by Ms. Marie

Created on: August 29, 2011

Synth Software is used to simulate live musical instruments. The use of virtual instruments has changed the way music is produced. As opposed to needing live musicians, a complete band can be simulated with computer programs. Synth software can be used as a stand-alone program to create digital music, or as a plug-in.

Synthesizer hardware is no longer being manufactured, but you can still find the classic Minimoog Synthesizer which was popular in the 70's and other hardware synths. The Minimoog has three distinct areas; 3 VCO's or oscillators which generate signals, VCF which is a filter and the VCA which is an amplifier. The Minimoog is a monophonic synthesizer, meaning only one note can be played at a time, but it is a unique instrument with a 44-key built-in keyboard that revolutionized music.

The next generation synthesizers, which are called softsynths, can run on desktop computers, laptops and Macs that have sound cards. Synth software emulates hardware synthesizers and is more convenient.  There are two popular types of softsynths, stand-alone software and plug-ins; the latter is extremely popular.

Stand-alone softsynth software does not need any other computer programs to run, it is independent software that can run without any other software. 

Software synthesizers are also available as plug-ins that work with a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). Plug-in softsynths work with the host  DAW, which can record the virtual instrumental sounds. These plug-ins can be purchased and installed, or you can search and find many free softsynth plug-ins on the Internet.

Once installed on a computer, the synth software or plug-in is visually similar to a hardware synthesizer. The graphics emulate all the knobs, sliders and controls; oscillators, amps, volume, panning, etc. that are common on physical synths. Many have virtual piano keyboards and modulator wheels and can recreate the sound of live instruments to near perfection.  Synth software and synth plug-ins may be monophonic or polyphonic, in many cases both.

Windows PC's have the Microsoft GS Wavetable SW Synth, Apple has the QuickTime Music Synthesizer, Yamaha and Roland also have synth software.

Plug-ins use technology such as Steinburg's VST (Virtual Studio Technology) and DXi (Direct X). Which is a better choice, a stand-alone synth software or a softsynth plug-in? Both are excellent choices for producing unique and original digital music.  There are many freeware programs and plug-ins that can be downloaded. Just do a search for VST plug-ins, free software synthesizers or softsynths, and see what is available. Be sure to read the installation guides, for example with most plug-ins you need to install them in the correct directory on your computer so the host (DAW, e.g. FL Studio) knows where to find and access the plug-in.

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