Up to 18 modules per patch
- 51 module types available
- Polyphonic Voice and monophonic Master modules
- Up to 64 voices polyphony
- External signal processing possible
- TUN/SCL micro-tuning file import
- MIDI Learn – all parameters can be controlled by MIDI CC
- Double precision audio processing
- Plug-in supports Windows and macOS (32 bit and 64 bit)
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Mac & Windows)
HY-Plugins HY-Mono
Want a fat sounding mono synth!? Hy-Plugin’s HY-Mono serves that up to you. Straight forward 2 VCO, VCF, Envelopes and Delay. Nice and easy to get great sounds.
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Windows)
Ichiro Toda Synth1
Synth 1 is a software synthesiser modelled on the Clavia Nord lead Red synth. Regarded as one of the best free synth plugins.
Features
- 2 Oscillators, FM modulation, ring modulation, sync, modulation envelope.
- 4 types of filters, distortion.
- 2 LFOs (synchronized with host).
- Arpeggiator (synchronized with host).
- Tempo delay (synchronized with host), stereo chorus/flanger.
- Legato mode, portamento.
- 16 notes polyphony.
- 128 presets.
- Thoroughly optimized for light CPU load using SSE instructions, etc.
- Automation.
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Windows)
IK Multimedia Syntronik FREE
Syntronik is quite the beast! This is not one free synth but IK multimedia’s library of vst synths. Created from a mixture of advanced sampling techniques and modelling synthesis engines Syntronik hosts 17 instruments, 38 effects, 50GB of samples & 2000+ instrument presets. This free version is a decent taster of that library!
Features
- Multi-sampled oscillators for ultimate authenticity
- 4 classic types of circuit-modeled filters to shape sounds
- DRIFT™ technology for realism of subtle oscillator variations
- Mix and match oscillators with filters for new original sounds
- True 4-part synth to create rich sounds with layers and splits
- 4 dynamic arpeggiators for complex rhythmic textures
- 38 high-quality effects derived from AmpliTube and T-RackS
- Browser search by category or keyword to find sounds in seconds
- Optimized resizable interface
- Load Syntronik sounds into SampleTank 3.7.2 (or later) for more expandability
- Works as a 64-bit plug-in or standalone instrument for Mac/PC
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Windows & mac)
Keyzone Classic
Keyzone Classic is a sample based Piano VST plugin. It has 5 presets including; Piano from Keyzone 1, Yamaha grand piano, Steinway grand piano, Basic electric piano and the Rhodes piano.
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Windows)
LinPlug FreeAlpha 3
Linplug Alpha Free is based on the same synth architecture as the paid version. Linplug the company no longer exist, so you can’t buy the upgrade, you can still download the free version though! The synth is based on subtractive synthesis and comes with 2 oscillator modules, filter module, 2 envelopes, a chorus effect, a modulation matrix and LFO modules. One of the best free vst plugins on the market.
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Windows)
Lokomotiv
Lokomotiv is a free synth vst intent on making powerful sounds. The oscillator is a mathematically generated high definition oscillator that creates a 9 x detuned sawtooth wave. The oscillator also features pulse wave with pulse wave modulation, shape morphing and a sub oscillator.
Features
- 1 X OSC (Saw+ Pulse) + 1 Sub OSC. Noise Generator.
- 1 X multimode Filter with Drive.
- 1 X LFO, 1 X Envelop Generator.
- 8 polyphonic voices, Mono and Legato mode supported.
- 64 Factory preset included.
- Native 64-bit, Mac and Windows OS supported.
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Windows)
Matt Tytel Helm
Do you want to build your own VST? If you have ever thought about coding synths HELM is a handy find, you can download, study and change the source code. Not only a great learning resource it’s a decent free synthesizer too, packing some more unusual features that other freeware synths have such as a formant filter, stutter functionality and a step sequencer.
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Mac & Windows)
ML PG8X
PG-8X contains a standard 2-DCO with Saw, Square, Pulse & Noise, a -24dB/oct filter design. It appears to be modelled on the Roland JX-8P polyphonic synth engine You can add a patches from the JX-8P via this link to KVR’s JX-8P synth banks.
