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…

Fors has introduced Sala, a free reverb effect that they say can turn even the smallest of sounds into a wash of shimmering textures.… Read More Free ‘Ceremonial Reverb’ For Linux, Mac & WindowsView the full article

The Tubbutec Controller Series is a new line of MIDI controllers that’s designed to complement the company’s expansion mods, by offering hands-on control of the additional features. Tubbutec offers a variety of hardware mods for vintage synths from Moog, Roland and others. The controllers feature: Up to 25 faders or 12 pots Up to 8… Read More Tubbutec Controller Series Offers Hands-On Control Of Vintage Synths With ModsView the full article

Monumatic features a multi-engine synthesizer, offering 16 oscillator modes, which provide a diverse range of classic and modern tone generation options.… Read More Knobula Intros Monumatic Polyphonic Synthesizer Eurorack ModuleView the full article

It's the latest version of their multi-platform DAW, which is already available for Android, iOS, macOS & Windows.… Read More n-Track Studio DAW Now Available For LinuxView the full article

The Roto-Control features fully-assignable motorized touch-sensitive knobs, user definable haptics for detailed control, high-res screens that provide easy-to-read labels for every control, and internal memory with storage for over 8000 assignments.… Read More Melbourne Instruments Roto-Control Motorized MIDI Controller ReviewView the full article

Xfer Records Serum has been around forever and remains one of the most popular soft synths of the last decade. Now, they have released Serum 2. Tomislav reviewed the original release way back in 2015, and one of my favorite lines from that review is: “It is a rare example of a complex instrument that is [...] View post: Xfer Records releases Serum 2; has the ultimate wavetable synth just got better? View the full article

Scaler 3Scaler 3 has arrived and is available to purchase and download. Those who have purchased Scaler 2 since January 15th will find their copy of Scaler 3 in their account. Existing Scaler 2 owners can now upgrade for $29. I honestly can't recommend this plugin highly enough !!! 😁 Linkshttps://scalermusic.com/products/scaler-3/ https://www.pluginboutique.com/meta_products/6414-Scaler-3 About ScalerScaler is a music theory plugin that helps producers and songwriters create inspiring melodies and chord progressions. It analyzes MIDI or audio to identify keys and scales, offering a vast library of scales, modes, and chords, including artist and genre-based presets. Users …

I came across this great interview with Martin Roth on the Native Instruments blog, and thought it was worth sharing here. A lot of electronic producers rely heavily on visual feedback – grids, meters, waveforms – when working in a DAW. But Martin’s been going the opposite direction lately. He’s been moving toward a DAWless workflow using tools like the Maschine+, and he talks about how that shift has helped him stay more creatively grounded. Instead of chasing polish or speed, he's focusing on instinct and physical interaction – turning knobs, tapping pads, actually feeling the music again. It’s a refreshing perspective, especially with all the screen fatigue a lot of us…

It's based on samples from a collection of vintage synths that have been recorded with a VCR to VHS tape and then resampled.… Read More New King Of VHS: VCR Synth Sounds Like You’re In The Middle Of An MTV Video From The ’80sView the full article

Sound Magic, the developer that recently made its DynamicX Standard Version free to download, is back with another addition to its orchestral lineup – Violin One, a free solo violin instrument for Windows.. Current Sound Magic freebies include instruments like Strings One and Cadenza Ukulele. The latest addition is a solo violin that aims to [...] View post: Sound Magic releases Violin One, a FREE solo violin instrument for Windows View the full article

On Wednesday, Somerville Sounds released the Gentle Vibes vibraphone virtual instrument as a standalone release. Gentle Vibes is a macOS and Windows plugin compatible with VST3, AAX, and AU plugin hosts. The download size is approximately 200 MB. Somerville Sounds originally released the instrument as a Kontakt prototype, but the dev has now repackaged it [...] View post: Somerville Sounds Releases FREE Gentle Vibes Vibraphone View the full article

Take your gear into the beyond with synth mods, aftermarket modifications that can transform the capabilities of your synthesizer. Synthesizers, drum machines and other kinds of music production gear are made with care, with engineers spending sometimes years creating products that they hope will become useful to musicians and users. Often, they hit the mark, but sometimes, whether because of the march of time or just a change in trends, end users feel the need to modify their gear and add new features. This is nothing new – the original Moog Minimoog was modded almost from the get-go, with many of the most common ones ending up in the modern re-release. There are all kin…

Creative music tool creatorsK-Devices have released Fauve, a new audio effect, as VST3, AAX and Audio Unit plugin for MacOS and Windows. Fauve is an audio processor that collects sonic fragments and replays them — but not always faithfully. It forgets, distorts, and glitches into new meanings, developers say, "like the hallucination of a broken machine."… Read More K-Devices Releases Fauve, New Audio Processor EffectView the full article

iZotope today announced the release of Equinox, a premium reverb plugin for post and music production. An industry first in immersive and surround reverb, Equinox fuses Exponential Audio algorithms with iZotope’s adaptive unmasking tech to keep your mixes crystal clear. Equinox encompasses over 1250 professional presets to explore, from realistic to experimental.… Read More iZotope Launches Equinox, Immersive Reverb Plugin View the full article

The new Intellijel Multigrain leads the way in this week’s Synth Journal, but the SynthR10 might just steal the show! We have well and truly entered the quiet zone ahead of Superbooth ’25, with everyone going quiet in anticipation of big announcements and launches at the show, but there are still plenty of interesting tidbits to pore over... The post Intellijel Multigrain, Theremon+ and a Tease of the Upcoming SynthR10 – Synth Journal appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article

