Synthwave Vst Plugins

[Florio Bessinger]

Sincesynthwave attempts to recapture that same "sound", you'll want to use plug-ins that will have the same (or similar) impact as the physical equipment that was used in the 80s. So I've assembled a list of what I believe are the best plug-ins to help you create that sound.

Oh, and be sure to read all the way to the end because I have a free gift for you that you won't want to miss!Table of ContentsBest Synthwave Virtual Synths:Best Synthwave Equalizers:Best Synthwave Compressors:Best Synthwave Saturation Plug-ins:Best Synthwave Delay Plug-ins:Best Synthwave Reverb Plug-ins:Other Synthwave FX Plug-ins:Which Plug-ins Are The Most Important For Synthwave?Free Synthwave SamplesBy the way, this list doesn't include previous synthwave FX plug-ins that I covered in an earlier article entitled:

The problem is analog synthesizers are insanely expensive.So you're going to have to go with plugin emulations of analog synthesizers...But which plugins are the best?Well, in my opinion, Syntronik 2 is hands down the best, and I cover why in my video below.

Not only that, but you also receive 71 different vintage effects that you can use to tweak and adjust your synth sounds.All of these incredible features are wrapped up in an easy-to-use interface, which makes Syntronik 2 an absolute MUST-HAVE for making Synthwave or 80s-style music.

You've probably already heard of Serum, and it's a standard for a reason. Yes, you can even make great analog-sounding synths with this thing. Get Serum HereIn fact, my friend Daniel with Synth CTRL makes some of the best-sounding Serum preset packs for synthwave music.You can check them out here.

Another staple, Diva gives you the spirit of analogue.DIVA stands for, "Dinosaur Impersonating Virtual Analogue Synthesizer"

The oscillators, filters and envelopes closely model components found in some of the great monophonic and polyphonic synthesizers of yesteryear.

Modules can be mixed and matched so you can build hybrids, but what sets DIVA apart is the sheer authenticity of the analogue sound. This comes at the cost of quite a high CPU hit, but it's worth it.After all, you can always bounce to audio once you have the sound you want.

It also comes with more than 1200 presets. If your computer can handle it, try them in "Divine" mode.

Repro-1:Unashamedly monophonic4-pole resonant lowpass filterGlide controlArpeggiator with latch modeSequencer with two 32-step patterns (or 64 steps when chained)3 modulation sources controlling 5 destination2 additional "performance" modulation assignments5 effects: wavefolder/distortion, delay/chorus, EQ/resonator, reverb, sonic conditioner/dynamics processor500 factory presetsGet It HereReveal Sound SpireSpire is a polyphonic software synthesizer that combines powerful sound engine modulation and flexible architecture, and a graphical interface provides unparalleled usability.Spire is the embodiment of the best opportunities, within software and hardware synthesizers.This synth is also one of the favorites of The Midnight.

TAL-U-NO-LX is an emulation of the popular Roland Juno 60 80's hardware synthesizer.Up to date zero feedback delay filters and carefully calibrated controls make this plugin a good replacement for the analog device with all the advantages software plugins have.As an addition, the TAL_U-NO-LX also supports portamento and different filter LFO waveforms and some more useful features.

The arpeggiator with different sync modes and hold function is also included.A very fast envelope with a smooth roll-off, emulated inaccuracy and a very smooth filter sound gives this synth the typical sound.

Color is the name of the game when it comes to finding the right EQs for making synthwave.This means EQs that not only boost and cut, but EQs that also add some subtle saturation and character to your tracks.By the way, if you're wanting a complete step-by-step guide to making synthwave music, then check out my article here.

The T-RackS EQ 81 delivers that legendary British warmth and tone with a few twists.The EQ 81 is based on another classic piece of hardware whose character was instrumental in shaping the sound of many hit songs, the EQ 81 can be considered the evolution of its older brother, the EQ 73.

However, there are a few twists that make the EQ 81 capable of delivering a voice of its own.The key here is in the versatility of the EQ section, sporting four independent bands (high / low shelving, plus two midrange peaking filters) rounded out by high and low pass filters this module is particularly useful when a more precise intervention on a track is needed, still maintaining tone and organic, analog warmth in the signal path.

The British Channel was modeled after one of the most widely used and acknowledged pieces of hardware in the music history--the SSL channel strip.Countless hit records around the world have been produced on this large format British mixing console since the 80's making it a true staple of the music production technology for its ultimate flexibility and trademark sound.

