For example, the free Synth1 is a top plugin in our searches. On the other hand, you will also find presets for VST effect plugins, such as reverbs, compressors, equalizers etc. FL Studio’s native softsynths are covered too on our website. You will find free synth presets for VST instruments such as Harmor and Harmless, or the older Sytrus.
When it comes to VST synths, you can decide on whether you want to buy one, or you want to download one for free. Naturally, the best VST synths are really the one that you’re gonna have to buy. But there are a few gems out there that are for free.
However, there are so many “free VST synths” that downloading them all and installing them on your computer and DAW can be too time consuming.
So for this article, we’ve researched and compiled ten of the best free VST synths. That’ll eliminate a lot of trial and error for you.
Interested in seeing what they are? Keep reading…
The 10 Best Free VST Synths to Use
Check out these other studio and music production gear:
# 1 – Synth1 by Ichiro Toda
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.
It features 2 oscillators, which can be modulated via FM, ring, synchronized, modulation envelopes. Using the 4 types of filters, you can sculpt some cool and interesting sounds, adding distortion for effects.
It has 2 LFOs, an arpeggiator, and tempo delay. These functions are synchronized with the host digital audio workstation’s BPM.
As far as effects goes, you get the ability to add stereo chorus and flangers.
In writing notes, you have legato mode as well as portamento for interesting slides, yet the ability to play up to 16 notes polyphony.
You have a total of 128 presets, and its controls can be automated.
Synth1 was optimized for light CPU load using SSE instructions. Definitely the first choice in “freeware” soft synthesizers.
Demonstration
# 2 – FireBird 2 by Tone2
After Synth1 we have FireBird, a synthesizer that was actually premium synth you had to BUY until the developers at Tone2 decided to release it for the masses after 15 years of development.
Tone2 is responsible for some of the best VST synthesizers on the market, many of which are used to create chart topping hits, FireBird 2 is one of them. So this is definitely recommended for your collection.
FireBird 2 is a subtractive synthesizer with a very intuitive and easy to use interface to navigate its 437 preset sounds. That’s a lot of presets for a free VST synth…
FireBird 2 features Harmonic Content Morphing, which utilizes a large range of standard waveforms that can emulate the sound of many instruments, acoustic or synthetic (kind of like wavetable synthesis).
The synth comes with 38 types of filters, including your standard low-pass filters, comb-filtering, EQ, Phaser, Vocal filters, plus FM and AM modulation, to name a few. It also comes with an arpeggiator, so no need to use an external arpeggiator with this device.
You can also customize its look as it has several skins you can download or create to change the interface.
Overall, another very good synthesizer to use, which has been used commercially on chart topping hits.
Demonstration
# 3 – Crystal by GreenOak
If you want a synthesizer programmed by the same person that made Omnisphere, one of the titanic synths in existence today, look no further than the Crystal by GreenOak.
This synthesizer is unique also because it’s available for iPhone. There are many user reviews talking about how great this synth works as a possible free alternative to Omnisphere (there’s another alternative below as well). Of course, don’t expect the same power, nor does it come with any samples.
However, that less power means it won’t be a resource hog on your computer (something Omnisphere is known to be). And you can find free and paid for soundfonts (.sfz files) all over the internet.
In terms of features, it’s credited as utilizing both subtractive synthesis as well as FM synthesis technologies. It’s modulation controls offers 90 parameters, multi-stage envelopes, tempo sync, delays, built-in effects for chorus, flanger, filters, echoes. It has everything you’d need in a synthesizer, which is great for someone learning. You can also use automation, as MIDI controls.
Overall, another good option for a free synthesizer.
# 4 – TAL-NoiseMaker by TOGU Audio Line
Next on the list we have TAL-NoiseMaker by TOGU Audio Line. We came across this synth because it was actually recommended (along with Synth1) as one out of two best free vst synth to use by a professor on synthesis. Mainly because it consists of all the aspects of synthesis that you need to be familiar with, as a beginner, plus its ease of use.
Looking at this synth, you can see why. Everything is laid of clearly, you don’t have to searching around too much for controls that you need when designing a sound.
This actual version was designed as an improved version of TAL-Elek7ro, which comes with an entirely new synth engine, with a few effects like reverb, chorus, low pass filter, and a bit crusher. You also get ring modulation as a synch-able triangle.
The ADSR is very suitable for slow pads or fast envelops attacks. It comes with 128 factory presents, 80 of which were designed by Frank “Xenox” Neumann.
