Table of Contents
There are a lot of good reasons to use a Best Software Synthesizer instead of a hardware one. Software can accurately imitate iconic models, offer bold new sounds, and even offer new ways to synthesize sound, all at prices that are usually much lower than their physical counterparts.
It all began with DOS in 1996. Audiosim, which was made for certain sound cards, is thought to have been the first software synthesizer ever made. But when Steinberg added MIDI control to the VST system in 1999, software synths really took off. Steinberg Neon was the first plugin synth that could run in any DAW that supported the VSTi system.
Best Software Synthesizer Comparison Table
| Product | Features | Visit Link |
|---|---|---|
| Native Instruments Massive X | – Advanced wavetable synthesis<br>- Extensive modulation capabilities<br>- Flexible routing options<br>- Powerful effects<br>- Preset library | Visit Website |
| Arturia Pigments 3.5 | – Virtual analog and wavetable synthesis<br>- Intuitive interface<br>- Unique modulation engine<br>- Advanced sequencing<br>- Extensive preset library | Visit Website |
| Xfer Inc Serum | – Advanced wavetable synthesis<br>- Real-time wavetable manipulation<br>- Advanced modulation<br>- Built-in effects<br>- User-friendly interface | Visit Website |
| Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2 | – Vast sound library<br>- Sample-based synthesis<br>- Granular synthesis<br>- Advanced sound manipulation<br>- Integrated hardware integration | Visit Website |
| Lethal Audio | – High-quality sounds<br>- Powerful sound engine<br>- Easy preset browsing<br>- Intuitive user interface<br>- MIDI learn and automation | Visit Website |
| Rob Papen Go2 | – Compact and powerful<br>- Flexible modulation<br>- Dual oscillator design<br>- Extensive preset library<br>- User-friendly interface | Visit Website |
Native Instruments Massive X
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Advanced wavetable synthesis | Create complex and evolving sounds using wavetable synthesis with advanced modulation and control options |
| Extensive modulation capabilities | Utilize multiple modulation sources, envelopes, LFOs, and more to shape and animate sounds |
| Flexible routing options | Route and modulate various parameters using the flexible modulation matrix |
| Powerful effects | Enhance your sounds with a range of high-quality built-in effects such as reverb, delay, chorus, and more |
| Preset library | Access a vast library of professionally designed presets to jumpstart your sound design process |
Massive from Native Instruments became Best Software Synthesizer during the rise of dubstep because it has a wide range of sounds and a modulation engine that make it great for making complicated, moving basslines. Massive X, the long-awaited update, came out in 2019 with a completely new look. It was so different from the original Massive that NI is still letting people download it as a separate thing.
Massive X is worth playing around with because it has a lot of modulation options, a unique routing area, over 170 wavetables, and 10 wavetable modes. In addition to the two main wavetable oscillators, you can load three blocks of 10 send effects, nine filter types, and two more phase-modulation oscillators.
The Good
- Synthesis tools that are powerful and flexible
- Easy for people to use
- Extensive preset library
The Bad
- Can use a lot of resources
- Beginners will have to learn more quickly.
Arturia Pigments 3.5
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Virtual analog and wavetable synthesis | Combine the warmth of virtual analog synthesis with the versatility of wavetable synthesis |
| Intuitive interface | Enjoy a user-friendly interface with visual feedback and extensive control over every aspect of sound design |
| Unique modulation engine | Explore a powerful modulation engine with multiple modulation sources, envelopes, LFOs, and more |
| Advanced sequencing | Use the built-in sequencer to create intricate and evolving patterns and rhythms |
| Extensive preset library | Access a wide range of inspiring presets designed by top sound designers |
Pigments by Arturia has been a Best Software Synthesizer. In 2020, our readers chose the previous version as the best soft synth of the year. With 64 new wavetables and a new Utility engine, Pigments 3 takes it to a whole new level. Given how deep and easy to use it was before these changes, it is now, by far, one of the most powerful soft synths out there.
You can choose from a wide range of modulators and effects, and an advanced sequencing engine lets you turn your unique patches into musical moves. In our review, we said, “Pigments is a very deep and powerful synthesizer that is also very versatile.” No matter what combination of engine modes you use, the large number of filters, extensive modulation, and high-quality effects make this a very flexible synthesizer that will please sound designers, artists, and producers.
The Good
- Sound engine that is new and different
- Many ways to make synthesis
The Bad
- Some users might find the interface too complicated. There aren’t many presets from third parties.
Xfer Inc Serum
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Advanced wavetable synthesis | Create complex and dynamic sounds using advanced wavetable synthesis with customizable wavetables |
| Real-time wavetable manipulation | Seamlessly morph and manipulate wavetables in real-time for evolving and expressive sounds |
| Advanced modulation | Utilize a comprehensive modulation system with multiple envelopes, LFOs, and modulation matrix for intricate sound design |
| Built-in effects | Apply a variety of high-quality built-in effects including reverb, delay, distortion, and more to shape your sounds |
| User-friendly interface | Enjoy an intuitive and easy-to-use interface for seamless sound creation and manipulation |
Serum has been around for more than eight years, and it is still being worked on and updated regularly. Steve Duda, who has worked with deadmau5, came up with the idea for the software sound. Because of this, EDM and techno are where Serum is most famous. The basic layout of the synth is pretty standard: it has two oscillators, one filter, one noise generator, one sub-oscillator, seven modulators, and ten effects.
