SyndtSphere 2.0, Unstable, KROG SM-20: Free Plugins of the Week
2,8 / 5,0 | This week’s round-up of the best free plugins brings you three awesome synths: Klevgrand SyndtSphere 2.0 is the new version of a freeware classic, Unstable recreates the legendary Yamaha CS-80, and KROG SM-20 is a free KORG MS-20 emulation for NI Reaktor.
Klevgrand SyndtSphere 2.0: Free Sound Surfing Synth
Klevgrand SyndtSphere is a unique free software synth that originally came out in 2017. Now, the developer has released a new version with an all-new, beautiful GUI. And it’s still free!
Like the first version released over seven years ago, SyndtSphere 2.0 is a “spherical polyphonic synthesizer” that lets you “surf” between over 70 presets. Simply use your mouse to rotate the sphere and morph between states. There aren’t any traditional synthesis parameters to worry about – just play around until you find a sound you like.
That said, SyndtSphere 2.0 does offer a few knobs for tweaking. You can adjust the pitch bend range and glide, and there’s a stereo delay. They’ve also added a volume slider and an oscilloscope.
Klevgrand SyndtSphere 2.0 runs on macOS and Windows in VST, AU, and AAX formats. There’s also an AUv3 version for iOS, although that one isn’t free ($1.99).
Morphoice Unstable: Free Synth Inspired by the Yamaha CS-80
Although Morphoice says that Unstable is “in no way intended to be a CS-80 emulator”, it’s pretty clear that it’s heavily inspired by Yamaha’s eternal classic. Like the CS-80, Unstable offers two synthesis layers, each with sawtooth and square waves and a noise generator. However, unlike the original, Unstable lets you adjust the level of the saw and square waves independently.
Morphoice has also changed the filter design. While the CS-80 has two state-variable filters in series per layer, Unstable pairs a high-pass filter modeled after the original with a Moog-style ladder low-pass with self-oscillation. There’s also a ring modulator closely modeled after the CS-80.
In addition to this, Morphoice Unstable offers a selection of effects. A drive circuit adds warmth and subtle harmonic distortion. They’ve also included the reverb, delay, and chorus engines from the DarkStar and WingMen plugins, which are modeled after the Blackhole reverb and Juno-60 chorus, respectively.
Unstable (which we hope is more stable than its name suggests!) looks like an awesome reimagination of the CS-80. As of now, the synth is still in beta, so you might encounter a bug or two. When it’s finished, it’ll also have a powerful 16-step arpeggiator that can be used for modulation. Excellent stuff.
Unstable runs on macOS and Windows in VST3 and AU formats.
KROG SM-20: Free KORG MS-20 Emulation for NI Reaktor
This one isn’t technically free, as you need the full version of Native Instruments Reaktor 6 to run it. But if you happen to have Reaktor, this recreation of the legendary KORG MS-20 is a free community-created ensemble you won’t want to miss.
Building on the MS-2x project by Solar-X and now re-released by Bolle with a beautiful new GUI, KROG SM-20 is an MS-20 emulation with a couple of twists not available in the original hardware. All the important building blocks of the analog classic are there, from the dual oscillators to the famous pair of HP and LP filters to the patch panel and external signal processor.
In addition, KROG SM-20 offers a bunch of extras created by Reaktor community members, including a ring modulator, alternative filter options, adjustable oscillator drift, tempo sync, and a chorus effect.
KROG SM-20 is a free Reaktor ensemble that requires the full version of Native Instruments Reaktor 6.
Looking for more free plugins and software synths like SyndtSphere 2.0, Unstable, and KROG SM-20? Check out our huge archive!
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