The 20 best VST/AU plugin synths in the world today

[yizzle]

There's no denying that there's been a boom in hardware synth sales over the past couple of years - particular of affordable analogue ones - but if you want to benefit from great sound, convenience and tight integration with your DAW, it's hard to argue with what the best of today's plugin synths have to offer.

Sure, many of the cutting-edge instruments impose a considerable CPU hit, and others are either clearly-labelled or thinly-veiled emulations of hardware synths from the past, but being able to call upon a vast range of incredible synths with just a click of a mouse remains a joy, and something that no one who started making electronic music in the pre-VSTi/AU days will ever take for granted.

What follows is our guide to the 20 best VST, AU and other native format plugin synths in the world today. Compiled over the course of several years, it’s been updated to reflect the market in 2014, and is bigger and better than ever.

A couple of things to bear in mind before we dive in: we're dealing with synths only here (so you won't find any drum machines or samplers) and only paid-for instruments are included.

Let’s get started.

20. iZotope Iris - $249 · PC/Mac

Iris uses spectral technology to make a virtual instrument that iZotope bills as a sampling resynthesiser.

This is the sort of application that you really have to try yourself before you can grasp it fully. The interface is well-laid out and the built-in tour teaches you everything you need to know to get started.

If you've never even heard of spectral editing before, it might take some hours of trial and error in the spectrogram before you start to get consistent, predictable results, but take our word for it: the creative potential contained within this program is absolutely immense - potentially limitless, in fact.

· Read a more in–depth review on the iZotope Iris here

19. FXpansion's DCAM: Synth Squad - $249 · PC/Mac

It took FXpansion a surprisingly long time to get into the commercial soft synth market, but when it finally did, it was with a collection of three instruments (plus a shell that enables you to layer them up, add effects and more).=

The instruments in question are Strobe (an analogue-style subtractive model), Amber (for creating string machine sounds) and Cypher (a versatile beast that specialises in audio-rate modulation).

DCAM is full of nice touches - there’s a particularly impressive modulation system -and, taken as a whole, can produce a wide range of awesome sounds. It can be complex, but get to know it and you’ll have a synth friend for life.

· Read a more in–depth review on the FXpansion's DCAM: Synth Squad here

18. D16 Group LuSH-101 - $199 · PC/Mac

Rather than create a literal clone of Roland’s SH-101, with Lush-101 D16 has doubled the number of envelopes and LFOs, made it 32-voice polyphonic and added modern refinements and effects.

Oh, and, crucially, LuSH-101 is actually a monster stack of eight SH-101s: each is called a Layer and all are operated totally independently, brought together - along with a useful collection of effects - at the built-in final mixer stage.

This is one seriously great-sounding synth. Whether you're after basses, chords, pads or anything in between, there are simply no weak links. Even after 30 years of progress, some great ideas just don't go out of fashion.

· Read a more in–depth review on the D16 Group LuSH-101 here

17. Native Instruments Monark - ~$160 · PC/Mac

Operating within NI's Reaktor or Reaktor Player, Monark emulates the classic Minimoog synth. It's faithful to the original save a few small differences, many of them behind the scenes. The Mini's selection of six waveforms are emulated (with Osc 3 getting a reverse saw that mirrors that of the other oscillators), and so are all six pitch ranges.

The filter section is the highlight of the instrument. Of course, the Mini's 24dB low-pass model is here and spotlighted, but you can also choose from two more low-pass filters (6 and 12dB) or a 12dB band-pass.

There are some other deviations from the original Minimoog architecture, too, but this is fundamentally a great emulation. Monark is in line with other modern vintage clones and sounds as good as - if not better - than, any of them.

· Read a more in–depth review on the Native Instruments Monark here

16. Native Instruments Razor - $79 · PC/Mac

Razor is based on additive synthesis, with up to 320 partials (individual sine waves). While additive synthesis has a reputation for being a tad 'scientific', Razor is very friendly, presented in the guise of a typical modern synth, with two oscillators, twin filters, and three effects sections: Dissonance, Stereo and Dynamics.

