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.
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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 · iOS9.3 Visit Specs - 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 · Linux9.0 Visit Specs - 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 · iOS8.8 Visit Specs - 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 · Linux8.6 Visit Specs - 05 SynthMaster 3
SynthMaster 3 suits musicians looking for a modular synthesizer with multiple synthesis methods, editors, and DAW routing.
Free plan Windows · macOS · iOS8.6 Visit Specs - 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-hosted8.6 Visit Specs - 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 · macOS8.4 Visit Specs - 08
ANA 2 Free trial Windows · macOS8.3 Visit Specs - 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 · Linux8.3 Visit Specs - 10 Repro
Repro suits music makers who use host software and want two modeled synthesizers in one plug-in.
Free trial Windows · macOS · Linux8.1 Visit Specs - 11 Abyss 2
ABYSS 2 suits musicians and sound designers working in compatible macOS or Windows DAWs.
Free trial Windows · macOS8.0 Visit Specs - 12 RAPID Free trial Windows · macOS8.0 Visit Specs
- 13 DUNE 3 Free trial Windows · macOS7.9 Visit Specs
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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 · Linux7.9 Visit Specs - 15 Falcon From €20/mo Windows · macOS7.8 Visit Specs
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Novum Free trial Windows · macOS7.8 Visit Specs - 17 Sylenth1 From €9.95/mo Free trial Windows · macOS7.7 Visit Specs
- 18 SynthMaster 2 Free trial Windows · macOS · iOS7.7 Visit Specs
- 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 · Linux7.6 Visit Specs - 20 Spire Free trial Windows · macOS7.5 Visit Specs
- 21 Thorn
It suits electronic-music producers using a compatible plugin host on Windows or macOS.
Free trial Windows · macOS7.4 Visit Specs - 22 Synth1
Synth1 suits computer music producers using a DAW with VSTi or AU support.
Free plan Windows · macOS7.3 Visit Specs - 23 VPS Avenger 2 Windows · macOS7.1 Visit Specs
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Battery 4 Windows · macOS7.0 Visit Specs - 25 chipspeech Windows · macOS · Linux7.0 Visit Specs
- 26 Kaivo Windows · macOS6.7 Visit Specs
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Kontakt 8 Windows · macOS6.6 Visit Specs - 28 SynthEdit Windows · macOS · Linux6.4 Visit Specs
- 29 Arturia V Collection 11 Windows · macOS6.2 Visit Specs
- 30 Diva Windows · macOS · Linux6.1 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
- SynthMaster One vs DefleMask
- SynthMaster One vs Cardinal
- SynthMaster One vs Dexed
- SynthMaster One vs Helm
- SynthMaster One vs SynthMaster 3
- SynthMaster One vs Vital
- SynthMaster One vs Aalto
- SynthMaster One vs ANA 2
- SynthMaster One vs Surge XT
- SynthMaster One vs Repro
- SynthMaster One vs Abyss 2
- SynthMaster One vs RAPID