Virtual Synth: A Complete Guide to Software Synthesizers
The virtual synth has become one of the most powerful tools in modern music production. Whether you’re composing for film, crafting electronic beats, designing sounds for games, or exploring new sonic textures, a great software synthesizer can completely transform your creative process.
In this post, we’ll explore what virtual synths are, how they work, the different synthesis methods available, and some of the best free and paid options on the market. We’ll also show you how to manage and play them all through ONE Instrument® — our all-in-one platform for sound discovery and creative flow.
What is a virtual synth?
A virtual synth, or software synthesizer, is a digital instrument that replicates the sound generation capabilities of a hardware synth. You can use it within a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) or as a standalone app — like in the case of ONE Instrument®.
Virtual synths rely on different types of synthesis to generate sound:
• Subtractive: removes frequencies from a rich waveform to sculpt the sound.
• Additive: builds complex timbres by stacking multiple sine waves.
• FM (Frequency Modulation): modulates one waveform with another to create harmonically rich textures.
• Wavetable: morphs through a series of waveform snapshots for evolving tones.
• Granular: splits audio into small grains and recombines them in creative ways.
Each method offers a unique sound palette and is suitable for different styles and applications.
Why use a virtual synth?
Here are some of the main reasons why virtual synths are so widely used:
• No hardware needed — many of them are free or affordable.
• Incredibly flexible — from analog emulation to futuristic textures.
• Full control — automate, tweak, and save every sound parameter.
• Efficient workflow — load multiple synths in a single project.
• Instant recall — save presets and switch projects easily.
Whether you’re into ambient, techno, trap, cinematic scoring, or experimental sound design, there’s a virtual synth that fits your needs.
Best free virtual synths
If you’re building your sound arsenal without breaking the bank, you’re not alone. Fortunately, the free synth world is more generous than ever — offering professional-grade tools developed by passionate indie creators and open-source communities. Here’s a wider selection of some of the best free virtual synths available today:
Surge XT – Open-source, deep, and modular. Great for everything from classic subtractive sounds to cutting-edge FM and wavetable synthesis.
https://surge-synthesizer.github.io
Vital – A sleek wavetable synth with rich modulation options and a visual interface that makes sound design intuitive and fun.
Dexed – An accurate emulation of the Yamaha DX7, ideal for those vintage FM tones.
https://asb2m10.github.io/dexed
Tyrell N6 – Analog-inspired and easy to tweak. Built by U-He and the Amazona.de community.
https://u-he.com/products/tyrelln6
Helm – A flexible subtractive synth with a crisp interface and great modulation matrix.
TAL-NoiseMaker – A warm-sounding analog-style synth with onboard effects and a clean layout.
https://tal-software.com/products/tal-noisemaker
Zebralette – A single-oscillator taster of the mighty Zebra2. Free, but surprisingly deep.
https://u-he.com/products/zebralette
Crystal Synth – A semi-modular powerhouse with subtractive and FM synthesis, envelopes, and a built-in effects section.
Tunefish 4 – A small, efficient synth originally made for demoscene music, but great for lightweight projects and retro sounds.
https://braincontrol.org/tunefish
Podolski – Another gem from U-He: one oscillator, one filter, and one envelope – simple, but very musical.
https://u-he.com/products/podolski
Cardinal – A full-blown open-source modular synth inspired by VCV Rack, but available as a standalone plugin. If you love patching, this is your playground.
https://github.com/DISTRHO/Cardinal
Full Bucket Music synths – A collection of high-quality synth emulations (Korg classics, string machines, and more) by Björn Arlt. Lightweight, CPU-friendly, and sonically impressive.
https://www.fullbucket.de/music/vst.html
All of these work seamlessly with ONE Instrument®, allowing you to organize, layer, and play them without switching between multiple plugin windows.
How ONE Instrument® simplifies your synth setup
With ONE Instrument®, you can scan and load all your virtual synths into a single interface. This means:
• No need to open each plugin individually — just play and go.
• Layer multiple synths for rich, complex textures.
• Apply filters and creative FX directly from ONE Instrument®.
• Use the built-in recorder to capture ideas instantly.
• Preview sounds before committing — no more guesswork.
You can also explore curated sound banks and share your own creations with the community. It’s a space where your virtual synths live, breathe, and collaborate.
Choosing the right synth
The best synth for you depends on your goals:
• For lush pads and cinematic textures: try granular or wavetable synths.
• For classic electronic sounds: subtractive and analog-style synths are ideal.
• For experimental work: FM and hybrid synths offer endless exploration.
The beauty of using ONE Instrument® is that you don’t have to limit yourself. Combine different synths, experiment with layers, and discover unexpected sound combinations — all from one place.
Virtual synths have redefined what’s possible in music creation. Once locked behind expensive gear, today these powerful tools are available to anyone with a laptop. And thanks to ONE Instrument®, you can streamline the experience, connect with the best free and paid synths, and build your own sound universe.
Learn more at infinity.audio/one-instrument and start shaping your sound your way.