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Top Synth Plugins & VSTs for Music Production [2024]
As the market for music synthesizers continues to witness significant growth, driven by technological advancements and an expanding user base, synth VST plugins have become a crucial component of modern production workflows. From meticulously modeled analog emulations to cutting-edge digital innovations, these plugins provide producers with an extensive palette of sounds, empowering them to craft unique and captivating musical experiences that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Synth VST plugins offer several advantages over hardware synthesizers. First, they are more cost-effective and accessible, enabling producers to expand their sound libraries without breaking the bank. Additionally, many synth VST plugins boast user-friendly interfaces and presets, streamlining the production process and facilitating the creation of professional-quality music. Moreover, these plugins are compatible with various Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), seamlessly integrating into existing workflows. Lastly, developers frequently release updates and new features for synth VST plugins, ensuring producers have access to the latest tools and techniques to enhance their music production process. Based on the factors listed above, we have compiled a list of the top synth plugins & VSTs for every genre.
Top 10 Synth Plugins & VSTs
- D16 Phoscyon 2
- Baby Audio Atoms
- Sublab XL
- u-he Diva
- Xfer Serum
- Spectrasonics Omnisphere
- Vital
- Synapse Dune3
- Arturia Pigments 5
- Output Arcade
D16 Phoscyon 2
The acid sound has grown in popularity over the years due to its unique and captivating characteristics that have influenced various styles of dance music. Initially emerging in genres like Trance in the early 2000s, the sound of the TB-303 synthesizer has left a lasting impact on music, transcending into styles such as trance, hardcore, jungle, big beat, techno, and trip-hop. The love for acid basslines continues to grow, leading to numerous hardware and software emulations like D16 Group’s Phoscyon 2, which offers expanded features for acid synthesis, deep effects processing, an intuitive sequencer and arpeggiator, robust preset management, and improved distortion handling.
Key Features:
- Authentic TB-303 emulation with hardware-accurate control parameters
- Enhanced sound quality with improved distortion handling
- Intuitive sequencer and arpeggiator for dynamic pattern creation
- Deep effects processing for shaping and sculpting tones
- Robust preset management for efficient workflow
- Graphic 64-step sequencer for precise control over patterns
- Inspired by famous mods, offering additional controls and creative possibilities
Baby Audio Atoms
Atoms by Baby Audio is a synth plugin that defies conventional synthesis techniques, offering an organic yet otherworldly sonic experience through cutting-edge physical modeling. Inspired by groundbreaking research on mass-spring interaction networks, Atoms simulates a system of interconnected masses and springs that vibrate to create sound when played with a virtual bow, resulting in a truly unique and captivating sound.
Key Features:
- Innovative physical modeling synthesis based on mass-spring interaction networks
- 6 intuitive controls for shaping eerie, unearthly textures
- Musically calibrated randomization for effortless generation of usable patches
- Powerful automation system for creating evolving organic textures
- Adapted from Baby Audio’s intuitive Transit modulation system
- Introduces nonlinear behaviors, pitch glides, and detuning with Chaos control
- Adjustable overtones, resonance, and waveshaping distortion
Sublab XL
SubLab XL by Future Audio Workshop is a powerful and feature-packed plugin designed to revolutionize the creation of subs, basses, and 808s. With a vast array of innovative tools and capabilities, this plugin empowers music producers to craft cutting-edge bass sounds that truly stand out. The basses and 808 sounds from Sublab are great for genres such as trap, hip-hop, dubstep, or even techno. The XL version offers 9 signature Bass Packs, 100+ new presets, and enhanced effects like distortion, waveshaping, bit crushing, and EQ for sculpting bass sounds and also introduces new modulation capabilities with an LFO for adding movement and dynamic textures to basses.
Key Features:
- Enhanced features including sampling, synth voice stacking, modulation, widening effects, and layering FX
- 9 signature Bass Packs offering diverse bass textures (Reese Bass, Crushed, and more)
- Tailored for genres like hip-hop, future bass, and trap
- Intuitive interface accessible to beginners and advanced users alike
- Expands sonic possibilities for creating unique and impactful subs and 808s
- Comprehensive toolset for sampling, layering, widening, and distorting kicks effectively
u-he Diva
The U-He Diva is a virtual analog synthesizer that offers an authentic and versatile sound-shaping experience. Capturing the essence of classic analog synthesizers, Diva delivers a genuine retro vibe while incorporating innovative features that push the boundaries of synthesis. Many plugins claim to replicate the analog synths but not many get as close as Diva. Probably one of the most popular synth plugins of recent times and well worth the hype.
Key Features:
- Authentic analogue sound modeled after iconic monophonic and polyphonic synths
- Mix-and-match panels for custom hybrid synthesis layouts
- Per-voice oscillator detune and user-definable modulation sources
- Zero Delay Feedback (ZDF) filter design for authentic resonance behavior
- Host-syncable LFOs, arpeggiator with continuous rate offset and swing
- Stereo effects including chorus, phaser, reverb, delay, and rotary speaker
- MIDI learn functionality and editable MIDI mapping
- Over 1200 factory presets
Xfer Serum
Xfer Serum is an award-winning wavetable synthesizer that has captivated music producers worldwide with its advanced synthesis capabilities and intuitive workflow. This highly acclaimed plugin offers an unparalleled level of sonic exploration and expression through its powerful sound design features.
