15 Cool Free Software Synthesizers. (demo)

Recently I started messing around with software synths & VSTs. I still prefer hardware synths, (& I always will) but there are definitely some pretty cool softsynths. I chose what is in my opinion, 15 of the coolest & best sounding free softsynths. I hope you like to demo.
You can find 100s of free software synths at plugins4free.com.
1. Abkos
2. Altair 4
3. Analogue Mini
4. Ancestor
5. Crisalys
6. The CS Cloud
7. Eclipsis
8. Freehand
9. ProtoPlasm
10. Phyrite
11. Rogue
12. TranceDrive
13. Deputy Mk II
14. Orpheus II
15. The CS Serio3

[@nikirose7673]

Just when you think you know every decent free VSTi out there, you find a vid that introduces you to half a dozen more

[@gjc82071]

God.....there are so many. I've got like 300-400 on my PC. I love all synths. 🥰 🎹 🎵 🎶 www.vst4free.com/

[@nikirose7673]

@@gjc82071 Haha me too, I have about 50 gig of fx and vsti's. I spend way more time collecting them than I do actually making any music. Some in this video I didn't know before.

[@gjc82071]

@@nikirose7673 I wish I knew how to use software FX processors. I use a program called "SAVIHost" to run software synths/VSTi www.hermannseib.com/english/savihost.htm It's just a simple program. No recorder or sequencer. I've never used a DAW. For recording I used Presonus Audiobox 44VSL and USB-96 + "Audacity" recording program. (& hardware sequencers on my various workstations. (Kronos, Triton, Motif, etc) Now I use a Zoom R-16. It's a recorder/controller/audio interface. Both of my Presonus things broke. I just ordered another USB96 today. (they cost only $100) Supposedly you can use software FX with SAVIHost, but I haven't been able to figure out how. What do you use for software FX? Can you hear them in real time? I know nothing about them. I use only hardware FX processors. PS: I also spend a lot of time "collecting" software synths. 😅

[@CatWAVE-qq1gs]

@@nikirose7673 I have 750gb and keeps growin :(((((

[@Rose_Arcana]

@@CatWAVE-qq1gs W 0 W!!!

[@acelyhightower7645]

I never heard of these synths. They sound so cool.

[@KozmykJ]

Excellent list. I grabbed most of them to try. Most were still available from VST4Free but a couple I had to track down to their own sites. Worth the effort though.

[@psy-lion]

Oh, God it so cool to explore everything new and unknown. Thanks for this video!

[@tranznart1]

I plan to use these in a vocoder

[@stripedhyenuh]

Damn, Eclipsis sounds like it's quality dark ambient in a can, can't believe I never heard of it til watching this video

[@gjc82071]

Eclipsis is a sweet synth. There are so many great synths. (I have like 300-400 on my PC) I'm constantly discovering new cool ones. I should make a 2nd softsynth video soon. I also want to make a video using softsynths + hardware effects processors. I haven't seen many of those on KZbin.

[@dfaro4582]

These sound nice. My style is using synth as the lead instrument. If they’re all free, than I will download all of them.

[@terrypocock2869]

Thanks for the demo's. very informative and creative too.

[@edford8376]

I have about a squillion free soft synths but not one of these ones. Great demo.

[@gjc82071]

Me too, Ed. I have like 400-500 free softsynths & those in the video are ones that I think are very interesting. Though I prefer hardware, Softsynths are cool, too. I like to experiment with softsynths by layering them with digital &/or analog synths, or running them through hardware effect processors to add warmth & character. Thanks for the view, and the compliment. 😊

[@Soul.Relief_16]

0:50

[@CH10010]

Beautifull

[@lloydmckay3241]

Synth1 . Firebird. Triple Cheese. Tal Noisemaker. Sitala. Poise.

[@TheChallenger1980]

Really like the Crisalys #5 1:50 - 2:10 mark. What were the settings?

[@gjc82071]

Hi. Sorry, I'm not sure. I was just going through random sounds.

[@marcelsimons2344]

good video... thanks

[@navazmerchant3241]

1:20 sounds like the intro Synth sounds on Above & Beyond's weekly podcast

[@gjc82071]

I'm not familiar with Above & Beyond. I'll have to check it out. Thanks. Update: Yea, you're right! It does sound a bit like it. 🙂

[@jemgel1162]

Please keep posting new stuff! All of your sounds and videos are really good and interesting!

