Software synthesizers are virtual instruments that use digital signal processing to create and manipulate sounds. They offer many advantages over hardware synths, such as:
- Lower cost
- Greater flexibility
- Easier integration
- Unlimited polyphony
Software synths can emulate classic analog and digital synths, as well as create new and original sounds. In this article, we will review some of the best software synths that were released or updated in 2023. We will compare them based on their:
- Features
- Sound quality
- User interface
- Price
We will also provide some examples of how they can be used in different genres and styles of music. Let’s get started!
Arturia Pigments
Arturia Pigments is a powerful and versatile software synth that combines wavetable, virtual analog, granular, and sampling engines. It also features a comprehensive modulation system, a dual filter section, an advanced arpeggiator, and a built-in effects rack. Pigments allow you to create complex and expressive sounds with ease and fun.
Pigments are suitable for any kind of music, from ambient and cinematic to EDM and pop. It can produce rich pads, punchy basses, crisp leads, and organic textures. Pigments also comes with over 1,000 presets, designed by professional sound designers and artists.
Pigments is available for €199 at Arturia’s website.
Surge XT
Surge XT is a free and open-source software synth that offers a huge sonic palette and a flexible workflow. It features eight oscillators, each with a choice of 14 algorithms, including classic waveforms, FM, wavetable, noise, and more. It also has a dual filter section, a 12-slot modulation matrix, a 16-step sequencer, and a variety of effects.
Surge XT is ideal for creating dynamic and evolving sounds, such as atmospheric pads, rhythmic sequences, and glitchy noises. It can also handle classic synth sounds, such as warm analog basses, bright digital leads, and fat supersaws. Surge XT has over 2,000 presets, covering a wide range of genres and moods.
Surge XT is available for free on Surge’s website.
Roland Cloud Juno-106
Roland Cloud Juno-106 is a faithful emulation of the legendary analog synth from the 1980s. It recreates the warm and lush sound of the original, with its distinctive chorus effect, smooth filter, and simple interface. It also adds some modern enhancements, such as polyphonic aftertouch, MPE support, and a resizable GUI.
Roland Cloud Juno-106 is perfect for making retro and nostalgic music, such as synth-wave, vaporwave, and lo-fi. It can also add some analog warmth and character to any modern production. It can produce classic sounds, such as smooth pads, funky basses, and catchy leads. Roland Cloud Juno-106 has over 300 presets, inspired by the original factory and user patches.
Roland Cloud Juno-106 is available for $2.99/month or $19.99/year at Roland Cloud’s website.
Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2
Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2 is a massive and versatile software synth that combines synthesis and sampling. It has over 14,000 sounds, ranging from realistic acoustic instruments to futuristic electronic sounds. It also has a powerful synthesis engine, with over 500 DSP waveforms, 58 filter types, 34 effects, and a granular synthesis mode. Omnisphere 2 also supports importing your audio files and using them as sound sources.
Omnisphere 2 is a synth that can do almost anything, from cinematic and orchestral to ambient and experimental. It can produce epic pads, organic textures, expressive leads, and deep basses. Omnisphere 2 also has a huge library of presets, created by renowned sound designers and artists.
Omnisphere 2 is available for $499 at Spectrasonics’ website.
u-he Diva
u-he Diva is a software synth that emulates various vintage analog synths, such as the Minimoog, the Jupiter-8, the MS-20, and more. It lets you mix and match different oscillators, filters, envelopes, and modulators, to create your custom synth. It also has a high-quality sound engine, with realistic analog behavior and a warm and rich tone.
u-he Diva is great for making music that requires an authentic and vintage sound, such as synth-pop, funk, and disco. It can also add some analog flavor and charm to any modern genre. It can produce classic sounds, such as fat basses, bright leads, and smooth pads. u-he Diva has over 1,200 presets, covering various styles and eras.
u-he Diva is available for €179 at u-he’s website.
Xfer Records Serum
Xfer Records Serum is a software synth that specializes in wavetable synthesis. It allows you to create and edit your wavetables, using a variety of tools and methods. It also has a flexible modulation system, a dual filter section, a built-in wavetable editor, and a comprehensive effects rack. Serum is known for its crystal-clear and high-resolution sound quality.
Serum is a popular choice for many electronic music producers, especially in genres such as dubstep, trap, and house. It can produce aggressive basses, metallic leads, and complex pads. Serum also has a large and active community of users, who share and sell their own presets and wavetables.
The serum is available for $189 at [Xfer Records’ website].
Native Instruments Kontakt 7
Native Instruments Kontakt 7 is a software synth that is also a powerful sampler and a vast sound library. It allows you to play and manipulate a wide range of sampled instruments, from orchestral strings and brass to ethnic percussion and vocals. It also has a deep scripting engine, a flexible modulation system, and a rich effects section. Kontakt 7 is the ultimate tool for creating realistic and expressive sounds.
Kontakt 7 is suitable for any kind of music that requires acoustic or hybrid sounds, such as film scoring, pop, and world music. It can produce stunning pianos, guitars, drums, and choirs. Kontakt 7 also comes with over 600 GB of sounds, including the acclaimed Symphony Series and the innovative Straylight.
Kontakt 7 is available for $399 at Native Instruments’ website.
Conclusion
Software synths are an essential tool for any music producer, composer, or sound designer. They offer a wide range of sounds, features, and possibilities, that can enhance any musical project. In this article, we have reviewed some of the best software synths that were released or updated in 2023. We hope that this article has helped you find the best software synth for your needs and preferences. Happy synthesizing!
