Music Production Forum

Below is a list of some of the best software synths & virtual pianos (free & paid). Please reply to this post if you recommended any others There are a huge number of plugins available, here are some other lists I've created for products I recommend https://jamesm.blog/music-production/my-hardware-software/ https://jamesm.blog/music-production/my-hardware-software-wishlist/ https://jamesm.blog/music-production/physical-modeling-synths/ Synths (Free) Vendor Plugin Name Key Features Blamsoft VK-1 Viking Synthesizer Moog Voyager emulation, strong basses Digital Suburban Dexed Yamaha DX7 emulation, FM synthesis discoDSP OB-Xd Oberheim OB-X emulation, analog sounds M…

Tuesday, Rane announced the release of the Rane System One, blending advanced standalone DJ technology with the trusted feel and control of motorized platters. As the first Rane product with onboard Engine DJ, the System One lets open-format DJs simultaneously mix among USB drives, SD cards, music streaming services, and DJ software sources like Serato DJ and Algoriddim djay all without interruption. Paired with an array of FX features and multiple ways to DJ with Stems, the SYSTEM ONE was designed to unlock new levels of creativity while fueling DJs’ passion for the artform.… Read More Rane Debuts System One, World’s First Motorized Stand-alone DJ SystemView the full art…

Studiologic has announced the Numa X Piano GT SE. The second-generation stage piano is more than an eye-catching facelift: it boasts more samples, a completely new synth engine, new effects, and more! The Studiologic Numa X Piano GT was first unveiled in 2021. At NAMM 2026, the manufacturer presents the second generation of its flagship stage piano. Sporting a bright orange metallic finish and wooden sides, the Numa X Piano GT SE is a real stunner. What’s even more interesting, however, is what Studiologic has done to the sound engines... The post Studiologic Numa X Piano GT SE: Metallic Paint and a new Synth Engine! appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article

LFO Store has released Klaus Schulze Tribute, a new sound library for the Korg modWave, inspired by the pioneering Berlin School master. … Read More Klaus Schulze Tribute Sound Library For The Korg modWave SynthesizerView the full article

Baby Audio is kicking off this week’s software deals with a highlight for producers looking for more sound control in their mixes. Together with Softube and KORG, the focus is on three unique tools that complement each other well in your DAW, ranging from a smart spectral processor to a powerful FM synthesizer. Smooth Operator Pro provides silky dynamics, Weiss MM-1 delivers precision in mastering and opsix native proves that FM synthesis can still sound exciting in 2026. If you’re thinking about new plugins, take a closer look at these deals before they disappear... The post Baby Audio, Softube, KORG: 3 Ultimate Software Deals! appeared first on gearnews.com. View the fu…

Tape Fiasco is a brand-new plugin from Jonas Eriksson that combines three distinct time-based effects: Stretch, Stutter, and Varispeed. I haven’t had much time with Tape Fiasco since installing the plugin, but I have to say right off the bat, it’s a lot of fun! Whether you’re using all three effects simultaneously or one at [...] View post: Jonas Eriksson releases Tape Fiasco, a FREE time-based multi-effect plugin View the full article

Developer Riot Audio has released Industry Lite, a free cinematic synth/sampler for Kontakt Player. Industry Lite is the little brother of the premium Industry instrument (£119), and it runs in the free Kontakt Player v8.7 or higher. Industry Lite is listed at £3 (a donation to help the developer with bandwidth costs), but you can [...] View post: Riot Audio releases Industry Lite, a FREE cinematic synth/sampler for Kontakt Player View the full article

Sync Audio has released Fractiv, a granular effect and sampler instrument for macOS, Windows, and Linux. It is designed for intuitive and repeatable granular processing rather than randomness, which is the main focus of many other granular tools. Fractiv works by continuously capturing incoming audio into a rolling buffer (up to 10 seconds) and then [...] View post: Sync Audio launches Fractiv granular sampler with Intro Price View the full article