[@gjc82071]

Will do. Thanks so much! 😊

[@jaibhimadevi5805]

Wonderful you start with the venerable yet mighty Abakos! Shame its "default" tuning, is, well, not actually what most of us think as default- never the semitone you're expecting.

[@gjc82071]

Thank you, Jai. And yes, it's true what you say about the tuning. One thing I hate about the tuning is that it's so damn touchy. It's so hard to just go up/down 1 note. It moves like 3-5 notes & I have to keep fiddling with it, touching the mouse ever so gently. It's a shame you can't just click on it than press a number. But all in all, it's a wonderful sounding synth.

[@fincorrigan7139]

Really great Pad sounds.Thank you for posting. Puts me in the frame of mind to ask do I really need to spend $1,000 on an analogue poly or even $450 on a Waldorf Blofeld?

[@gjc82071]

Well, here is my opinion of software synths. Part of what make hardware synths sound different is that they all use different internal hardware components. If you run 100 sofsynths on the same PC, every one is being run on the SAME hardware. Take for example, the Korg Kronos. It uses standard Intel processors & has 9 different engines, but they're all being run on the SAME hardware. Even though every engine sounds different, you can still tell they're coming from the Kronos. IMO different softsynth often sound like different patches/programs on the SAME synth, rather than sounding like totally different synths. But don't misunderstand me. There are some great softsynths, but there are some great hardware synths, too. (especially analog) Just do some research before you decide to drop any cash. 😉 PS: Music is about enjoyment & creativity. If you get more of it form softsyynth, go with sofysynths. If you get more enjoyment & creativity from hardware synths, go with hadware. 😉 All I can say is that I own 40+ hardware synths. There isn't a single I regret buying & with I would've got a softsynth, instead. But again, that's just my opinion.

[@fincorrigan7139]

@@gjc82071 I bought the Blofeld last week...GAS eh? 😀😀😀

[@gjc82071]

@@fincorrigan7139 How do you like your Blofeld?

[@fincorrigan7139]

@@gjc82071 Wonderful creature ☺️. Full of endless modulation possibilities, loads of waves for the 3 oscillators, very nifty arpeggiator, multi-timbral, I don't even need an external editor as the onboard screen and controls are implemented very well. Its been around for a while (12 years) but still feels cutting edge. Just finished my first full track (after a full discovery mission) along with some new patches I did for the Volca FM. I'll post it on YT later this evening as my video editing skills are laughable.... I think I'm becoming more digital than Analog now but loads and loads more toys to play with in the stores :)

[@_oscillator]

Hi mate, nice video :) Some synths looks and sounds pretty good, now is the moment when mostly is not possible to distingguish is it VST or hardware. Some time ago I also checked some softsynths and this was my Top10 - Nr1 Absynth, Nr2 Serum, Nr3 Diva, Nr4 XILS, Nr5 FM8, Nr6 Iris, Nr7 Alchemy, Nr8 Massive, Nr9 PadShop and Nr10 Harmor. I find the Absynth a bit similar to Kurzweil (except the DSP algorithms, of course), the sounds were just amazing. Best Regards!

[@gjc82071]

Hi oscillator! Sorry for the late reply. I only just now noticed your comment. So how have you been? How is your K5000R? Have you been using it much? Yes, it's getting to the point where mostly it is not possible to distinguish VST from hardware, but there are some differences. IMO many VSTs kind of sound the same. (& some can sound a bit cold, boring & lack character) I don't mean they sound bad. Some sound REALLY great. But IMO, some different VSTs sound more like they're different patches/programs on the SAME synth, rather than sounding like totally different synths. The difference in sound between different VSTs is more subtle, and often it's not as noticeable as the difference in sound between different hardware synths. But there are some really cool VSTs. I've heard demos of some of the VSTs you've mentioned, but I think those VSTs are not free? I stick to the Free VSTs. ;-) So have you been using VST/softsynths? The last time I mentioned softsynths, you said you didn't know much about them & you like hardware, better. I also like hardware better, but VSTs are fun, too. :-) I like experimenting with VSTs. I like to run them through my external hardware effects processors, (to add warmth & character to their sound) & I also like to MIDI layer them with hardware synths. BTW, I bought some new hardware gear. I bought a Behringer Deepmind 12 analog synth. It's awesome! It's such a cool & sweet sounding synth. I also finally bought my dream effect processor, an Eventide H7600! The H7600 is a real BEAST!!! It's incredible! It's really high-end, professional quality...literally 1 of the best effects processors there is. I will definitely make demos of the Deepmind 12 & H7600. Well, take care. :-)

