VirtualMIDISynth 2.10.1 is available to all software users as a free download for Windows 10 PCs but also without a hitch on Windows 7 and Windows 8. Compatibility with this MIDI synthesizer software may vary, but will generally run fine under Microsoft Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP on either a 32. Helm is a free, cross-platform, polyphonic synthesizer with a powerful modulation system. Helm runs on GNU/Linux, Mac, and Windows as a standalone program or as a LV2/VST/VST3/AU plugin.
Article Content
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
- 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.
![Midi Software Synthesizer Free Download Midi Software Synthesizer Free Download](https://static.kvraudio.com/i/b/ms-01_preview_005u744k.jpg)
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
![Software Software](https://i1.wp.com/www.synthtopia.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/free-software-synth-for-windows.jpg)
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.
Vox software mac. Filter: Vitamin r 2 54 – personal productivity tool free.
- MG ladder modeling multimode filter featuring Zero Delay Feedback technology.
- Routable filter Drive (Pre/Post).
Modulator: Moleculesketch 1 3 2 download free.
- 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. Powerpoint presentation on macbook.
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.
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.
—–
Check out my other articles, reviews, interviews and my video tutorial series, Synthesis 101 available exclusively on The Pro Audio Files.
Follow me on Twitter: @PMantione
Instagram: philipmantione
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 al
3 FREE Max for Live Devices
Download three free Max for Live Devices from Phil Mantione.
Are you music enthusiast? Ever wondered how well it would be if the music you here is supplied with all the additional information as titles, artists, albums and genres? Following is the list of software which offers this basic functionality with sequencing your huge music library and some of the rich and unique features. You can expect some free sequencer software while some are paid sequencer software. The list has some of the best-picked software of this category.
Related:
Mp3 Tag Pro
Mp3TagPro is free music sequencer software available for free download and use. This software is a powerful tool for all music formats. The software creates new subfolders and organizes the music files into them according to your pattern. The software will create folders with artists, genres and many other such categories at your one click.
Midi Music Software Free
MIDI Sequencer Software
MIDI sequencer software called Sekaiju is free, open source software for creating and editing MIDI data. Line 6 toneport kb37 driver for mac. MIDI stands for Multi Documented format. The software features unlimited redo and undo, 16 MIDI input ports and 16 MIDI ports all of them can be used simultaneously and much more.
Audio Sequencer Software
This software from Jazz MIDI sequencer is open source software under GNU GPL license. The Jazz++ is an excellent application for recording and mixing MIDI sequences. This software is actively supported for the Windows and Mac platforms.
Sequencer for Mac
Best Free Midi Software
Sequencer for Mac is the music sequencer software for Mac platform users. The software has a range of features to offer audio and MIDI recording, audio workstation, step sequencing, audio multitrack editor and much more. The software is available free of cost for download and use.
Sequencer for Windows
Sequencer software for Windows is free music sequencer software for Windows platform users. The free version features variable track lengths supporting 16 to 128 steps, three FX chains, 30 to 180 BPM tempo, adjustable pitch, pan, volume, and synth note length per step.
Caustic 3 for Android
Caustic 3 is the music sequencer software for Android platform users. You can create your rack by adding up to 14 machines from the various synthesizers this software has to offer. The software comes in demo free version to give you a taste of the software.
Anvil Studio – Most Popular Software
Anvil studio is the most popular software in the category of music sequencer software. The long list of features of this software includes recording music with MIDI and audio equipment, sequence music with MIDI equipment and much more. The software has a free of cost version for download and use. You can also see Audio mixer software
Midi Download Software
How to Install Music Sequencer Software?
Most of the above-listed music sequencer software offer installation file, which you can download and run the installation procedure to get the software installed. Music sequencer software is the software for sequencing your long list of music files, according to the artists, genres, and much more such categories. You can also see Guitar Recording Software
Almost all the above-listed software offers the basic functionality of sequencing your music files according to various categories. You can opt for the paid ones if you want fast and other advanced options, for edit and modify the music file you want.