In terms of their sound and capabilities, many of the free synths on this page could easily go toe-to-toe with a lot of commercial synth plugins. The best free VST plugins 2020: synths, drum machines and effects. That’s not to say there aren’t potential downsides to relying on freeware instruments. Vember Audio Surge is probably the most powerful free VST synth on this list. Surge is open source which means you’re free to download the code and do whatever you want with it. It’s fantastic sounding digital synth that can cover all kinds of different sonic territory. SporeSound releases Graphite, a free (donation-ware) wavetable synthesizer plugin available as a 64-bit Mac VST, VST3, AU plugin. Graphite plugin was built using the Juce Framework and use two filters with parallel, serial, and split modes, wavetables with 2048 samples in WAV format, and an FX section with two types of reverb, flanger, chorus. If there is one free VST synth that you want to get yourself familiar with, it is the Synth1 by Ichiro Toda. This synthesizer is actually a favorite among many music producers, and is often the one that’s most recommended. Synth1 is an analog modeled subtractive synthesizer. It’s functions are modeled on the Clavia Nord Lead 2 Red Synth.

Last Updated on December 15, 2020 by

Finding great synth plugins can be a challenge…

So, I decided to create this list of the best 15 synth vstplugins that I think sound great.

Let’s get straight to it…

Diva by U-He (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Diva is a synth that captures the spirit of various analoguesynthesizers by letting the user select from a variety of alternative modules.

The oscillators, filters and envelopes closely model componentsfound in some of the greatest monophonic and polyphonic synthesizers.

Diva is pretty easy to use despite of the Interface lookinga bit complex.

The one issue I found with Diva is that it’s quite CPUintensive…

However, this is worth it since it sounds absolutelyfantastic!

You can find out more about Diva by U-He here.

Are you looking for a new DAW? Here’s a list of the best DAWs currently available!

FM8 by Native Instruments (Windows, Mac)

Native Instruments is known for creating excellent pluginslike ElectricGuitar Amp Simulators, however one of their most iconic plugins must be theFM8.

The FM8 soft synth uses frequency modulation synthesis, justlike the Yamaha DX-7 which was responsible for the iconic sound of the 80s.

This isn’t a plugin that I would recommend to the absolutebeginner since it’s not the easiest to use.

However, with just a little practice you should be able tocreate fantastic sounds!

This synth was even used by Skrillex, which is a cleartestament to its quality.

You can find out more about Native Instrument’s FM8 here.

Note: FM8 can be bought on its own or as part of the Komplete 12 Bundles.

These bundles are far more expensive than the single FM8plugin, but you get loads of high-quality instruments when purchasing them.

Spire by Reveal Sound (Windows, Mac)

Used by famous artist Armin Van Buuren, Spire is a simpleyet great sounding hybrid synth that covers everything from analog to Hard FM.

It comes with loads of presets as well as all the onboardmixing tools you could ever need…

Spire may be mostly geared towards trance and otherelectronic music; however, it is also very capable of creating more unusualsounds which you didn’t think were possible for the typical virtual analoguesynth.

You can find out more about Spire by Reveal Sound here.

Related: Looking for guitar VST/AU plugins? Here are the 21 best ones.

Hive 2 by U-he (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Hive 2 is quick and uncomplicated, without sacrificingflexibility or audio quality.

It is a lightweight multipurpose synth with tons offunctionality.

Hive 2 is also super easy to use which means that you’ll becreating great sounding patches in no time.

You can add movement and life using the shape sequencer, orinstantly record, rotate and arpeggiate note sequences.

The 12-slot matrix even lets you modulate effectparameters, encouraging you to explore a whole new world of creative options.

Hive 2 includes Wavetables…

These appear as multiple waveforms, and are controlled inthe central hexagon.

You can manually select wavetables, modulate the waveposition via the matrix, or even scan through them automatically using theenvelope and loop options.

You can find out more about Hive 2 by U-he here.

Massive by Native Instruments (Windows, Mac)

Native Instruments is one of the best companies that createplugins out there, and Massive is no exception to this rule.

