Faust
Faust Community
Faust is a functional programming language for designing audio signal processors and instruments.
View details →THE AUDIO MAGAZINE / RESOURCES
Synthesizers – Free Music Software & Plug-ins
Free synthesizers covering subtractive, FM, wavetable, modular and other sound-generation methods. Choose an instrument by the sounds and programming workflow you need, then confirm the available format for your operating system. Included factory libraries and optional paid editions are identified in individual listings.
These are researched directory entries, not hands-on reviews. Optional purchases, account requirements and limited editions are identified on product pages. Format availability can differ by operating system.
91 listings
FB-7999
Full Bucket Music
FB-7999 models the hybrid digital-waveform approach of Korg's DW-series instruments.
View details →FB3
Full Bucket Music
FB3 recreates the hybrid synthesis approach of the Kawai K3 and K3m, with waveform generation, factory sounds and expanded polyphony.
View details →FBVC
Full Bucket Music
FBVC models a vintage vocoder approach for imposing one signal's spectral movement on another.
View details →FoxDot
FoxDot Contributors
FoxDot offers a Python-oriented approach to live-coded music with pattern objects and performance commands.
View details →Furnace
Furnace Project
Furnace is a chiptune tracker that works with a broad range of sound-chip systems.
View details →GoatTracker
Lasse Oorni / GoatTracker Contributors
GoatTracker is a tracker for composing music for the SID sound chip associated with the Commodore 64.
View details →Helm
Matt Tytel
Helm is a polyphonic synthesizer with a visual modulation system, step sequencing and integrated effects.
View details →hUGETracker
hUGETracker Contributors
hUGETracker is a tracker for composing music for Game Boy style sound hardware and compatible game projects.
View details →jsfxr
Chris McCormick / jsfxr Contributors
jsfxr generates short synthesized sound effects in a browser.
View details →JummBox
jummbus
JummBox is a browser-based composition tool derived from BeepBox, with expanded synthesis and sequencing controls.
View details →Kairatune
Futucraft
Kairatune is a synthesizer designed around a focused musical-control workflow for electronic sounds.
View details →Komplete Start
Native Instruments
Komplete Start is a free collection of instruments, effects and sounds from the Native Instruments ecosystem.
View details →LabChirp
LabChirp
LabChirp synthesizes sound effects through a dedicated parameter-based interface.
View details →LMMS
LMMS Project
LMMS is a pattern-oriented music workstation built around instrument sequencing, sample playback and mixing.
View details →mda Plug-ins
Paul Kellett / mda
The mda collection contains classic lightweight instruments and effects that became widely used in computer-based production.
View details →ModulAir
Full Bucket Music
ModulAir is a polyphonic modular synthesizer whose structure is assembled from connected modules.
View details →Mono/Fury
Full Bucket Music
Mono/Fury draws on the four-oscillator Korg Mono/Poly architecture.
View details →MSoundFactory Player
MeldaProduction
MSoundFactory Player is a restricted instrument player for compatible content from the MSoundFactory ecosystem.
View details →Nils K1v
Nils Schneider
Nils K1v emulates the Kawai K1's digital synthesis approach, offering a particular late-1980s keyboard palette.
View details →Nyquist
Roger Dannenberg / Nyquist Contributors
Nyquist combines a programming language with facilities for sound synthesis and processing.
View details →OB-Xf
Surge Synth Team
OB-Xf continues the last open-source OB-Xd codebase within the Surge Synth Team’s current development infrastructure.
View details →Odin 2
TheWaveWarden
Odin 2 combines several oscillator approaches with filters, modulation and effects in a semi-modular instrument.
View details →Overtonium
Benjamin Dehli
Overtonium presents additive synthesis as a mixer of 32 harmonic sine oscillators plus a noise channel.
View details →Availability, licensing and system requirements can change. Verification refers to official documentation and download availability, not installation or hands-on testing. Check the developer's current terms before installing.