Freeware Softsynths

[-=AnatomiC=-]

I know, this has been asked 1000 times, but there are so many free softsynths, that I don't know where to begin :confused:

Can someone recommend a good-sounding free analog-modeling softsynth?

[jeebustrain]

Rez has always been my favorite. It's simple, sounds good, and requires very little cpu horsepower (easier to layer multiple ones on top of eachother).

http://www.ugoaudio.com/

go to VST, then Rez


OOh. I just noticed they released 2.0. I'm actually working on a project right this moment using the original. I'll give this one a shot and see what can come of it.

[-=AnatomiC=-]

Thanks man... I listened to some demo's and it sounds really cool.

But how do you install it? I downloaded it, but there are no executable files! :confused: :eek:

[jeebustrain]

you need a VST host (like newer versions of Sonar, Brainspawn's Forte, or Ableton Live). You'll have a directory (usually 'program files\steinberg\VST'). You just drop that .dll file in it (along with the preset files it comes with).


I imagine there is a standalone VST host out there (that is free). I've never used one so I can't comment on them.

Searching around the net, I managed to find this:
http://www.toptensoftware.com/index.htm
It's called Cantabile.

Most of your actual free VST synths are going to be like this (at least the ones that I've used). Most of the ones I've seen that can be used as actual standalone instruments aren't free.

[Syrinx]

Free Analog modelling VSTs?????Hmmmmmm. There must be like a million of them :D
Here is a short list of my favorites:
(0) Rez by Ugo: Phenomenal
http://www.ugoaudio.com/

(1) Triangle II
http://www.kvraudio.com/get/203.html

(2) FabFilter One
You can get it free (yes a fully legal and without any limitations that you find on the demo version) with the Computer Music magazine.

(3) Synth1 (of course)
http://www.kvraudio.com/get/214.html

(4) MinimougueVA Luxus: The closest you'll ever get to a Mini Moog without $$ IMO
http://www.home.no/gunnare/MinimogueLUXUS.zip

(5) GTG NK1001: Just sweet
http://miksybrandt.panicnow.net/Synth_zips/NK_1001_Synth.ZIP

(6) Linplug Free Alpha
http://www.linplug.com/Download/download.htm

(7) iblit and Polyiblit from:
http://www.bostreammail.net/ers/vstplugins.html

Have fun.

[Syrinx]

Forgot to mention
(8) Asynth
http://antti.smartelectronix.com/

(9) JXsynth
http://www.jxplugins.co.uk/

(10) INTRO by BK synth: Amazing sound quality, but a bit demanding on the CPU. Not a problem if you have a powerful PC
http://www.sitesled.com/members/bksl/

[-=AnatomiC=-]

Thx jeebustrain & Syrinx

I just tried some of them, with my keyboard - they are all awesome.
They will keep me busy for some time, that's for sure :biggrin:

And I wanted to buy Hardware VA - now I can spare some bucks for my own laptop (probably Mac)
I'm noob at this kind of things anyway...

There should be a sticky thread, for something like this