It has been around since the early days of soft synths andis one of the people’s favorites.

Massive was designed to create basses and make them asMassive as possible.

The interface is fairly clean, easy and intuitive to use,which means that if you’re completely new to the world of synths, this onemight be a good choice.

Massive is one of the go-to synths for bass music as well aselectronic music.

You can find out more about Massive by Native Instruments here.

Important note: Native Instruments came out with Massive X recently.

Massive X is a completely rethought and rewired version of Massive which you should also consider.

Serum by Xfer Records (Windows, Mac)

Serum is one of the most famous soft synths out there, andfor good reason.

It is a Wavetable synthesizer and it has virtually noprocessing limitations, which makes it incredibly powerful.

It can load up sounds and transform them into wavetables,plus it’s super easy to use since the UI is very easy to understand andnavigate.

Serum also features 10 effects, drag and drop routing, andloads of presets.

You can find out more about Serum by Xfer Records here.

Circle2 by Future Audio Workshop (Windows, Mac)

Circle2 is a wavetable synthesizer which focuses on astreamlined workflow and creativity, and which has been consistently used byartists such as David Guetta and Deadmau5.

One cool thing about Circle2 is that everything you need isin the main window.

This means that there are no submenus or other extra windows…You got everything you need right there!

The UI is super intuitive since it allows you to drag anddrop anything you need.

Not only does Circle2 feature 110 wavetables, loads ofeffects and over 300 sounds, but it also offers a step sequencer, NativeInstruments NKS Support, an arpeggiator, and a lot more.

You can find out more about Circle2 by Future Audio Workshop here.

SEM V by Arturia (Windows, Mac)

The Arturia SEM V is an emulation of the classic OberheimSEM.

The SEM module was originally made to compliment othersynthesizers but later came into its own as a great sounding synth.

At the time the unique filter that allowed continuouslyvariable operation from low pass to high pass gave it a sound that no otherhad.

SEM V delivers all the deep analog sounds that made itsancestor so unique and praised by recreating the tone, waveshapes, and otherdetailed characteristics.

If you want to be able to have some of that analog goodnessfor your music, then give SEM V a shot.

You can find out more about SEM V by Arturia here.

VPS Avenger by Vengeance Sound (Windows, Mac)

Avenger is a very powerful synth that unites analog,wavetable, and sample-based synthesis.

It comes with over 1000 presets, loads of effects and filtertypes, and more…

Not only is it a powerful synthesizer but it also featuresan onboard drum sequencer, arpeggiator, step sequencer, chord detection module,and a lot more.

You can import and convert ANY 1 cycle waveform sample intoan Oscillator shape.

Once the waveform is imported, you can transform it in everydirection possible.

You can freely draw your own OSC shapes – use a pencilor draw lines, use smoothening parameters or normalize, fade in/outs tohelp create every shape imaginable.

In regards to the drum kits, Avenger comes with more than160 Drum-Kits from all possible genres, while each drum-kit holds 12x perfectlymixed and matched drum samples.

You can find out more about Avenger by Vengeance Sound here.

Native Instruments Reaktor 6 (Windows, Mac)

If you like building patches from scratch, then Reaktor 6 isdefinitely for you.

Its previous version, Reaktor 5, is one of the few pieces ofsoftware that could survive for up to ten years without receiving any updatesand still be relevant, which is impressive.

Reaktor 6 also provides a platform for modular synthesis inthe form of Blocks – a range of sound generating and sound shaping modules.

You can patch them together to create new and unique modularsynthesizers, effects chains, complex sequencers, and more.

With its various oscillators and filters, which soundfantastic, as well as its analog-style sounds, Reaktor 6 is one of the bestSynthesizers you could ever get.

The only cons I can think of with this plugin is that it canseem a little complicated to use at first, and it’s a bit CPU intensive as well…

You can find out more about Reaktor 6 by Native Instruments here.

Synthmaster One by KV331 Audio (Windows, Mac)

SynthMaster One is an easy to use wavetable synthesizer withan intuitive workflow.

