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The best virtual VST synthesizers of the moment
Virtual synthesizers have positioned themselves in recent years as essential for producers, live keyboardists and all musicians in general, covering a wide range of possibilities from classic analog synthesizer emulators, to powerful forms of synthesis such as granular and powerful samplers that reproduce libraries of samples of the highest quality.
VST technology was created by the Steinberg brand but has been standardized to the point of being compatible with the vast majority of music production software. In this technology it is possible to find VST instruments or commonly called VSTi or VST effects to complement the sound work in our digital workstations.
There are many free and paid VST instruments of excellent quality and it would be impossible to define the best virtual synthesizer because of the thousands of options available, but today we will list some of the best virtual synthesizers of the moment and highlight their most important features to help you find your allies in music production.
Arturia V Collection 6
The brand of synthesizers, controllers and audio equipment presented this year the new version of its collection of virtual synthesizers, the V Collection 6, a collection that is already part of the software of many producers with emulations of legendary synthesizers such as the Minimoog, the Moog Modular, the Roland Jupiter-8 and many more iconic synthesizers that made history in music.
In this new edition the brand added 4 new virtual instruments, the Yamaha DX7, pioneer of FM synthesis in the 80’s and one of the best selling synthesizers in history, the Buchla Music Easel, a synthesizer from the 70’s remembered for its sound design capabilities, the Horner Clavinet that was indispensable in the sound of R&B music.B, the progressive rock and pop of the 60’s/70’s and the Fairlight CMI, the first ever sampler, an instrument that arrived in 1979 to change the history of musical instruments.
Along with all 21 virtual instruments, there’s an instrument called the Analog Lab, which gives you instant access to over 6,000 presets created by expert sound designers and allows you to easily navigate between all 21 instruments, as well as giving users of the brand’s controllers the benefit of having parameters pre-assigned to their controller.
Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2
One of the most complete synthesizers with the best reviews in the market, since the release of its first version in 2008 it has positioned itself as one of the favorite synthesizers of the most demanding users. To install it and put it into operation you need about 65 Gb of storage available for the amount of samples and patches it has (more than 12,000 presets).
It stands out from other virtual synthesizers because of its power in terms of synthesis, since sounds can be created with the following techniques: PWM, Sync, FM, Ring, Waveshaping distortion, bit and sample rate reduction, Unison, Granular, Harmonization.
Version 2 features a large number of sounds focused on the EDM genre and the ability to load your own samples to create new sounds based on user samples.
IK Multimedia Syntronik
The Syntronik could be the direct competitor of the Arturia V Collection, as they share some classic synthesizer emulations such as the Oberheim SEM, the Minimoog, the Moog Modular, the Prophet-5 and the Roland Jupiter-8.
Its concept is the same as the V Collection, a large collection of 17 instruments that model 38 legendary synths in software with more than 2,000 presets, also featuring a wide range of effects among them powerful amplifiers and 4 filters that emulate very well the technology of voltage-controlled analog filters.
It differs from the V Collection in that the Syntronik is more sample-based (occupies about 70 Gb of disk space) while the V Collection is more synthesis-based (occupies about 8 Gb).
Vengeance-Sound VPS Avenger
A complete synthesizer with extensive capabilities, with 8 simultaneous oscillators, each with SuperSaw and sub oscillator with the possibility of transforming the sound with various types of synthesis (Subtractive, FM, wavetable, multisampling and more) in addition to the possibility of using 8 arpeggiators and 8 parallel step sequencers, with an excellent library with a multitude of waveforms and powerful drum kits, modulation matrix in the style of modular synthesizers, a wide range of effects and
Although its presets are very focused on electronic dance floor music (EDM), it is a very powerful synthesizer that can be used for any genre.
A great advantage is also that it has a series of expansions developed by the manufacturer to expand its sound bank, focused on different genres of electronic music such as Deep House, Trance, Tropical House, Drum ‘n Bass, Moombahton and many more but also expansions for Hip Hop and a kinematic sound expansion for soundtracks.
Native Instruments Komplete 11
This is perhaps the most complete library of audio production, with extensive instruments and effects covering all musical genres, with 45 instruments spanning libraries of orchestral samples, piano, guitars, winds, drums, film sounds, and many synthesizers covering many of the synthesis techniques available today.
