- Try ZENOLOGY for free as part of any Roland Cloud 30-day trial membership—and keep it for less than a few bucks a month. And even if you don’t keep a paid membership, you can continue to use hundreds of incredible ZEN-Core sounds with ZENOLOGY Lite—completely free.
- 5) Arminator by Krakli Software. Touted by many as the archetypal CS 80 emulator, Arminator is a free little synth with a neat GUI and an interesting stack of sound design options that harken us back to the glorious 80s. What’s more, despite packing 128 default patches Arminator does not overclock your CPU and runs smoothly sans lags.
- The SYSTEM-1 Software Synthesizer is a must-have for SYSTEM-1 or SYSTEM-1m hardware owners. Seamless, bi-directional communication between hardware and software gives complete editor/librarian functionality and an automatic, one-to-one hardware control interface.
Synth VSTs are one of the most exciting things about being a producer today.
Powerful synthesis tools that used to cost thousands are now available in your DAW anytime, anywhere.
And the best part? Many of them are available as completely free plugins.
Software synthesizer plugins are great for everything from ambient pads to massive sub bass.
In this article I’ll break down the top 8 free synth VSTs for producing music in your DAW.
Recently I started messing around with software synths & VSTs. I still prefer hardware synths, (& I always will) but there are definitely some pretty cool so.
Let’s get started.
1. Digital Suburban Dexed
Dexed is a freeware FM synthesizer based on the legendary Yamaha DX7. It puts all the classic sounds and functions of the original synth in a modern package.
But Dexed makes classic 6 operator FM synthesis much easier to understand and program than it ever was with hardware.
This great free synth VST is perfect for percussive sounds like tines and mallets as well as icy pads or aggressive distorted basses.
2. Matt Tytel Helm
Synthesis is hard to understand even when you have real hardware synthesizer in front of you. It can be even more difficult when you’re working with an abstract software plugin.
That’s why Matt Tytel’s Helm is such a great synth VST.
Helm is a great sounding, two oscillator subtractive synth that’s dead easy for beginners to use.
It’s well laid out with a logical interface and helpful graphics that let you understand every aspect of basic subtractive synthesis.
Helm is perfect If you’re just getting started and need an easy synth to learn on.
3. u-He Tyrell N6
u-He Tyrell N6 is a stylish synth with bold analog sound and simple workflow.
It features a great preset library and modulation matrix as well as handy extras like unison mode, loopable envelopes and built in overdrive.
Overall, Tyrell N6 is a quality freeware synth that any producer can use to make great sounds. Video plus 1 2 – powerful movie editor.
4. DiscoDSP OB-Xd
Speaking of analog sound, DiscoDSP’s OB-Xd models one of the most sought-after instruments in analog synth history—the Oberheim OB-X.
Ip camera video recording software. This completely free plugin gives you access to the lush sound of the OB-X in your DAW.
From enveloping analog pads to deep basses and searing leads, the OB-Xd is an inspiring free synth to add to your plugin folder.
5. TAL Noisemaker
TAL’s excellent Noisemaker synth proves that VSTs don’t need to be complicated to work well in a track.
TAL’s excellent Noisemaker synth proves that VSTs don’t need to be complicated to work well in a track.
This straightforward synth has a powerful sound and compact, lightweight interface.
It contains a unique visual envelope editor and handy onboard effects including bitcrusher and TAL’s emulation of the Juno 60/106 chorus effect.
6. Vember Audio Surge
Vember Audio Surge is probably the most powerful free VST synth on this list.
Surge is open source which means you’re free to download the code and do whatever you want with it.
It’s fantastic sounding digital synth that can cover all kinds of different sonic territory.
Its highly flexible architecture includes wavetable oscillators, two filters with eight different modes each and routing options for frequency modulation.
If you’re looking to get lost in the possibilities of sound design, Surge is the best way to do it for free.
7. VCV Rack
This next one is a little different, but it’s so exciting that it had to make it to this list.
VCV Rack is a standalone synth program that models nearly every module available for the Eurorack format.
That’s right—those enormous racks of modular gear that creative producers spend thousands of dollars collecting.
VCV Rack lets you create your own dream modular rig right on your desktop. You can even create patches authentically with virtual cables to get the real modular experience.
Integrating it with your DAW is a bit trickier—but using the plugin in standalone mode is just as fun for creating inspiring patches.
Every musician should try using VCV Rack to see what modular is all about.
Every musician should try using VCV Rack to see what modular is all about.
8. ML PG8X
The 80s are a popular decade for free synth plugin builders. This retro-leaning synth from developer Martin Lüders models the classic Roland JX-8p.
The JX-8p polysynth was one of the most popular keyboards of the time for a reason. It’s classic presets made it onto hundreds of recordings from the golden age of synth pop.
The ML PG-8X plugin version gives you all the vintage mojo of the original for free. It’s a nice analog-style polysynth with a unique retro character.
Pair it up with Dexed for authentic 80s stacked synth textures!
![Free Synthesizer Software Free Synthesizer Software](https://c1.zzounds.com/media/productmedia/fit,2018by3200/quality,85/Omnisphere-2-Slide-12-051e4cbdd172ec782515ef7af99c024c.jpg)
Free to play
Free Synthesizer Software
You don’t need tons of expensive gear to make a great track. Free synth plugins prove that there’s plenty of capable tools out there to make music that sounds good on a shoestring budget.
Whether you’re looking for classic vintage tones, deep sound design tools or you just want to choose a good synth to get started, there’s a VST on this list to inspire you.