Although it shares the same engine with its bigger brotherSynthMaster, it comes with new features like wavetable synthesis.

With its simple layout, rich wavetable/waveform content andinspiring factory presets library, designing new sounds with SynthMaster One isextremely easy to do.

This is one of the most affordable plugins on this wholelist, plus it’s so easy to use that anyone, even without prior experience, canuse it!

This is why I’d absolutely recommend it to all the beginnersout there.

Not only that, but if you like it and you want some added functionality, you can purchase upgrade bundles.

You can find out more about Synthmaster One by KV331 Audio here.

Pigments by Arturia (Windows, Mac)

Pigments is an immensely powerful wavetable and virtualanalog software synthesizer.

It features a twin audio engine, letting you mix virtualanalog and wavetable oscillators to create the perfect starting point for yourpatch.

You can even morph wavetables, or import your own.

Experiment with 3 envelopes, 3 LFOs, and 3 functiongenerators…

Process your patch with contemporary effects like wavefolderand multifilter, or vintage studio reverbs, delays, and EQs.

If you can imagine a sound, Pigments can probably create it!

Find out more about Pigments by Arturia here.

Repro-1 by U-he (Windows, Mac)

Repro-1 would be the lightweight counterpart of U-he’sfamous plugin “Diva”, which is the first one of this list.

When you download Repro you not only get Repro-1 but alsoRepro-5.

Repro-1 is a monosynth: Two oscillators,self-oscillating 4-pole lowpass filter, arpeggiator, step sequencer, the uniquemodulation section, and five stomp-box effects which can be arranged in anyorder.

Repro-5 shares a lot of sonic DNA with Repro-1, butadds new flavors and characteristics.

First of all, it’s Polyphonic: Play rich pads, shapethem using the resonant lowpass filter, drive the polyphonic distortion unit ashard as you like, and finally polish your sound with five built-in effects.

Repro-5 adds new dimensions to the familiar classicsound while keeping analogue authenticity.

You can find out more about Repro-1 by U-he here.

Absynth 5 by Native Instruments (Windows, Mac)

Absynth 5 is one of those synthesizers that has earned thereputation of being one of the go-to choices for any serious music producer.

It’s one of the most powerful synths out there, with theonly issue being how difficult it is to use since the interface doesn’t reallyallow you to navigate it easily.

Having said that, if you know your way around synthesizersor if you don’t mind investing some time into it, then Absynth 5 is an absolutemust.

You can find out more about Absynth 5 by Native Instruments here.

Harmor by Image-Line (Windows only)

Harmor, which was developed by the same people who createdFL Studio, is driven by a powerful additive synthesis engine.

Its modules will look familiar to subtractive synthesizerenthusiasts: oscillators, filters & phasers, these are featured in Harmorbut, because performed through additive synthesis, offer more freedom.

Just like with the previous synth on this list, Harmor canseem a bit intimidating on first sight.

However, what it lacks in ease-of-use it more than makes upin overall quality of the sounds.

You can find out more about Harmor by Image-Line here.

Dexed by Digital Sub Urban (Windows, Mac)

Dexed is a Free multi platform and multi format frequency modulation Synth which is based on, or closely modeled to, the Yamaha DX7.

It isn’t the simplest synth to use… there is definitely a learning curve to it, but I honestly think that it’s well worth it to do the effort and learn it properly.

It is also a MIDI cartridge manager for the DX7 meaning that any of the .syx files in the cartridges will be available from the “Cart” window.

You can access this directory by pressing the “Cart” button and then the “Show Dir” button.

You can find out more about Dexed by Digital Sub Urban here.

Top 3 Choices

If you don’t mind investing time into learning a complex but extremely good synth, then Absynth 5 is a great choice.

If you are completely new and want something that’s easy to learn and also affordable, then Synthmaster One might be the one.

Lastly, an overall great synth plugin is Serum.

And last but not least…

How can you learn to use a Synth the right way?