You’ll find that ripping DnB/dubstep noises are shockingly easy to dial in, but bumpin' basses and sweet pads/leads are readily had too.

We'll admit that we were initially a tad sceptical about Razor, it being 'just' a Reaktor-based affair and entirely additive. However, it actually makes additive synthesis not just palatable but downright desirable.

· Read a more in–depth review on the Native Instruments Razor here

15. Native Instruments Absynth 5 - $199 · PC/Mac

Absynth has traditionally had a reputation as the serious sound designer’s synth of choice (or one of them at any rate). Perhaps as a result, it’s also been perceived as slightly scary and intense.

The latest version (5) of the synth hasn’t really done much to change its image. With new effects and filter improvements, it can great even more complex tones than before but, although the Mutator effect enables you to morph a preset into something else just by choosing descriptive tags, the interface is still complex and intimidating. As always, though, the sound is first-rate.

· Read a more in–depth review on the Native Instruments Absynth 5 here

14. Native Instruments FM8 - $229 · PC/Mac

Anyone who was using synths in the ‘80s will know all about Yamaha’s DX7, which became the FM (frequency modulation) synth that everyone wanted to own.

The FM8, which emulates said hardware, is now practically legendary too. Not only does it sound great, but it also makes the notoriously difficult process of FM programming much simpler, even going so far as to offer an Easy editing page for beginners. Those who want to get their hands dirtier can go the Expert page.

If you’ve had your fill of analogue-style synths, FM8 is a great place to go next.

· Read a more in–depth review on the Native Instruments FM8 here

13. Image-Line Harmor - $149 · PC only

Image-Line positions Harmor as an 'additive/subtractive' synthesiser, but there's no doubt that the emphasis is on the former. Even typically subtractive elements like the filter are achieved via additive technology.

Some things are familiar, but Harmor can be a bit intimidating on first blush. However, it quickly reveals its secrets to those who persevere - we urge potential customers not to be put off by its unfamiliar look and terminology.

There is a richness in tone here that, frankly, took us by surprise, and sound designers will find a lifetime's worth of inspiration.

· Read a more in–depth review on the Image-Line Harmor here

12. Cakewalk Z3TA+2 - $99 · PC only

It looked as if Z3TA+ was going nowhere (in terms of development at least), until v2 was unexpectedly released in 2011.

While the interface has had a significant functional and aesthetic makeover, the synthesis architecture hasn't changed. However, the sound quality stands up to other modern soft synths, especially since it's now more feasible to pile on lots of oscillators and leave the 2x oversampling on as standard.

Those who will get the most out of Z3TA+ 2 will be hardcore synthesists and sound designers, for whom a world of aural exploration awaits.

· Read a more in–depth review on the Cakewalk Z3TA+2 here

11. Sonic Academy ANA - ~$90 · PC/Mac

ANA is an acronym for 'Analogue Noise Attack', which refers to the three very different oscillator types found in Sonic Academy's 4-oscillator debut synth.

In addition to three standard ADSR envelopes (amp, filter and one assignable), ANA also offers a nifty G Envelope. Syncable, loopable and with up to 16 stages, this hand-drawn modulator can be used to create everything from rhythmic pseudo-sequences to rapid-fire trills.

Other mod sources include a couple of syncable LFOs and a pair of slots for routing external controls (and all internal modulators) to all viable targets. ANA's dual filters, meanwhile, can be run either in series or parallel.

Obviously, ANA isn't just another 'me too' virtual analogue synth, and the instrument is capable of some terrific sounds.

· Read a more in–depth review on the Sonic Academy ANA here

10. Camel Audio Alchemy - $249 · PC/Mac

Alchemy might initially fool you into thinking that it’s a by-the-numbers ROMpler, for it does come with a lot of sample-based patches that can be tweaked with the built-in synthesis engine and effects.

However, its big sell is that it also enables you to import your own samples - these can be processed with Additive, Spectral, Additive and Spectral or Granular engines.

