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Software Synthesizers

Alternatives to SynthMaster One

SynthMaster One is a wavetable instrument aimed at quick sound creation. Its desktop engine provides two oscillators, two sub oscillators, two filters, four envelopes, two LFOs, a 16-step arpeggiator/sequencer and 11 effect types. You can add wavetable files, import MIDI patterns, use Scala tuning files and synchronize presets, waveforms, samples, favourites and MIDI programs across machines. Desktop editions include 1,250 presets and run as VST or Audio Unit instruments, or as a standalone Windows application. iOS supports AudioUnits V3 and Files app exchange, while its mobile editions have 16-voice polyphony and 650 presets.

  1. 01 DefleMask

    DefleMask suits musicians making game-style chiptune music who want to work with multiple listed sound systems, edit instruments, or collaborate live.

    Free plan Windows · macOS · Linux · iOS
    9.3 Visit Specs
  2. 02 Cardinal

    Cardinal suits musicians who want a free modular synth as a standalone app or conventional audio plugin, with a large bundled module set.

    Free plan Open source Web · Windows · macOS · Linux
    9.0 Visit Specs
  3. 03 Dexed

    Dexed may suit synth users seeking a DX7-oriented plugin or standalone instrument, as well as DX7 owners managing SysEx programs.

    Free plan Open source Windows · macOS · Linux · iOS
    8.8 Visit Specs
  4. 04 Helm

    Helm suits computer-based electronic music makers who want a free synthesizer in standalone or plugin form.

    Free plan Open source Windows · macOS · Linux
    8.6 Visit Specs
  5. 05 SynthMaster 3

    SynthMaster 3 suits musicians looking for a modular synthesizer with multiple synthesis methods, editors, and DAW routing.

    Free plan Windows · macOS · iOS
    8.6 Visit Specs
  6. 06 Vital

    Vital suits sound designers and musicians seeking a wavetable synth with extensive modulation, MPE, or microtonal tuning support.

    From $5/mo Free plan Open source Windows · macOS · Linux · Self-hosted
    8.6 Visit Specs
  7. 07 Aalto

    Aalto suits musicians and sound designers seeking modular patching, per-voice sequencing, and expressive oscillator and filter controls in a plug-in.

    Free trial Windows · macOS
    8.4 Visit Specs
  8. 08 ANA 2
    Free trial Windows · macOS
    8.3 Visit Specs
  9. 09 Surge XT

    Surge XT suits sound designers and music makers looking for a synthesizer plugin, including those who need MPE or microtuning support.

    Free plan Open source Windows · macOS · Linux
    8.3 Visit Specs
  10. 10 Repro

    Repro suits music makers who use host software and want two modeled synthesizers in one plug-in.

    Free trial Windows · macOS · Linux
    8.1 Visit Specs
  11. 11 Abyss 2

    ABYSS 2 suits musicians and sound designers working in compatible macOS or Windows DAWs.

    Free trial Windows · macOS
    8.0 Visit Specs
  12. 12 RAPID
    Free trial Windows · macOS
    8.0 Visit Specs
  13. 13 DUNE 3
    Free trial Windows · macOS
    7.9 Visit Specs
  14. 14 VCV Rack

    Rack suits people who want to build modular synthesizer patches for learning, performance, or composition, with optional hardware and DAW integration.

    Free plan Windows · macOS · Linux
    7.9 Visit Specs
  15. 15 Falcon
    From €20/mo Windows · macOS
    7.8 Visit Specs
  16. 16 Novum
    Free trial Windows · macOS
    7.8 Visit Specs
  17. 17 Sylenth1
    From €9.95/mo Free trial Windows · macOS
    7.7 Visit Specs
  18. 18 SynthMaster 2
    Free trial Windows · macOS · iOS
    7.7 Visit Specs
  19. 19 Sonic Pi

    Sonic Pi suits people making music with code, from learners in computing or music lessons to professional musicians and DJs.

    Free plan Web · Windows · macOS · Linux
    7.6 Visit Specs
  20. 20 Spire
    Free trial Windows · macOS
    7.5 Visit Specs
  21. 21 Thorn

    It suits electronic-music producers using a compatible plugin host on Windows or macOS.

    Free trial Windows · macOS
    7.4 Visit Specs
  22. 22 Synth1

    Synth1 suits computer music producers using a DAW with VSTi or AU support.

    Free plan Windows · macOS
    7.3 Visit Specs
  23. 23 VPS Avenger 2
    Windows · macOS
    7.1 Visit Specs
  24. 24 Battery 4
    Windows · macOS
    7.0 Visit Specs
  25. 25 chipspeech
    Windows · macOS · Linux
    7.0 Visit Specs
  26. 26 Kaivo
    Windows · macOS
    6.7 Visit Specs
  27. 27 Kontakt 8
    Windows · macOS
    6.6 Visit Specs
  28. 28 SynthEdit
    Windows · macOS · Linux
    6.4 Visit Specs
  29. 29 Arturia V Collection 11
    Windows · macOS
    6.2 Visit Specs
  30. 30 Diva
    Windows · macOS · Linux
    6.1 Visit Specs

Choosing instead of SynthMaster One

Readers may prefer another instrument for modular routing, spectral wavetable transformation, console-specific chiptune work, DX7-style synthesis or a no-cost option. SynthMaster One starts at $49 once; its iPhone app is free and its universal iOS app costs $9.99 once. When switching, weigh synthesis method, platform coverage, plugin formats, preset scale, modulation, MIDI and hardware integration, standalone use, and whether you want a focused synth or a larger modular or tracker environment.

SynthMaster One, head to head