A library that occupies more than 155 Gb and that has options for the most expert sound designers but that is also very useful for newcomers thanks to its more than 13,000 available presets, including a much larger version called the Komplete 11 Ultimate with 87 synthesizers.
One of the great advantages of this package is the constant updating and implementation of new instruments by the Native Instruments brand, which is in continuous research and development of new products.
Among the synthesizers included in this package are the Massive, the Reaktor 6 blocks that emulates the modular systems, the Form, the Monark and the FM8 as well as its complete libraries of orchestration and cinematic sounds for the Kontakt sampler.
Korg Legacy Collection
The Legacy Collection is a virtual synthesizer package created by the Korg brand, famous for creating legendary synthesizers in hardware.
This package is quite interesting because it makes available to the user and in software, synthesizers of the brand that made history in music, such as the MS-20, the Mono/Poly, the Polysix, the M1, the Wavestation and the Oddisey of the ARP brand that was recently relaunched to the market in physical in collaboration with Korg, synthesizers definitely remembered by many keyboardists and that marked milestones in the history of physical synthesizers for their high quality and powerful sound.
This is the lightest virtual synthesizer package on the list, as it only weighs about 125 Mb, but don’t let its light weight fool you because its synthesizers are very powerful and were recreated very faithfully to sound as close as possible to their hardware versions.
You can also read our article on the best Korg synthesizers of the moment.
Conclusions
These are just a few of the thousands of VSTs that exist and although those listed here are all paid for, there are also excellent free virtual synthesizers, including online virtual synthesizers with very high quality and sound design options that are unimaginable.
The best DAW software for DJ and synthesizer
The world of DJing and electronic music has changed a lot since its beginnings until today. And the software has also evolved to become truly powerful and usable.
Normally when we talk about synthesizers we can’t help but relate that concept to that of the DJ. It’s true that you can be a person who wants to create your music in private and then show it off. But in general the DJ needs to “manipulate the sound” on the fly or rather, live.
From now on you will hear the concept of DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) to refer to this type of software that serves both music production and DJing.
In the MIDI section we talk about the best software to write and compose music with a MIDI keyboard, but in this case the concept changes a little. Now the main concern is that the software is very usable and uses few system resources such as RAM and processor. We need tools that are quick to use, intuitive and that consume few computer resources, because we will be making live music.
The above factors cause preferences to change somewhat. So let’s go to the most popular programs. There’s no point in saying which one is better. Well, they’re all very clean DAWs. The best way to choose is to download the demos on their official websites and decide. We’ll tell you which ones are the most popular.
Ableton Live
This software is gaining a lot of momentum for both production and DJing. In the DJ field he is now the leader along with Logic Pro (which is only for MAC).
It is a very light software with many plug-ins and a strong community. Many synthesizers already come with a version of Ableton Live.
It stands out as a tool for creating live music together with your synthesizer. It has what is probably the best interface for it. Although for music production it is also a very good tool.
Logic Pro
Direct rival of Ableton Live. Logic Pro among MAC users is gaining in popularity by the score. A wonder of usability. Too bad it’s only available on MAC. If you have one, try it because you’ll probably keep it. It has it all: it’s intuitive, fast, efficient and productive.
FL Studio (formerly Fruity Loops)
Although there is a slightly more amateurish perception of software, deep down it is an unfair reputation. Many people use FL Studio and have high popularity ratings (though not as high as Logic Pro and Ableton Live). Well-known producers such as Basshunter, Afrojack or Mike Oldfield use it or have used it.
Cubase
Cubase deserves to be on the list for the number of years it has been with us. It can do everything the other DAWs on the list do and even more, but it’s not the most intuitive.
Cubase is often used by a lot of professional music producers but it’s not at all the most popular for live DJing (although it can be done perfectly).
Other programs
There are more programs, some like Reason have been around for many years and although they are still popular they are falling into disuse. Attention also to Sony Acid Pro and Adobe Audition.
There are also open source ones like Ardour and RoseGarden
We hope this article has been useful to you, if so please feel free to share it on your social networks. Thanks for reading us!
Here are some other posts if you want to know more about MIDI and synthesizers.
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The world of DJing and electronic music has changed a lot since its beginnings until today. And the software has also evolved to become truly powerful and usable.
