what soft synth should i buy?

[jagoff]

I have some extra cash and need a soft synth in my setup. I am considering LenarDigital's Sylenth 1. I am looking for classic additive synth programming.

Any suggestions?

[XPM]

If you're looking for an additive synth, sylenth isn't for you as it's a subtractive synth.
For additive synthesis, morphine or chameleon 5000 are a couple of options.

[jagoff]

errr..um...i meant subtractive. i like that style of programming. i'm also intered in synapse audio's dune. "digital" softsynth...not necessarily interested in anything modeled after an analog synth.

[jcrystal]

I have some extra cash and need a soft synth in my setup. I am considering LenarDigital's Sylenth 1. I am looking for classic additive synth programming.

Any suggestions?

You should at least try out the free Synth1 if you haven't already

[XPM]

Ah, fair enough. I'd try a few demos if possible first, but good ones to try would probably include:
NI Massive
NI Absynth
Uhe ACE
Uhe Zebra
Rob papen's Albino

Not sure Sylenth really fits your description as its more of a virtual analog.

If you want to go deeper:
NI Reaktor

[McQ714]

As much as I love Rob Papen's plugins (and yes.. I do mean all of them), I wouldn't get Albino right now as they are discontinuing it later this year.
They'll continue to support it until 2014 they say, but there will be no updates and it's not 64-bit.

[Rationalizer]

If you're new to synth programming, I would suggest you start from one of the easiest synths out there: Juno. TAL makes great emulations for it: http://kunz.corrupt.ch/products/tal-u-no-lx

Oops, read your last reply a little late. If not modelled, then I would suggest Z3ta, Omnisphere and Reaktor.

[Jakob / Cableguys]

Have a look at the new Curve 2 - it features an irresistible waveform editor plus a huge sound library and is very easy to use despite its many features.

Here's more info: http://www.cableguys.de/curve.html

And it is on offer right now, EUR 20/USD 30 off until November 1.

[XPM]

Future Audio Workshop Circle is also worth looking at

[kev herb]

To the OP. What style of music are you making? i know that really any synths can make most sounds and it down to the programming but some seem to lend themselves better to certain sounds. to me sylenth has become an iconic software synth with good reason. The only worry is the future as there is some uncertainty as to updates for it when 32bit eventually dies but i hope lennard has something planned as even after all this time its still a very modern sounding synth.

[3dot...]

as far as subtractive synths out there...
synth 1 is definitely worth a check cuz it's free and sounds great...

aside from that..
the top sounding ones currently are (imo) DIVA and ACE .. both by 'U-he'
at 96Khz they are to me the best sounding emulations right now.. of course this has a (CPU) price-tag attached

Operator and Analog (part of the "suite") also do great subtractive..very versatile and sound great.
if you're a synth enthusiast and use Live... the upgrade to suite is a no-brainer really

Massive and sylenth1 are (imo) equivalents of VA synths like Virus or Waldorf Q ...minus the hardware...