Free Vst Plugin 80s Synth On Midi
Dexed is an emulation of the classic FM synth: Yamaha DX7. From the Github page: “Dexed is a multi-platform, multi-format plugin synth that is closely modeled on the Yamaha DX7. Dexed is also a midi cartridge librarian/manager for the DX7. About software plugins. A plugin is a software synthesizer which can be accessed within a DAW. Usually the plugin is loaded on a MIDI track. Instrument plugins interface with your DAW through one of a handful of standards. Steinberg's VST is a standard supported by many DAWs. AudioUnit (AU) is widely supported on macOS. RTAS is used by ProTools. The FM sounds of the 80s. Dexed is a popular free synth VST that in no way looks like a free synth plugin. This Yamaha DX7 emulator comes with a UI that would look at home on most paid synths. Digital Suburban are the developers behind Dexed, and it’s come a long way since it’s debut appearance. Truth Synth v.1.03 -Synth Vst Plugin: Price: Free: Introducing the Freeware version of Bible Truth Lion.org's resident Synth. There's no fat on this baby. It's built to perform and is available as a VST Instrument or Stand Alone version. Fl studio free vst audio f. This is a handy tool for sound design or instrument mimicry. Changes in Truth Synth v1.03.
This is a list of software plugins that have full or partial support for microtonal tuning. Most are synth instruments, though some are MIDI tuners to be used with other instruments or effects to applied to audio tracks.
About software plugins
A plugin is a software synthesizer which can be accessed within a DAW. Usually the plugin is loaded on a MIDI track.
Instrument plugins interface with your DAW through one of a handful of standards. Steinberg's VST is a standard supported by many DAWs. AudioUnit (AU) is widely supported on macOS. RTAS is used by ProTools. LV2 is an open-source plugin format commonly supported on Linux. Put simply, you should check your DAW's user manual to see what kind of plugins you can run.
In some synths portamento/glide doesn't work properly when microtuned. Examples are Xfer Serum and LinPlug synths. There may be others, so it is recommended to test this function before making a purchase, if it is important for you.
The list
Free Vst Plugin 80s Synth On Midi Download
Further information about the list of microtonal software plugins is below the list.
Name | Description | OS | Plugin type | Tuning ability | Tuning method | Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
accSone crusher-X | Granular synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl or tun file import | €289 |
amsynth | Subtractive / virtual analog | Linux, macOS | VST, AU, LV2, DSSI | Full-keyboard microtuning (Linux version only) | scl/kbm file import | Free |
Applied Acoustics Chromaphone 2 | Physical modelled percussion | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX, RTAS | Partial Scala support (keyboard mappings are missing) | scl file import | $199 |
Applied Acoustics Lounge Lizard EP-4 | Physical modelled electric piano | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX, RTAS | Partial Scala support (keyboard mappings are missing) | scl file import | $199 |
Applied Acoustics String Studio VS-2 | Physical modelled strings | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX, RTAS | Partial Scala support (keyboard mappings are missing) | scl file import | $199 |
Applied Acoustics Ultra Analog VA-3 | Virtual analog | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX, RTAS | Partial Scala support (keyboard mappings are missing) | scl file import | $199 |
Arturia Pigments | Wavetable, granular, virtual analog, sampling | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX | Partial microtuning support (keyboard mappings are missing) | scl or tun file import | €199 |
Audio Damage Quanta | Granular synthesizer | Windows, macOS, iOS | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | $99 |
Big Tick Angelina | Vocal formant synthesizer | Windows | VST (32-bit) | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | Free |
Big Tick Rhino | Hybrid FM | Windows, macOS | VST, AU | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | $49.00 |
Cakewalk Dimension Pro | Combines real instruments with advanced synthesis | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl file import | Discontinued |
Cakewalk Rapture Pro | Multisample synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl file import | Discontinued |