[@davec1257]

Jarre Style forever! 😍

[@gjc82071]

Thanks! :-)

[@CH10010]

4:04 WOW....aliens are coming :D

[@synthscolors]

Synthetic sounds & VSTs users... Watch it ! Hat off & thanks for these free "softsynths review"... allowing us to figure multiple sounding & musical landscapes possibilities... Excellent week to you & keep sharing these awesome moments ! :;-))

[@gjc82071]

Thanks, synths colors. I started messing with softsynths because I am in the process of moving to a new location and all of my synths & hardware is in storage. Currently I have only my little Microkorg XL+, which I use as a synth & as a little MIDI/USB controller. BTW, do you ever mess around with software synths?

[@synthscolors]

My pleasure ! I must admit that I haven't mess around a lot with software synths... as I'm more used to sliders, buttons, pots ... very close to the "music keyboard"... but I remain admiring towards the sound designers & composers using them ! Also enjoy the sounds they can produce... ;-))

[@tranznart1]

I'm going to try my best to find all of these.

[@gjc82071]

www.vst4free.com/ & www.vstplanet.com/ (tons of great free software synths at these sites) I also listed the names of the software synths in the description. Just Google "Name + software synths". You should have no trouble finding them.

[@LORDSofCHAOS333]

3:56 this is my favored love the design as well i need to track it dawn end hope theta my daws can read it

[@gjc82071]

It's called "Eclipsis". Here's a link & some info. 😉 www.vstzone.sk/index.php#eclipsis www.vstplanet.com/News/2015/VST-Zone-releases-free-Eclipsis-Hybrid-Wavetable-Synth.htm

[@cooperhime]

Could I have the audio file from the first one? I love it so much.

[@vikramjitbanerjeetuki]

Hi can someone list all of the synths in the video

[@gjc82071]

Sure thing. 1. Abkos 2. Altair 4 3. Analogue Mini 4. Ancestor 5. Crisalys 6. The CS Cloud 7. Eclipsis 8. Freehand 9. ProtoPlasm 10. Phyrite 11. Rogue 12. TranceDrive 13. Deputy Mk II 14. Orpheus II 15. The CS Serio3

[@machiwoomiapoo]

Cool sounds! :)

[@gjc82071]

Thanks! 😊

[@riccardo_7450]

Would be an even better video if you put software’s names in an overlay text or at least the full list in the description

[@gjc82071]

I agree with you but I'm not really sure how to do the overlay text thing. Here's a full list of the softsynths & I will also put their names in the description. (that I know how to do) Thanks for the advice. 1. Abkos 2. Altair 4 3. Analogue Mini 4. Ancestor 5. Crisalys 6. The CS Cloud 7. Eclipsis 8. Freehand 9. ProtoPlasm 10. Phyrite 11. Rogue 12. TranceDrive 13. Deputy Mk II 14. Orpheus II 15. The CS Serio3

[@Barniff.Molecule]

Schade, die beiden Links in der Beschreibung sind tot.

[@gjc82071]

Verzeihung. Ich spreche kein Deutsch. Ich benutze einen Übersetzer. Ja, diese Websites sind jetzt weg. 😟 Aber es gibt noch viele andere Seiten, auf denen du kostenlose Software-Synthesizer und VSTs finden kannst. (und ich habe die Namen der Software-Synthesizer eingefügt) 🙂 plugins4free

[@KingNeptune151]

Which daw are you using? Thanks

[@gjc82071]

Honestly I don't use use a DAW. (though I really want to learn how to use one) I use "SAVIHost" to run softsynths. www.hermannseib.com/english/savihost.htm For most of my videos I used a Presonus 44VSL (until it died last year) & recorded directly to "Audacity". I now have a Presonus USB96 & a ZOOM R16. (the ZOOM is sweet!) The coolest thing about that setup is that I can use the USB96 just for VSTs/softsynths, and plug them into my hardware effects processors, (I have a lot of nice hardware effects processors) then out the effects processors & into the Zoom. The Zoom is a DAW controller/audio interface/stand alone 16 track recorder. When you record tracks on the ZOOM, you can put them on a thumbdrive & import them to any DAW. (or in my case, Audacity)

[@LFOVCF]

Begs the question...why pay for a vst synth? There's enough sonic power here for anyone's needs, if we're honest.