Key Features:
- Advanced wavetable synthesis engine for real-time wavetable manipulation and morphing
- Intuitive user interface with a clean layout for efficient workflow
- Flexible modulation system with LFOs, envelopes, and intricate modulation routing
- High-quality effects including filters, distortion, chorus, delay, and reverb
- Vast library of presets and wavetables across various genres and styles
- Performance-ready with MIDI learn, drag-and-drop functionality, and real-time editing
Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2
First premiered at NAMM 2015, Omnisphere 2’s abilities drove the Spectrasonics legacy to new heights. The CPU and space-heavy synth builds upon the success of its predecessor, Omnisphere 2 delivers a wealth of innovative features and an unparalleled sound library. What stands apart in the Omnisphere is the massive sound library with over 12,000 sounds and sound sources, covering various genres and styles. With music production workflows getting faster and faster, efficiency is key, and Omnisphere stands out as a go-to tool for producers seeking swift and versatile sound design solutions to seamlessly integrate into their workflow.
Key Features:
- Advanced wavetable synthesis with real-time manipulation and morphing capabilities
- Unique audio import functionality for incorporating original audio material
- Vast library of over 12,000 sounds and sound sources, with 4,500+ new additions
- Enhanced effects and modulation options for dynamic sound shaping
- User-friendly interface with subtle layout tweaks for improved workflow
- Optimized performance for seamless integration into existing productions
Vital
Vital is a cutting-edge software synthesizer that has captured the attention of music producers and sound designers alike with its innovative features and extensive sound design capabilities. Developed by Matt Tytel, this powerful virtual instrument offers a fresh take on synthesis, combining intuitive workflow with unparalleled sonic exploration.
Key Features:
- Spectral warping wavetables for creating complex, evolving sounds
- Extensive modulation options with powerful macro controls
- Intuitive user interface with a clean layout for efficient workflow
- Thriving community contributing presets, tutorials, and resources
- Optimized performance for smooth operation on various systems
Current Market Price: Freemium Subscription
DIG DEEPER
Dune 3
Dune 3 by Synapse Audio is a massively underrated synth plugin. It builds upon the legacy set by the award-winning Dune 2 soft synth. The latest version packs a bunch of features including a library of over 1000 patches, revamped filter section, new effects, and much more. The introduction of a robust Wavetable editor, coupled with WAV file inclusion capability, empowers users to craft and manipulate waveforms with unprecedented flexibility. Dune 3 is immensly powered to craft a wide range of sounds from cinematic pads to hard-hitting basses.
Key Features:
- Dual filter with Balance and serial/parallel routing
- Comprehensive Wavetable Editor
- VA, Wavetable and FM Synthesis
- Two oscillator stacks with 32 oscillators each
- Third oscillator and white/pink noise generator
- Analog-modeled zero-delay feedback filters
- Four graphical envelopes (MSEG)
- Modulation matrix for synth and FX parameters
- Two Master FX busses with 9 high-quality effects each
Arturia Pigments 5
Arturia recently released Pigments 5, the latest addition to its esteemed synthesizer lineup, promising innovative features and enhanced functionality. Building upon its predecessors’ success, Pigments 5 boasts an intuitive interface and powerful sound design capabilities. The synth offers two engines—Analog, Wavetable, Sampler, and Harmonic—alongside a Utility engine with noise oscillators. Its FX section hosts a versatile effects rack, including delays, reverb, and more, while advanced routing and modulation enable dynamic parameter control.
Key Features:
- Analog, Wavetable, Sampler, and Harmonic engines
- Versatile FX section with delays, reverb, and more
- Advanced routing and modulation capabilities
- Randomizer, Functions, and Combinate features for enhanced creativity
- Demos showcasing capabilities in bass, chords, and leads
Output Arcade
Output Arcade focuses on providing tools for song starters and adding ear candy to music productions, particularly suited for slower genres, enhancing tracks with unique sounds and textures. Versatile in sound creation, Arcade by Output allows users to explore a wide range of sounds suitable for various music genres and styles, fostering creative experimentation and inspiration in music production. Described as a “living” virtual instrument, Arcade 2.0 offers dynamic and evolving content that can inspire new musical ideas, distinguishing it from traditional sample services like Splice.
Key Features:
- Focus on song starters and ear candy
- Versatility in sound creation
- “Living” virtual instrument concept
- Instrument-focused approach
- User-friendly interface
- Instrument-focused compared to loop-focused software
Current Market Price: Freemium model
FAQ
Q: Which synth plugins are good for cinematic/orchestral scoring?
A: Omnisphere 2 by Spectrasonics, Output’s Analog Strings are excellent for cinematic scoring with their vast sound libraries of orchestral instruments, pads, drones, and otherworldly textures.
Q: Versatile synths good for multiple genres?
A: Virtual analog synths like Arturia V Collection, U-He Diva, and Kilohearts Phase Plant are extremely flexible for genres like pop, rock, EDM, and hip-hop with their ability to create classic analog-style sounds and modern timbres.
Q: What’s a good beginner synth plugin to learn synthesis basics?
A: Free synths like Vital and TAL-NoiseMaker are great for learning subtractive synthesis fundamentals with their simple interfaces and high-quality sounds. Arturia’s analog classics like the Jup-8 V are also very instructive.
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