Here is the SYNTH ANATOMY list of the best free Synthesizer plugins for PC & Mac ranging from virtual analog, FM, percussive to modular synthesis concepts!
If you want to produce music, you need a digital audio workstation (DAW) and for some sound options also some good plugins. Unfortunately, many musicians can’t afford very expensive plugins. For this reason, I would like to briefly present my favourite Synthesizer plugins which are available for free for PC and Mac.
I’m pretty sure there are far more plugins available but I want to consider here both worlds: the PC and the Mac universe. Last update: May 16th, 2020
The industry standard DAW is Avid’s Pro Tools, and for complex audio recording, mixing and editing is probably the best for the job. So this free version of Pro Tools has its limitations, but it’s a great piece of software for the person that knows they want to learn more about Pro Tools or they want to get more professional in their recording.
- Tracktion ’s brand new Waveform Free is touted by the brand as “unlike any other so-called freeware DAW”. The software is compatible across Mac, Windows, Linux and even Raspberry Pi. With Waveform Free, you’ll be able to load in popular third-party plug-ins, (providing they’re available in 64-bit format).
- Although, people spend a lot on these DAW’s we have got you this list of the best free DAWs for Mac that comes with professional and quality features. Garageband is one of the best DAW when it comes to Mac systems, it comes free with Mac IOS, so if you have an iPhone, you will also have access to this.
- Compared with the above DAWs, Bitwig Studio, the best free music making software for Windows, macOS, and Linux, is designed for live performance with its instrument effect, as well as for music recording, mixing. More than the free DAW software, Bitwig Studio is also a synthesizer and sequencer for advanced audio making. Audacity (Free).
Free Synthesizer Plugin Highlight 2020/1: Surge
Surge is probably the most powerful free Synthesizer plugin on the market right now. It’s open-source and it can do a lot. 2 layers, 3 Oscillators with 8 algorithms including virtual analog, wavetable, window, FM and more. These are supported by two filter units with 8 different configurations, a 5-shape waveshaper, up to 12 LFOs that can act also as DAHDSR enveloper generators.
Sounds can be refined with 8 effects units arranged as 2 insert per scene, 2 sends and 2 master effects. Available are 10 different high-quality effects ranging from delay, reverb, chorus, phaser, rotary speaker, frequency shifter and more. Surge comes with over 1000 patches and 183 onboard wavetables. Well, I can name even more features but what I can only repeat: this is a must-have for every music producer.
Virtual Analog Synthesizers
Best Free Daw
- Crystal
- Full Bucket Music FB-3300 Sound Demo
- FBM FB-3100 Sound Demo
- FBM StigmaSound Demo
- FBM The Blooo Sound Demo
FM Synthesizers
Phase Modulation Synthesizers
Morphing Synthesizers
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Multi-Engine Synthesizers
8-bit & Retro Synthesizers
![Best Best](/uploads/1/3/4/4/134479693/833215991.jpg)
Modular Synthesizers
Special Synthesizers
- Nusofting Sinnah Complex (waveshaper)Sound Demo
Ok ok, you don’t want to spend money on commercial plugins, all these synthesizers are enough for you. Well, if you buy your next hardware from Thomann, you can support the Synth Anatomy website also! Big thanks in advance
String Machine Synthesizers
- 2getheraudio Cheeze Machine 2 (sound demo)