[@gjc82071]

Great point. There's so many great free VST synths out there, (I've got a few 100 of them) there's really no point in buying any. I've never bought a VST & doubt I ever will. I buy only hardware synths & effects processors.

[@tonystephen6312]

i often find they sound nice over you tube but harsh/flat when i put them on my system - any idea?!

[@KozmykJ]

@@tonystephen6312 Buckets of Reverb ... ;^)

[@tonystephen6312]

@@KozmykJ ilm still running 32bit - so could hve something to do with it -)

[@hadleymanmusic]

All my keyboards got ripped off so I need these and just a casio fullsize for a controller?

[@gjc82071]

All your keyboards got ripped off?!? 😯😭😭 That sucks! 😠 I'm so sorry. 😟 Assuming your Casio has USB or MIDI outputs, yes. (you can use it as a controller) But if it has only MIDI, you'll also need a USB MIDI interface. I gave you all the information about MIDI interfaces in your comment "What do I use to midi into my pc?"

[@spellerlittlewing]

Ok what operating are these for ios are PC

[@gjc82071]

I'm using a PC in the video. I don't know anything about "ios" (sorry)

[@jpdenk]

I like them all, especially Eclipsis, but when I tried downloading it, the download won't finish, just sits there at the end, not sure what's going on there. :-(

[@gjc82071]

Did you try any of these sites? www.vstzone.sk/ www.vstplanet.com/News/2015/VST-Zone-releases-free-Eclipsis-Hybrid-Wavetable-Synth.htm www.kvraudio.com/product/eclipsis-by-vst-zone

[@jpdenk]

Thanks. Yeah, that's the page I tried. It starts downloading, goes to 100% but never quite finishes, just hangs there. @@gjc82071

[@gjc82071]

@@jpdenk That is so weird. I can download it w/no problems at all. There's only 1 other thing I can think of. If you want, I will download it, then upload it to my Mediafire file sharing account, and then you can try to download it from there? But I don't know.....I mean if you can't download it from any of the sites/links I showed you, it might do the same thing even if you try downloading it from Mediafire. 🤔 Anyway, here is the link. (if you wanna give it a try) www.mediafire.com/file/eaoqam8b0haj709/eclipsis_10.zip/file PS: If downloading it from Mediafire doesn't work, I have 1 last idea we might be able to try.

[@jpdenk]

I let it just sit there overnight, and it finally downloaded. I'm not sure what was hanging things up, but I have it now. Thanks!

[@vikaskulkarni6334]

I downloaded VX7 & Analogue Mini Synthesizers from "www.vstplanet.com/Instruments/..." the folder has only dll and dat files and no .exe files - How do I open the Synthesizer?

[@gjc82071]

You need a "host" program. Most people use DAWs that support plug-ins & software synths. I don't use any DAW so I don't know how to use software synths with DAWs. To use software synths I use a free program called "SAVIHost". www.hermannseib.com/english/savihost.htm It's a very simple, no frills program, and very easy to use. You just click on SAVIhost and then click on the .dll file. (or you can drag & drop a .dll file onto the SAVIHost icon) That's it. You can even set it up so you can just click on a .dll file and it will automatically open it with SAVIHost. (I can show you how if you need help) I have 300-400 software synths & SAVIHost works with most software synths I've tried. (like 99% of software synths have a .dll file) If you have any problems setting up or using SAVIHost, let me know & I will help you if I can. 😉 Edit: PS, I just tried VX7 with SAVIHost and it works. (& I already know it works with Analogue Mini) VX7 has 3 .dll files. You must open the "vx7.dll". (with SAVIHost)

[@cassidyrenno8596]

@@gjc82071 Hi, I am trying to use one called Sinnah (not on this list) and when I open it with Savihost, it gives me an error saying that the side by side configuration is incorrect. I have just savihost.exe and Sinnah_64x.dll in the same folder with nothing else. Can you help?

[@gjc82071]

@@cassidyrenno8596 I think I can help. Did you download & use savihostx86 or savihostx64? When I tried savihostx64, I got the same error you did. However, it works perfectly with savihostx86. Try downloading savihostx86 & do *NOT* run Sinnah_x64.dll. (it won't work) Just run Sinnah.dll. Try that and let me know if it works. 😉

[@cassidyrenno8596]

​@@gjc82071 Thanks! Worked great :)

[@gjc82071]

@@cassidyrenno8596 Awesome. Glad I could help. I'm also glad you brought it to my attention because I wasn't aware of Sinnah. It's actually a really cool softsynth.

