heres the run down on some of the best VSTi's around at the moment

Pentagon

4 Oscillators, 13 Alias Free Waveforms each plus a Noise Generator per oscillator: Saw, Vintage Saw, Square, Vintage Square, Pulse 50%, Pulse 25%, Pulse 12%, Pulse 6%, Harmonics 5/2, Harmonics 3, Harmonics 4, Harmonics 5, Pure Sine.
4 User Loadable waveforms, in two modes: Simple shot and Full range.
64 voice polyphonic (CPU dependant) with polyphony limiter and Intelligent Voice Allocation (no clicks when maximum polyphony is exceeded).
Full Legato mode for monophonic operation.
Monophonic/Polyphonic portamento with Fixed or Variable per-key Time.
Individual adjustment of Level, Waveform, Mode, Phase, Fine, Octave, Coarse tune, LFO sensitivity and Pitch Eg Intensity for each oscillator.
Key Sync, Inverted, Free Running or Fixed Frequency mode selection for each oscillator.
Dedicated Pitch Envelope Generator, with Start Level, Attack Time, Attack Level, Decay Time, Release Level, Release Time with fully bandlimited operation.
Random Pitch control, with individual generators per oscillator.
4 Operation modes: Add (normal), Ring Modulation, Hard Sync and Frequency Modulation. Every group of two oscillators can select any operation mode.
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) with adjustable depth for every oscillator and phase shift control.
2 Superb resonant multimode filters (Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, Notch) with individual adjustment for Type, Cutoff, Resonance, Attack, Sustain, Decay, Release, Envelope, Velocity, Keyboard Scaling, Aftertouch, Breath controller, Modulation.
Positive or Negative envelope modes.
Link mode for the two filters.
2 Amplifier dedicated Envelope Generators with Attack Time, Hold Time, Decay Time, Sustain Level, Release Time, Keyboard tracking and Velocity control.
Linear/Exponential selectable envelopes.
Dedicated LFO's, for Pitch, Filter and Amplifier, 13 waveforms each: Sine, Square, Pulse 50%, Pulse 25%, Pulse 12%, Saw Up, Saw Down, Triangle, Step 1, Step 2, Random 1, Random 2, Sample and Hold.
Variable offset of all waveforms, Delay, Fade, Speed Depth, Aftertouch, Breath and Modulation controls.
All LFO's are individually syncable to Host Tempo.
Loadable LFO waveforms.
5 Pitch Bend modes: Normal, Asymmetric, High Note, Low Note, Hold Notes. Pitch Bend range adjustable up to +12 semitones.
Built-in effects section:

2 filter level effects:
Drive control with Tone adjustment
Amp/Cabinet Simulator with 19 different simulations.

6 Modulation effects:
Chorus
Stereo Chorus
4-Voice Chorus
Phaser
Stereo Phaser
4-Voice Phaser

AutoPan
Stereo Spread
Stereo Delay
Two Band Equaliser with adjustable frequency and ±12dB range.

All effects can be disabled to save CPU

4 outputs: Main stereo pair (with effects), 2 auxiliary mono outputs (dry).
Master volume control for the whole instrument (all presets)
Extensive MIDI implementation: Velocity, Pitch Bend, Aftertouch, Modulation, Breath, Sustain Sw.
MIDI Learn mode: Any knob can be assigned to any parameter just shift-clicking on it and sending a MIDI CC. Multiple knobs (in any number) can be assigned to any controller with selectable polarity and MIN/MAX value.
MIDI Settings are remembered.
768 programs in 6 banks (a-f), 300 top quality factory presets selectable by right click.
Copy/Paste/Init functions to arrange presets.
Reduced CPU utilisation
Sound Preview feature with MIDI transmit.
Easy programming layout


home page- http://www.rgcaudio.com/Pentagon_I.htm


Absynth

Type : Modular Synth

Absynth is not an emulative synthesizer in the typical sense. It can do analog and FM style timbres but these timbres can be made better by synths dedicated to the task.

What Absynth is best at are evolving pads, complex rhythmic patterns and other worldly FX.

Absynth has a unique interface, it doesn't look like an analog synth which seems to bother some. Although this might create a learning curve the interface is efficient and logical.

The main engine consists of 1 - 2 ocillators paired to 1 filter and 1 modulator. There are three sets that go into a master waveshaper, another filter and effects.

You draw your waveforms although 32 presets are available. The waveforms you draw can be adjusted in spectrum mode which allows you to manipulate 64 poles, similar to AM synthesis. It is amazing what a few harmonics can sound like.