It total, you receive 3 Oscillators, which can each be programmed individually for phase modulation, frequency modulation, or to generate sawtooth, pulse, noise, triangle, sine, square, or rectangle waves.
You get up to 6 voices, which is not a lot but not bad, which can be played in legato, portamento, or polyphonic.
All knobs can be learned via MIDI and automated within your DAW.
Overall, considered an incredible synth, chock full of features, and won’t disappoint as freeware plugin device.
Demonstration
# 5 – Dexed by Digital Suburban
Dexed by Digital Suburban This is a dedicated FM synthesizer, which is excellent for those looking for a frequency modulation synthesizer either to learn, or to general specific sounds. It’s actually designed based on the Yamaha DX7.
This soft synth was created for the intention of being a tool or companion to the original Yamaha synthesizer, particularly for those studying FM synthesis. However, it can be the go-to free synthesizer for those wanting to make some vintage sound genres like Synthwave, which were created using the vintages synths of the day like Yamaha DX7.
Many have considered it an improvement on the actual Yamaha model, plus it being lightweight, it won’t be resource hog on your CPU.
Expect it to work with your digital audio workstation, and to find lots of patches and presets on the web for you to download and to use.
Demonstration
# 6 – MiniMogueVA by Voltkitchen
If you’re looking for a free alternative to Arturia’s Minimoog, or G-Media Minimonsta, then this MiniMogueVA is your choice!
The MiniMogueVA has so many good reviews that it had be on the list. As the name suggests, it’s modeled to match the original Minimoog synthesizers designed by the legendary Bob Moog. Expect the sounds it produces to be particularly rich and juicy, great for funk style music, electronic bass music, and the sub bass in dubstep wobbles.
It features 3 oscillators, one with tuning control, the other two with fine-tuning sliders, and the ability to turn the third oscillator into LFO with dedicated modulation knobs.
Though the original Minimoog had no noise generators, this one actually comes with a the ability to create pink and white noises from the third oscillator.
As to be expected, you get chorus, and delay effects among others, as well as the ability to use MIDI learn to control your software device.
Many people overwhelmingly consider this the absolute best free VST synth on the freeware market. The Minimoog sounds featured in Omnisphere are great, so it’d be awesome to give this a whirl.
Demonstration
# 7 – Proteus VX by E-MU Systems
E-MU systems is the maker of pro audio gear, from hardware synthesizers, audio interfaces, wireless audio transmitters, and digital-analog converters, software instruments, and even audio cables. They’re well known for their quality products, but they also have hidden gem in the “freeware” market: Proteus VX, a free VST synth.
Actually, it is rompler, meaning that it also utilizes samples as well synthesized sounds (like Omnisphere, hence, a worthy free alternative). It was base on the Proteus 2500, a vintage hardware synthesizer. It has the same sounds and factory bank as the original version, plus the ability to control it via 16 MIDI CC controls.
It features “High Voice Polyphony,” which is dependent upon the power of your system, and 54 different filter types, including multi-pole resonant filters, phasers, flangers, vocal filters and multi-parameter morphing filters.
Another cool thing about it is that it offer 24-bit 192kHz high quality audio playback. So you can expect an actual pro level audio quality from a synth that’s actually for free!
Being drag-and-drop based, you have select your presets easily, plus it can be used VSTi within your DAW, or as a stand-alone application.
Only downside… it isn’t supported anymore. Meaning that there aren’t anymore updates. But you can grab it and see it works on your system.
Demonstration
# 8 – Superwave P8 by Superwave
The Superwave P8 is a virtual analog subtractive synthesizer that’s considered the go-to emulator of the vintage synth Roland JP8000. This one perhaps one of the few if not only best free VST synth on this list that is more suitable for an advanced user than someone who is just starting out. It features many controls and parameters that can be overwhelming to a beginner, but satisfying to a pro.
Now, about its sound, which should be the primary reason to using a synthesizer. Considering that it’s loosely modeled off the Roland JP8000, its users have considered it one of the best sounding free VST synths on the freeware market. Expect it to have a fairly unique sound suitable for trance, new age, electronic music, house, or even pop. The pads are what many users consider its most attractive asset, because of the richness and thickness of the sounds that the P8 produces.
It features 2 oscillates that will producer sine, sawtooth, ramp, triangle, pulse waveforms, as well as white noise and pink noise. You can control the oscillators with using fine-tuning, detuning, and synchronized modulation. Its filters consist of 2 resonant filters, low pass, band pass, and high pass. It has 2 controlled amplifiers by level, pan, and on/off switch. The effects I see is simply a pair of mono delays, which can be controlled. You get up to 8 notes of polyphonic operation, portamento controls, and 64 high quality presents, all which can be controlled using MIDI CC control with “learn” capability.