[@GetToDaChoppa-k5r]

Dude, what is the easiest one to get to grips with here?

[@gjc82071]

It's hard to say, really. I do most of my programming/editing/tweaking on hardware synths & very very little programming on software synths. When it comes to softsynths, mostly I just got through the patches/programs, listen to the sounds & see which ones I like. That's pretty easy to do on most software synths. Sorry I couldn't be more help.

[@leepshin]

So what are the coolest arpeggiator synths?

[@hadleymanmusic]

What do I use to midi into my pc?

[@gjc82071]

Hi. You need a "USB MIDI interface". Prices start at $40 to $100. www.sweetwater.com/c677--MIDI_Interfaces I have this one: (iConnect MIO, $40) www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/mio--iconnectivity-mio-usb-midi-interface and this one: (PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 USB Audio Interface, $100) www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AudioBoxUSB96--presonus-audiobox-usb-96 (I also have a Presonus Audiobox 22VSL, but the Audiobox VSLs have been discontinued) The nice thing about the USB96 is that it's a USB audio & MIDI interface, so you can use it to record audio to your PC & as a MIDI interface. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

[@wizards001]

can you list which names these actually are?

[@gjc82071]

1. Abkos 2. Altair 4 3. Analogue Mini 4. Ancestor 5. Crisalys 6. The CS Cloud 7. Eclipsis 8. Freehand 9. ProtoPlasm 10. Phyrite 11. Rogue 12. TranceDrive 13. Deputy Mk II 14. Orpheus II 15. The CS Serio3

[@wizards001]

@@gjc82071 rock on! Now about sharing those original patches...

[@gjc82071]

@@wizards001 i sent a link to the patches. check the reply on the alesis fusion video.

[@briancouture6033]

but arent they all 32 bit ?

[@LostShipRecordings]

What is the synth at 3:55?

[@gjc82071]

Kevin Wayne - Thanks for answering Lost Ship Recordings's question. I didn't see the comment until just now. In retrospect, I probably should've put the names of each softsynth. Thanks again.

[@originaldarkpoetry9503]

Which of these are 64 bit, if any?

[@gjc82071]

Hi. I'm not sure. When I downloaded them from vst4free, I noticed that some had both 32 & 64 bit versions. I just didn't pay attention to which.

[@originaldarkpoetry9503]

Thanks for your reply!

[@ReadingWithJT]

How do you install them?

[@gjc82071]

Sorry for such a late reply. I don't use any sort of DAW. To run them I use a program called "SAVIHost". www.hermannseib.com/english/savihost.htm

[@KozmykJ]

For using as plugins within DAWs most DAWs these days are 64-bit. Most of the free VST plugins are older 32-bit. Some 64-bit DAWs will handle 32-bit plugins. Mine doesn't (Presonus Studio One) and many others don't either. To get around this, I use jBridger software jstuff.wordpress.com/jbridge/updates/ It's a low cost solution (free to try), some othe bridgers cost a lot more. Works for 99% of the plugins that I tried with it.

[@gjc82071]

@@KozmykJ if you don't mind I might need to pick your brain a bit, in regards to DAWs. Right now I use Audacity, and just bought a ZOOM R16. (digital recorder/audio interface) I also own a Presonus StudioLive 16.0.2 AI mixer (which is not an interface) and I owned a 44XSL & USB96 (both of which broke) I have like 3 copies of Studio One...one is Studio One + (the one that came with the mixer) My goal is to use softsynths & effects plugins, in conjunction with a DAW. (plus I also want to use the dozens of hardware synths I own) Could you please give me a hand, if needed?

[@KozmykJ]

@@gjc82071 I'll help if I can. Just reply on here, that'll do fo rnow. Note that Studio One Prime (Free Version) doesn't support 3rd party plugins. Studio One Artist, the next one up , only allows them with an add-on . Maybe one of the versions you have WILL do the job. If not it'd be worth contacting Presonus to see if they'll cut you a deal as a long time hardware customer ...

[@gjc82071]

@@KozmykJ I'll do that. Thank you so much. 🙂