Now that you have some great new synths in your plugin folder, get back to your DAW and keep creating.
Free Synthesizer Software For Windows
Software | Description | OS | License | File Date | Comments | Power |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VST Plug-in Pack 7 | Pack of 30 VST plug-ins. | Windows | Freeware | 2001-05-01 | 1 | 95db |
Coagula Light 1.6 | Industrial Strength Color-Note Organ | Windows | Freeware | 2003-05-08 | 16 | 75db |
FM8 v1.2.1 | FM synthesizer. [VST/DX/RTAS/AAX Stand-alone]. | Windows | Demo | 2012-09-14 | 2 | 75db |
Rebirth RB-338 v2.0.1 | Software emulation of TR-303s and one TR-808. | Windows | Freeware | 2005-09-01 | 118 | 75db |
DarkWave Studio v5.5.5 | Modular digital audio workstation (DAW) / virtual studio for the creation of electronic music. | Windows | Free | 2016-07-15 | 23 | 70db |
Reason 9 | Reason is a virtual studio rack with tools like Analog synth, sampler, drum machine, ReCycle!-based loop player, mixer, effects, pattern sequencer, and more. | Windows | Demo | 2016-07-04 | 228 | 70db |
Macaw v3.01 | Implements a clip based MIDI sequencer, which drives a bunch of built in plugins, MIDI devices and VST plugins. It has a soundfont loader and wave editor. | Windows | Free | 2009-07-16 | 12 | 70db |
TS-404 V1.05 | TS-404 is a virtual analogue, multitimbral synthesizer. | Windows | Freeware | 1999-01-01 | 61 | 70db |
Stomper Hyperion v5.0b | Create drum sounds such as 909 kicks and other Analog sounds | Windows | Freeware | 2000-09-01 | 254 | 65db |
SynthFont 2.0.0.13 | MIDI playing/rendering tool that uses SoundFonts. [VST/Standalone] | Windows | Free | 2014-09-05 | 7 | 65db |
DreamStation Rev.004 | Virtual software synth workstation. | Windows | Freeware | 2013-02-11 | 42 | 65db |
FluidSynth 1.1.6 | A real-time software synthesizer based on the SoundFont 2 specifications | Windows | Free | 2013-03-11 | 3 | 65db |
SaxLab v2.2.1 | Soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophone synthesizer. [VST] | Windows | Demo | 2015-04-01 | 0 | 65db |
basic 64 | Synth inspired by the 8 bit sounds of the classic Commodore 64. [VST] | Windows | Demo | 2011-09-09 | 0 | 65db |
AXS Free Version | Analogue Xpansion System: realtime software synthesizer | Windows | Freeware | 2000-09-01 | 55 | 65db |
Ultrabass MX4/4 | Ultrabass MX4/4 is a bass synthesizer plugin solution for 4/4 dance music style bassline needs. | Windows | Demo | 2011-12-12 | 0 | 65db |
DreamStation DXi2 v2.3 | Polyphonic analog synthesizer. [DX] | Windows | Freeware | 2008-03-12 | 2 | 65db |
Gladiator v2.4 | Synthesizer based on the concept of Advanced Harmonic Content Morphing (HCM) Synthesis. [VSTi] | Windows | Demo | 2012-08-08 | 2 | 60db |
VB-1 | Virtual Bass plug-in [VSTi] | Windows | Freeware | 2011-11-30 | 2 | 60db |
HyperSID v1.2 | Realtime MIDI synth editor. [VST] | Windows | Free | 2009-07-03 | 0 | 60db |
Proteus VX v2.0 | Borrows its internal architecture from its big brother, Emulator X3. Although Proteus VX does not have the extensive editing capabilities of Emulator X3, it does offer 16 continuous controllers for each preset. [VST/Standalone] | Windows | Freeware | 2010-05-20 | 2 | 60db |
Sytrus v2.6.73 | FM synthesizer. [VSTi/FL Studio] | Windows | Demo | 2014-02-21 | 0 | 60db |
Abakos 2.1 | High quality virtual analogue synthesizer. [VST] | Windows | Freeware | 2006-10-21 | 7 | 60db |
Midi Quest XL v10.0.5 | Universal Editor/Librarian - Cakewalk, Cubase VST, Guitar Studio. | Windows | Demo | 2013-07-08 | 3 | 60db |
RubberDuck v2.1.2 | Acid and techno software synthesizer - based on the Roland TB-303. | Windows | Freeware | 2005-08-28 | 9 | 60db |
FilterBank3 v3.3 | Multi-functional plug-in - Filters, delays and more. [VST] | Windows | Demo | 2011-12-08 | 0 | 60db |
SoundForum Synthesizer v1.0 | Standalone software synthesizer | Windows | Freeware | 2002-07-01 | 21 | 60db |
Omnisphere 1.5 | Power Synth combining a wide variety of hybrid realtime synthesis techniques, a library of remarkable ‘Psychoacoustic’ sounds, and many innovative features that have never been seen before in any hardware or software synthesizer. [VSTi/RTAS] | Windows | Paid | 2011-01-24 | 0 | 60db |
OP-X Pro II v1.1 | Recreation of the legendary Oberheim OB-X analog polyphonic synthesizer. Audacity music software windows. [VSTi] | Windows | Demo | 2011-09-28 | 0 | 60db |
Juno 6 v1.0 | Analogue Synth that emulates the sound technics of the original Roland Juno 6/60 Synth. [VST] | Windows | Free | 2004-09-10 | 0 | 60db |