Features
- up to 12 voice polyphony
- Two DCO’s with Saw, Square, Pulse, Noise
- Hard Sync and Ring Modulation
- Two exponential envelop generators
- 24 dB resonant LP filter
- HP filter (3 stages)
- Stereo Chorus
- Import and Export of JX-8P Sysex data
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Windows)
MinimogueVA (by Voltkitchen)
Free Minimoog VST?! Yes please. The MinimogueVA is an emulation of the Minimoog analog synthesizer. It includes a few additional features; Tunig of Osc 1, release knobs for the contour generators, fine tuning sliders for Osc 2 and3, three overdrive sliders, oscillator sync, aftertouch control, oscialltor drift and digital delay. You can also turn the third oscillator into an LFO if you wish.
Features
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Windows)
MINIspillage
MINIspillage is a drum synthesizer plugin with high-resolution 64-bit DSP. The kits are focussed on 3 synthesis algorithms: Bass Drum, Wood Drum & Hit Hat. MINI spillage also comes with an envelope, LFO, resonant filters, and distortion effects. One of the best free vst drum kits out there.
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Mac)
Mysterion
DRX8R is a simple synth by Piano Vintage that is designed to be creative and easy to use. It comes bundles with just 16 presets.
Features
- Two oscillators with pitch and tuning settings.
- Filter section with cutoff and resonance controls.
- Lfo.
- Filter & amp envelope.
- Delay fx.
- 16 originals presets.
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Windows)
Muon Tau Bassline
Muon Tau Bassline is an emulation of the analog synthesizer Roland TB-303 Bass Line. This synth will give you all the acid riffs you could ever dream of. You can currently download via their Facebook page in the “Exclusive Content” tab. One of the best free software synths for acid basslines.
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Windows)
NUSofting Sinnah
Sinnah is a free synthesizer based on a single complex oscillator that includes five wave shapes with spectral complexity, noise level, a delay matrix and harmonics level for all wave shapes. The configurations of the delay matrix can range from highly randomised resonators to “triple chorus”. Sinnah also features reverb and a subtractive stereo filter with three filters, high, low and band reject.
Features
- Analogue VU Meters
- Compressor / Reverb Unit
- CPU Friendly
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Windows)
OB-Xd 1.5
OB-Xd is a recreation of the Oberheim OB-X standalone synth. This emulation has modelled the behaviour and sound of the original as well as adding some extras – micro de-tuning, automation, layering and arpeggiation to help you craft some truly evolving sounds. The source code is also available if you wish to hack and twiddle.
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Mac & Windows)
Ohm Force SymptOhm PE
SymptOhm PE is the free edition of the bigger Symptohm:Melohman synth. It features the same 1000+ presets, but you can’t tweak them as much. Symptohm is a granular synth/sample player comprising of two Syncgrain Oscillators mixed with a sub ring modulatable sub oscillator!
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Windows)
Orpheus
Orpheus is a fairly simple free synthesizer vst plugin of a string and organ machine. Check out the video below for an audio example.
Features
- 2 generators with 3 strings type + organ
- 128 voices polyphonic
- Unison
- Drift
- Mono mode with portamento
- Vibrato
- 3 bands resonators with LFO and randomize button.
- Low / High EQ
- Chorus
- Delay
- Auto-Pan
- Tremolo
- Fake LCD display for patch management
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Windows)
One Small Clue Grace
One Small Clue Grace is actually a sampler, not a synth. However, this free sampler comes with a bundled patch library of vintage synth presets captured from analogue synths and hardware drum machines.
Features
- 2 filters per voice (LP, BP, HP, comb, lofi & ring modulation)
- 2 x AHDSR envelopes
- 2 x LFOs
- 2 x step sequencers
- 4 x XY control pads
- WAV, AIF and SND formats support
- SFZ patch import
- Drag and drop sample loading from some DAWs
- Browser with sample preview
- Patch import & export support
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Windows)
Plogue Alter/Ego
Need a robot singer? Alter Ego might just do it for you. Alter Ego is a vocal synthesiser that will allow you to synthesise a voice from text – and play it musically. It sounds OK by itself, I think it could be put to great use with some creative sound design. There are a few different voice banks for you to download. One of best free vst plugins for vocal synthesis.
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Windows)
Plogue Sforzando
Another addition from Plogue, the Sforzando sample player. This is a free standalone SFZ player which allows you to incorporate your sfz instruments easily into one user interface. You can download some free sfz instruments here.
