If you want to build up your virtual instrument army, then now’s a great time with a plethora of free options currently available. In this post we take a look at 3 great free Virtual Analog Synths that might be worth your attention.
So whether you’re starting out and need to build up your instrument arsenal or you’re one of those producers who just can’t get enough audio candy, this post’s for you!

1: Charlatan 3 Synthesizer by Blaukraut

Our first contender in our free Virtual Analog Synths rundown is the Charlatan 3 by developer Blaukraut. With its simple, easy-to-use layout and realistic analogue tones this one is a belter. All your essential synth parameters are present as well as some internal effects routing. Always a nice little win when it comes to preserving that all-important processing power. But it really is the rich and convincing analogue sound that sets this free synth apart. Check out the demo below for evidence of this. The only slight restriction is that the Charlatan is only available for Windows and Linux. Mac users will have to skip to our next choice.

Features

  • Two dual oscillators per voice with custom drawable waveforms, cross-modulation (Phase Mod, linear Frequency Mod, Ring Mod), windowed hard sync and noise generator
  • Up to 7 unison voices per oscillator
  • Two filters per voice with types: 4-pole ladder LP/HP/BP, Acid LP, 2-pole Sallen-Key LP/HP/BP, Notch and Comb
  • Flexible filter routing (serial / parallel / dual)
  • Four modulation generators with freely drawable shape where each can operate either as LFO or envelope generator
  • Four Modulation transformers (XFORM) allow reshaping any control signal through a user-defined mapping
  • Arbitrary routing of modulation signals via Drag’n’Drop
  • High-quality master FX section: Distortion, Phaser, Chorus, Reverb, Delay, EQ
  • Very low CPU and RAM usage
  • Optional internal 2x oversampling
  • Preset browser
  • Cross-platform support: Windows / Linux / VST3 / CLAP
  • FREEWARE

Available to Download here: https://www.blaukraut.info/

2: JX1 Virtual Synthesizer by Wusik

This synth by Wusik is available for free for a limited time, so you might want to jump on it quickly. This free version is fully functional except for the option to save presets. The JX1 offers two oscillators and all the standard parameters needed to tweak the waveforms of these oscillators. Like the Charlatan, It also features some basic global effects which is great.

The GUI has a slightly abused and dusty aesthetic. More importantly, the layout is clear and intuitive with everything you need easily within reach. Polyphony levels are very respectable with support for up to 24 voices. I’m not quite sure how many people will take advantage of those 24 voices though.

To my ears, the sound of this synth is at times a touch brittle, offering slightly less in the way of analogue warmth compared to our previous contender. A touch of processing in the form of some saturation should remedy this. In the right musical context, the JX1 is certainly capable of some convincing analogue niceness. But don’t take my word for it. Check out the audio walkthrough below to peep the JX1 in action.

Features

  • Dual layers
  • 2 OSCs with Sawtooth and Pulse Crossfade
  • Filter with LFO and ADSR Envelope (loopable)
  • ADSR Amp Envelope (loopable)
  • PWM LFO
  • 24 Note Polyphony or Mono Mode (with Legato and Glide modes)
  • Vibrato and Glide LFOs
  • Option to Hardsync OSC A to B
  • Additive or Subtractive Synthesis option between OSCs.
  • Resizable HQ interface;
  • Global Effects;
  • Windows 64 Bits VST2/VST3 and StandAlone (.EXE)
  • MacOS Intel and Apple Silicon (M1/M2) 64 Bits VST2, VST3 and AU

Available to Download here: https://www.wusik.com/online-store/Wusik-JX1-p548894839

3: Substitute Modular By Flandersh Tech

And finally, how about some free semi-modular action for your beloved DAW? (Like the Charlatan 3, I’m afraid this synth is also unavailable for Mac OS.) I say semi-modular because not everything is fully linkable. For example, you cannot link the two oscillator signals together but as this synth is free I don’t think we can complain.

One glance at the clean functional GUI and it’s clear that there is much tweakability to be had. And let’s face it, modular synths like nothing better than some heavy sonic abuse. While all of your traditional synth parameters are present as well as waveform information and a mini keyboard, you also have the option to go under the hood by selecting the patchbay mode. This is where all your modular connections can be made. Simply click and drag to create and connect your patch leads.

As well as all the standard features of a modular synth the Substitute also offers a useful chord generator and arpeggiator. All in all this synth offers plenty of sound-shaping potential making it the most versatile of the free Virtual Analog Synths on our list. So if you are a synth-hungry Windows user then there are no reasons not to grab this one.

Features

  • Dual oscillator section with classical waveforms
  • Topology preserving analog-style filters.
  • Extensive modulation capabilities through four envelopes, four LFOs, two step modulators, two step sequencers and a patchbay.
  • Creative effect section with delays, chorus, reverb, waveshaper, leveler, tone control, bit reduction and saturation amp.
  • Midi chord generator and classic arpeggiator.
  • ​System Requirements Microsoft Windows 8.1 or later.

Available to Download here: https://www.flandersh.tech/submod.html

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