Synth VSTs are one of the most exciting things about being a producer today.
Powerful synthesis tools that used to cost thousands are now available in your DAW anytime, anywhere.
And the best part? Many of them are available as completely free plugins.
Software synthesizer plugins are great for everything from ambient pads to massive sub bass.
T-Force Alpha, TAL Noisemaker, Dexed, and Synth1 are standard tools in my arsenal. EDIT: just editing to add why, for others: T-Force Alpha is the go-to synth if you want to make those sweeping arps and pads characteristic of Euro-trance. News Gear Vital is a new free wavetable synth with unique spectral warping Created by Matt Tytel, the developer of semi-modular synth Helm. After a year or so of sharing the journey of development, Matt Tytel has released his spectral warping wavetable synth, Vital.
In this article I’ll break down the top 8 free synth VSTs for producing music in your DAW.
Let’s get started.
1. Digital Suburban Dexed
Dexed is a freeware FM synthesizer based on the legendary Yamaha DX7. It puts all the classic sounds and functions of the original synth in a modern package.
But Dexed makes classic 6 operator FM synthesis much easier to understand and program than it ever was with hardware.
This great free synth VST is perfect for percussive sounds like tines and mallets as well as icy pads or aggressive distorted basses.
2. Matt Tytel Helm
Synthesis is hard to understand even when you have real hardware synthesizer in front of you. It can be even more difficult when you’re working with an abstract software plugin.
That’s why Matt Tytel’s Helm is such a great synth VST.
Helm is a great sounding, two oscillator subtractive synth that’s dead easy for beginners to use.
It’s well laid out with a logical interface and helpful graphics that let you understand every aspect of basic subtractive synthesis.
Helm is perfect If you’re just getting started and need an easy synth to learn on.
3. u-He Tyrell N6
u-He Tyrell N6 is a stylish synth with bold analog sound and simple workflow.
It features a great preset library and modulation matrix as well as handy extras like unison mode, loopable envelopes and built in overdrive.
Overall, Tyrell N6 is a quality freeware synth that any producer can use to make great sounds.
4. DiscoDSP OB-Xd
Speaking of analog sound, DiscoDSP’s OB-Xd models one of the most sought-after instruments in analog synth history—the Oberheim OB-X.
This completely free plugin gives you access to the lush sound of the OB-X in your DAW.
From enveloping analog pads to deep basses and searing leads, the OB-Xd is an inspiring free synth to add to your plugin folder.
5. TAL Noisemaker
TAL’s excellent Noisemaker synth proves that VSTs don’t need to be complicated to work well in a track.
TAL’s excellent Noisemaker synth proves that VSTs don’t need to be complicated to work well in a track.
This straightforward synth has a powerful sound and compact, lightweight interface.
It contains a unique visual envelope editor and handy onboard effects including bitcrusher and TAL’s emulation of the Juno 60/106 chorus effect.
6. Vember Audio Surge
Vember Audio Surge is probably the most powerful free VST synth on this list.
Surge is open source which means you’re free to download the code and do whatever you want with it.
It’s fantastic sounding digital synth that can cover all kinds of different sonic territory.
Its highly flexible architecture includes wavetable oscillators, two filters with eight different modes each and routing options for frequency modulation.
If you’re looking to get lost in the possibilities of sound design, Surge is the best way to do it for free.
7. VCV Rack
This next one is a little different, but it’s so exciting that it had to make it to this list.
VCV Rack is a standalone synth program that models nearly every module available for the Eurorack format.
That’s right—those enormous racks of modular gear that creative producers spend thousands of dollars collecting.
VCV Rack lets you create your own dream modular rig right on your desktop. You can even create patches authentically with virtual cables to get the real modular experience.
Integrating it with your DAW is a bit trickier—but using the plugin in standalone mode is just as fun for creating inspiring patches.
Every musician should try using VCV Rack to see what modular is all about.
Every musician should try using VCV Rack to see what modular is all about.
8. ML PG8X
The 80s are a popular decade for free synth plugin builders. This retro-leaning synth from developer Martin Lüders models the classic Roland JX-8p.
The JX-8p polysynth was one of the most popular keyboards of the time for a reason. It’s classic presets made it onto hundreds of recordings from the golden age of synth pop.
The ML PG-8X plugin version gives you all the vintage mojo of the original for free. It’s a nice analog-style polysynth with a unique retro character.
Pair it up with Dexed for authentic 80s stacked synth textures!
Free to play
You don’t need tons of expensive gear to make a great track. Free synth plugins prove that there’s plenty of capable tools out there to make music that sounds good on a shoestring budget.
Whether you’re looking for classic vintage tones, deep sound design tools or you just want to choose a good synth to get started, there’s a VST on this list to inspire you.
Now that you have some great new synths in your plugin folder, get back to your DAW and keep creating.
A collection of signature synth lead sounds from Harmless and Sytrus for use in FL Studio Mobile.Product page here: www.image-line.com/content/Synth+Lead+Mobile/
- Genre
- FL Studio Mobile
Comment by newbiebasic prod.
yeah this is lit
Comment by Jesse M. Allison
Wheres the hardcore🤔👎
Comment by Lil Gibby Beats
CHECK OUT MY BEATS
Comment by DJ KRIZSS
Im should buy this instrument pack
Comment by Are Jack Vienna (Vampire)
@user-275147514 lmao
Comment by NightLife/Dj.Haiti/305
NICE
Comment by BENGALA
Lol
Comment by Ryan Sutherland
oops
Comment by BABYICES
ouch
Comment by Vitaliy Novos
Synthesizer Fl Studio
ghvgh
Comment by Vitaliy Novos
cool
Comment by Perfect Music
nice
Comment by skillzlogik
UR ALL LITTLE KIDS HAHAHA! WACK! WACK??!! Bet thats a word you all ate familiar with. Money Investor heres how you give critisisim AS AN ADULT! People who invest money dont feel a need to fub it in the face of those who cant!
Comment by skillzlogik
Oh yeah in my shitty opinion is this sounds amazing! Quality sounds clean clean clean! 
Comment by skillzlogik
I think, comment pages are confused with opinion pages! Nobody in this whole app cares what your opinion is! So at least when you have one back it up with some advice... even if it is ignorant and useless!
Comment by skillzlogik
There is a difference between between constructive criticism and just being a dick! I don’t know if you’re dumb or not like the other guy said but you’re extremely unproductive and inefficient! I mean what a waste of YOUR TIME.
Comment by Tyrese
Good sounds
Comment by ChanMatsu
okey i will buy this
Comment by ssj5shadow
any of you dissing this are dumb... this is a sound showcasing lol
Comment by Luis Ramos
Chingona
Comment by 1up
Anyone know whwre i can get some dope sound fr FL mobile?
Comment by Michael A.s
I am waiting for kicks
Comment by Zet7
I'am waiting for drums...
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This sounds waxk af
Fl Studio Synth Kit
Comment by F∆NOFJC👿
....
Comment by 선우종현
em..not bad
Comment by yaswanth
This sounds like Deadmau5