The Dyna-Mu is an emulation of the Manley SLAM!, a tube mic preamp and Limiter.At the studio I studied music production and audio engineering at, we used the Manley on every single vocal recording to create a warm and beautifully glossy sound. This modern-classic compressor has the characteristic of gluing a mix together with incredible quality, along with how it shines on individual tracks and is perfect as part of a professional mastering chain.

Additionally, the saturation it produces when pushed to its limits can be used to add unique color to your mixes as well as individual tracks.In short, Dyna-Mu can help you...Glue your mixes together with all-tube character.Get It HereIK Multimedia Bus CompressorAdd that "Glue" Effect To Your MixesThe Bus Compressor is based on the mix bus VCA type compressor of a worldwide known and acknowledged British large format mixing console from the 80's: the SSL console. It was used on practically every hit record and major production from the 80's to present days, so much that its sound has almost become a trademark.

Using time constants and a fixed nominal output gain, the V-Comp recreates the rich lush buss sound of the vintage Neve 2254 hardware compressor.This super-responsive dynamics processor packs a recognizable musical punch heard on countless hit records.Its controlled, gentle compression can really glue a mix together.

The Black 76 Limiting Amplifier is modeled after what is probably the most used, most known and most universally recognized compressor/limiter in the audio industry: The Urei 1176 There are probably no professionally recorded tracks where this unit wasn't used. It's a true legend and a piece of music production history.Get It HereIK Multimedia White 2A Leveling AmplifierThe "Magic Touch"The White 2A Leveling Amplifier is based on a legendary vintage unit that is entirely tube-based: The Teletronix LA-2A.

It's a totally different device in terms of construction where all the compression magic happens inside an optically coupled element formed by a fluorescent panel and some photocells: the famed T4A element.(Click here to learn more about Optical Compressors.) There is no electronic circuitry involved with the compression itself. It's just a tube amp with photo-resistors, lighted by a fluorescent panel driven by the output signal.

On par with the other great classic compressor, the 1176, the White 2A is so simple to use, yet very effective: just set the peak reduction knob to achieve the desired limiting effect, and adjust the gain knob to set the output level.

This Vari-MU type compressor/limiter delivers an incredible magic touch that makes everything that passes through it shine and sound more musical and emotional, thanks to its tube signal path and gain reduction mode.By the way, if you're not sure what all the different types of compressors do, and what compressors are better for some situations than others...Then check out my article here breaking down all the different compressor types, and how to use them.

Its sonic character is not as aggressive as that of many other popular units of the same era. Even when the unit is pushed to extreme settings, the compression is fairly gentle and retains a musical quality that doesn't "choke" or squash program material.

The sound of tubes, transistors, and circuitry being pushed to the limit has long been the key ingredient in great-sounding analog recordings.Engineers use saturation to beef things up, thin them out, give them edge, add warmth, pull elements out of the mix, and create signature sounds.You can do all of these things with Decapitator. (*Cannot removed the heads of tyrants though...)

RC-20's six unique FX modules can replicate everything from vinyl records to VHS machines, adding noise, wobble and dropouts to your tracks.Its raw distortion and crunchy bit reduction will add grit to your bass and drums. The space and chorus effects will make your guitar sing like never before and the filtering effects fit right into the most modern club track...Or most retro synthwave production.Get It HereBaby Audio Super-VHS1980s Lofi Plug-inPlease enable JavaScript

All of these elements are captured in Super VHS.You can use this plug-in to add subtle saturation, or crank it up to quickly recreate the sound of warped VHS tapes.If you grew up watching movies on VHS, this will take you back to your childhood. Get 10% OffJust put in the code "OAA" at checkout to get 10% off your purchase.

Now it's time to dive into delaaaaaaay plug-ins. These will help you add space and vintage delay effects to your productions.Soundtoys EchoBoyDecades of echo devices in a single plug-in.EchoBoy is a plug-in that combines several different echo boxes into one, making it really the ultimate echo plug-in.

You can also control saturation, tape flutter, and diffusion for strikingly analog-sounding effects.And if you haven't figured out by now, "Analog" is code for "synthwave-friendly". Richard Chappell, the engineer for Peter Gabriel even said that he uses EchoBoy on every track of Peter's vocal!

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