Cakewalk Z3TA+2 | Waveshaping synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl file import | Discontinued |
Camel Audio Alchemy 1.x | Additive synthesizer/spectral sampler | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | Discontinued |
Camel Audio Alchemy 2 and above | Additive synthesizer/spectral sampler | Logic Pro X bundled plugin | N/A | Limited to 12 note scales, each note ±100 cents from 12-edo | Via Logic Pro settings | Now part of Apple Logic Pro X |
Celemony Melodyne | Polyphonic pitch editing and autotune | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX, RTAS, standalone | scl file import | €99-€699 | |
Dexed | FM synthesizer | Windows, macOS, Linux | VST, AU, LV2 | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl/kbm file import | Free |
EP-MK1 | VST, virtual Rhodes electric piano. | Windows, macOS, Linux | VST, AU | Limited to equal divisions of the octave or a non-octave interval | In tuning section, set number for '# of Divisions' and 'Interval to Divide.' Can actually work on non-integer decimal EDOs (!) | Free |
FB-3300 / FB-3200 / FB-3100 | Virtual analog synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU | Limited to 12 note scales, each note ±100 cents from 12-edo | User input, some presets | Free |
Fxpansion Cypher2 | Various synthesizer, MPE-optimised | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX, standalone | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | €179 (demo 30 min) |
Fxpansion Strobe2 | Various synthesizer, MPE-optimised | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX, standalone | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | €165 (demo 30 min) |
Galactix | VST, Additive synthesizer | Windows | VST | Full-keyboard microtuning | The built-in choice for the temperaments: Equal, Pythagorean, Just and Mean-tone 1/4 comma. Main note flexible tune (from A=440), Supports each oscillator tuning by 0.01% | Free / €19+ VAT |
Garritan Personal Orchestra 5 | Sample-based orchestra library | Windows/macOS, VST/other? | Full-keyboard microtuning (buggy with nonoctave scales) | scl/kbm file import | $149.95 | |
Humanoid Sound Systems Enzyme | Scanned synthesis | Windows, macOS | VST, AU | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | Discontinued |
Image-Line Harmor | Additive synthesizer | Windows | VST | Partial Scala support (keyboard mappings are missing) Each note is ± 6000 cents from 12edo | scl file import (doesn't adjust reference frequency properly) or user input, or from fnv preset files | €139 |
Image-Line Sytrus | Subtractive FM/RM synthesizer | Windows | VST | Each note is ± 4800 cents from 12edo | User input, or from fnv preset files | €169 |
Key Tuner JSFX Script | MIDI note retuning | Runs in ReaJS in Reaper | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl file import | Free | |
KORG Legacy Collection M1 | Retro Wavetable / Sampler | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, RTAS | Limited to 12 note scales, each note ±99 cents from 12-edo | User input, some presets | 99.99 USD (199.99 USD for 6 instrument Legacy Collection bundle) |
KORG Legacy Collection Mono/Poly | Virtual Analog Synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, RTAS | Limited to 12 note scales, each note ±99 cents from 12-edo | User input, some presets | 99.99 USD (199.99 USD for 6 instrument Legacy Collection bundle) |
kv331audio Synthmaster and Synthmaster One | Flexible semi-modular synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX | Partial Scala support (keyboard mappings are missing) | scl file import | $99 $79 |
LinPlug Alpha | Subtractive synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | Discontinued |
LinPlug CRX4 | Sample manipulation synth | Windows, macOS | VST, AU | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | Discontinued |
LinPlug MorphoX | Subtractive synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, RTAS (RTAS is macOS only) | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | Discontinued |
LinPlug Octopus | Modulation synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | Discontinued |
LinPlug Organ 3 | Organ emulation | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, RTAS (RTAS is macOS only) | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | Discontinued |
LinPlug SaxLab | Saxophone emulation | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, RTAS (RTAS is macOS only) | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | Discontinued |
