What’s the top of the line in software synths, for the ability to modulate just about everything with just about everything, in just about every way? Or as close as you can get to this enlightened state, anyway.
Not counting full fat Eurorack-alikes and anything similar enough it might as well be that (VCV, Cardinal, etc.)
Preferably with an extensive matrix.
Modulation monsters?
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Korg Supporter Korg Supporter https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=386399
- KVRAF
- 1927 posts since 4 Oct, 2016
Ace and Bazille sound good on paper, but I still have trouble liking their sound. Maybe Bazille is supposed to be as unshamedly digital as the Dx7, but compared to ACE, TAL-MOD sounds more organic.
TAL-MOD is a personal favorite of mine because it is basically an imaginary Roland synth (OTA filters, anyone?) with cool audio-rate modulation, superwaves, a dual-filter system, flexible modulation routings, and decent FX. My only gripe with it is that the oscillator sync with the square wave doesn't sweep smoothly. Once the JUCE framework allows for CLAP plugins to have polyphonic modulators, TAL-MOD will be even better! And it's cheap on Black Friday, especially with a loyalty discount (I got it for $23)!
For flagship synths, Icarus and Hive are the ones I use the most often. Icarus sounds like what a modern Ensoniq synth would be (plus you can change LFO waveforms!), and Hive has a neutral yet cool character similar to a Novation synth (Peak, Supernova). Hive also has function generators and sequencer modulators, which aren't common in many synths. And oh, you can modulate wavetables via two axes in Hive!!
When PPG WaveGenerator came out in 2012, it was ahead of its time for having 4 variable waveshape LFOs and a whopping 13 envelopes. All of the envelopes were velocity sensitive and curveable, and all of them except for the amp env were loopable!
I'm considering Multi/Poly and UVI Falcon later this year, but I'm happy with what I have.
TAL-MOD is a personal favorite of mine because it is basically an imaginary Roland synth (OTA filters, anyone?) with cool audio-rate modulation, superwaves, a dual-filter system, flexible modulation routings, and decent FX. My only gripe with it is that the oscillator sync with the square wave doesn't sweep smoothly. Once the JUCE framework allows for CLAP plugins to have polyphonic modulators, TAL-MOD will be even better! And it's cheap on Black Friday, especially with a loyalty discount (I got it for $23)!
For flagship synths, Icarus and Hive are the ones I use the most often. Icarus sounds like what a modern Ensoniq synth would be (plus you can change LFO waveforms!), and Hive has a neutral yet cool character similar to a Novation synth (Peak, Supernova). Hive also has function generators and sequencer modulators, which aren't common in many synths. And oh, you can modulate wavetables via two axes in Hive!!
When PPG WaveGenerator came out in 2012, it was ahead of its time for having 4 variable waveshape LFOs and a whopping 13 envelopes. All of the envelopes were velocity sensitive and curveable, and all of them except for the amp env were loopable!
I'm considering Multi/Poly and UVI Falcon later this year, but I'm happy with what I have.
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- KVRAF
- 7425 posts since 19 Apr, 2002 from Utah
I don't know if you would consider this sufficient enough or not, but Zebra 3 is certainly a top of the line semi-modular.
Vendor‑Dependent Copy Protection: Customers lose. Pirates win.
(Also: I'm Accused of lying about Linux—it boots, runs my pro audio workflow, stays stable, updates--though yearly dismissed as “niche”. Yet I'm the deluded one.)
(Also: I'm Accused of lying about Linux—it boots, runs my pro audio workflow, stays stable, updates--though yearly dismissed as “niche”. Yet I'm the deluded one.)
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Korg Supporter Korg Supporter https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=386399
- KVRAF
- 1927 posts since 4 Oct, 2016
Sometimes, modulation and sound design can be major distractions from making music. The Prophet 5 is an example of a synth that sounds so smooth, dynamic, and musical that it doesn't need much modulation.jamcat wrote: Thu Apr 09, 2026 11:02 pm Why does anyone need that much modulation? Work on your melodies instead.
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- KVRAF
- 2069 posts since 8 Feb, 2013 from Switzerland
kvotchin wrote: Thu Apr 09, 2026 10:43 pm Not counting full fat Eurorack-alikes and anything similar enough it might as well be that (VCV, Cardinal, etc.)
... then I think Phase Plant by Kilohearts is one or even the strongest contender.
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vitocorleone123 vitocorleone123 https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=333504
- KVRAF
- 2507 posts since 30 Jun, 2014 from Pacific NW
Twin3 is on the list but probably not the top.
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- KVRist
- 126 posts since 9 Jun, 2024
Zebra 3 doesn’t really let you modulate anything into anything though, audio rate modulation is pretty limited and you can’t use the generators as modulation sources freely.audiojunkie wrote: Thu Apr 09, 2026 10:58 pm I don't know if you would consider this sufficient enough or not, but Zebra 3 is certainly a top of the line semi-modular.
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- Banned
- 427 posts since 10 Mar, 2026
Indeed Bitwig is a modulation monster. I remember seeing a Polarity video and it demonstrated the power of modulation with the grid.
Beware of the gatekeepers and attack dogs and stay safe.
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- KVRAF
- 2301 posts since 23 May, 2012 from London
Why do you always have to be so negative?! Work on your manners/outlook on lifejamcat wrote: Thu Apr 09, 2026 11:02 pm Why does anyone need that much modulation? Work on your melodies instead.
Always Read the Manual!
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- KVRAF
- 2301 posts since 23 May, 2012 from London
You can't chain modulation together though, i.e. modulation of modulators, which is something you still can't do in other flagship synths e.g. Serum (come on Steve only one via per assignment!loctune wrote: Fri Apr 10, 2026 8:00 amZebra 3 doesn’t really let you modulate anything into anything though, audio rate modulation is pretty limited and you can’t use the generators as modulation sources freely.audiojunkie wrote: Thu Apr 09, 2026 10:58 pm I don't know if you would consider this sufficient enough or not, but Zebra 3 is certainly a top of the line semi-modular.
) and you have the math modules which allow you to derive more complex modulation from one or more simple or complex source and it has morphable MSEGs. Plenty of modulation capability on tap, it just doesn't follow the "more is better paradigm" that most synths do, for better or worse depending on your needs/tastes 
Always Read the Manual!