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Windows)
Poly 2106
Poly 2106 is an 80’s inspired vintage synth. Coded and developed in a pursuit of synth Nirvana by Synthscience. Grab yourself some fat arpeggiated action.
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Windows)
Prodigious
Synth Science offer up another from their free synth vsts collection. Prodigious is a Mono/Poly synthesiser based on architecture of a few different classic analog synthesizers. It contains two oscillators that can be modulated by the third no audio oscillator. Comes with 128 presets that include leads, keys, organs, pads, basses, strings and arpeggiated FX. If you like the Poly 2106 check this out.
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Windows)
Synthmaster Player
SynthMaster Player is the smaller stripped down version of SynthMaster. It is a synth aimed at those who like to use synth plugins with presets rather than do their own sound design. This version comes with 550 presets (you can upgrade to the 1800 presets if you wish).
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Windows)
Soca Labs PAPU
PAPU is a synth that emulates the Nintendo Gameboy! One of the best free synth plugins if you’re after the Chiptune vibe!
Features
- Emulates hardware of Nintendo Gameboy
- 2 Square wave channels
- Sweeps on first square wave channel
- 1 Noise channel
- Waveform display
- Stereo output
- Free / Open Source
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Windows)
Sound Magic Piano One
Sound Magic Piano One uses a hybrid modelling technique to provide you with a emulation of the Yamaha C7 grand piano.
Features
- Analogue VU Meters
- Compressor / Reverb Unit
- CPU Friendly
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Windows)
Spitfire Audio LABS
I absolutely love Spitfire Audio labs. Their free player allows you to download a range of incredible quality patches. There’s a wide range of instruments including piano, amplified electric cello quartet, amusic box, strings, percussions. All the sounds are exquisitely recorded designed. I think this is one of the best free vst plugins you can get. Highly recommended.
- 5-note polyphony,
- Arpeggiator and 16-note Step Sequencer,
- Dedicated Release knobs for the two Contour Generators (envelopes),
- Tuning of Osc 1,
- Fine Tuning sliders for Osc2 and Osc3,
- Aftertouch control,
- Adjustable filter Velocity curve,
- 3 independent Overdrive sliders (one per oscillator),
- Global Overdrive with hi and lowpass cutoff,
- Oscillator Sync, Chorus, an independent LFO that includes oscillator drift and stereo panning, and a fully programmable Digital Delay!
- Like the original Mini, you can turn Osc3 into an LFO with dedicated modulation for the Osc Pitch and the Filter.
- There is no dedicated Noise Generator as on the original Mini, but pink and white noise are selectable on Osc 3.
- All controls are mapped to MIDI CC#’s, and you can override the default settings by using the MIDI Learn feature.
- Use as a simple stand-alone synth (.exe file included), or copy the DLL into your favorite DAW or sequencer’s plugin folder.
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Mac & Windows)
Steinberg Model E
Model E is Steinberg’s Minimoog influenced, 3 oscillator bass station. Now made available for free as. partof Steinberg’s VST Classics Vol 1.
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Mac & Windows)
Synister
Synister was developed by students of TU – Berlin. It’s open source so you can mod the source code if you wish and make your own freeware synths. Synister has really neat user interface and has been designed to be really easy to use.
Features
- Synister has 3 oscillators, 3 envelopes, 3 LFO’s, 2 filters (which can be ladder, bandpass, highpass, or lowpass),
- 4 effects (delay, chorus, clipping, and low fidelity), and a step sequencer with up to 8 steps.
- The modulation has been made as easy as possible. Select the source and then regulate the amount.
- The oscillators and the filters element’s can be modulated by different MiDi’s CC and/or an LFO or Envelopes.
- For the LFO’s and Envelopes, the modulation can be only made by the MIDI’s CC.
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Windows)
Swierk
Swierk is a classic VA subtractive synth that features an extensive modulation matrix. The matrix really allows you to get deep into your custom sound design. This is great for learning about a synthesizers ability to modulate sound. Not something which is often found in free synth plugins.
Features
- Waveforms (Saw, Triangle and Square)
- Width (Square waveform)
- Octave range (32, 16, 8, 4, 2)
- Semitone (-12 to +12)
- Fine tune (-1 to +1 semitone)
- Unison/detune (up to 7 voices per oscillator)
- Sync (Oscillator 1 master, Oscillator 2 slave)
- 1 Sub Oscillator
- Sine wave
- Octave range (-3 to 0 octaves)
- Noise Generator
- 2 x LFO
- Modulation Matrix
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Windows)
TAL-Bassline TAL Software
TAL – Bassline is a no nonsense virtual analog bass synthesiser, developed especially for acid sounds, effects and bass. It also features a unique -18dB low pass filter and very fast non linear envelopes. TAL make some cracking free synths – add this one to the list.