LinPlug Spectral | Additive/subtractive synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | Discontinued |
Madrona Labs Aalto | Semi-modular synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl file import | $99 |
Madrona Labs Kaivo | Semi modular synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl file import | $129 |
Madrona Labs Virta | Sound-controlled synthesizer and effects | Windows, macOS | VST, AU | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl file import | $89 |
Mark Henning AnaMark | Virtual analog/modulation synthesizer | Windows | VST | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | Free |
MeldaProduction MPowerSynth | Versatile synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | €199 |
MSoundFactory | Semi Modular | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | €299 |
Microtonal Polyphonic Shiny Dirt | Based on circuit-bent analog synths | Windows | VST (32-bit) | Full-keyboard microtuning | .mts file import, 5000+ tuning files included, easy to add more | Free |
Microtonal Poly Worms | Virtual analog | Windows | VST (32-bit) | Full-keyboard microtuning | .mts file import, 5000+ tuning files included, easy to add more | Free |
Modartt Pianoteq | Physical-modeled piano | Windows, macOS, Linux | VST, AU, RTAS, standalone | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl/kbm file import | €249-€399 |
Native Instruments Absynth | Virtual modular subtractive synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX, RTAS, standalone | Full-keyboard microtuning | gly file import | $149 |
Native Instruments FM8 | FM synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX, RTAS | Limited to 12 note scales, each note ±50 cents from 12-edo | User input | $149 |
Native Instruments Kontakt 6 | Sampler | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX, RTAS, standalone | Full-keyboard microtuning | Kontakt script | $399 |
Native Instruments Reaktor 6 | Modular synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX, RTAS, standalone | Full-keyboard microtuning | macros, .txt file import | €199 |
Plogue chipsounds | Emulation of classic arcade/console sound chips | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX, RTAS | Full-keyboard microtuning (buggy with nonoctave scales) | scl/kbm file import | $95 |
Plogue chipsynth | Emulation of classic sound chips | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX, RTAS, standalone | Full-keyboard microtuning (to be confirmed: if this plugin uses the ARIA engine it is likely buggy with nonoctave scales) | scl/kbm file import | $49.95 |
Plogue Sforzando | Sampler, .sfz soundfont format | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX, RTAS | Limited to 12 note scales | scl/kbm file import | Free |
PolyGAS | Granular synthesis | Windows | VST | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl/tun file import | Free |
Imoxplus Respiro | Physical Modeling wind synthesizer | MacOS, Windows | AU, VST | built-in one-octave editor, also loads full-keyboard tuning maps | .tun file import | 165 € + VAT |
Retune for Live | Polyphonic MIDI retuning (pitch-bend based) | Windows, macOS | Max for Live device | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl file import, csv file import | Free |
Reveal Sound Spire | Subtractive synthesizer with flexible oscillators | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl file import with adjustable reference pitch | $189 + VAT |
rncbc padthv1 | Polyphonic synthesizer | Linux | LV2, standalone | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl/kbm file import | Free |
rncbc samplv1 | Sampler, .wav format | Linux | LV2, standalone | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl/kbm file import | Free |
rncbc synthv1 | Subtractive polyphonic | Linux | LV2, standalone | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl/kbm file import | Free |
Simple Microtonal Sampler 64-bit Windows | Sampler, .wav format | Windows | VST | Full-keyboard microtuning | .mts files (5378 included) | Free |
Simple Microtonal Synth (64-bit Windows) Simple Microtonal Synth (32-bit Windows) Simple Microtonal Synth (macOS version) | Virtual analog | Windows, macOS | VST | Full-keyboard microtuning | .mts files (5378 included) | Free |
Spectrasonics Keyscape | Piano rompler | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX, RTAS | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | €349 |
Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2 | Rompler/synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX, RTAS | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | $499, €399 |
