software synthesizers

The KVR Developer Challenge 2009 has ended and that means that there are some interesting new freebies available.

There were 42 entries:

• 40 of these are available for Windows;
• 6 for Mac OS X; and
• 1 for Linux.

Highlights include a Moog Model D clone, a bassline synth with built-in effects, a granular synthesizer and a convolution reverb. Read more…

Synthtopia regular Torley takes a look at Plogue Chipsounds, with a preview of the standard patches and a few hickups along the way.

Don’t forget to check out Torley’s site sometime, where he’s got 100s of free, gorgeous pieces, including play while answering email & Vangelis meets Ryuichi Sakamoto.

De La Mancha has introduced a new $15 software synth for Windows, Dirty Harry, described as “an unashamedly DIY lofi synth based on the samples of my two homemade, lofi noisemakers, the Atari Punk Console and the BugBrand WOM.” Read more…

Plastic Piano is a simple synthesizer — electric piano emulator for Windows.

Description:

It has the characteristic of a plastic sound. Especially good for the lo-fi and cheap-tone music. For the production of the synthesizer was spent more than 150 grams of plasticine. After playing Plastic Piano its strongly recommended to wash your hands with warm water and soap.

Main features:

• 2x oscillators with three wavetypes;
• LP-filter for each oscillator;
• Velocity sensitivity;
• ADSR-envelope;
• Magic button.

If you’ve used Plastic Piano, leave a comment with your thoughts! Read more…

This video tutorial demonstrates how to make a trance lead with Genesis CM VST. Read more…