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Mac & Windows)
TAL-Elek7ro (by Togu Audio Line)
More free VSTs from TAL. I highly recommend downloading all their free plugins. Elek7ro is another virtual analog synth with some rarer features such as oscillator hardsync and frequency modulation.
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Mac & Windows)
TAL-U-NO-62
Next up from TAL is the U-NO-60, a polyphonic analogue virtual synthesizer with filters and oscillators referencing an original Juno 60. The filter provides a unique sound and also features controls for polarity, LFO modulation and envelope amounts.
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Mac & Windows)
TAL-NoiseMaker
The TAL-NoiseMaker is an improved version of the TAL-Elek7ro. Built with a new synth engine there are a lot of improvements to the usability and sound of the synth. Noisemaker also features bit crusher, reverb and chorus effects. TAL have also included a syncable triangle wave and ring modulator.
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Mac & Windows)
Thump by Metric Halo
Need a bit of low end ummpf!? Thump can add it. Thump lets you synthesis low frequency audio for beefing up bass or drums. It analysis its audio input for dynamics and pitch and then uses that data to control its oscillators! One of the best free synth vsts for improving your kick drum.
Features
- Two independent envelope driven oscillators
- Complete control over both pitch and amplitude envelopes
- Wet/Dry control for mixing synthesized sound with the source
- Detailed metering
- A dozen presets included to get you started
- Adjustable UI size / Disclosable Graphs
- MH Preset Manager – Provides cross-platform presets
- Cross Platform – Mac AU, Mac/Win VST & Mac/Win Pro Tools AAX (Native + DSP)
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Mac & Windows)
Twisted Energy
Twisted Energy is an analogue modelled 3 oscillator synth with a hefty amount of modulation ability. Stand out features are the 16 step sequencer, envelope and LFO matrix. Designed to make modulated atmospheres, leads, gated arpeggios and techno basses.
- 3 analogue modelled oscillators each with 5 waveforms (Sine, Triangle, Saw, Square, Noise).
- Visual feedback for each oscillator in the main display showing level, shape of wave, and how each oscillators wave is being effected.
- 2 Filters each with 4 modes (Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, Band Reject).
- Envelope Generator for each oscillator (Linked to Envelope Generator Matrix).
- Envelope Generator Matrix allows each oscillators EG to control and effect selected elements of the synth such as Filter Cutoff and Resonance, and amplitude. The Matrix makes it possible to really customise your sound.
- Master envelope generator.
- 3 LFO’s (One per oscillator) all linked into the LFO Matrix. Each LFO has 4 waveforms (Sine, Saw, Triangle, Square).
- LFO Matrix allows each LFO to control multiple parameters of the synth including Amplitude, Fine Tune, PWM, Cutoff and Resonance for both filters.
- Reverb effect.
- Delay effect with tempo sync.
- Overdrive control to warm up the sound.
- 16 step gate sequencer.
- Slick GUI Design to make working with the synth easy and logical.
- 20 Presets.
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Windows)
Tunefish 4
Brain Control used the JUCE framework for C++ to create Tunefish V4 , a small sized virtual analog synth with a huge sound. There is also a community that share soundbanks and presets on the KVR audio page Tunefish.
Features
- Uses an additive synthesis based wavetable generator
- The Noise generator can produce any frequency of noise with any bandwidth
- Lowpass, Highpass, Bandpass and an improved Notch filter are available
- 2 ADSRs and 2 LFOs that can be linked to pretty much any important knob using a modulation matrix
- Supported effects are Flanger, Chorus, Distortion, Delay, Reverb, EQ and Formant
- The effects stack allows for any permutation of up to 10 effects
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Windows)
u-he Triple Cheese
U-He offers us a few free synths. First up, Triple Cheese. Winner of the 2006 KVR developer challenge u-he’s Triple Cheese uses comb filters to generate cheesy sounds! No oscillators, wavetables, frequency modulation or phase distortion. All a little unusual right? That’s what gives this synth its charm. Also features chorus, reverb, delay, flanger and phaser.
