KVR Audio

zzz00m · Post by **zzz00m** » Fri May 25, 2018 5:02 pm

Since you have already explored many of the good free synths, you may want to take a deeper look at them, as several could probably do what you need, particularly OB-Xd and Tyrell. But if you are not fond of the Oberheim or Roland sound, perhaps that is why you are still looking.

Synth1 is free, and there are 16,000+ of free patches for it. Definitely worth a look! It can make some really good analog sounds. Synth1 librarian is also now available from Neutrino Sky, and it allows you to intelligently organize, search, and scan your Synth1 zipbank folders for any sound you are looking for from among the thousands you may have downloaded. https://neutrinosky.com/

The really cheap ($1) or free magware versions of AIR synths like Hybrid 3 and Vacuum Pro are very capable, and worthwhile to check out.

But if really for the $50-100 range, bang for the buck low price synth, I would have to say Synthmaster One or SynthMaster 2. They now have ZDF filters, so are really capable of high quality VA sounds. They share technology under the hood, but SM One was created to have a one layer synth that has an easier to program workflow. SM 2 has two layers, and is a bit deeper to program. I have both, and think that you really don't have to look much further to get any sound that you need.

But for the absolute best VA sound, and certainly not the lowest price, I would have to say u-he Diva and Repro would check all the boxes. These are on my wish list, but I have my hands full with many of the other synths described, as well as the full Syntronik. So I will probably have to wait!

SMH · Post by **SMH** » Wed May 30, 2018 1:56 pm

philsynth wrote:Is FM8 supposed to be an accurate dx7 emulation?

I think it's close but a bit different. (also has some features original didn't have) If you want a really faithful DX-7 emulation try Dexed. Price is right too! https://asb2m10.github.io/dexed/

SMH · Post by **SMH** » Fri Jun 22, 2018 7:23 pm

SMH wrote:
fluffy_little_something wrote:
thecontrolcentre wrote:Poly-Ana is up there with the best sounding VA's imho, and its on sale ...

http://www.admiralquality.com
Is it ever not on sale?

Admiral's facebook says sale ends 31st of May https://www.facebook.com/AdmiralQuality/

Looks like everything is half price at AQ this weekend with cupon code from here- https://www.gearslutz.com/board/showpos ... stcount=91

atya · Post by **atya** » Sat Jun 23, 2018 7:22 am

zzz00m wrote: Synth1 is free, and there are 16,000+ of free patches for it. Definitely worth a look! It can make some really good analog sounds. Synth1 librarian is also now available from Neutrino Sky, and it allows you to intelligently organize, search, and scan your Synth1 zipbank folders for any sound you are looking for from among the thousands you may have downloaded. https://neutrinosky.com/
...
The really cheap ($1) or free magware versions of AIR synths like Hybrid 3 and Vacuum Pro are very capable, and worthwhile to check out.
...
But if really for the $50-100 range, bang for the buck low price synth, I would have to say Synthmaster One or SynthMaster 2. They now have ZDF filters, so are really capable of high quality VA sounds.

Couldn't agree more, not only on the latter two.
One of my favorite VA synths I haven't seen mentioned so far is AAS Ultra Analog VA-2. It wouldn't be my first pick for lush silky pads or fat basses but at the end of the day this puppy has tons of analogue character and I still use it more than most of my other synths.