Developer Decadebridge has offered several free instruments, which includes BalterLITE for macOS and Windows. We’ve featured a few Decadebridge releases over the years, with the most recent being Shallow Grave in September, 2025. If you haven’t checked it out already, Shallow Grave is a cascading filter plugin for macOS and Windows. This time, we’re looking [...] View post: Decadebridge offers several FREE instruments, including BalterLITE for macOS and Windows View the full article

Over 3,500 music gear manufacturers arrive in Anaheim this week for the annual National Association of Music Merchants Show. The Anaheim Convention Centre in California is brimming with all the latest music technology gear, software, and innovations that will shape music studios and production workflows in 2026... The post NAMM 2026: All the news, gear, and innovations from the biggest music gear event appeared first on MusicTech. View the full article

Go big or go home as they say, and Akai Professional has done just that with the official launch of the MPC XL – its most powerful MPC model to date with souped-up processing power. Following a leak prior to Christmas last year, Akai has officially confirmed that the MPC XL is available now, and describes this beastly version of its flagship workstation line as “a studio centrepiece built for modern production”... The post Akai MPC XL: The most powerful MPC model to date with 4x the processing power of previous models appeared first on MusicTech. View the full article

On Tuesday, Akai Professional announced the launch of the MPC XL, adding the flagship standalone music production tool to their lineup of music production equipment. This powerful studio "centerpiece" delivers unprecedented processing capabilities, expressive control, and professional I/O connectivity, all without requiring a computer. Designed to give beat-makers, producers, and musicians complete creative freedom, MPC XL puts the power of a full studio right at the user's fingertips.… Read More Akai Pro Unveils MPC XL For Beat Making, Music ProductionView the full article

Orbit is designed to make it easy to "create rises, impacts, and textures that feel alive, nuanced, layered, and intentional."… Read More UVI Intros Orbit Rise, Impact & Texture DesignerView the full article

Ahead of this year’s highly anticipated NAMM Show, Roland has unveiled the latest member of its GO:MIXER family of portable interfaces with the GO:MIXER STUDIO. Described as a “studio-grade” audio mixer and interface compatible with iPhone, iPad and Mac/Windows computers, the GO:MIXER STUDIO offers 12 input channels and six outputs in a super compact form factor, allowing producers and content creators to capture audio from multiple input sources in any location... The post Roland’s GO:MIXER STUDIO brings “studio-grade” recording to your iPhone or iPad appeared first on MusicTech. View the full article

Reloop has released the Flux Go, a compact USB-C DVS audio interface for Serato that distils the essentials of its flagship Flux into a smaller, more portable form factor. Designed as a cheaper, two-channel alternative to the original three-channel unit, the Flux Go is aimed at DJs who want a reliable DVS solution that’s easy to travel with – or keep on hand as a gig-ready backup... The post Reloop Flux Go is a pocket-sized, two-channel DVS interface for Serato DJ Pro appeared first on MusicTech. View the full article

Waves Audio has released Curves Resolve, a new mixing plugin that’s available for free for the next 48 hours only. I say finally because James covered this release twice before: first when Waves teased an upcoming freebie, and again when details about Curves Resolve leaked online. This time, the plugin is finally available to download, [...] View post: Waves Audio Curves Resolve is now FREE for 48 hours only View the full article

Another January, another NAMM Show. This week, NAMM 2026 takes over the Anaheim Convention Center in California to showcase music gear from over 3,500 brands to over 75,000 attendees. NAMM 2026 comes with the usual promise: an insane amount of new music gear, plenty of noise in the main hall, artist performances across the convention centre, and myriad panels on the future of the music gear industry. You’ll find gems from boutique gear brands to high-profile drops from music technology’s biggest companies... The post What to expect at The NAMM Show 2026 appeared first on MusicTech. View the full article

With full Eurorack CV, Gate, Sync, and MIDI connectivity, it integrates into modular, MIDI, and hybrid setups. … Read More Stylophone Intros On-The-Fly Performance SequencerView the full article

Michigan Synth Works has introduced the MSW-820, a 2-oscillator based analog monophonic synthesizer.… Read More Michigan Synth Works MSW 820 Analog Synthesizer Sneak PreviewView the full article

