Synth1

If you want to produce electronic music, you’re probably going to need to learn how to play a synth to achieve anything spectacular. While there are tens if not hundreds of well-designed virtual synths out there, some of them can be quite expensive, and they’re probably not the first pieces of software you want to invest in.

Some digital audio workstations (and a good DAW is definitely the first piece of software you want to invest in) may come with a few virtual synths of their own. At the same time, you could also test some of the free virtual synths that are available. One well-known example is Synth1.

If you’re a bit familiar with a virtual analog layout, then you won’t have any problem using Synth1. In fact, one could say that its limited features make it even more easy-to-use than other similar instruments. The instrument uses subtractive and FM (frequency modulation) synthesis to generate its sounds. It is also capable of producing 32-voice polyphony, but can also be played in mono and legato.

Sound can be produced by two oscillators and modulated by two LFOs, an amplifier, a filter, an arpeggiator, an equalizer, and many other effects. The first oscillator is capable of frequency modulation, and it can also control the adjacent sub-oscillator.

When it comes to the sound of a synth, you usually get what you pay for. Since Synth1 is a free plugin, you shouldn’t expect it to help you create a trance anthem or an earthshattering bass kick. But that doesn’t mean the instrument isn’t able to surprise you.

Tweak it, explore its presets, and get even more presets online. It probably won’t take you long until you discover some sounds that you can easily include in your compositions. Synth1 may not be a super-synth, but there’s a reason why it’s one of the most downloaded plugins of all time.