Steinberg Halion 6 | Sampler / Synth | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX, standalone | Full-keyboard microtuning | Midi module with manual entry, presets and SCL file import. Also Lua script. | $349 |
Surge | Subtractive hybrid synth | Windows, macOS, Linux | VST, AU, LV2 | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl/kbm file import | Free |
SynthFontVSTi | Soundfont player (sf2, sfz, sfark, gig, dls, etc.) | Windows | VST | Limited to 12 note scales | Manual entry or choose from a list | Free |
TAL BassLine-101 | Virtual analog synthesizer | Windows, macOS, Linux | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | €55,80 |
TAL Mod | Virtual modular analog synthesizer | Windows, macOS, Linux | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | €68,34 |
TAL Sampler | Sampler/Synthesizer | Windows, macOS, Linux | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | $60 |
TAL U-NO-LX | Virtual analog synthesizer | Windows, macOS, Linux | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | €55,80 |
Tuning Workbench Synth | Realtime tuning synthesizer & scl/kbm exporter | Windows, macOS, Linux | VST3, AU, Standalone | Full-keyboard microtuning | Manual input, scl/kbm file import | Free |
u-he ACE | Virtual modular analog synthesizer | Windows, macOS, Linux | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | €69 |
u-he Bazille | Virtual modular synthesizer | Windows, macOS, Linux | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | $129 |
u-he Diva | Virtual analog synthesizer | Windows, macOS, Linux | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | $179 |
u-he Hive 2 | Wavetable synthesizer | Windows, macOS, Linux | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | €149 |
u-he Repro | Virtual analog synthesizer | Windows, macOS, Linux | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | €149 |
u-he Zebra 2 | Semi Modular | Windows, macOS, Linux | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | $199 |
UVI Falcon 2 | Hybrid synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl, kbm and tun file import | €349 |
VAZ Modular | Virtual modular synthesizer | Windows | VST, standalone | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | discontinued |
VAZ Plus | Virtual analog synthesizer | Windows | VST, standalone | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | discontinued |
Virtual CZ | Virtual emulation of classic digital synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | €70 |
Vital | Wavetable synthesizer | Windows, macOS, Linux | VST, standalone | Full-keyboard microtuning | scl, kbm and tun file import | Free (registration) $25, $80 for additional features |
Xen-Arts Ivor2 | Subtractive Synthesis | Windows | VST (32-bit) | Full-keyboard microtuning | MIDI Tuning Standard (MTS) | Free (discontinued) |
Xen-Arts Xen-FMTS 2 | FM synthesis | Windows | VST (32-bit) | Full-keyboard microtuning | MIDI Tuning Standard (MTS) | Free (discontinued) |
Xfer Serum | Wavetable synthesizer | Windows, macOS | VST, AU, AAX | Full-keyboard microtuning | tun file import | $189 |
Zyn-Fusion | Various synthesizer | Windows, macOS, Linux | VST, LV2, standalone | Full-keyboard microtuning | Direct input of values, or import scl/kbm file | Free (if installed via AUR or KxStudio repo or compiling from source) $55 for pre-compiled binary |
Notes about this list
'Full-keyboard microtuning' means that the plugin is capable of any arbitrary pitch, note or frequency on any given MIDI note. This is possible via .tun format, MIDI Tuning Standard, and .scl/.kbm pairs (but not .scl support on its own).
All synths in the list are assumed to be 64-bit by default or offer an option of 32- or 64-bit. Synths that are 32-bit only are marked with '(32-bit)'
To be added: all Homegrown Sounds synths, xen-arts
See Also
Free Vst Plugin 80s Synth On Midi Loops
It doesn't take more than a few scans on the radio dial to know that the synth and studio sounds of the '80s remain a dominant pastiche in the contemporary pop music landscape. While you'd need a studio's worth of outboard gear and racks of Junos and Prophets back then to achieve the sound, today's rich landscape of handy software plugins can get you most of the way there.
Take a look below at our picks for eight essential '80s-tastic plugins to get your DAW up to speed with that unmistakable sound that's at once wholly retro yet undeniably modern.