The limited edition reissue of Romance '76 is hand numbered, limited to 500 copies worldwide and features transparent yellow vinyl.… Read More Peter Baumann’s Romance ’76 Gets Limited Edition 50th Anniversary ReissueView the full article

Here's an in-depth look at the new ASM Leviasynth, a 16-voice hybrid digital/analog synthesizer from the creators of the Hydrasynth. … Read More ASM Leviasynth Review & Hands-On DemoView the full article

ASM LeviaSynth is the next evolutionary cousin in the Hydrasynth family tree: a software instrument that takes the Hydrasynth’s fiercely flexible synthesis engine and lets it roam free inside your DAW. It keeps the core idea intact - wave-morphing oscillators that slide through complex harmonic shapes, a deep modulation matrix that happily routes almost anything to anything else, and filters that can sound politely analog or unapologetically alien - but adds the convenience of total recall, automation, and tight integration with modern production workflows. LeviaSynth feels less like a “virtual synth” and more like a lab bench: excellent for glassy pads, snarling basses, …

From @synthandsoftware - Pro-C 3 takes FabFilter’s professional compressor plug-in to the next level in terms of sound, features, and workflow. PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT Pro-C 3 serves up six brand-new compression algorithms to steer users’ dynamics processing in all sorts of exciting new directions. The Versatile Style is a general purpose algorithm for use on any material, and Smooth […] The post FabFilter releases FabFilter Pro-C 3 Compressor Plug-in, and updates FabFilter Pro-Q 4 appeared first on Synth and Software. View the full article

From @synthandsoftware - 16-voice, 8-oscillator algorithmic synthesizer with analog filters, available as keyboard and desktop models. PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT Ashun Sound Machines (ASM) announces the Leviasynth Keyboard and Leviasynth Desktop, two synthesizer models that will be showcased at The NAMM Show 2026. Built around ASM’s new 16-voice Leviasynth engine, each voice features eight oscillators of algorithmic synthesis, combined with both […] The post Ashun Sound Machines Launches Leviasynth Keyboard and Desktop at NAMM 2026 appeared first on Synth and Software. View the full article

JUCE is the industry-standard framework for audio plugin development, used by some of the biggest and best names in the industry. And now, they have launched a free audio plugin development course for beginners. If you have a look at the JUCE website, you’ll find a long list of companies using JUCE, including Arturia, Avid, [...] View post: JUCE launches a FREE audio plugin development course for beginners View the full article

The Leviasynth combines many of the features that have made its Hydrasynth a hit - including rugged build, the Polytouch polyphonic aftertouch keybed and ribbon controller - with a new hybrid synth engine.… Read More ASM Intros Leviasynth 16-Voice Hybrid SynthesizerView the full article

From @synthandsoftware - Celemony’s Tonalic is a new plug-in offering revolutionary new possibilities for working on a computer with guitars, bass and drums. PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT The foundations are provided by an abundance of flawless performances by world-class session musicians that the Tonalic engine can then adapt to any song – whatever its chord sequence, tempo or groove. The […] The post Celemony Music Introduces Tonalic Plug-In appeared first on Synth and Software. View the full article

More layers. More plugins. More polish — and less impact. For years, producers were told that bigger meant better: more layers, more processing, more complexity. In 2026, that mindset is quietly failing. Listeners are overwhelmed. Algorithms reward clarity. And tracks that feel simple but intentional are outperforming those that sound overworked. This isn’t about going lo-fi or cutting corners. It’s about understanding why clean, focused production now wins — and how to stop overproducing your own music. View the full article

The Nord Electro 7 features a new Synth Section, dedicated per-section effects and an updated panel design with high-resolution color display.… Read More Nord Intros Electro 7 Keyboard Ahead Of 2026 NAMM ShowView the full article

Full Bucket Music has released Paralogy, a free paraphonic synth plugin inspired by the Crumar Trilogy. 2026 is off to a very good start in the free plugin world. After plugin giveaways from Universal Audio, Waves Audio, and Canvas Audio, one of my favorite indie developers, Full Bucket Music, has released another free instrument. Paralogy [...] View post: Full Bucket Music releases Paralogy, a FREE Crumar Trilogy plugin View the full article