Carbon Electra

If you’re just getting into music production, then you’re probably already looking for a virtual synthesizer to help you compose. Now, synths are complex instruments that come with loads of adjustable parameters and presets that you can use to create a wide variety of sounds, so it’s never an easy choice.

Obviously, you shouldn’t pick a plugin with a high learning curve, and you should also pay attention to the method of synthesis that it uses. For example, frequency modulation and wavetable synthesis are considered a bit more difficult to learn, while subtractive synthesis (which is also the first method of synthesis used in music) is considered easier to understand. If you decided you want to start making music by using an intuitive subtractive synth, then you could give Carbon Electra a try.

It should be noted that soft synths with the same capabilities as Carbon Electra usually cost twice or three times as much. This shouldn't make you believe that Carbon Electra is less powerful than any of its more popular colleagues.

It comes with four oscillators that can generate five types of waveforms. These can then be modified with the help of an envelope (that uses both amplification and modulation), a filter, and three low-frequency oscillators. You can also add effects such as chorus, delay, phaser, distortion, and equalization, and also use the step sequencer.

Carbon Electra’s clear and bright sounds make it ideal for electronic dance music since they allow you to create catchy leads, but also powerful basslines, and even distorted kick drums. In fact, plenty of well-known producers have created presets for this synth, including Carl Cox, DJ Pierre, Rain City Riot, and Lowroller, just to name a few.

It’s easy to conclude that Carbon Electra would be a good first choice for anyone who wants an easy-to-use but powerful soft synth.