Free vst that makes chords. If you really want to learn as much as possible about synthesizers without wasting too much time, then I’d recommend enrolling in an online course like Beginner’s Guide to Synthesis.

This course covers all the basics and all the essential knowledge you need about synthesizers in order to produce modern music.

You’ll need a MIDI Controller

In order to be able to use these plugins properly, you will need some sort of MIDI Controller.

While you can use your mouse to map the MIDI in your DAW, it’s a lot faster and easier to do it with a keyboard/controller.

My recommendation here is for you to get something like the M-Audio Oxygen 25 MK IV MIDI Controller which you can find at Amazon at a very affordable price, plus it comes with some extra software like Pro Tools First.

Conclusion

No matter which of these synths you choose, they are allextremely good.

Some of them are extremely affordable while some other arequite pricy.

Which one you decideto go with entirely depends on your needs and budget.

I hope this information was useful…

Have a wonderful day!

F.A.Qs.

What is a synth VST?

Virtual Studio Technology (VST) is an audio plug-in software interface that integrates software synthesizers and effects units into digital audio workstations.

Having the right Chiptune VST plugins can be of huge help when you're making chiptune!
However, finding the Chiptune VST best suited for you and your needs can sometimes be a tough task..
The internet is full of information, and, while that’s a good thing, it can also be a little overwhelming when you try to find an amazing chiptune VST.
What you’ll soon realize in this search is that there are many factors to consider.
What starts off as a simple task can turn into one that stretches for days or even weeks.
So, to save you from sorting through them all, we’ve crafted a list of the top 10 Chiptune VST plugins to help you find the perfect one for you.
But before we get into it, what exactly makes a VST ‘the right’ one?

Features To Consider

In this modern day and age, computers are much faster than ever before, but processing power continues to be an issue.
One important thing to consider before purchasing or committing to any VST is what the processing power needs are. Can your computer handle the software that you’re using?
If yes, great! But if it can’t, no worries! You may instead want to look for a more lightweight VST that can do as good of a job as a heavier one.
Aside from processing power requirements, simplicity is another important factor when choosing a great VST to suit your needs.
Do you want to hit the ground running and make chiptune music right away? Or do you prefer to get neck deep in the settings and customize each and every last detail of your sound design process?
Some VSTs will be simple enough to allow you to ‘plug n play,’ whereas others will require a lot more education on your part in order to master chiptune sound design.
When factoring in simplicity, it’s also important to consider the user interface (known as UI). Simple VSTs often have an easy-to-use interface, while the more complex VSTs might be a lot harder to grasp.
This is crucial to keep in mind, because UI can affect creativity, which is extremely important to music production. This is because creativity is influenced by everything you hear, feel, do, or see (UI). So, if you don’t like how your VST looks, it could slow down your efficiency when producing chiptune music.
Lastly, emulation specificity is another big feature to consider. Chiptune music originally was created from gaming systems, such as the NES or Gameboy, with each of those systems producing different types of sounds.
With that in mind, chiptune VST plugins have been created with the capacity to emulate sounds created by certain systems. Knowing what type of sound you want to create will greatly speed up the VST selection process and ensure you use something that you’re happy with.
With these features in mind, let’s get started.

Option 01: Magical 8Bit Chiptune VST

Main Features:

• 5 waveforms - square, 2x pulse, pseudo-triangle, low-res noise

• ASDR envelope settings

• Pitch bend

• Velocity control

• Frequency sweeping

• 32 Voices

Note: For full specifications and download, visit YMCK.
Are you a fan of old, primitive 8 bit game consoles?
If you are, then the Magical 8bit Plug may be the perfect VST for you to make some old school electronic music!
This is because this VST allows for use of the pseudo-triangle or low-resolution noise, which are key when creating 8 bit or chiptune music.
Another important feature about the Magical 8bit Plug is that it focuses on simplicity, which makes creating great chiptune sounds quick and easy.
To top it off, the Magical 8bit Plug is lightweight and will work on both macOS as an audio unit and on Windows as a VSTi.
If you want to see what this VST can do for yourself, check out this awesome animated Youtube video featuring music made by Magical 8bit Plug. It’s set to what appears to be an old school video game.

