Synthmania – 5 must have softsynths!

Posted on 02. Jul, 2011 by Luke Bond in Cool Reads

Software based instruments are getting more and more popular by the day and are frequently being used by some of the worlds most established producers. In this modern day and age where computers are getting more powerful, running your studio entirely off software is very common amongst producers.

Here are 5 of the best software synthesizers which produce warm, clean and powerful sounds. (Note: These are in no apparent order)

1. Gladiator

Gladiator 2 AU/VST

Developed by Tone2, Gladiator is a fantastic synth with lots of fantastic features including a unique feature described by Tone2 as Harmonic Content Morphing (HCM) which basically is a huge range of different waveforms generated from lots of sounds including organs, pianos and trumpets. It has a very warm and analogue sound to it and would certainly use it in some of my upcoming productions. There is also a bunch of factory presets made especially for this synth by Vengeance which comes preloaded with it.

Preview

(Sample sounds from Vengeance Factory Presets)

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Version: 2
Compatibility: Mac (VST & AU) & Windows (VST)
Website: http://www.tone2.com

2. Sylenth1

Sylenth1 VST/AU

Sylenth1 is a fantastic little synth but packs a ton of power behind it. Also available as an Audio Unit for Logic users, Sylenth1 is a fantastic synth at a great price too. It’s definitely worth a purchase with its capabilities of creating lots of creative and powerful sounds that span across lots of different musical genres.

Preview

(Sample sounds from Adam Van Baker Vol 2 Bank)

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Version: 2
Compatibility: Mac (VST & AU) & Windows (VST)
Website: http://www.lennardigital.com/modules/sylenth1/

3. Zebra

Zebra 2.5 VST/AU

Zebra2 is a great synth I use from to time to time. If you want to learn how to make your own sounds I highly recommend this synth due to its clean and straight forward user interface which is a breeze to work with. This synth has all the features you would expect in a synth but with lots of power! This is a personal favorite.

Preview

(Sample sounds from Adam Van Baker Bank)

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Version: 2
Compatibility: Mac (VST & AU) & Windows (VST)
Website: http://www.u-he.com/zebra

4. Z3ta+

z3ta+ VST

This badboy has been lurking around for a few years now and is still one of the most highly regarded softsynths out there! Z3ta can be described in one word…beast! It’s a waveshaping synth and is probably the most beefy synths out of the bunch, that’s if you want to get those fat saw tooths layered up! The only downside is that the GUI is a little outdated and it’s not mac compatible but still a great synth nonetheless! Windows users, give it a try!

Preview

(Sample sounds from Adam Van Baker Bank)

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Version: 1.5
Compatibility: Windows Only (VST & DXI)
Website: http://www.cakewalk.com/products/Z3TA/

5. V-station

V-Station AU/VST

V-station is a fantastic little synth that I’ve always enjoyed playing around with. It’s simple, straight forward and sleek. This synth with never fail when you want to create that standout killer sound!

Preview

(Sample sounds from Adam Van Baker Bank)

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Version: 1.5
Compatibility: Mac (VST & AU) & Windows (VST)
Website: http://www.cakewalk.com/products/Z3TA/

There we go!

In conclusion that’s 5 synths I strongly recommend purchasing! I also highly reccomend purchasing the adam van baker banks for them which are demonstrated in the audio previews.  Visit http://www.adamszabo.com/

Tags: AU, best, gladiator, presets, software, Soundbank, sylenth1, top synths, v-station, VST, z3ta+