Software synths that employ analog modeling include BitHeadz’s Unity AS-1, Native Instruments’ Reaktor and the Access Virus Indigo. Hardware analog modeling devices include the Access Virus C, Clavia Nord Lead and Korg MS2000 synths. Other Virtual Analog devices, such as the Line 6 Pod, model tube amps, speaker cabinets, and spring reverbs.

It’s been a while since I surveyed the market for free software synths, so I thought I’d give it go and see what’s new and what has stood the test of time. Some of these instruments were released as prototypes or were the early experiments of developers just entering the market.

Free stuff is not always actually free. Often you will follow a link only to find out that it’s a free “demo”. Aren’t all demos supposed to be free?? In other cases, free software is dangled like a carrot in order to get your email address or to entice you into buying other products, preset libraries, add-ons, etc.

Well, business is business, and I suppose everyone needs to make a buck. I really don’t mind spending a few dollars for some shareware now and again to support a budding developer. But it behooves even the most experienced consumer to proceed with caution when the word free is thrown around.

What follows are some awesome sounding instruments in no particular order that are indeed free with very few strings attached. And if you can stomach a little extra spam, some of these may prove valuable additions to your stockpile of synths.

1. TyrellN6 by u-he

Best Virtual Synths

• Virtual analog with classic architecture, plus extras.
• Two oscillators, noise, ring modulator.
• Two LFOs with eight waveforms that are host-syncable.
• Audio source mixer with authentic overdrive and filter feedback.
• Twin filter related to Diva (early model).
• Unison with up to eight voices.
• Analog-type ADSR envelopes, loopable or LFO-triggered.
• Small modulation matrix with depth modulation from a second source.
• Chorus effect with three modes.
• MIDI learn / unlearn for hardware control.
• Resizable UI from 70% to 200%.
• Skinnable UI.
• Over 580 factory presets.

This thing is responsive as hell and sounds sweet! I love the stained and grungy aesthetic of the interface. It’s really hard to believe it’s free. But it serves its purpose I suppose because it truly whets the appetite for more stuff from u-he.

2. Dexed

Dexed is an emulation of the classic FM synth: Yamaha DX7.

From the Github page:

“Dexed is a multi-platform, multi-format plugin synth that is closely modeled on the Yamaha DX7. Dexed is also a midi cartridge librarian/manager for the DX7. Do not expect this to be a perfect clone of a DX7 since this will take years in the open source world and multiple collaborators before getting there … Since Dexed is modeled on the DX7, the Yamaha DX7 Operating Manual can be used as a reference documentation.”

The interface is a little cluttered and is more functional than it is aesthetically pleasing, but there are a ton of sonic possibilities with this for those willing to dig in.

3. MiniSpillage

“MiniSpillage is a free professional quality drum synthesizer plugin featuring high-resolution 64-bit DSP processing.
MiniSpillage includes three exclusive drum synthesis algorithms along with distortion effects and resonant filters.”

• Bass Drum – Single oscillator bass drum synth with pitch sweep, internal FM and harmonic controls.
• Wood Drum – Flexible wooden drum model synthesizes natural and synthetic timbres from log drums to toms.
• Hi-Hat – Six oscillators closed and open hi-hat generator with a noise source and dual resonant filters.

This is a great free option for those that want to create their own drum sounds with modulation, filtering and distortion effects.

4. Crystal Synth by Green Oak

This is one is a bit frustrating and takes a while to get anything remotely usable. The interface is on the clunky side. But a little patience can be rewarding.

5. Lokomotiv

Lokomotiv is an analog retro synthesizer that is impressive from the first launch. Its austere interface is surprisingly responsive and sounds immediately great.

Oscillator:

• Mathematically generated high definition Oscillator without using wavetable or interpolation.
• Silky smooth 9X detuned sawtooth wave.
• Pulse wave with self PWM.
• Shape morphing sub-oscillator.

Filter:

• MG ladder modeling multimode filter featuring Zero Delay Feedback technology.
• Routable filter Drive (Pre/Post).

Modulator:

• Natural Curved ADSR Envelope generator.
• One-shot LFO which can be used as envelope.

