Let's do it all over again - Best external software Synth?

[COSM]

inb4 done before... lets do an up to date one

I've been focusing madly on producing and not really keeping up with what's new out there. I love operator and analogue to bits, and they dominate my arsenal, but I wouldn't mind spending my xmas money on something new.

In your opinion, what is currently the top synth that you use?

I'm looking for grunt this time around, preferably Subtractive with an interesting twist.

The last software synth I brought was Massive, and I do love it, so that's my vote.

[Machinesworking]

If you don't own Zebra that's a must. Also Urs just released ACE for under $100,
subtractive modular etc. Any Cable Everywhere!

D-Cam Synth Squad is a modern take on analogue classic tones.

Alchemy- sample mangler, and well received.

[LeifonMars]

If you don't own Zebra that's a must..

+1

2.5 update made it even better, and zebrify, I'm only beginning to realize its potential.

[aizo]

Sylenth 1!

Since I bought it almost all of my other synths have been collecting virtual dust

[Mr-Bit]

Zebra I bought NI Komplete but still only use Zebra: super versatile great sound, support and generous update policy.

Urs rocks!!!

[Homebelly]

If your already rocking massive, operator and analogue then thats your basic VA - FM - Wave table stuff taken care of.
After that I would suggest you should probably take a look at some thing with granular capabilities.
Absynth or Alchemy maybe?

[chis]

Vote for Alchemy here, fantastic synth. Great way to quickly mangle my MWXT samples.

[HiEnergy]

One of my to-go synths that wasn't mentioned as of yet is Soniccharge Synplant.
This beast allows you to "find" lots of strange and abstract yet very usable sounds for morphing and twisting.

I often use Synplant for evolving pads and weird soundscapes. Similarly effective compared to Absynth, but totally different approach.

[UKRuss]

I'll go another vote for Sylenth1.

Love it!

[ctx]

ACE but don't listen to me, just download the demo and dial up some sounds. It sounds good even on typical softsynth sounds, then it can do many audiorate things that others can't handle. FWIW I dislike Zebra.

Synthsquad for basically the same reasons as ACE.

Massive is also high quality but mentioned in OP.

For the most part I don't think any other VA/subtractive type plugin is worth buying at this point. Of course if you need some esoteric feature you might want to get something else, but in terms of quality of sound these three are on a level above others. But of course some will disagree...

Alchemy is the best additive/sample-driven thing going.

The Spark kore soundpack is also fun if you already have Reaktor, in which case you get the whole instrument too...

[smartass303]

zebra.

303

[sporkles]

Back in the days, you could get Best External Software Synth for $15 at audiomidi.com.

[Khazul]

Sylenth 1!

Since I bought it almost all of my other synths have been collecting virtual dust

+1 - and some of my hardware synths too.

[d-track]

absynth and massive
what else??

[kristian]

I personally like the Arturia synths. The MinimoogV, ARP2600V and CS80V2 are all excellent emulations I think... oh, and NI FM8 I think personally is better sounding than Operator