SynthMaster 2

SynthMaster 2 is a two-layer semi-modular software synthesizer and effects plug-in for Windows, macOS, and iOS. The desktop version supports virtual-analog, additive, wavetable, wavescanning, phase and frequency modulation, pulse-width, ring and amplitude modulation, physical modeling, and SFZ sample playback synthesis. It includes 2,000 factory presets and runs as a VST or AAX instrument on Windows and Mac; Mac also supports Audio Unit. The iPad app can run on its own or as an AUv3 plug-in on devices with iOS 11 or later. It includes 1,000 presets, browsable by author, bank, instrument type, or name. Its oscillators support Basic, Additive, Wavetable, and Vector modes, and users can import wave files as waveforms, wavetables, or multisamples. Modulation sources and targets receive visual feedback while notes play. The demo disables preset saving, stops after 30 minutes, and includes fewer presets than the paid version. The listed desktop plan is $9, paid once, with a regular price of $49.00; the iOS plan is $14.99, paid once. There is no free plan.

SynthMaster 2 combines a wide range of desktop synthesis methods with a separate iPad app and its own preset collection. The demo has notable limits, and the listed purchase prices differ by version.

SynthMaster 2 suits musicians seeking a multi-layer software synthesizer for Windows, macOS, or iPad. Its desktop and iPad versions offer different formats and preset counts.

SynthMaster 2 is a two-layer semi-modular synthesizer and effects plug-in for desktop, with a separate iPad app. It suits producers who want several synthesis methods and a large preset library in one instrument. It is a strong choice for that breadth, but the time-limited demo and separate desktop and iPad purchases make it less convenient to evaluate or buy across both.

Overview

The desktop instrument covers virtual analog, additive, wavetable, wavescanning, phase and frequency modulation, pulse-width, ring and amplitude modulation, physical modeling, and SFZ sample playback. That range makes SynthMaster 2 a flexible option for sound design across different synthesis approaches, rather than a focused instrument built around just one engine. Its two-layer semi-modular design adds room to combine sounds, while the included 2,000 factory presets offer a substantial starting library.

The iPad app is a separate product, not simply the desktop plug-in on another screen. It has its own sound engine and 1,000 factory presets, so buyers should choose the version that fits their workflow rather than assume one purchase covers both.

Key features

Desktop synthesis and presets

The desktop product supports a notably broad set of synthesis methods, including physical modeling and SFZ sample playback alongside the more familiar modulation and wavetable options. That breadth is useful for producers who want one instrument to cover varied sound-design tasks. The preset count is generous, though the demo has fewer factory presets than the paid version and cannot save presets.

iPad sound design

On iPad, oscillators offer Basic, Additive, Wavetable and Vector modes, with up to 256 frames in Wavetable mode. Users can import wave files and categorize them as waveforms, wavetables or multisamples, which gives sound designers a way to bring their own material into the app. Visual feedback shows modulation sources and targets as notes play, helping users follow modulation relationships in real time.

Pricing

SynthMaster 2 is paid software with no free plan. The desktop SynthMaster 2 plan is $9, paid once, with a regular price of $49.00 for the desktop synthesizer plug-in. The SynthMaster 2 for iOS plan is $14.99, paid once for a universal app for iPad running iOS 11 and above. These are separate purchases, so a buyer who wants both should budget for each version.

A free trial is available, but its limits are material: it disables preset saving, stops working after 30 minutes and includes fewer factory presets than the paid desktop version. It can provide an initial look at the instrument, but the session cutoff and inability to save make it a poor fit for evaluating longer projects or building reusable sounds.

Platforms

The desktop plug-in runs on Windows 7 or later and macOS 10.7 or later, with 2 GB of RAM and a 2 GHz CPU listed as requirements. It runs as a VST and AAX instrument on Windows and Mac, and as an Audio Unit instrument on Mac. The iOS version is a standalone app or AUv3 plug-in for iPads running iOS 11 and above. The iPad support is distinct from the desktop version and has its own price.

Who it's for

SynthMaster 2 is best suited to desktop producers and sound designers who value a broad synthesis toolkit, two-layer sound construction and a large preset collection. The iPad app is a better fit for musicians who want a standalone or AUv3 instrument on an iPad and are comfortable with its separate engine and preset library. It is less compelling for anyone who needs a generous, unrestricted trial before committing or expects a single purchase to cover desktop and iPad.

Pros and cons

• Pro: A wide range of desktop synthesis methods, from virtual analog and wavetable to physical modeling and SFZ playback, supports varied sound-design work in one plug-in.
• Pro: The desktop library includes 2,000 factory presets, while the iPad app includes 1,000 and supports browsing by author, bank, instrument type or name.
• Pro: iPad users can import wave files and organize them as waveforms, wavetables or multisamples.
• Con: The demo's 30-minute cutoff and disabled preset saving make sustained evaluation difficult.
• Con: Desktop and iPad are separate purchases, and the iPad version has a distinct oscillator engine and smaller preset library.

Alternatives

Browse software synthesizers for a wider set of options. SynthMaster One is worth considering if its free iPhone-only app, 650 presets and 16-voice polyphony suit your needs. DefleMask is a freemium alternative with a free legacy demo and a $14.99 one-time plan. Vital offers a free Basic plan with 75 presets, 25 wavetables and full synth features, plus a $5 monthly subscription. Cardinal is a free, open-source option with built-in modules, though modules cannot be added to an existing build. Dexed is free software under the GPL v3 license. Surge XT is a free, open-source virtual instrument plug-in for Windows, macOS and Linux. Synth1 is freeware for macOS and Windows as a VSTi/AU plug-in. VCV Rack is a freemium alternative whose maker says it will remain free and open-source, with a simple open plug-in API.

Verdict

Choose SynthMaster 2 if you want a desktop instrument with an unusually broad mix of synthesis methods and a large preset library. Its separate, capable iPad app adds another route for iPad music-making, but the distinct purchase and the desktop demo's restrictive limits are good reasons to look elsewhere if you need to evaluate freely or buy one version for both workflows.