Normally when we talk about synthesizers we can’t help but relate that concept to that of the DJ. It’s true that you can be a person who wants to create your music in private and then show it off. But in general the DJ needs to “manipulate the sound” on the fly or rather, live.
From now on you will hear the concept of DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) to refer to this type of software that serves both music production and DJing.
In the MIDI section we talk about the best software to write and compose music with a MIDI keyboard, but in this case the concept changes a little. Now the main concern is that the software is very usable and uses few system resources such as RAM and processor. We need tools that are quick to use, intuitive and that consume few computer resources, because we will be making live music.
The above factors cause preferences to change somewhat. So let’s go to the most popular programs. There’s no point in saying which one is better. Well, they’re all very clean DAWs. The best way to choose is to download the demos on their official websites and decide. We’ll tell you which ones are the most popular.
Ableton Live
This software is gaining a lot of momentum for both production and DJing. In the DJ field he is now the leader along with Logic Pro (which is only for MAC).
It is a very light software with many plug-ins and a strong community. Many synthesizers already come with a version of Ableton Live.
It stands out as a tool for creating live music together with your synthesizer. It has what is probably the best interface for it. Although for music production it is also a very good tool.
Logic Pro
Direct rival of Ableton Live. Logic Pro among MAC users is gaining in popularity by the score. A wonder of usability. Too bad it’s only available on MAC. If you have one, try it because you’ll probably keep it. It has it all: it’s intuitive, fast, efficient and productive.
FL Studio (formerly Fruity Loops)
Although there is a slightly more amateurish perception of software, deep down it is an unfair reputation. Many people use FL Studio and have high popularity ratings (though not as high as Logic Pro and Ableton Live). Well-known producers such as Basshunter, Afrojack or Mike Oldfield use it or have used it.
Cubase
Cubase deserves to be on the list for the number of years it has been with us. It can do everything the other DAWs on the list do and even more, but it’s not the most intuitive.
Cubase is often used by a lot of professional music producers but it’s not at all the most popular for live DJing (although it can be done perfectly).
Other programs
There are more programs, some like Reason have been around for many years and although they are still popular they are falling into disuse. Attention also to Sony Acid Pro and Adobe Audition.
There are also open source ones like Ardour and RoseGarden
We hope this article has been useful to you, if so please feel free to share it on your social networks. Thanks for reading us!
Here are some other posts if you want to know more about MIDI and synthesizers.
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The best Keytar of the moment
Since 1980, with the creation of Moog Liberation, a new element appeared on the keyboard and synthesizer market.
The Keytar is a keyboard that can be used on a strap like an electric guitar and allows the keyboardist a greater range of movement than a conventional keyboard.
Its name is a play of words referring to “Key” from “Keyboard” and “Tar” from “Guitar”.
This instrument was highly popular in the 80’s thanks to the success of Synth Pop bands, where it was very common to see their keyboardists using them.
Many of the big brands made iconic keytars, such as the Moog Liberation, the Roland SH-101, the Yamaha SHS-10 and the Casio AZ-1, among many others.
Although in the following years this instrument was not so popular, in the last two decades it has regained some popularity in genres such as pop, urban music, progressive rock and metal and cumbia villera from Argentina.
It is common to see great artists like Herbie Hancock, Jordan Rudess from Dream Theater, Lady Gaga and Matt Bellamy from Muse, using this instrument in their shows causing a great impact on their fans.
Differences between a Keytar and a conventional keyboard.
The first difference between a Keytar and a conventional keyboard is the most obvious one, the Keytar can be hung with a strap, like an electric guitar, while the conventional keyboard must be fixed on a base.
Another notorious detail is that it is more common in Keytars, a more limited number of keys, while in a conventional keyboard it is common to have 5 to 7 octaves, in a Keytar it is more common to have 3 to 4 octaves, even some models with 2 octaves.
It is also very typical that the Keytars have less features than conventional keyboards, in order to have less weight and portability, it is also normal that the Keytars have few controls, much less than those used by conventional keyboards.
As for sounds, it is also common that Keytars do not have such wide sound libraries as conventional mid and high range keyboards, but those few sounds are ideal for the needs of the “Keytarist“.
