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SPECIFICTION
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Synth1

daichilab.sakura.ne.jp

Free plan WindowsmacOS
Visit daichilab.sakura.ne.jp
Spec score 7.3 #23 of 38 in Software Synthesizers

What it is

Synth1 is a free software synthesizer plugin for computer music production on Windows and macOS. Its sound engine has two oscillators plus a sub-oscillator, with FM, ring modulation, sync, and a modulation envelope. Sound-shaping options include four filter types, distortion, two LFOs, an arpeggiator, tempo-synchronized delay, and stereo chorus/flanger. The maker lists 32-note polyphony and 128 presets. Synth1 works with DAWs that support VSTi on Windows or AU on Mac; GarageBand and REAPER are named as Mac examples. The Windows VSTi release is 32/64-bit for Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10, and requires an x86/x64 CPU that supports SSE2. The Mac AU version is 64-bit for macOS 10.8 and later; Intel Macs were tested, while M1 support is unconfirmed. Mac users must download factory presets separately. The maker permits commercial music use without contacting them. The English manual is marked incomplete, and Synth1 is not multitimbral.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Synth1 is a software synthesizer intended for computer music production.Read 4 Oct 2026 · daichilab.sakura.ne.jp
Support
The maker asks users to report bugs by email and says it will respond as much as possible.Read 4 Oct 2026 · daichilab.sakura.ne.jp
Commercial use
The maker says Synth1 may be used in commercial music without contacting the maker.Read 4 Oct 2026 · daichilab.sakura.ne.jp
DAW compatibility
It works with DAWs that support VSTi on Windows or AU on Mac; the maker names GarageBand and REAPER as Mac examples.Read 4 Oct 2026 · daichilab.sakura.ne.jp
Mac support
The listed Mac release is AU 64-bit for macOS 10.8 and later; the maker says Intel Macs were tested and M1 Macs were unconfirmed.Read 4 Oct 2026 · daichilab.sakura.ne.jp
Manual status
The English manual labels itself incomplete.Read 4 Oct 2026 · daichilab.sakura.ne.jp
Notable limitation
The English manual says Synth1 is not multitimbral.Read 4 Oct 2026 · daichilab.sakura.ne.jp
Preset installation
The Mac version does not include the factory presets by default, so they must be downloaded separately.Read 4 Oct 2026 · daichilab.sakura.ne.jp
Security note
The maker documents a GarageBand sandbox that changes where the zipbank folder is stored and links to instructions for a macOS security warning.Read 4 Oct 2026 · daichilab.sakura.ne.jp
Sound shaping
It includes four filter types, distortion, two LFOs, an arpeggiator, tempo-synchronized delay, and stereo chorus/flanger.Read 4 Oct 2026 · daichilab.sakura.ne.jp
Synthesis
It has two oscillators and a sub-oscillator, with FM, ring modulation, sync, and a modulation envelope.Read 4 Oct 2026 · daichilab.sakura.ne.jp
Voices and presets
The maker lists 32-note polyphony and 128 preset sounds.Read 4 Oct 2026 · daichilab.sakura.ne.jp
Windows support
The listed Windows release is VSTi 32/64-bit for Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10, and requires an x86/x64 CPU supporting SSE2.Read 4 Oct 2026 · daichilab.sakura.ne.jp

Plans and prices

Freeware Free Freeware; VSTi/AU plugin Read 4 Oct 2026 · daichilab.sakura.ne.jp

Every Synth1 plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free plugin for Windows and macOS.
  • Includes two oscillators and a sub-oscillator.
  • Offers 128 preset sounds.
  • Commercial music use is permitted without contacting the maker.

Limits

  • Synth1 is not multitimbral.
  • Mac factory presets require a separate download.
  • M1 support is unconfirmed.
  • The English manual is incomplete.

Who it suits

Synth1 suits computer music producers using a DAW with VSTi or AU support. It may fit users who want a free plugin and are comfortable with the listed platform and manual limitations.

Verdict

Synth1 offers a broad set of synthesis and sound-shaping tools at no charge. Check host format and operating-system requirements first, particularly if using an M1 Mac.

Where Specifiction places it

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