Specification:

• 1X OSC (Saw+ Pulse) + One Sub OSC, Noise Generator.
• 1X multimode Filter with Drive.
• 1X LFO, 1X Envelope Generator.
• Eight polyphonic voices, Mono and Legato mode supported.
• 64 Factory presets included.
• Native 64-bit, Mac and Windows OS supported.

6. Digits from Extent of the Jam

This one sports a subdued color palette with beefy growls, preset chords and brass sounds. A bit of crackling when parameters are modified, but worth the time to download for sure.

7. Spitfire Audio – LABS

Not long ago, Spitfire Audio released an ongoing series of completely free instruments called LABS. These are very, very simple sampled instruments with just a handful of controls and they sound really, really good. So far the collection includes:

• Charango
• Electric Piano
• Amplified Electric Cello Quartet
• Drums
• Strings
• Soft Piano

If you’ve used any of the Spitfire Sample Libraries before, you know how well they’re recorded, and these instruments are no exception. While you won’t get the flexibility or deep sampled variety of a full-scale library, you will get a great sound that can be slightly varied to taste. While these are sampled instruments as opposed to synths, they’re free and so good that I felt they warranted inclusion.

8. TAL NoiseMaker

This is one my of favorite choices. The interface is accessible, clean and to the point and thick, beefy sounds are possible from the get-go. Really nice!

From the developer: “TAL NoiseMaker is an improved version of TAL-Elek7ro and has a completely new synth engine and a lot of improvements in sound and usability. The synth also includes a small effect section with a reverb, chorus and a simple bit crusher effect. A display shows the knob and slider values. This allows more control over the synth. A ring modulator and a syncable triangle are also part of this synth.”

TAL NoiseMaker includes new filter types and the self-resonating 6 dB low pass and notch filter. Its improved amplitude ADSR is very suitable for slow pads and for really fast envelopes. 128 factory presets included, 80 made by Frank “Xenox” Neumann.

Features:

• Three Oscillators. Osc 1, +/- 24 semitones, fine tune, phase control (saw, pulse, noise). Osc 2, +/- 24 semitones, fine tune, phase control (saw, rectangle, triangle, sine). Sub Osc (rectangle).
• Osc 1 PM for pulse waveform.
• Osc 2 FM controlled by Osc 1.
• Osc 1 & Osc 2 sync to sub osc (saw, pulse, rectangle, triangle (bipolar sync)).
• Adjustable master tune and transpose.
• Up to six voices.
• Portamento in mono and poly mode (off, auto, on).
• Ringmod modulates Osc 1 with Osc 2.
• Self resonating 4x oversampled filters (24 dB LP, 18 dB LP, 12 dB LP, 6 dB LP, 12 dB HP, 12 dB BP, Notch).
• Filter ADSR (negative and positive).
• Volume ADSR
• Routable ADSR, modulates Filter, Osc 1, Osc 2, PW, FM (negative and positive)
• Two LFO’s with different running modes: free, sync to host, triggered by note. Modulates filter, Osc 1, Osc 2, FM, PW, LFO rate, Panorama and Volume. Sine, Triangle, Saw Square, S&H, Noise. Positive and Negative modulation. Phase control.
• Adjustable Velocity-dependent control over volume filter contour and cutoff.
• Adjustable Pitch Wheel control over Cutoff and Pitch.
• One pole HP filter.
• Detune, detunes notes randomly.
• Juno chorus with different modes.
• A built-in reverb and delay.
• Adjustable filter drive.
• Bitcrusher affects Osc 1 and Osc 2. It’s a pre-filter stage effect.
• MIDI Learn for all knobs.
• Panic button.
• Easy to use, no hidden panels.
• 256 great presets (Presets by Frank “Xenox” Neumann, The Unshushable Coktor, Alexandra Sendy, TAL, Patrick Kunz).

9. Thump by Metric Halo

Thump is a unique audio processor that allows you to synthesize low-frequency audio to add low end to a track or generate another sound entirely. Thump looks at the pitch and dynamics of its audio input and uses this information to control its oscillators. You can add low end to drums, augment a bass or even create synthetic drones.

Thump is ideal for beefing up a kick drum, adding low end to percussive tracks, recreating classic drum synth sounds and more. You can use Thump’s envelope driven, percussive sub-harmonic synth for the following things (among others):

• Build low-octave support for bass drum, tom, snare and other percussive tracks.
• Create kettle drum sounds from regular drum tracks.
• Recreate the sounds of classic drum synths like the TR-808.

