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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

padthv1

rncbc / Rui Nuno Capela

padthv1 is a synthesizer centered on the PADsynth approach to creating complex sustained spectra.

LinuxSound DesignSynthesizers
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PartialString

Different Instruments

PartialString synthesizes a plucked string through a finite-difference physical model.

LinuxmacOSWindowsSound DesignSynthesizers
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PdDroidParty

Chris McCormick / PdDroidParty Contributors

PdDroidParty runs compatible Pure Data based musical patches on Android devices.

AndroidLive PerformanceSound DesignSynthesizers
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PG-8X

Martin Lüders

PG-8X is an analog-style synthesizer inspired by the Roland JX-8P.

macOSWindowsSynthesizers
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Phosphor (legacy)

Audio Damage

The original Phosphor is an additive-style synthesizer distributed through Audio Damage's free legacy archive.

macOSWindowsSynthesizers
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plugdata

plugdata Team

plugdata brings a graphical patching environment into standalone and plug-in workflows.

LinuxmacOSWindowsSound DesignSynthesizers
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Podolski

u-he

Podolski is a streamlined synthesizer with arpeggiation and a focused set of sound-shaping controls.

LinuxmacOSWindowsSynthesizers
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Primer 2

Audible Genius

Primer is a subtractive synthesizer also used in the Syntorial teaching environment.

iPadOSmacOSWindowsSynthesizers
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Pure Data

Pure Data Community

Pure Data is a visual programming environment in which objects and connections form audio and control patches.

LinuxmacOSWindowsLive PerformanceSound DesignSynthesizers
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Purr Data

Purr Data Community

Purr Data is a visual audio-programming environment derived from Pure Data, with a revised interface and an extended object collection.

LinuxmacOSWindowsLive PerformanceSound DesignSynthesizers
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Pyo

Ajax Sound Studio

Pyo is a Python audio-processing module for building synthesis and signal-processing systems.

LinuxmacOSWindowsSound DesignSynthesizers
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Reaktor Player

Native Instruments

Reaktor Player runs a licensed selection of instruments and effects built for the Reaktor environment.

macOSWindowsSound DesignSynthesizers
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RTcmix

RTcmix Contributors

RTcmix is a programmable environment for synthesis, processing and algorithmic music.

LinuxmacOSLive PerformanceSound DesignSynthesizers
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Sonic Pi

Sonic Pi

Sonic Pi turns code into playable musical patterns using synthesizers, samples and timed events.

LinuxmacOSWindowsLive PerformanceSound DesignSynthesizers
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Strudel

Strudel Contributors

Strudel is a browser-based live-coding environment for making music through patterns.

Web browserLive PerformanceMIDI ToolsSynthesizers
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SunVox

Alexander Zolotov

SunVox combines a modular synthesizer with a tracker-style pattern sequencer.

LinuxmacOSWindowsDAW & Multitrack RecordingSound DesignSynthesizers
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SuperCollider

SuperCollider Community

SuperCollider is a programming environment for audio synthesis and algorithmic composition.

LinuxmacOSWindowsLive PerformanceSound DesignSynthesizers
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Surge XT

Surge Synth Team

Surge XT is a hybrid synthesizer with multiple oscillator models, extensive modulation and integrated effects.

LinuxmacOSWindowsSound DesignSynthesizers
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SyndtSphere

Klevgrand

SyndtSphere is a synthesizer organized around a spatial preset-browsing interface.

macOSWindowsSynthesizers
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Synth One J6

AudioKit Pro

Synth One J6 is a separate AudioKit instrument inspired by classic analog polyphonic synthesizers.

iOSiPadOSmacOSSynthesizers
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Synth1

Ichiro Toda

Synth1 is a long-established virtual-analog synthesizer known for a compact interface and a large community patch ecosystem.

macOSWindowsSynthesizers
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synthv1

rncbc / Rui Nuno Capela

synthv1 is a polyphonic subtractive synthesizer designed for Linux music systems.

LinuxSynthesizers
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Tattoo (legacy)

Audio Damage

Tattoo is a legacy synthesized drum machine with a dedicated rhythm-oriented workflow.

macOSWindowsDrum InstrumentsSynthesizers
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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.

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