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

[d-track]

and of course reaktor

[Jarvisimon]

Reaktor Spark has to be one of my favourite synths for a long time. Very organic sounding, if that's possible from a computer.

I've recently gotten into freebie synth Atlantis by Jeremy Evers. It may not be quite as complex as Absynth or Zebra but it's very capable none the less. Try it and see for yourself but be sure to reskin it as the original GUI isn't that appealing.
jeremyevers.com/

[Ed J]

Image Line's Toxic Biohazard: it's like operator on steroids, with up to 8 voices and full matrix FM mod. Does some really great ambient noises and big sweepy pads.

[SubFunk]

tassman4

and even i don't own it, but know it. zebra is excellent.

[Griogair]

Have a bash at some free stuff again and save your cash!

Had a play with crystal, polyiblit, triangle II, superwave, and synth1 the other day, all were pretty awesome for zero poundage.

[anybody human]

My favorite is probably Waldorf Largo, it's really fun to program. I prefer it to Massive, but they're both wavetable synths. Other than Omnisphere, but that's really pricy.

I like to use Sonic Charge Synplant under another synth. It works really well for doubling pads etc. Adds air.

I've had trouble figuring out FM8. Any suggestions. I like to build patches from scratch but maybe with FM synthesis that's beyond my knowledge level. I have an easier time with Operator.

Ace sounds fantastic, makes me want to buy Zebra.

The Arturia stuff is great, I have the Minimoog V2 and it sounds huge. The filter is very Moog-y.

Speaking of filters, I don't use Fabfilter Twin2 much anymore. Still love Fabfilter's effects (Pro Q is outstanding). Fabfilter's modulation system is lovely though.

[vicz]

Omnisphere. It really is that good. Really.

[glitchrock-buddha]

I think it's pretty much impossible to have single best synth, since there are too many different types of synthesis, and if one synth did them all, I think it would be a bit too monstrous to be any fun using. So I think there are bests of certain classes like VA, FM, additive, granular etc. Actually I tend to think of synths in two classes, maybe three. One would be straight forward VA, modeled after the simple interfaces of retro analogs (ACE, Synth Squad, Poly-Ana), but still often have much complexity under that and often some fm. The other side would be digital synths, capable of much more at the oscillator level especially like additive, granular etc., either complex (Multi-paned like Alchemy, Zebra 2) or simplified interface (Single pane, like synplant, gladiator).

So I have a hard time comparing synths in those different categories. I suppose if I was to claim any one as being the best, it would have to be both versatile and also be a pleasure to use. For example Absynth is awesome, but the interface is a bit much, so many pages, can't be automapped/automated (except macros) etc.

My usual pick would be Zebra. I've had it for years, and I like it now more than ever. 2.5 is outstanding. It's a life long exploration.
Lately however, another has taken over my life. I never thought I wold say it but Omnisphere is possibly my pick. At first I was turned off by the huge library as I'm not into romplers and I didn't like the "zooming" aspect of the interface. However I recently bought it as I became intrigued by so many of the sounds I heard from it. The library is quite amazing and you can do absolutely endless things with the sound sources and the synth oscillators are great too. It's a combination of great quality sampling, synthesis and excellent filters, effects and modulations. The mod system is a joy to use, and the interface is actually possibly the best laid out I've used. And if you've got Trilian, that's a whole other level. The analog synth sources in that absolutely blow every soft synth out of the water. And they can be used in Omnisphere.

I'm still in love with Poly-Ana, ACE, Korg legacy and various other retro style VA's, still love my Komplete synths and a couple other niche products like Synplant and Alchemy, but Omnisphere and Zebra are the kings of software land I have no doubt.

[anybody human]

Omnisphere. It really is that good. Really.

Agree 100%. A powerhouse.

[l0ader]

U-he Zebra

[Tarekith]

Omnisphere first, Zebra2 second.

[McQ714]

am i the only Rob Papen user here?

Predator, Blue, Albino 3, Sub Boom Bass, and RG are all great synths

[Android Bishop]

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.

this guy pretty much nailed it. these are above and beyond anything else that is out there and one would be foolish not to own them as soon as they could

[glitchrock-buddha]

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.

this guy pretty much nailed it. these are above and beyond anything else that is out there...

Except Omnisphere.

[djsynchro]

Sylenth1 and here's why: Lennard wrote the engine from the ground up to deal with the fact that digital needs to be band limited or there will be aliasing.
Either the high end suffers (especially noticeable with bass notes sounding muddy because they have the widest range of harmonics our hearing can perceive) or there will be nast metallic high end. Listen to it with the filter all the way open. Only drawback about Sylenth1 is that i's ugly but there is a skinnable update coming.