Best Software Synthesizers Released in 2016

Are you looking for a new synth? We’ve picked out some of the best new software synthesizers released this year so far (organized chronologically) – also keep in mind that the list is constantly updated as new soft synths will be released! We had the chance to test some of these new virtual synthesizers, so be sure to check the reviews links. So, let’s get started with…

PX Apollo

by UVI (Jan, 2016)

PX Apollo is the first synth from UVI’s PX Prototype Series of instruments that examines unique, fringe, and unreleased acoustic and electronic vintage instruments. Also, read PX Apollo Review

Chromaphone 2

by Applied Acoustics Systems (Mar 2016)

Chromaphone 2 is an acoustic object software synthesizer plugin that offers melodies, beats, and crazy soundscapes. More details: Chromaphone 2

ArcSyn

by SPC Plugins (Mar, 2016)

ArcSyn is a virtual analog synthesizer instrument with all oscillator waveforms generated from scratch (NO samples) and with unique waveforms including Sub-harmonics, Bit-Noise, and FM Crossfade. Also read: ArcSyn Review

Wiggle

by 2nd Sense Audio (Mar, 2016)

Wiggle virtual synthesizer features 4 powerful sound generators, phase distortion, waveshaping. It’s a fun but powerful synth to play with. Also, check WIGGLE Review (by ProducerSpot)

Phonec 2

by Phychic Modulation (Mar, 2016)

Phonec 2 is the successor to the original Phonec virtual synth, capable of producing a wide range of sounds like vintage analog tones, ethereal pads, lo-fi synth-scapes, retro synth-waves, leads, minimal techno sequences, and hard-hitting basses. More Details: Phonec 2

Monique

by Monoplugs (Mar, 2016)

Monique is a digital software synthesizer instrument for Windows, Mac & Linux capable of creating raw bass and leading sounds like you know from the analog world. ‘Morphing’ feature offers you the capabilities of 8 different synths in one.

2021 Update: This synth is not available anymore!

Nitroflex 2

Synthblitz Audio (Mar, 2016)

Nitroflex 2 virtual synthesizer is the successor of Synthblitz Audio’s wavetable VST subtractive synthesizer for Windows. Nitroflex 2 returns in force with 4 wavetable oscillators, 1 VA oscillator, 7 envelopes, 3 LFO’s and a great selection of filters and effects.

More Details: Nitroflex 2

Virta

by Madrona Labs (Mar, 2016)

Virta is a patchable voice-controlled synthesizer plugin for Windows and Mac, capable to transform voices and instruments into all kinds of wild synth sounds. More Details: Virta

Kick 2

by Sonic Academy (Apr, 2016)

Kick 2 is the follow-up of Sonic Academy’s KICK – multi-award-winning drum synthesizer plugin inspired and create in collaboration with Nicky Romero. Read More: Kick 2

Lethal

by Lethal Audio (May, 2016)

Lethal is another new and powerful modern software synthesizer plugin with impressive features and an easy-to-use, comprehensive graphic user interface.

BASSalicious

by Gospel Musicians (May, 2016)

BASSalicious is a dedicated synth bass audio plug-in with a single focus on bass sounds. This great-looking bass synth is available for Windows and Mac as VST, AU, and Standalone versions.

2021 Update: This synth is not available anymore!

Analog Lab 2

by Arturia (May, 2016)

Analog Lab 2 from Arturia is a great virtual instrument that features over 5,000 sounds from the 17 Arturia’s V Collection 5 software synthesizers bundle. Besides the synthesizers included with the first version, Arturia add another 5 new virtual synthesizers: Synclavier V, B-3 V, Stage-73 V, Farfisa V, and Piano V. Read More: Analog Lab 2

Ton-Geraet 1

by SyS Audio (May, 2016)

Ton-Geraet 1 (also known as SyS TG1) is a multi-mixture software synthesizer with 2 individual voices and a wavetable sequencer. It features a double FM-Unit and an Akai S-1000 inspired 12-bit low-pass Filter. More Details: Ton-Geraet 1

Factory

by Sugar Bytes (Jun, 2016)

Factory is a new poly-synth plugin that includes a dual oscillator engine and a sub-oscillator plus a noise generator. We tested and loved this synth since the first day; read our Factory Review

Modular

by Softube (Jun, 2016)

Modular is an authentic dynamic circuit emulation of the legendary Eurorack’s Doepfer modules A-110-1 VCO, A-108 VCF, A-132-3 Dual VCA, A-140 ADSR, A-118 Noise/Random, A-147 VCLFO. Available as VST, VST3, Audio Units and AAX Native, Modular is such a great plugin to have in your arsenal. Also read: Modular Review

Cascade

by 112dB (Jun, 2016)

Cascade synthesizer by 112dB is a combination of a classic subtractive synthesizer with 2 extremely fat oscillators and a new method of synthesis inspired by the work of Austrian composer Peter Ablinger. Cascade synth is capable to create atmospheric soundscapes, industrial sounds, hypnotic pads, and strings. Read our full review here: CASCADE Review

Icarus

by Tone2

Icarus by Tone2 is a new synthesizer instrument that features an innovative 3D wavetable for Windows and Mac. We had the chance to test the “beta” version, so you can read our review here: Icarus Review

FORM

by Native Instruments (Sep, 2016)

FORM is the newest synthesizer for Native Instruments Reaktor 6. FORM is also part of KOMPLETE 11 and KOMPLETE 11 ULTIMATE and it’s a really quality synth that we had the chance to test and review for our readers, check here the full review: FORM Review

The Legend

by Synapse Audio (Sep, 2016)

The Legend faithfully emulates the Minimoog Model D hardware synthesizer, including all the oscillators, filter, amplifier, effects from the original unit. We had the opportunity to test this awesome piece of software synthesizer, read the entire review here: The Legend Review

Synth Anthology 2

by UVI (Oct 2016)

One of the most exciting synthesizers launched this year comes from UVI. They released Synth Anthology 2, an updated version of their software synth featuring a massive collection of 77 vintage and modern synth sounds, including 2,500 presets and over 20,000 samples. With this software synth, you’ll have the most popular hardware synthesizers of all time at your fingertips. Available for both Windows and MAC-hosted apps, Synth Anthology 2 is available in Audio Units, AAX, VST plugin formats, and also as a stand-alone app. More Details / Buy Link: Synth Anthology 2

Predator 2

by Rob Papen (Dec 2016)

Another surprise this year comes from Rob Papen. When I thought nothing could surprise us, it introduces Predator 2, the successor of his legendary synthesizer that has inspired many producers and artists of late years. Read our full review here: Rob Papen Predator 2 Review

Which of these plugins has impressed you most? Feel free to leave your comment below.

Last year we published a similar list which you can see here: Best Synths of 2015