Ten of the Best Software Synthesizers in 2023
by The Press Desk
Arturia V Collection 11
Recently released Arturia’s _V Collection 9 has it all, from vintage semi-modular gold like the Korg MS-20 to modern hybrid tools only existing in the digital realm such as the company’s Augmented instruments series (Augmented Strings and Augmented Voices). V Collection 9 includes 14 virtual instrument reproductions of classic analog synthesizers, 7 digital synths and samplers; 4 keyboards and organs; 5 acoustic and electric pianos as well as 2 of their aforementioned augmented series instruments. All of it can be launched and have its parameters tweaked through Arturia’s included proprietary software the Analog Lab V designed to provide users hassle-free all-in-one control with dedicated FX section, seamless integration with MIDI controllers and combo sound capability.
Native Instruments MASSIVE X
It was quite a wait, but the long-anticipated update for Native Instrument’s best-selling synthesizer Massive has finally arrived - and it’s no small update. Massive X takes it up several notches to deliver a cutting-edge synth that surpasses the original version and in the process has become an even a bigger hit. Now equipped with more oscillator options than ever, Massive X also revamps its routing system and gives users the freedom to seamlessly patch at any point of the synth's audio/processing path which will enable myriads of modulation possibilities and certainly make both newcomers and old-timers smile.
VCV Rack 2
VCV Rack 2 is the closest a virtual instrument will get to a proper Modular Eurorack Synthesizer with 30+ built-in modules with all the tools needed in order to get started plus more than 170 official modules from Eurorack manufacturers and 2000+ modules available to buy and/or downloading free in their VCV Library website and you can even design your own module as its an open source software. VCV Rack is designed for MAC, Windows and Linux and is distributed as Free and PRO versions. VCV Rack 2 Pro can be used in VST2, VST3, AU and CLAP formats while the free version is standalone only.
Reveal Sound Spire
Up-and-coming developers Reveal Software made quite a splash with Spire, their debut virtual synthesizer that displays quite a robust feature set and has quickly found its way into many of our members’ plug-in folders. At its core lies a set of four 'polymorphing' oscillators that can produce nearly any sound, combining analog and digital techniques in a soft synth that delivers on both the versatility and sound quality fronts. Don't let the lack of name recognition put you off - these guys could very well be the next big thing.
Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2.8
Spectrasonics Omnisphere is far more than a mere virtual instrument, it’s a sound-making powerhouse and offers one of the biggest synthesizer catalogues in software form supported by up to 62 different hardware synthesizer models - that makes it a preferred choice for those looking for a "one synth to rule them all" solution. A standalone 'dream keyboard rig' virtual instrument which can also fully integrate into Omnisphere to give you near limitless sound design possibilities now with an enhanced arpeggiator featuring new humanity control, chord voicings, pitch slides, step dividers and the ability to capture MIDI files.
Synapse Audio Dune 3
Synapse Audio Dune arrives at its third iteration with more features and a patch library that seems to never cease expansion, now delivering over a thousand onboard presets. Dune now has two multimode filters, new effects and more modulators, which alongside the updated oscillators will make for a mature software synthesizer that can excel at subtractive, FM and wavetable synthesis. A very versatile choice.
U-He Diva 2
U-He’s creations are second to none when it comes to software synths, with products like Zebra and Bazille captivating the GS membership with deep feature sets and top-quality sonics. Diva is perhaps their biggest hit to date, merging the most interesting bits and pieces from classic synthesizers into a superbly-coded virtual instrument that gets as close as possible to the analog pieces that inspire it without the accompanying electricity and maintenance bill. On top of that U-He went beyond what vintage units can offer and added more tuning options, a couple of onboard effects and modulation processors to round out the package. The end result is just another classic from Urs & co!
Roland Cloud
Roland Cloud is Roland’s virtual instrument subscription plan with four different variations Free, Core, Pro and Ultimate so I suggest you visit their website in order to choose which one suits best your workflow. That said, the platform offers over 50 proprietary virtual instruments with some of Roland’s legendary hardware gear emulations. A variety of JUNO and Jupiter models can be found as well as iconic drum machines such as the TR-808 and TR-909. You may also want to check Roland’s SRX virtual rack synths, sample packs, patches, patterns and effects or share sounds across software and hardware by making use of Roland’s Zen-Core Synthesis System.
Vengeance Sound VPS Avenger
A true soft synth behemoth, Vengeance Sound’s VPS Avenger boasts no less than eight OSCs with a whole bunch of sound shaping options, effects and modulation options to open up a huge world of sonic possibilities. Vengeance has been known for their success amongst electronic music producers, with their plug-ins getting heaps of praise from those crowds, but the Avenger packs so many features and produces such a vast array of sounds that it reaches a far wider audience these days.
Xfer Records Serum 2
One of the GS community's favourite virtual instruments and a superstar when it comes to wavetable synthesis-in-software form, the Xfer Serum is another good example of a soft synth that started out as a cult instrument amongst the electronic music niches but ended up reaching a much bigger crowd once the secret got out to establish itself as one of the top contenders in this game.
We hope these instruments provide everyone with loads of inspiration and may many great songs come out of their virtual line-outs. There are many other awesome soft synths out there that our GS membership love, so honourable mentions go to Lennar Digital Sylenth1, IK Multimedia Synthronik and UVI Falcon. Please drop a comment below and share your favourites with us.
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