1. TAL UN-O-LX Synthesizer
If it's '80s synths you crave, you need a Juno somewhere in your setup and the UN-O-LX soft synth from TAL is about as faithful a recreation as you're going to find. This plugin nails the ubiquitous Juno 60 and offers up a masterful recreation of the classic Roland analog chorus for good measure. Its scalable interface and extensive MIDI mapping gives you modern flexibility with a totally vintage sound.
2. Valhalla DSP Vintageverb Reverb
Of course, you won't get very far on your throwback journey without some flexible Reverb options. Enter the Valhalla Vintageverb, which replicates the outboard studio Reverb of the '70s and '80s. This suite comes stocked with 15 algorithmic Reverbs including a classic Lexicon-style “Chamber” preset. What's really special about this plugin though is three coloring modes for '70s', '80s' and 'now,' which flavor your signal with the bandwidth, sample rate and modulation style of each era.
3. Cytomic The Glue Compressor
If you make music that requires real force behind the beat, you need some serious buss compression and The Glue from Cytomic delivers exactly that. This plugin offers SSL-style buss compression as heard on countless '80s hits. Its interface is easy to use, and its compression is ideal for “gluing” drum busses or entire mixes.
If you're an Ableton Live user, be sure to check out the built-in “Glue Compressor” which also is made by Cytomic.
4. Soundtoys Echoboy Delay
Once you've got your reverb, compression and a couple of soft synths nailed down, it's time to jump into the rich and rewarding world of '80s delay. The Echoboy Delay from Soundtoys is a great starting point that's easy to get into, but also includes powerful controls for deeper editing and delay customization. It faithfully emulates a wide range of classic delays from pristine digital to grungy tape and is the sort of plugin that's easy to lose hours to, especially once you discover Rhythm Echo mode.
5. u-he Diva Synthesizer
The Diva synth from u-he is essentially one vintage synth emulator to rule them all. Not only does this plugin accurately recreate the pantheon of classic synths, it actually lets you mix and match oscillators, filters and envelopes from different synths to frankenstein your way to a distinct sound that's totally retro yet entirely new. Unfortunately, Diva is a very CPU intensive, but recent updates have improved this a bit.
6. Arturia Spark Vintage Drum Machine
Now that you're deeper into the '80s milieu and actually want to start composing tracks in the spirit of 'Sussudio' and 'Planet Rock'—and who doesn't?—you're going to need some legitimate drum machines. With actual hardware 808s selling for upwards of $3,000, your best bet is a VST, and you can't go wrong with the Spark Vintage Drum Machine from Arturia. This package features virtual analog recreations of Roland’s TR-808, 909, 606, and others, with an extensive library of other classic samples. Its step sequencer interface is fast, fun, and easy to jump into and supports any hardware controller. Pro tip: try the DMX library for instant Prince beats.
7. Audio Damage Fluid
And of course, what stroll down '80s memory lane would be complete without a whopping helping of stereo chorus? Check out the Audio Damage Fluid for a straight-ahead chorus effect that avoids the over-processed sounds of so many onboard DAW choruses. Unlike some of the heavier hitting plugins on this list, Fluid's low CPU usage means you can put it on everything and really channel your inner Robert Smith.
8. Native Instruments FM8 Synthesizer
With some of the above mentioned soft synths, you’ve got your analog emulation covered and then some. But if you're looking to embrace FM synths sounds, you should consider the FM8 from Native Instruments. This suite recreates classic '80s basses, bells, pianos and, of course, FM synths like the Yamaha DX7; it even supports DX7 patch import. Its graphical interface also makes FM synthesis slightly easier to control than the original hardware units.
Well, there you have it. Your ticket to '80s sonic paradise by way of eight readily available plugins. Now you just need some hairspray, a couple of home-recorded best of MTV VHSes and a fresh pop hook or two.
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