The effect of Thump is similar to generating a sine wave or other waveform on a gated track that is side-chained to a transient on another track such as a kick. But Thump allows more control, two oscillators that can be changed on the fly and more pitch specific envelope control. If you like kicks that are thick as hell and challenge the range of human hearing, you will like Thump a lot.

NOTE: the instrument requires a transient input to be activated so you would use it like an insert rather than a standalone synth.

Best Virtual Analogue Synth

10. Synth 1 by Daichi Laboratory

While the interface is a bit nasty and pixelated, Synth 1 by Ichiro Toda is modeled after the Nord Lead 2 Red Synth and sounds decent. It doesn’t take long to get a few usable sounds and the onboard arpeggiator is great for experimenting. (Manual)

11. PG-8X by Martin Lüder

“The PG-8X is a virtual synthesizer, inspired by the Roland JX-8P with the PG-800 programmer. The synth architecture is a standard 2-oscillator -> Filter -> VCA design. These elements can be modulated by a common LFO and one of two envelopes. The PG-8X is patch compatible with the JX-8P and can read and write JX-8P Sysex data”. (Manual)

Conclusion

While these instruments may not be the best things in life — they are free. And it has been my experience that there is something to be learned from every piece of software, as there is from all types of music. Experimentation and exploration yield untold rewards for the adventurous, and freeware is a great place to start your journey or a means to unshackle yourself, at least temporarily, from the financial constraints that plague us all.

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Check out my other articles, reviews, interviews and my video tutorial series, Synthesis 101 available exclusively on The Pro Audio Files.

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If you consider how much the variety in terms of synthesizers has expanded since the 1970s, it really will blow your mind. Where there was once only a couple of companies out there soldering, gluing and bolting synths together, now there are several. But, have all of them held up, in terms of delivering a timeless instrument? After all, if you pick up a Roland D-20, you’re going to be delighted with a sound palette that really does sound similar to a Barney and Friends kid commercial. But, if you come across an Access Virus, then you’ll hear banks of sounds that still hold up quite well, over time. In this article, I’d like to mention my 12 favorite synths (some digital, some analog, but all vintage) that never, in my opinion, get old.

Roland JP-8000

If there was ever one synth that I felt I could be left alone with, on a deserted island (some strange island that has a power generator of course!), it would be the JP-8000 virtual analog synthesizer from Roland. These keyboards, and rack units (JP-8080) still command a decent price online and offer some amazing functionality. But, the sound that they are most known for is that incredible super saw, being moved rapidly by the built-in arpeggiator. It’s the stuff of trance... and dreams.

Nord Lead

The Nord Lead really has become the GTO, Corvette Stingray of the synthesizer world. Be it either the Nord Lead 1, 2, or 3, they all sport the slick, and fashionable, red enclosure that has graced the stage filled with performers like The Killers and many more. But, don’t think that they are all looks. The Nord Lead series, from Clavia, sports limited multi-timbral capabilities, a huge user group, and a sound that really does deserve a place in Rock History. I know it has my salute!

Minimoog

Of course, Moog in the last decade, or two has stirred the electronic music marketplace again, with well-built, expressive instruments, with an amazing sound, designed by the guy that really started it all, Robert Moog. I mean his name is literally right next to the term synthesizer in the dictionary! At this point, in history, be it either a Minimoog Voyager, or an original Minimoog, you’re always going to get some points in sound, as well as in pleasing aesthetics when you employ a Moog onstage, and off. My personal favorite, the Little Fatty line of synths, really can step in as a great first-time synth, and continue to grow as a highly useful device all the way up in to live performance, studio recording, or wherever you want your career to take you. Bottom line: Moog= Electronic Musician’s Stradivarius.

Access Virus Indigo

Though you don’t hear as much about the Virus line of keyboards from Access as much as you used to, they still appear on stage, and off, as highly formidable in both the sound, and aesthetics departments. And, because so many of the different Virus synths, from the A, all the way to the Indigo 2, have patches from badass sounds designers like Rob Papen. Well, you can bet that the presets, included will still hold up on the modern dance floor, and off. And, just let me reiterate: these keyboards look and sound amazing. Great eye candy for the stage, and for your ears. The version of the line that I think I loved the most was the original Virus Indigo. It was a solid, little keyboard, that really delivered in the studio, where other synths couldn’t even come close. And, believe me, I tried to find a better sound!