Semi-modular synthesizer combining multiple synthesis techniques
6 oscillators, 4 filters, 3 ring modulators, waveshaper and delay processor per voice
Freely drawable waveforms for oscillators, LFOs and waveshaping
Many graphical envelopes with up to 68 breakpoints each
8 part multitimbral (CPU Dependant)
Intuitive and convenient graphical editors, attractive design
Extensive sound library
Runs stand-alone and as a plug-in



home page- http://www.nativeinstruments.de/index.php?absynth_us

FM7

Type : FM Synth

FM synthesizer with extended sound architecture
Reads and faithfully reproduces sound programs of the FM classics
Full matrix frequency modulation with 8 operators, no fixed algorithms
6 operators with many waveforms plus distortion and analog filter operator
Sophisticated graphical editors with many convenient edit functions
Flexible graphical envelopes with unlimited number of stages and looping
Stereo effects section with chorus, flanger delay, can be used for external audio signals
Runs either as stand-alone or as a plug-in
Optimized for Pentium III and G4 processors



home page- http://www.nativeinstruments.de/index.php?fm7_us

Junglist

Type : Synth

2 oscillators (32 waveforms) with adjustable coarse and fine tune
Saturation control for both oscillators
2-op FM mode
Percussive mode for synth drum sounds
Dual Voice mode
Ring Modulator
Multimode filter with 24 dB Lowpass, 24 dB Highpass types and Separation control
Filter Keyboard Tracking
2 pitch envelopes
ADSR filter envelope
ADSR amplitude envelope
LFO on pitch and/or filter
LFO and Delay tempo syncable
Glide function, can be switched between constant-rate and constant-time
Bass Fx section to create ultra-low basses
Complex Chorus section allows a wide range of delay, chorus, flange and spatialization effects
Distortion effect, low/high filter, and level for the master output
Supports both parameter automation and Cubase automation (MIDI CC)
Unison mode (plays all voices at once)
Up to 12 voices of polyphony
Supports Aftertouch



home page- http://www.sonic-syndicate.com/defa...age=plugin6.asp

VAZ 2010

Type : Synth

Synth section - The powerful VAZ 2001 Synthesizer architecture allows unique sounds to be crafted easily and quickly, essential for making your music stand out from the crowd. The quality and diverse range of analogue sounds will surprise you. Combine that with the ability to use sampled sounds like pianos, guitars, vocals, drum kits, and also live audio input which can then be processed through the synthesizer structure, and you have a hugely flexible sound source. VAZ 2001 then supports up to 16 of these synthesizers at one time, with up to 16 notes of polyphony per instrument!


Sequencer Section - The polyphonic VAZ 2001 Sequencer combines the best of classic analogue and digital pattern sequencers. An independent sequencer is available for each of the 16 synthesizers, and can be used for patterned modulation of parameters such as Filter Cutoff and Resonance in addition to note sequencing. The sequencer can also synchronize with the host directly when used as a VSTi or DXi plugin or via MIDI Clock for the standalone version.


Mixer Section - The VAZ 2001 Mixer is a 16:2 design with 2 aux sends to combine the outputs of every synthesizer. Each channel has an insert point which can load a chain of effects including internal VAZ effects, VST plugins and DirectX plugins. A Sub Output module can also be used to route any channel to a hardware audio output. The 2 stereo aux sends can be used to share an effect (i.e. Reverb) across all channels, or with the Sub Output module provide 2 further complete sub-mixes.


Software is supplied as a standalone application, VSTi and DXi plug-in
Three Oscillators are available with LFO 1 switched to audio range
Ring Modulator
Noise generator
8 Filter Modes: Type A and B, 2-Pole Multimode Low, Band and High Pass, Type C 2-Pole Low Pass and 4-Pole Low Pass
Dynamic Polyphony allocation
Velocity sensitive patches
Arpeggiator
Real-time Transpose
MIDI Clock Sync
Master Tuning
MicroTuning - redefine tunings for notes
Live audio input
'QWERTY' virtual keyboard
Fully MIDI controllable
Learn MIDI' facility - Simply Right Click a parameter to easily map MIDI controller
Supports MME, DirectX/Sound and ASIO
Supports Multiple SoundCard Outputs
Selectable 11, 22, 32, 44.1 or 48 kHz output
Output can be exported to .WAV audio files, so you can create a CD or use it in other software
Use it on its own
Use it as a VSTi plug-in within Steinberg's Cubase VST, Emagic's Logic, etc
Use it as a DXi plug-in within Cakewalk's SONAR
Use it as a VST or DX plug-in for processing audio
Save/Load Patches, 128 controllable via MIDI program change
Sequences can be saved along with patches, as can the corresponding effect (if any) assigned in the Mixer
Save/Load Sequences, Banks / Songs



home page- http://www.software-technology.com/...010/vaz2010.htm

DR-008

Type : Modular Drum Sampler/Synth

96 Channels
Modular architecture
Four sampler modules
Ten synthesizer algorithms
Six MIDI-processing performance modules
Pattern sequencing
Multimode resonant filters
Loop modulation
128-way Velocity Switching
Multiple Outputs (in compatible host applications)
Loads files in WAV, AIFF, LM-4, DR-005 format (up to 32-bit depth)
Eight assignable exclusion groups
Eight programmable macro-mutes
Two aux sends per channel
Full MIDI automation
Third-party support from SmartElectronix, MDA and more

