Synth for learning how to use a Synthesizer

[dumbledog]

Echoing Syntorial, it's frickin' great.

[Examigan]

To get basic sounds quickly, I like using Saurus. Even though it doesn’t have a million settings, it can sound great.

[Nug Wrangler]

TAL Noisemaker
https://tal-software.com/products/tal-noisemaker

[BONES]

An additional good start for modular construction, where you can focus on what each classic synth element is capable of, would be Cherry Audio's "Voltage Modular" synthesizer.

That's a stupid idea, how is someone with no knowledge supposed to understand how to connect the modules?

Someone already mentioned Invader 2 and that's what I'd recommend, too. It has a logical, single-page layout that is easy to understand and work with. It's also pay what you want, so if you skip one coffee from a cafe, you can afford it. Think of it as an investment in your musical future.



But if you really don't want another plugin, Super 8 will probably work just as well.

[AaronPh]

Maybe im wrong but learn with hardware was the best choice ive made to learn that (i started with minifreak)

[joshuaveldman]

As mentioned in the quote below, I would highly recommend E-Phonic Invader. Great sounds, easy to program, and a good introduction into the Prophet type subtractive synth. Also another one that is free is GR-8 or something like that but for me the Invader 2 is much better sounding.

Yeah, a simple subtractive one might be the best e.g. Moog or even Korg.

Another good easy software synth would be the 'most slept on' Invader 2.

https://www.e-phonic.com/invader.html

[Krakatau]

the very first synth I've been learning with was the AKS synth hardware in 1972, so the current clones from Xils-Lab or Arturia my be a good approach, starting from scratch by learning to connect modules to create a synth sound

[3lu5iv3]

People already said Vital so Surge XT.

Definitely no. Even just opening that UI (SurgeXT) makes me cringe. Can't imagine trying to learn using it. Vital is far, far, far better for that purpose.

Yeah i agree default UI sucks that's why i use a pretty looking skin. U can download it from their website

[Saffran]

Maybe Odin 2 ?

[jupiter8]

I'm going to be the odd man out and recommend a hardware synthesizer. Get a secondhand Behringer mono. They go for the price of a decent plugin. The setup is a tad more complicated than just using a plugin but the immedacy of hardware can't be beat imo. You'll learn way quicker, at least i did.

[dblock]

Syntorial is excellent!

[martiu]

Charlatan v2

[yzcoruhT]

TAL Noisemaker
https://tal-software.com/products/tal-noisemaker

In my opinion the best synth for learning. Easy to use, you can see everything in one panel, low on CPU, free and sounds great!

[Nug Wrangler]

TAL Noisemaker
https://tal-software.com/products/tal-noisemaker

In my opinion the best synth for learning. Easy to use, you can see everything in one panel, low on CPU, free and sounds great!

[barant_the_jammer]

I know you said you don't want another plugin but Modular1 is excellent for patching modules and experimenting with the function is a good place to start. I developed this specifically for learning modular approaches.
https://barant.com/modular1