Helm vs SynthMaster 3
Helm
tytel.orgSynthMaster 3
kv331audio.comSide by side
| Figure | Helm | SynthMaster 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 9 |
| Spec score · Software Synthesizers | 8.6 (#4) | 8.6 (#5) |
| Documentation depth | The official manual is a 32-page v0.9.0 PDF covering synthesis modules, modulation, patch browsing, audio settings and performance controls. | KV331’s downloads page exposes a SynthMaster 2.8 manual, while an independent 2026 report says written SynthMaster 3 documentation was absent and an unofficial manual was created. |
| Licence | The source repository identifies Helm as GPL-3.0 licensed open-source software. | The EULA grants a proprietary, nonexclusive licence for one user and prohibits reverse engineering, decompilation and derivative works. |
| Modulation | Modulation sources include two monophonic LFOs, one polyphonic LFO, three envelopes, keyboard controls, random values and polyphonic aftertouch. | Each layer can use up to 32 modulation sources, including envelopes, LFO variants, Noise LFO and Scaler. |
| Rating on KVR Audio | 4.33 out of 5 from 6 reviews. | 4.80 out of 5 from 5 reviews. |
| Support | The maker asks users to email bug reports with operating system, standalone or plugin details and crash information. | The maker directs users with product support issues to its contact form. |
| System requirements | The FAQ lists Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.7 or later, Ubuntu 14.04 or later, and Debian Jessie or later. | The stated baseline is a 2.0 GHz Intel SSE3 CPU, 2 GB RAM, Windows 7 or newer, macOS 10.9 or newer and Pro Tools 11 or newer for AAX. |
| What it does | Helm is a computer software synthesizer for creating electronic music. | SynthMaster 3 is KV331 Audio’s flagship semi-modular software synthesizer for sound design and music production. |
Plans
SynthMaster 3
- SynthMaster 3$99, paid once
- SynthMaster 3 Free BetaFree
- SynthMaster 3 upgrade from SynthMaster 2$29, paid once
- Upgrade from SynthMaster 2$29, paid once
- SynthMaster 3 upgrade from SynthMaster 3 Player$49, paid once
- SynthMaster 3 upgrade from SynthMaster One$49, paid once
- Upgrade from SynthMaster 3 Player$49, paid once
- Upgrade from SynthMaster One$49, paid once
- Everything Bundle$249, paid once
In their own words
Helm
Helm is a free software synthesizer for creating electronic music on a computer. It is available as a standalone application or as a plugin in LV2, VST, VST3, or AU formats, with GNU/Linux, Mac OSX, and Windows versions in 32-bit and 64-bit editions. Its sound tools include dual oscillators with cross modulation, unison, a sub oscillator, filters, modulation, a step sequencer, an arpeggiator, and audio effects. MIDI Learn lets users assign a MIDI control to a knob or slider. The maker describes Helm as software that can be run without DRM, studied, changed, and redistributed in original or modified form. The FAQ says the person who plays a sound made with Helm holds its copyright. Listed requirements include Windows 7 or later, MacOS 10.7 or later, Ubuntu Trusty 14.04 or later, and Debian Jessie or later. The project is described as being in beta with outstanding bugs. For bug reports, the maker asks users to include details such as what happened, crash reports, their operating system, and whether they use the plugin or standalone version.
SynthMaster 3
SynthMaster 3 is a modular software synthesizer available as a standalone app and plug-in for macOS and Windows. It offers VAnalog, additive, vector, wavetable, granular, phase modulation, phase distortion, frequency modulation, pulse width modulation, ring modulation, physical modeling, and SFZ sample playback. Each instance can contain up to 16 layers, with each layer holding up to 16 modules and 32 modulation sources. The software includes waveform, wavetable, and multi-sample editors; multi-samples can be imported from WAV or AIFF files and exported in SFZ format. Each layer has a MIDI output channel for routing arpeggiator or sequencer output to different DAW tracks. Plug-in formats are VST2, VST3, AudioUnits, and AAX. The product includes 3150 factory presets. SynthMaster 3 costs $99, paid once and includes 6 free expansions. A free player and demo are also available. The demo stops after 30 minutes, adds noise every minute, and disables WAV wavetable and SFZ multi-sample export.