THE 10 BEST SOFTWARE SYNTHS…AND HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THEM

From semi-modular behemoths to authentic virtual analogue, via shifting wavetables, sampled soundscapes, modulated effects stacks and beyond – join us as we celebrate the best synthesis tools the software realm has

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Music production’s shift into the software realm over the past few decades has done a lot to democratise electronic music. Back in the ’70s or ’80s, if you wanted to be at the cutting edge of sound design or synthesis technology, you’d need access to a large studio and some deep pockets. Instruments such as Moog’s early modular systems, Fairlight’s cutting edge CMI workstations or the early wavetable synthesis of the PPG Wave each allowed musicians to explore completely new territory, but came with the kind of price tags you’d expect to see on a car or even a house.

While it’s not like there isn’t still innovation happening in the realm of top-end hardware synths, it's certainly true that these days, the most innovative and feature-packed new instruments tend to arrive in plugin format. Modern ‘power synths’ tend to be do-it-all affairs too; stuffed with so many sound sources, effects, and modulation tools that they can do percussion synthesis, analog emulation, digital soundscapes, and everything in between. Realistically, in 2020, with a moderately powerful laptop and around £200 to spend on a plugin, you can have all the tools you could possibly need to create some cutting-edge electronic sounds.