If you aren’t familiar with it, and you already know your way around synthesizers, give it a try yourself. Chances are, from other reviews I’ve read, it is worth looking into.
Demonstration
# 9 – OB-Xd by discoDSP (prev. Datsounds)
There is a challenge with curating this list of best free VST synths, because, so far, many of the VST synths we have named can really be considered the “best” free synthesizers you can download. And discoDSP’s OB-Xd is constantly referred to as the “best” as well. And listening to its sounds, utilizing it’s interface, and working with its features, it’s hard to not see why this synth isn’t actually THE best. But, so are many of the others on the list…
So, what makes this one unique?
For starters, it was modeled on the Oberheim OB-X, OB-Xa and OB-8 synthesizers. These classic vintage hardware synths were famous back in the day, and contributed to many hit records. Right now, they continue to enjoy their legacy in this freeware plugin.
The developers claim that they are not “copying” the originals, but rather take the same features and improve upon them. Whatever that means, it just sounds good to me.
Expect all the features you should find in a standard synthesizers, as well as some cool sounding features like the “continuous blendable multimode filter,” which is a filter allowing you to blending different filter types (such as high-pass, band-pass) in different dB modes. Also, it works on 32 bit or 64 bit versions of Windows OS, as well as Mac.
If you want the classic sounding vintage synth Oberheim for practically nothing, or at least to get yourself familiar with it, give it a trying and download it.
Demonstration
# 10 – 44 S by GTG
Finally we have a synthesizer crafted by someone who creates synths strictly for personal use. Yes, the 44 S by GTG is synthesizer created by a musician and synthesist, and offered to the public for free.
Actually, there are many synthesizers by this creator for free, so you can take a look at his entire collection, starting with this GTG 4 S.
This particular synth was design to give a flat sound that you can sculpt. You can use the filters for creating interesting and pleasing distortions in the resonance. It also feature filter modulation, pulse-width modulation, and the ability to track the LFO with the keyboard.
This definitely another synthesizer to consider to try using. It is free, and has a good sound. Check it out.
Demonstration
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are several options for downloading and using free synthesizers. Compiling this list was not as not a simple task, as there are several options that are actually very good. But you can know that this list covers practically all the 10 best free synth plugins that you can download.
We hope you enjoyed this post, and enjoyed discovering some possibly new free toys for your plugin collection.
If you have any thoughts, suggestion, or even question, please comment below in the comment box. We’ll be happy to know if you’ve ever tried one of these, or what you think is the best free synth plugin on the internet today.
Audio production can be expensive work, even if you go the virtual route with a digital audio workstation (DAW) and virtual instruments. Working with virtual studio technology (VST) plugins is tremendously convenient, but a lot of the best VST plugins out there are very expensive.
If you're looking to expand your library of VST instrument (VSTi) plugins, or tweak your mixes with some great effects or MIDI effects VST plugins, you can do it for free. You just need to know where to look.
We've assembled the top 15 free VST plugins that can help elevate your music to the next level. Since they're free, you can grab them all, and see how they sound, without opening your wallet.
Every VST in this list will work regardless of your operating system, as long as your digital audio workstation supports VST plugins. Some of them include an installer, in which case you need to download the installer that works with your operating system.
Synth1
What it does: This virtual analog synth was inspired by the Clavia Nord Lead 2 synthesizer. It's one of the most versatile free soft synths you'll find, and it's a great choice if you're looking to get started making retro music like synthwave without spending a bunch of money. It includes a bunch of default presets, and there are also a ton of additional free soundbanks available.
If you can't afford Sylenth1, then you could do a whole lot worse than Synth1 as a fallback option.
Dexed
What it does: Dexed is a frequency modulation synth that's designed to look and sound a lot like the well-known Yamaha DX7. It's the best freeware DX7 emulator that you'll find, which makes it an obvious choice.
This synth also includes a ton of presets, which is good news if you don't quite have your head wrapped around creating your own synthesizer settings yet.
Helix
What it does: Helix is a synth that offers a tremendous amount of versatility, with four separate oscillators and a ton of utility. The only downside of this VSTi is that it's more like shareware than freeware. You can download it for free, and there aren't any features locked out, so you can see what it's capable of first hand.
What we don't like: The problem is that it's programmed to generate random noise every so often unless you pay to unlock the full version.