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Windows)
u-he Tyrell N6
TyrellN6 is a described by U-He as a ‘sporty synth… a Classic racer with a u-he engine’. I’m not sure what that means exactly! But it’s easy to navigate and quick to create ideas with. A decent free vst synth from one of the biggest synth developers out there.
Currently Made available by the German magazine Amazona.
Features
- Virtual analogue with classic architecture plus extras
- 2 oscillators, noise, ring modulator
- 2 LFOs with 8 waveforms, host-syncable
- Audio source mixer with authentic overdrive and filter feedback
- Twin filter related to Diva (early model)
- Analogue-type ADSR envelopes, loopable or LFO-triggered
- Skinnable UI
- Over 580 factory presets
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Windows)
u-he Zebralette
The final free synth offering from u-he, Zebralette is a slimmed down version of Zebra 2. It’s a gateway synth to get you hooked and upgrade. The free version features just the one oscillator (Zebra 2 has 4 and extra features). One unique capability of Zebralette is the Waveform editor which allows you to modulate, rearrange, duplicate and morph through 16 different waveforms using the “Wavewarp” feature.
Features
- A single Zebra2 oscillator with a 16-slot waveset.
- Oscillator waveform editing with geomorph, spectromorph, geoblend and spectroblend modes.
- 24 spectral effects including filter, sync, scatter, phase distortion and many more
- Polyphonic (up to 16 voices), monophonic and legato modes
- Stereo VCA with pan and volume modulation
- VCA oscillator stacking with adjustable stereo width: single, dual, quad and eleven modes
- ADSR envelope with fall/rise (sustain slope) and velocity controls
- Modulation options including: modwheel, velocity, pressure, breath, key follow, gate and more
- 2 LFOs: one global, one per voice
- A 32-stage MSEG (multi-stage envelope generator)
- 3 built-in effects: chorus/phaser, EQ, delay
- MIDI learn / unlearn of hardware controls (CC)
- Polyphonic aftertouch support
- 300 factory presets
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Mac & Windows)
VACS2
Based on subtractive synthesis, VACS is designed for electronic music styles leaning towards the dancefloor.
Features
- Three versatile Oscillators with 64 waveforms
- FM Matrix
- Modulation Matrix
- Voices-Knob (up to eight notes polyphony)
- 32-Step Arpeggiator
- 3 Envelopes (1 Amp-Env, 2 Modulation Envs)
- 3 LFOs (with three different modulation depth values: LFO1=soft, 2=medium, 3=strong)
- 2 Multimode filters
- Noise Generator
- Equalizer
- Saturation Section
- StereoDelay
- Vowel Filter with XY-Morph-Pad
- Chorus
- BitCrusher
- Advanced Gate/Step sequencer with Triggeroption
- 128 Presets
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Windows)
VCV rack
Download this now! VCV Rack is awesome! It’s a free virtual Eurorack modular system that supports emulations of many of the most popular modules. The library is extensive and continues to grow (yes, it has Mutable Instruments!). I highly recommend this to any Eurorack or synth Twidlr enthusiasts! You can now get into modular synthesis for free.
Features
- Analogue VU Meters
- Compressor / Reverb Unit
- CPU Friendly
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Windows)
Vember Audio Surge
Vember Audio Surge
Surge is an open-source, subtractive hybrid synth. It comes with all the usual: 3 oscillators, filters, modulation (12 LFOs!), 183 wavetables, and 1010 patches.
As the code is open source, you can explore it on GitHub.
If you are interested in building your own plugins, there is also a developer community to get involved with. There are open issues on their Slack channel for you to fix to help build experience.
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Windows)
Versilian Studios Chamber Orchestra 2 Community Edition
Ever want to develop a sample library? Versilian studios have made that possible with Chamber Orchestra Community Edition. They have made 3GB of free orchestral samples available for download, which can be used royalty-free under the Creative Commons license. The instrument samples are then made available in SFZ, Kontakt, VST/AU, XRNI, ST3 presets, or the original WAV.
Instruments include Brass, Woodwind, Keys, Mallets, Strings and Percussion.
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Windows)
Wavosaur VST Speek
VST Speek does what it says on the tin; it speaks. This free plugin creates the old-school robotic text-to-speech voice found on the Commodore 64.
Download HERE
(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Windows)
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31 Best Free Saturation Plugins
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