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Synth1
What it is
Synth1 is a free software synthesizer plugin for computer music production on Windows and macOS. Its sound engine has two oscillators and a sub-oscillator, with FM, ring modulation, sync, and a modulation envelope. Sound-shaping tools include four filter types, distortion, two LFOs, an arpeggiator, tempo-synchronized delay, and stereo chorus/flanger. The maker lists 32-note polyphony and 128 preset sounds. Synth1 works with DAWs that support VSTi on Windows or AU on Mac; GarageBand and REAPER are named as Mac examples. The Windows plugin is VSTi 32/64-bit for Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10, and requires an x86/x64 CPU supporting SSE2. The Mac plugin is AU 64-bit for macOS 10.8 and later. The maker says Intel Macs were tested, while M1 Macs are unconfirmed. Factory presets are not included by default with the Mac version and must be downloaded separately. The English manual is labeled incomplete. The maker permits commercial music use without requiring contact.
For and against
For
- Freeware plugin for Windows and macOS.
- Includes two oscillators and a sub-oscillator.
- Offers 128 preset sounds and 32-note polyphony.
- Commercial music use is permitted without contacting the maker.
Against
- Mac factory presets must be downloaded separately.
- M1 Mac support is unconfirmed.
- English manual is marked incomplete.
- Not multitimbral.
The verdict
Synth1 provides a broad set of synthesis and sound-shaping tools at no cost. Check the platform requirements and note that Mac presets require a separate download.
Who it suits
Synth1 may suit music producers looking for a free plugin with a range of synthesis and sound-shaping controls. It is for users with a DAW that supports VSTi on Windows or AU on Mac.
Plans and prices
Freeware
Freeware; VSTi/AU plugin
Read 4 Oct 2026 · daichilab.sakura.ne.jp
On the record
- Commercial use
- The maker says Synth1 may be used in commercial music without contacting the maker.daichilab.sakura.ne.jp · read 4 Oct 2026
- DAW compatibility
- It works with DAWs that support VSTi on Windows or AU on Mac; the maker names GarageBand and REAPER as Mac examples.daichilab.sakura.ne.jp · read 4 Oct 2026
- Mac support
- The listed Mac release is AU 64-bit for macOS 10.8 and later; the maker says Intel Macs were tested and M1 Macs were unconfirmed.daichilab.sakura.ne.jp · read 4 Oct 2026
- Manual status
- The English manual labels itself incomplete.daichilab.sakura.ne.jp · read 4 Oct 2026
- Notable limitation
- The English manual says Synth1 is not multitimbral.daichilab.sakura.ne.jp · read 4 Oct 2026
- Preset installation
- The Mac version does not include the factory presets by default, so they must be downloaded separately.daichilab.sakura.ne.jp · read 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Synth1 is a software synthesizer intended for computer music production.daichilab.sakura.ne.jp · read 4 Oct 2026
- Security note
- The maker documents a GarageBand sandbox that changes where the zipbank folder is stored and links to instructions for a macOS security warning.daichilab.sakura.ne.jp · read 4 Oct 2026
- Sound shaping
- It includes four filter types, distortion, two LFOs, an arpeggiator, tempo-synchronized delay, and stereo chorus/flanger.daichilab.sakura.ne.jp · read 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker asks users to report bugs by email and says it will respond as much as possible.daichilab.sakura.ne.jp · read 4 Oct 2026
- Synthesis
- It has two oscillators and a sub-oscillator, with FM, ring modulation, sync, and a modulation envelope.daichilab.sakura.ne.jp · read 4 Oct 2026
- Voices and presets
- The maker lists 32-note polyphony and 128 preset sounds.daichilab.sakura.ne.jp · read 4 Oct 2026
- Windows support
- The listed Windows release is VSTi 32/64-bit for Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10, and requires an x86/x64 CPU supporting SSE2.daichilab.sakura.ne.jp · read 4 Oct 2026