Tunefish 4
What it does: Tunefish 4 is an additive synth that provides similar functionality to Tunefish 3 in less space. It's great for creating big, booming bass lines, but the presets don't really do a great job of showcasing all of its capabilities.
If you're ready to start dipping your toes into fine-tuning settings on a powerful synthesizer VSTi, this is a good one to go with.
What we don't like: Since the presets aren't that great, you'll need to play around with the settings a lot to get the most out of it.
Hypercyclic
What it does: Hypercyclic is a MIDI arpeggiator that can introduce randomness into your MIDI that makes it sound more natural and less computer-generated. It's designed to send MIDI data to another VST plugin of your choice, but it does include a built-in synth as well that you can use to fine-tune everything without any additional plugins.
What we don't like: The built-in synth is very basic.
SQ8L
What it does: SQ8L is designed to emulate the classic SQ80 synth from Ensoniq, so it's a great place to turn if you're looking to layer in some nostalgic, retro sounds. It also comes with a bunch of presets for that authentic 1980s synth sound.
Krush
What it does: Krush is a bitcrusher plugin, which puts it in the effects VST category. Instead of using it to generate new sounds, you use it to modify the output from an instrument VST. As a bitcrusher, it's designed to clip, downsample, and filter your tracks to create interesting new effects.
If you're just starting out with effects plugins, Krush is a good place to start due to its versatility. Throw it on your mixer, and see what you can do.
PanCake2
What it does: PanCake2 is another effects plugin that alters your tracks rather than making any audio of its own. The main point of this plugin is to create crazy panning effects that go far beyond whatever capabilities your digital audio workstation might have on its own.
This plugin comes with a bunch of presets, but you can also draw in curves for your panning modulation manually. That flexibility makes it one of the best free VST plugins that you can add to your arsenal.
TDR Nova
What it does: TDR Nova is a parametric equalizer, which means it's an effects plugin. You can use it to dynamically process a single track or your full stereo mix to fine-tune things exactly to your liking. If you're looking to step things up from your built-in equalizer, this is a plugin you need to grab.
There is a paid version of TDR Nova that adds two additional frequency bands and various other tweaks, but the free version is completely functional.
Zebralette
What it does: Zebralette is the free version of U-he's fantastic Zebra2 synthesizer. It's basically a pared-down version with only one oscillator, but you can get a lot of work done with what they give you.
In addition to Zebralette, U-he has a bunch of other free VST plugins that are worth checking out as well.
What we don't like: Zebralette is a self-described Trojan horse designed to get you hooked so that you'll buy Zebra2.
Free Synth Vst Fl Studio
OBXD
What it does: OBXD is based on the venerated OB-X synth from Oberheim, but it isn't a direct copy. It does a pretty good job of imitating the kind of sound you'd expect to get out of the OB-X, but layers on a bunch of additional features.
If you're looking for a free synth that can create Oberheim-ish sounds, this is the best you're going to get.
What we don't like: The additional features are designed to smooth over shortcomings of the OB-X, but it still doesn't have any built-in effects.
MT Power DrumKit 2
What it does: MT Power Drum Kit 2 is the fastest, easiest way to get high-quality drums out of a free VST. It includes a huge library of high-quality drum samples and tons of MIDI grooves and fills that you can arrange however you like to quickly lay down a drum track.
What we don't like: The only problem with MT Power Drum Kit 2 is that, while free, it prompts you to make a donation every time you launch it. If you want to get rid of that screen, and get right to work, you have to pay for an unlock.
Freeware Fl Studio
Vintage Drum Elements
What it does: Vintage Drum Elements is the best way to get authentic-sounding drums that sound like they come from sources like the Yamaha RX5 kit. It has a sort of warm analog feel that most drum VSTi plugins can't match.
Free Synths For Fl Studio
A1TriggerGate
Best Free Vst Synths 2019
What it does: A1TriggerGate is a sequenced gate effect VST that's designed to chop up incoming audio signals. That means you can use to turn boring sounds like pads into interesting rhythmic sequences. It's tremendously powerful and versatile for a free effects plugin, and it's also extremely easy to jump in and start using.
Free Vsts Like Omnisphere
TAL Vocoder
What it does: The best vocoder plugins cost a lot of money, but TAL Vocoder gets the job done pretty well for free. It's specifically designed to produce sounds in line with vintage 1980s vocoders, so it's great if you're going for a retro sound.
Fl Studio Free Synth Plugins
In addition to TAL Vocoder, Tal also has a bunch of other great VST plugins that you can grab for free.