The sound design options on offer here are huge, though some of the presets don’t show them off quite as well as they should. That said, there are plenty of useful pre-rolled patches too, and the main thing is that you can have great fun creating your own.

· Read a more in–depth review on the Camel Audio Alchemy here

9. Native Instruments Reaktor 5 - $449 · PC/Mac

Where to start with Reaktor? It’s best described as a cross-platform audio construction kit that enables you to create your own synths, samplers and effects by connecting modules in a graphical interface.

Useful module combinations can be saved as Macros; finished devices are known as Instruments; and combinations of instruments and effects can be racked together as Ensembles.

So, Reaktor is great for anyone who wants to build their own synths, but because there are so many high-quality user instruments available, it’s also appealing to anyone who just wants a source of high-quality sounds.

· Read a more in–depth review on the Native Instruments Reaktor 5 here

8. U-He Diva - ~$200 · PC/Mac

Two or three oscillators, multimode filters, dual envelope generators, a couple of LFOs and some effects. You've seen it all before - or so you might think.

Diva isn’t a clone of any specific synth; instead it provides elements from various famous instruments, all deeply analyzed and meticulously recreated with excruciating attention to detail.

Diva's got everything you need to carve out any basic analogue sound, and then some. It's meat and potatoes with added spice, and digging beneath the surface, you'll find plenty of advanced features such as powerful modulation options and per-voice fine-tuning. If your computer is powerful enough you'd be crazy not to check this one out.

· Read a more in–depth review on the U-He Diva here

7. U-He Zebra 2 - $199 · PC/Mac

Originally a word-of-mouth success on the Mac, Zebra has since earned its PC stripes, too, bringing its all-round awesomeness to a much wider audience.

It’s a wireless (no patch cables) semi-modular synth that supports a variety of techniques. Its main focus is on subtractive synthesis, but the inclusion of FM and additive elements means the tones you can get from this instrument are more complex than those that can be produced by many others.

The presets do a good job of showing off what Zebra is capable of, but this is also a powerful sound design tool, and one that can prove to be seriously addictive. It isn’t strictly a beginners’ synth, but pretty much anyone should be able to get decent results with it.

· Read a more in–depth review on the U-He Zebra 2 here

6. ReFX Nexus 2 - ~$440 · PC/Mac

Nexus2 isn’t as feature-packed as some of the synths in our rundown - indeed, some purists might argue that it isn’t really a ‘proper synth’ at all - but if your priority is to have great sounds out of the box, it’s hard to fault.

This is an instrument that’s specifically designed for producers of contemporary dance music, with the supplied Dance Vol 2 preset expansion pack containing 128 patches for use in trance, electro house and hard dance styles. Presets can be tweaked with a range of sound-shaping tools, and both the arpeggiator and trancegate are impressive. The Mix screen enables you to adjust individual layers - each patch can have up to four - and there are some good effects, too.

Slick and inspiring, Nexus2 definitely stands out.

· Read a more in–depth review on the ReFX Nexus 2 here

5. Reveal Sound Spire - $189 · PC/Mac

Listening to the demos and perusing the presets and parameters, you might be inclined to classify Reveal Sound's new cross-platform VST/AU synthesiser as yet another trance 'n' dance machine. And it may indeed be geared up for just that, with its fat unison oscillators and big, brash, bombastic tones.

Yet it only takes a little digging to unearth some clever and unusual features that give Spire the ability to do things you wouldn't expect from a typical virtual analogue synth.

Although it does have some quirks, ultimately, Spire sounds terrific, generating everything from huge, brassy unison timbres to crystalline digital tones.

· Read a more in–depth review on the Reveal Sound Spire here

4. Spectrasonics Omnisphere - $499 · PC/Mac

How to describe Omnisphere? Spectrasonics say simply that it’s a ‘power synth’, and we think that’s a pretty good description. Based on the company’s STEAM engine, Omnisphere ships with a whopping 50GB sound library based on samples that were captured in all manner of different situations. We’re not talking just common-or-garden stuff here: everything from light bulb filaments to a burning piano was recorded.