Option 02: Chipsounds

Main features:

• Hybrid synth/sampling synthesizer

• Control/Modulation/Effects/Mixer tabs

• Arpeggiator

• Wave Sequencer

• Pitch and Amplitude Modulation

• Emulates 15 vintage 8-bit era sound chips

Note: For full specifications and download, visit Plogue.
Looking for something a little more robust than Magical 8bit Plug? Then Chipsounds may be the VST for you.
Chipsounds is one of the more popular chiptune VST plugins this year, and we can definitely see why.
The first reason is because it gives you a lot of control over your sound design process, which is huge when trying to set yourself apart from other producers.
Another cool feature is that Chipsounds can run on both Windows and macOS as a standalone application.
Additionally, it can also run as a VST, AU, RTAS, or AAX plug-in allowing for flexible usage with different systems.
To see this VST in action, check out Plogue’s introductory Chipsounds video.

Option 03: ymVST

Main features:

• Polyphony support

• 3 step arpeggiated chords

• Knobless UI

• Angel sync-buzzer effects

• SID effect

Note: For full specifications and download, visit preromanbritain.
If you’re a fan of the authentic Atari sound, then ymVST is a blast to the past…almost.
To the casual observer, the UI may look complicated. But it was actually made to replicate a traditional non-software music production setting with a more ‘authentic interface.’
This means there’s no knobs or sliders. Yet it also comes with all of the great chiptune quality sounds that can be made by the other more complex VSTs available on the internet today.
So, if you’re used to a more traditional method of chiptune production, ymVST may be right up your alley.
Unfortunately for Mac owners, ymVST is only available for PC users.

Option 04: basic 65

Main features:

• Monophonic synth

• Double arpeggiator

• Mod envelope

• (2) LFOs

• (3) Oscillators

Note: For full specifications and download, visit vst4free.
Inspired by the Commodore 64, basic 65 is a monophonic synth which takes the legendary SID chip from its hardware predecessor and adds more features to ‘take a step further’.
With a clean interface, this VST should be relatively quick to pick up and allow you to get started programming in your favorite chiptune sounds with ease.
Making it even simpler, there are over 128 presets available for you to choose from.
And with the basic 65 being an update to the already popular basic 64, you’ll know that you’re using a VST that has had a lot of prior problems solved.
However, similar to ymVST, the basic 65 is only available for use on Windows which makes that one key detraction in a production world heavily Mac reliant.

Option 05: Super Audio Cart

Main features:

• 5,500+ samples

• 1,200+ factory snapshots

• ‘Hold’ arp steps

• Modulate cutoff & pan with each step

• Use arp steps to modulate other parameters

• Free SNESVerb plugin

Note: For full specifications and download, visit impactsoundworks.
Super Audio Cart provides a revitalized take on an old-school chiptune production scene.
The interface looks modern which makes it similar to other software on the market today such as Omnisphere or iZotope Ozone. In other words, it’s easy to plug n play!
When purchasing, you’ll be capable of replicating sounds from the NES, FC, SNES, GB, 2600, C64, SMS, and GEN console systems. Add in the fact that you’ll receive over 6,000 samples and 630 unique sound sources and that makes purchasing the Super Audio Cart even more appealing.
However, it’s currently priced at $149 through impactsoundworksand also requires Kontakt to run, which can be a problem if you’re on a budget.
Not sure if this is right for you? Take a listen to some chiptune created by Super Audio Cart here to get an understanding of its capabilities.

Option 06: Retro Boy

Main features:

• Subtractive emulator

• Single oscillator

• Vibrato & decimation effects

• Polyphony: 1-4

Note: For full specifications and download, visit sbaud.
As you may be able to tell from the specs, Retro Boy brings you back to the past. For example, it’s extremely lightweight on the processor with only a single oscillator.
It’s a classic, subtractive chiptune VST synth with seven waveforms - 12.5% pulse, 25% pulse, square, saw, triangle, sine, and noise.
Because of its simplicity, most computers should be able to run Retro Boy easily enough making that one of the key highlights of this VST.
And although you could probably figure out Retro Boy’s capabilities quickly enough yourself…
You can also check out a demo before downloading by clicking here!

