Aalto vs Synth1

Aalto is a semi-modular software synthesizer by Madrona Labs, built around a patchable interface. Its complex oscillator offers FM, timbre, and waveshape controls, calculating sound dynamically rather than using static wavetables. Every voice has a built-in sequencer with independently controllable, patchable rate and offset. Voice modules include a lowpass gate with vactrol emulation and a patchable waveguide or delay whose feedback loop contains a waveshaper and peaking EQ. A state-variable filter provides simultaneous mixable outputs. Aalto runs on macOS and Windows as a plug-in: Mac provides VST and AU installers, while Windows provides VST. There is no standalone app. A free trial is available, but demo mode plays a reminder sound about every minute and disables patch saving. The listed Aalto license costs $99 as a one-time purchase. It permits installation on any number of computers, though simultaneous use requires one license per computer.

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.