Korg MS-20

Know that when I mention the MS-20, I also mean the mini-version, the old version, and the new version. Of all the keyboard manufacturers out there, I feel, Korg has their fingers on the pulse of their audience. It was almost a decade ago when they surprised us with the USB, MS-20 controller. Then, nearly 10 years later, they are actually really releasing them again! But, if the vintage price isn’t right, for a brand new, full analog MS-20 is too much for you. It wouldn’t hurt to look around for an MS-2000, used. There’s power there, too!

Prophet VS

Of course, Dave Smith would have an entry in here! I had an amazing several year love affair with a Prophet VS. Granted, this is back from Dave’s Sequential Circuits days. But, it’s still one of his babies! This is probably one of the moodiest synths I’ve ever used. The pads, basses, leads and strings all have that classic, '80s sound, with the Blade Runner twist. And, when you score one of these bad boys, you’re even getting a keyboard that was used a lot on the Tron soundtrack, by Wendy Carlos. Note: Programmability is not the easiest! But, the look and sound is right!

ARP Odyssey

Vintage fans of all sorts got a big surprise, this year, as Korg announced that it would be reissuing the ARP Odyssey. While I was at NAMM, David Friend, the original designer/creator of the ARP was honored by the NAMM committee. It was truly an honor to see a synth that has had such a profound impact on our industry given it’s just desserts. Just so you know, these synths do not grow on trees. In fact, they are scarce, outside of exorbitant auctions that occur on eBay. Regardless, if you can get one, get one!

New England Digital Synclavier

Want to get your hands on a piece of gear that’s known, not only for music history, but also for movie history? The Synclavier, just so you know, is in every office at Skywalker Ranch, that belongs to a sound designer. Ben Burtt, when creating the sound FX for the entire Star Wars library used the Synclavier extensively for R2 sounds, ring modulating crashes, blasts and so many other unique sounds from the classic films. But, it doesn’t end there. If you look at the list of famous artists who have employed the legendary workstation, your head might spin. Granted, they are big, and bulky. And, they will cost some money. But, if you can find one, you won’t be disappointed!

Alesis Andromeda

Sure, these synths aren’t that old. But, oh my, are they rare! When Alesis put these out, 8–10 years ago, there wasn’t much out there, in terms of real, analog, synthesizers. They were still, all virtual analog. Alesis bucked the trend and made a monolithic, robust, and beautiful synthesizer, with more route-ability than any of us knew what to do with. I actually had one in my possession for a few months, as a kind friend let me borrow it. What a great time! That’s all I can say. If you can get your hands on one, grab it!

Roland SH-101

I told myself this page would not be filled with Roland. But, unfortunately, I have a few more to add to the list... As I love them!! The Roland SH-101 was one of the first mini-synths with an optional guitar neck, that could be added on the top. Not only does it sound awesome. But, it has limited sequencing capability and can be perfectly paired with other vintage instruments of all sorts. But, especially, my constant companion, the MC-202. Which I have right here. It also comes in grey. But, keep an eye out. There are other colors, allegedly, floating around out there!

Casio CZ-101

Remember phase synthesis? Well, Casio does! And, a lot of synthesists from the '80s can tell you... It wasn’t that bad. Good enough for Propellerhead to incorporate the technology in Thor. And, if you can score one of these synths, good enough for you. I had a great practice with one of these, in an abandoned home, still pumping power, during the '80s. The sound is crisp. And, if you like dreamy leads, plucks, and pads, this is a great synth to get your hands on!

Hartmann Neuron

I always wanted one of these synths! This synth, in my opinion, is still ahead of its time. With the ability to actually model sounds that you bring as recorded audio, the Hartmann Neuron can replicate many things, with eerie clarity. And, because it’s modelling technology, it can even tell you what that modeled sound might sound like in many other ways that you might not even think of. Granted, a software version was released, a few years ago. But, if you see one, and can afford it, this synth literally might change the way you hear and experience sound, forever.

And, that’s what I’ve got. Granted, you may have a very different list. But, this one is mine! These devices all come from different eras. And, they all come from a different mindset. But, they all have one thing in common... They sound great... Still!