Option 07: ICECREAM

Main features:

• Dual oscillators

• 4 Octaves per oscillator

• Amp/Filter ASDR

• Harmonics switch

• Glide and glide rate

Note: For full specifications and download, visit vstplanet.
Are you thinking what we’re thinking? If you are, you’ll understand how cool (pun intended) this VST looks.
It comes with a pretty standard set of features: two oscillators with volume and octave controls, filters, a sequencer, and EQ.
However, what makes this VST stand out is the colorful interface.The playfulness of this interface and color scheme will definitely take you back to the days of playing Super Nintendo as a child.
And even if you haven’t touched a Super Nintendo, you’ll still feel like a kid playing the newest gaming system.
This might jumpstart your creativity and bring your chiptune music to the next level.
To take a listen to all of the creative possibilities that can come about from using the ICECREAM VST, check out this Youtube video.

Option 08: Nintendo VST

Main features:

• Simple UI

• Nintendo emulation

• Portamento

• Pitch bend

Note: For full specifications and download, visit mattmontag
If you want to create chiptune music in the vein of Nintendo using something simple, Nintendo VST may be what’s right for you.
Created by Matthew Montag, the Nintendo VST is lightweight and can quickly be picked up by anyone.
That’s because the volume, duty cycle, pitch, and fine pitch adjustments are easily made with a max of three knobs for each setting (LFO steps, loop point, step time, and tempo sync).

Best Free Lead Synth Vst Loops

And if you want to understand how the Nintendo VST works, Matthew has you covered! He’s meticulously detailed much of his VST development process on his website.
To see how the Nintendo VST was created, click here.

Option 09: AdLibXRom

Main features:

• Replicates Adlib Music Synthesizer Card

• Two oscillators

• 40 Multi-sampled sounds

Have you ever heard of the AdLib soundcard? If you have, you may find yourself in love with this VST.
The AdLibXRom replicates the sound of the AdLib Music Synthesizer Card which was famous in the early nineties.
Featured within the soundcard was the YM3812 synthesizer chip which utilized FM and additive synthesis.
Today, the AdLibXRom brings things back with the option of using the main or noise oscillator.
Additionally, it features over 40 multi-sampled sounds making usage even more interesting.
Note: For full specifications and download, visit samplescience.

Option 10: 38911 Bytes

Main features:

• Single oscillator

• 4 Waveforms

• 3 LFOs

• 4x16 Step sequencers

To any producer not familiar with Chiptune production, this VST may look a little confusing.
However, if you’ve been around the Chiptune production scene, this may just make you feel at home.
The interface was designed to provide an old-school feel.
There is only a single oscillator, but it does come with multiple waveforms such as Saw, Triangle, Pulse, and Pitched Noise.
Another highlight is the 4x16 step sequencers which also come with 11 different BPM rates.
Has the visual design of 38911 Bytes caught your attention? If so, we’d recommend that you learn more here!

Conclusion

Finding the best chiptune VST to suit your needs depends on your situation and what you’re looking for.
We’ve highlighted some of the best chiptune VST plugins that we think you’ll find particularly useful, each with its own unique characteristics and features.
To reiterate, here are some of the most important features to be aware of when choosing the best chiptune VST for your music production needs:

• Processing power requirements

• Simplicity

• UI (User Interface)

• Emulation specificity

Best Free Lead Synth Vst Vocals

We’ve compiled some amazing VSTs for you to try out and now we want to hear your thoughts!
Have you had any experience using any of these chiptune VST plugins?

Best Free Lead Synth Vst Plugin

Are there any others that we should have mentioned or replaced?
Let us know in the comment section below!

Best Free Lead Synth Vst Plugins