This means that Omnisphere’s blistering presets are quite unlike anything you’ve heard before, while the level of synthesis options and other features on offer (effects, arpeggiators and more) is staggering.

The end result is a synth that really pushes the boundaries and, although you’ll need a fast computer and plenty of RAM to get the most out of it, it’s well worth paying a premium for.

· Read a more in–depth review on the Spectrasonics Omnisphere here

3. Native Instruments Massive - ~$320 · PC/Mac

Massive is a hybrid synth that combines ideas and influences from all over the place. What’s more, it’s one of the most feature-packed synths we’ve ever encountered.

It comes with a massive array of wavetable oscillators (you can morph from one waveform to another using a dedicated knob), which makes it capable of producing everything from straight-ahead analogue-style tones to complex and evolving sounds. What’s more, it’s designed in such a way that it’s relatively easy to program (the clever modulation system helps in this regard, too).

The only downside is that, although some 600 presets come supplied (and are easy to navigate), not all of them show off Massive’s, er, massive potential, so you’ll need to get your hands a little bit dirty to get the best out of it.

· Read a more in–depth review on the Native Instruments Massive here

2. KV331 Synthmaster 2.5 - $129 · PC/Mac

SynthMaster 2.5 is a semi-modular synth that seems to have been designed to do anything and everything. The interface may not be the prettiest, but it's definitely intuitive and user-friendly, which counts for a lot more in our book.

This is one of the few instruments that we can confidently say is excellent for most categories of synth sound. The additive synthesis module is perfect for organ-type sounds as well as filthy, obnoxious, tearing bass textures, while the new vector synthesis module is ideal for evolving leads or pads. Plus, when you do want it to do bread-and-butter synth work, SynthMaster 2.5 is more than up to the job.

Many developers say that they've produced the one and only synth you'll ever need, and we've always felt that was a dubious claim. This is the first time that we agree.

· Read a more in–depth review on the KV331 Synthmaster 2.5 here

1. LennarDigital Sylenth1 - ~$250 · PC/Mac

On the face of it, you might wonder why Sylenth1 is so popular. It looks like (and is) yet another virtual analogue subtractive synth with four oscillators, a couple of filters and a pretty basic modulation section. We’ve seen dozens of synths with similar feature sets - many of them freeware - so why bother with this one?

The answer becomes obvious within a few seconds of loading it up: Sylenth1 sounds incredible. It’s rich, detailed and full of analogue-style warmth. And while we find that many of the synths we review come with presets that fail to show off the instrument’s true capabilities, Sylenth1’s default bank is superb. A wide variety of sounds is on offer, including some beautiful impersonations of classics such as the TB-303 and Minimoog.

Sylenth1 has gradually become one of the synths that everyone feels they must try - make sure you don’t miss out.

· Read a more in–depth review on the LennarDigital Sylenth1 here

Source

[russell]

I've got 7 of them. Not bad.

[Gandy]

Good read

[Cupe]

Why do you think some of them like Massive I've heard a shit ton about, but have never even heard of some of the others?

Quality? Promotion?

[LabRat]

I've heard Spire is the new hype at the moment

[Gandy]

I've only got massive but I love it, it's easy to pick up and use for a begginer like me but also has a lot of depth as I found out when diamond cutters came over and was using the more advanced features

I would easily say of you are just looking at getting into it massive is a great all round to start with

[OxyKon]

Yeah massive is just 1 of those plugins that you can play around with easily and always come out with a unique sound, the tutorials you can find on YouTube are endless

[Tomy]

Why do you think some of them like Massive I've heard a shit ton about, but have never even heard of some of the others?

Quality? Promotion?

i think it mainly because they are easier to use. Sylenth, Massive, nexus get good results quickly where as stuff like FM8 & absynth are a touch more involved when it comes to creating sounds.

[LabRat]

I agree with Tomy. Zeta2 by Cakewalk is a beasty synth once you figure it out. I liked it but it's too involved and you can't really just jump into it and use it like Massive and Sylenth.

[russell]

the LuSH101 is a beast of a synth. Absolutely amazing but it's pretty hungry on the CPU.