Best Software Synthesizers Released in 2017 – Part 1

The sound of 2017 is here!

Half of this year (2017) almost has passed. Like every year, many companies have delighted us with surprising releases of software synthesizers. Here are some titles that have appeared this year, chronologically arranged, so do not consider this list a top.

Each synthesizer is different and each can be the number one in the top. This being cleared, here are some of the best software synthesizers launched in the first half of 2017. Let’s start with January and with some of the most important launches of 2017:

PolyKB III

by XILS-lab (Released in Jan 2017)

The PolyKB III synthesizer plug-in is the successor version of the PolyKB II, which has been enhanced by some functions.

The PolyKB III synthesizer features three aliasing-free morphing oscillators (from triangle to pulse, via sawtooth), two four-pole multimode filters with drive circuit and self-oscillation, three ‘loopable’ envelope generators (ADSR) and two LFOs, a lot of analogous effects like Delay, Chorus, Phaser and EQ, four Vintage effects effects plus a 128 step polyphonic sequencer which can also be used as Trance Gate or PhrasePlayer.

It is also equipped with a monophonic or polyphonic arpeggiator, a modulation matrix, a SpaceXY Spatializer (per voice), a VoiceXY modulator (one per voice), and Six mono, unison or poly playing modes with up to 16 polyphonic voices. Of course, the entire synthesizer is MIDI controllable.

Also read our PolyKB III Review

XILS Lab PolyKB III is priced at 119 euros and is available as VST, AU, RTAS or AAX plug-in. eLicenser or iLok is required.

Buy Link: PolyKB III

Hypermorph

by Sonic Faction (Released in Jan 2017)

Hypermorph by Sonic Faction is a Max For Live Devices. So we do not have a classic synth is VST plug-in format. It works only just for Max for Live users. But as these are quite many, we included this synthesizer on our list.

Hypermorph features 4 independent sound sources – better said: 4 oscillators that contain analog sampled waveforms, wavetables, sound textures, and selected one-shot samples; plus an XY Morph Matrix that can blend, morph and mutate between each sound without no effort.

Thanks to the direct user connection to the Novation Launchpad and the Ableton Push Controller, the sequencers can be controlled in an exciting manner, as well as the morphing between the various sounds.

In addition, over 200 presets for both individual oscillators and global ensembles were included.

Sonic Faction Hypermorph is available for about $ 59. Ableton Live 9.7.1 or higher and Max4Live 7.3.1 or later are required.

Buy Link: Hypermorph

Particle Collider SX7

by Eplex7 DSP (Released in Feb 2017)

Particle Collider SX7 from Eplex7 DSP is a really unusual sound generator capable of creating some really cool science fiction, futuristic, sound effects like the ones you can hear in your favorite sci-fi movies. This is

This thing is possible using its futuristic wavetable oscillator (with the possibility to loading external waveforms), a re-synthesiser, special morpher engine (with 5 morphing modes), Glitch X Buffer, Time-tunnel effect and more.

Also, a preset manager with more than 80 presets is included!

If you’re looking for special effects, movies, or producing experimental music, this VST sound generator is really good.

Eplex7 DSP Particle Collider SX7 synthesizer is available only for Windows in VST format. It can be yours for only 28.90 EUR (current special offer).

Buy Link: Particle Collider SX7

SynthMaster One

by KV331 Audio (Released in Feb 2017)

KV331 Audio intro SynthMaster One, the successor of their SynthMaster software synthesizer. For those who already own and used the SynthMaster plugin, this new SynthMaster One synthesizer is like a brother from another mother.

It is actually based on the same engine as its predecessor, but through the new user interface design is easier to use and more attractive. The only difference is the synthesis, which is limited to Wavetables.

We had the opportunity to test it and we were quite impressed with what SynthMaster One can do. If you want to find out more, I’d recommend reading the review here: SynthMaster One Review.

SynthMaster ONE plug-in runs on Mac OS and Windows as VST and AU in 64 bit. Windows users also get a standalone version.

Buy Link: SynthMaster One

RayBlaster2

by Tone2 (Released in March 2017)

RayBlaster2 was released and is one of our favorite tools when it comes to synthesizing new sounds. It features the revolutionary “Impulse Modeling Synthesis”. RayBlaster2 use a modulation matrix or drag-and-drop, all important sound parameters can be modulated by different modulation sources.

RayBlaster2 use a modulation matrix or drag-and-drop, all important sound parameters can be modulated by different modulation sources.

In addition, RayBlaster2 provides 44 stereo effects, including reverbs, delays, chorus, phasers, amp simulation and more.

RayBlaster2 also offers 1076 presets, which according to Tone2 were created by professional sound designers. Some of the sounds like arpeggiators, vocals or drum loops are tempos synchronizable.

RayBlaster2 is capable of creating sounds that can not be generated with synthesizers using conventional syntheses methods – That’s why this is our favorite tool to create new original sounds, as I told you from the beginning

RayBlaster2 can be used as standalone or as a VST / AU plug-in in 32- and 64-bit under Windows or MAC OS. It can be yours for $169 €149.

Buy Link: RayBlaster2

BT Phobos

by Spitfire Audio (Released in April 2017)

Thought mainly for film music composers, BT Phobos was developed in collaboration with the American music producer, composer, technologist, audio technician, multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter Brian Wayne Transeau (The Fast and The Furious, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Monster).

Over 20Gb of more than 2300 samples in combination with the “Polyconvolver Engine”, BT Phobos is offering over 90 sextillion sound combinations.

For this, the samples are loaded into the engine, which allows you to create and edit the sounds.

“Polyconvultion” means that “reverb impulses” are not used as usual for a convolution reverb, but are made tonally playable. The instrument offers three separate “convolvers”.

BT Phobos comes with 700 presets, presets showcasing the possibilities of Phobos. You can find the full list of presets on the official product page by visiting the link below.

The price is acceptable for what this synthesizer can offer, no more or less than € 309 euros.

BT Phobos by Spitfire Audio is available as a VST, AU and AAX plug-in, as well as a stand a lone application.

Buy Link: BT Phobos

MOK Waverazor

by Tracktion (Released in April 2017)

MOK debuted Waverazor at Winter NAMM 2017 in partnership with Tracktion Corporation.

Waverazor is the company’s first product, an ultra-futuristic virtual synthesizer capable to transofrm waveforms into twisted and aggressive new sounds.

The patent-pending oscillator design utilizes an entirely new form of synthesis to produce biting leads, glitched-out basses, cinematic pads and everything in between.

There are numerous modulation possibilities to form the oscillators. An oscilloscope sits in the center. A special X / Y pad ensures filter travel.

This plugin has support for 19 languages, Waverazor even understands Klingonically and translates all the parameters into this alien language.

For experimental sound design, this virtual synthesizer will surely become a great tool.

Waverazor soft synth is compatible with AU/VST on Mac and PC, and the AAX (Linux) format on the way.

MOK Waverazor is currently available via Tracktion online store at an introductory price of $75 instead of $150.

Buy Link: Waverazor

That’s was for the first half of this year, we’ll see you soon with other news and new synthesizers releases. I already know a few rumors, so stay close to our site for the latest news.

What is your favorite synthesizer from our list? Feel free to leave your comment below.