Finally, it is not very typical that the Keytar is used as the main keyboard but more as a complement for some parts of the show.
Roland AX-Edge
At the beginning of the 2000’s, Roland launched the AX-7, a Keytar that marked a difference in the history of this instrument, because it included better features than the usual ones in the keytars seen before. Since then, the AX series of Roland Keytars has been a great reference for this instrument and that has led this brand to carry the Keytar flag among its fans.
The most recent release in the series is the AX-Edge, a quite attractive bet for Keytars lovers.
One of the most striking features of this powerful Keytar, is the ability to add screw mounts to customize this equipment.
It has a library of over 500 factory sounds with sounds of all kinds, but with an emphasis on solo sounds and 256 banks for user sounds.
Its body includes 4 octaves of touch-sensitive keys and comes in 2 colors, Black and White.
It includes 79 types of global effects, Equalizer, 79 types of effects per part, 8 types of Chorus, 6 types of Reverb, Compressor, Arpeggiator, Vocoder and a microphone input for it.
Its controls include a Ribbon control, Modulation Bar, an assignable knob, Main Volume knob, 7 assignable buttons, Pedal and Aftertouch on its keys.
It is also possible to install a mobile application in which you can modify your sounds via Bluetooth.
Alesis Vortex Wireless 2
The Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 is a MIDI controller, which means that it does not have its own sound engine, but relies on an external sound source, such as a computer with DAW software, a synthesizer or a rack mount sound bank.
This keytar has gained popularity among the younger generations for its affordable price and practicality for use with virtual synthesizers.
This equipment has 3 octaves of soft keys with touch sensitivity and aftertouch, it also has 8 faders, 8 backlit touch sensitive pads, with a Ribbon control with 3 assignable modes, a bend wheel, sustain button, up and down octave control and zone buttons.
This powerful controller sends all MIDI information wirelessly, via Bluethoot, to give the keyboardist more freedom and freedom from wires
Although Yamaha‘s Reface line of synths were not originally designed as a keytar, there is an accessory called the KT-Reface Strap Kit, which allows these mini-synths to be used keytar-style with a guitar strap.
The Reface line refers to 4 synthesizers released by Yamaha dedicated to 4 different types of synthesis in a very small size with an incredible sound.
These synthesizers are characterized by the fact that they weigh approximately 2 kilos and measure a little more than 50 centimeters, have small speakers and 3 octaves of mini-classes.
In this video, you can see how a Reface unit looks like with the accessory to convert it into a Keytar:
The 4 synthesizers in this series are:
Yamaha Reface CS
An analog synthesizer with 8-voice polyphony, 5 waveforms, low-pass resonant filter, envelope generator, portamento and assignable LFO.
It also has looper and 4 effects available of which only one can be used simultaneously (Distortion, Chorus/Flanger, Phaser and Delay) with a depth and radio control.
Like many analog synthesizer models, this model does not have the ability to save presets.
Additionally a Pitch Bend lever.
Yamaha Reface DX
This is an FM synthesizer, the kind of synthesis that made Yamaha famous with its legendary DX7.
Thanks to its LED display, it is possible to view and edit the many parameters that define the complex FM synthesis.
It has 32 sound memories, 8 polyphony voices, looper and 2 simultaneous effects, from which you can select Distortion, Wah, Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Delay or Reverb.
Yamaha Reface CP
An ultra-portable size electronic piano, with a sound engine specialized in keyboard/electronic piano sounds with 128 polyphony voices.
It has 6 types of bell: Wurlitzer, Rhodes 1, Rhodes 2, Clavinet, Toy Piano and the classic line of Yamaha, CP.
It also has Drive, Tremolo, Chorus, Delay and Reverb with the possibility of using all of them in parallel.
Like Reface CS, this computer also does not have the ability to save presets or sounds you make.
Yamaha Reface YC
A portable electronic organ with drawbars and 128 polyphonic voices.
It has 5 types of organs: American Tonewheel, English Transistor Organ, Italian Transistor Organ, Japanese Transistor Organ, and Yamaha YC-45D Organ.
It has rotor speed control, vibrato or chorus selector, percussion, distortion and reverberation selector.
Conclusions
Although there are few options for keytars on the market today, they will always be an excellent complement to the shows and give you a fun way to play your instrument.
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