But Serum is still the best in terms of how it sounds and how easy it is to change things. Another great thing is that there are so many standard packs and GUI skins to choose from. Serum is probably not the best choice if you want an analog sound (at least it takes a little longer to make it sound like a Minimoog), but for many other things, it’s hard to beat.
The Good
- Wavetable synthesis engine on the cutting edge
- Versatile modulation system
- Interface that is easy to use
The Bad
- Can consume significant CPU resources
Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Vast sound library | Access an extensive sound library with over 14,000 sounds spanning various genres and styles |
| Sample-based synthesis | Combine samples and synthesis to create unique and expressive sounds |
| Granular synthesis | Dive into granular synthesis capabilities for creating evolving and atmospheric textures |
| Advanced sound manipulation | Utilize multiple synthesis engines, modulation options, and effects to shape and transform sounds |
| Integrated hardware integration | Seamlessly integrate Omnisphere 2 with supported hardware synthesizers for expanded sound design possibilities |
If you only think of Omnisphere as a copy of other synths, you’re not giving it its due. On the one hand, the regular updates always add more themes, many of which have sound design that is very creative. Omnisphere 2 has 58 effects, a very good arpeggiator, and “The Orb,” the Circular Motion Interface. “The Orb” changes parameters randomly and can even be managed from afar with an app.
You can also add your own music to the app. On the other hand, no other software synth even comes close to the number of sound packs that can be bought from third-party providers. Omnisphere 2 is a must-have for people who need quick access to a lot of sounds, like people who score movies and games. There are now more than 14,000 presets, which is a huge number that leaves nothing to be wanted.
The Good
- A huge sound library with a wide variety of high-quality presets.
- Strong ability to put things together
The Bad
- Needs a lot from the system
Lethal Audio
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| High-quality sounds | Access a collection of meticulously crafted sounds covering a wide range of genres and styles |
| Powerful sound engine | Explore a powerful sound engine capable of producing versatile sounds with a range of synthesis and effects capabilities |
| Easy preset browsing | Quickly navigate through the vast preset library using the intuitive browsing system |
| Intuitive user interface | Enjoy a user-friendly interface with clear and easy-to-use controls for sound shaping |
| MIDI learn and automation | Assign and control parameters using MIDI controllers or automate them within your DAW |
Lethal Audio is a high-quality Best Software Synthesizer sample-based sound module and audio editing software with thousands of sounds, settings, and themes for professional music production. Here you can find about 30 presets for different types of music and more than 1000 factory presets that will help you make sounds that are smooth and harmonious.
Even though this synth program is made for pros, the user interface is simple and easy to understand. You can change the level, pitch, and filtering settings, turn on or off the white noise generator, detune up to 8 voices at once, widen the stereo field, play samples backwards, and do many other things.
The Good
- Lots of high-quality sounds in a wide range
- Easy-to-use interface
- Preset browser that’s easy to use and cheap
The Bad
- Only a few ways to edit sounds
Rob Papen Go2
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Compact and powerful | Benefit from a compact and streamlined synthesizer with a wide range of sound design possibilities |
| Flexible modulation | Utilize various modulation sources, envelopes, LFOs, and a modulation matrix for intricate sound modulation |
| Dual oscillator design | Create complex and layered sounds using the dual oscillator design |
| Extensive preset library | Access a diverse collection of presets designed by renowned sound designers |
| User-friendly interface | Navigate the synthesizer with ease using the intuitive and visually appealing interface |
Even though this virtual synthesizer program only has one oscillator, it is enough to show two waveforms at once, chosen from a menu of 128 analog, additive, spectral, and noise options. You can tune two waves using the Spread setting and pitch modulation. This turns a program into a two-oscillator setup.
Also, there are more than 600 filters and settings that users can use to make audio editing easy. Rich auxiliary oscillator, spread control, and symmetry make it possible to do more with the main oscillator, which greatly increases the program’s powers.
The Good
- A reasonable price
- Efficient CPU usage
The Bad
- Compared to some competitors, it has a smaller library of presets.
FAQs
A: Yes, there are many kinds of keyboard software that can be used both in the studio and on stage. They can be used with MIDI devices or as software instruments on their own.
A: Absolutely! Synthesizer software can be used in electronic, pop, rock, hip-hop, and other types of music. They have a wide range of sounds and a lot of flexibility, so they can be used for many different kinds of music and artistic projects.
A: Yes, there is synthesizer software for Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as other operating platforms. Make sure to look at the software’s system requirements to make sure it will work with your working system.