Audioplugindeals is currently offering Ableton Made Easy, an online, in-depth course for the Ableton Live DAW by Tapelab, for a heavily discounted price. Usually valued at $175, you can now get the entire Ableton Live Made Easy course with lifetime access for only $29. That’s 83% off! Do you want a comprehensive all-in-one package for [...] View post: Get the Ableton Made Easy Online Course for $29 in LIMITED time offer View the full article

Brainworx Audio has released a new standalone (no DAW required) mastering app aimed at producers, podcasters, and content creators of all levels – the bx_mastering studio. The bx_mastering studio app is new in this standalone form, but it is not an entirely new concept. The app utilizes advanced algorithms and machine-guided processes from the mastering.studio [...] View post: Brainworx Audio releases bx_mastering studio, a FREE mastering app for macOS and Windows View the full article

Plugin Boutique is currently offering a hefty deal for SSL’s Native Essentials Bundle. The bundle is available for just $40, a 92% discount from the list price of $479. The Native Essentials Bundle is a duo deal with SSL’s Native Channel Strip 2 and Native Bus Compressor 2. Both plugins are released for macOS (AU, [...] View post: SSL Native Essentials Bundle is Just $40 in a 92% OFF deal at Plugin Boutique View the full article

Caelum Audio has released DynaBunny, a quirky but powerful dynamic bitcrusher plugin available for free until May 5th. The plugin drops just in time for Easter and helps mark the release of the developer’s new premium dynamics processor, DynaBit ($59.99). After the free promo ends, DynaBunny will be priced at $12.99. But if you’re quick, [...] View post: Caelum Audio DynaBunny is FREE Until May 5 View the full article

Sugar Bytes Dialect is a new virtual groovebox that lets you create new beats, tracks and entire songs anywhere, anytime. The song randomizer, Dialekt’s innovative core feature, helps you do just that. The sequencer offers many of today’s most sought-after features, plus a comprehensive sound engine and a dedicated FX sequencer... The post Sugar Bytes Dialect: 8-track Groovebox with Song Randomizer appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article Sugar Bytes Dialect: 8-track Groovebox with Song Randomizer · Source: Sugar Bytes

The Orchestra: Colors aims to make scoring easier and more intuitive, and Electric Keys Reeds Duo wants to be your go-to Wurli library. The post All The Colors of The Orchestra – Sounds and Presets appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article

The Xaoc Devices Samarkanda is a digital quad delay module, with extensive patching capabilities and a lot of flexibility for signal mangling.… Read More Samarkanda 1953 Resampling Delay Performance Station Hands-On DemoView the full article

Does recreating Lucier's brain cells mean that he 'lives on' in a meaningful way, or has any authorship of the music created with this project?… Read More Deceased Avant Garde Composer Making New Music Through ‘Revivification’ Of His BrainView the full article

Mixbus 11 and Mixbus 11 Pro upgrades user interface with powerful new production tools, processing, transport features, and focus channel. PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT The new Mixbus 11 software offers powerful new sound shaping tools and an intuitive, console-style workflow to help creators streamline and structure every stage of the recording, producing, and mixing process. Mixbus imparts […] The post Harrison Audio Launches Mixbus 11 Music Production Suite appeared first on Synth and Software. View the full article

From @synthandsoftware - Renowned producer, sound engineer, and YouTuber Sean Divine presents Low End Theory 2, the next installment in the fan-favorite sound pack series for Ultra Analog VA-3. PRESS ANOUNCEMENT This all-new collection of 100 production-ready sounds is skillfully sculpted to bring a vibrant energy to your tracks across hip-hop, trap, and electronic music. Inside, you’ll find […] The post New AAS Low End Theory 2— Sean Divine Sound Pack appeared first on Synth and Software. View the full article

For a limited time (April 1-28, 2025), get a 30% discount on all Cubase 14 versions (full, upgrade, update) at the Steinberg online shop and local retailers. Plus, Cubasis mobile music app is 50% off, along with up to 50% off in-app purchases. As a special bonus, Cubase Pro 14, Artist 14, and Elements 14 buyers receive free premium partner products from Universal Audio, Arturia, Klevgrand, Softube, Brainworx, Acustica Audio, Landr, Safari Pedals, Plugin Boutique, Air, and Steinberg. Find your activation and coupon codes in the Vouchers section of your MySteinberg account. steinberg.netSave 30% on Cubase 14 + Premium Partner ProductsEvery Cubase 14 user will get access to …

Acustica Audio Alice-9 combines sample-based oscillators with virtual analog synthesis into a ‘90s-style super soft synth. Is this your next favorite synth plugin? Effects plugin developer Acustica Audio surprised everyone when it released Thing late last year. A Jupiter-8 software emulation, it sounds ridiculously full and analog. Now the same team is back with Alice-9, a new sample-based synth plugin that promises to do for 1990s-style sample synthesis what Thing has done for VA... The post Acustica Audio Alice-9 Is Next-Level Sample Synthesis and it Is LUSH appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article

Another decent update for Arturia’s Astrolab brings with it support for the latest version of Pigments as well as MiniFreak V3. It’s been a little over six months since the last update and now, after a small hiccup where an interim update slipped out briefly, Arturia have now officially released their 1.4.4 update for Astrolab, their “Analog Pro in a Box” stage keyboard... The post New Arturia AstroLab Update Brings Pigments 6 and MiniFreak V3 Support appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article Source: Arturia

Welcome to the BPB Community Weekly Freebie Thread for April 14-20, 2025! 😊 Read the Thread Guidelines 💬 This section of our community is where BPB readers can share links to the latest freeware news and deals with fellow music producers in the comments. Thank you for contributing! To keep the discussion helpful and relevant, please [...] View post: 💬 🔥 Weekly Deals & Freebies Thread View the full article