Frankly, there's just nothing else to compare it to. An open, modular drum-oriented sample playback platform with a bevy of modules. 'Battery vs. DR-008' isn't a fair comparison, though I've seen many conversations on this topic... you might compare ONE of DR-008's modules to Battery, likewise you might compare ONE or TWO of DR-008's modules to Attack, but again... this doesn't make sense. In reality, DR-008 is all of these tools and more. The ability to have a different 'module' on each pad is flat-out brilliant.



homepage- http://www.fxpansion.com/dr008.html

Waldorf Attack

Type : Percussion Synth

Virtual analog sound synthesis
31 sounds kits with over 700 sounds included
24 percussion sounds per set, spread over two octaves
Per sound (editable):
2 oscillators with each 9 waveforms (triangle, sine, square, sawtooth, sample&hold, noise, hihat closed, hihat opened, crash)
FM and Ring Modulation
'Crack'-module for authentical analog hand claps
6 filter types with resonance up to self oscillation and overdrive
2 envelopes for Pitch, FM amount, Filter Cutoff and Loudness
All parameters addressable via MIDI controller
8 audio outputs (2 stereo, 4 mono)
Two integrated and synchronizable Modulation Delays for the stereo outs
Percussive Bass und Lead sounds - polyphonic playable

For analog style percussion sounds, it beats anything else out there for flexibility and verstatility including Rebirth and Reason. The multi-timbral implementation couldn't be easier to use and automation of all parameters via MIDI CC is well documented. The shipped kits are, for the most part, excellent and most of the MIDI file examples really show to make Attack shine.



homepage- http://www2.waldorf-gmbh.de/attack/

Reaktor

Type : Modular Synth

32Bit Real-time Synthesis
Adjustable internal processing speed from 22.05 kHz to 132.3 kHz
Freely connectable signal processing structures
Freely connectable signal processing structures
Maximum number of instruments: 16
Maximum number of voices per instrument: 64
128 snapshots per instrument
Full MIDI control (In/Out) of all panel elements
Audio-Recording and WAV (PC) / AIFF (MAC) file Export
Synthesis: Analogue Modelling, Waveshaping, FM, Waveset, & Granular Synthesis, Sampling
Imports WAV and AIFF (PC and Mac) as well as SoundDesigner II (Mac)
Premium Library included (25 Reaktor synth, sampler, & FX ensembles)
Reaktor library - 300 instruments and FX
Complex modular synth, users can build their own synths, samplers, drum machines, FX. etc. using the included modules, macros, instruments, etc.

Reaktor is one nice synth developement system and workes very well as a VSTi/DXi and Standalone. There isnt to much from a synth design point of view that couldnt be done with imagination, some study and time. It also come with many ensembles (synths) and there are also many available for download



homepage- http://213.70.166.223/index.php?id=268&type=1

Mercury

Type : Synth

Monophonic Virtual Analogue Synthesizer
4x multitimbral
2 Oscillators plus Sub Oscillator
Sine, Saw Tooth, Triangle, Square and Pulse Waves
Pulse Width Modulation
Noise Generator for Oscillator 1 (White Noise)
Oscillator Sync & Ring Modulation
24 dB/Octave Low Pass Filter (4 pole) with Resonance
Two Envelope Generators
Extensive Modulation possibilities (MIDI assignable)
LFO with Sine, Saw Tooth, Square and Sample & Hold
LFO synchronizable via MIDI
TC SoftSat™ drive for analogue sounding distortion

The sounds that come out of it, are kinda evil and harsh sounding. The thing is, once you get into it, it seems extemely limited. The sounds I got out of it, sounded similar to the presets supplied (and there wasnt that many), and within a few months id gone completly off it. It eats up your CPU too. It has got a distinctive sound, and would probably work well in some techno tune, but unless thats your sort of music, i wouldnt put this high on my recomendation list.



homepage- http://www.tcworks.de/home/content/...nk/render_main/

Tau Pro

Type : Synth

Two 64-bit alias-free oscillators, with a choice of eleven waveforms each, plus detune and PWM (available for all waveforms)
Hard Sync and Ring Modulation for extra grit
Switchable 18db/24db/36db per octave resonant lowpass filter with EG modulation. Classic acid bassline sound!
Velocity-controlled Accent Feature and supersmooth Glide mode
Built-in Stereo FX unit with distortion, delay, chorus and flange
Full MIDI control



homepage- http://www.muon-software.com/html/home.html

CronoX

Type : Sample Synth


24 voice polyphonic (CPU dependent)
64 sound programs
1 user loaded sample oscillator (WAV/AIFF up to 96kHz/24bit)
Samples can be time stretched and pitch shifted independently in real time
Additional Analogue modelled oscillator
Analogue modelled multi-mode filters with cutoff and resonance, fully modulatable
Velocity, Aftertouch, Pitch bend , Mod wheel, Spread, and various other controllers
ADSFR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Fade, Release) envelopes for Amplitude, Cutoff and a freely assignable Modulation Envelope
Powerful GakStoar type 8x8 Modulation Matrix (More than 200 modulation routings)
Two fully equipped LFOs with many waveforms, tempo sync and symmetry adjustment
Delay section
ECS (MIDI - Easy Controller Setup)
Sample accurate timing
Full automation and settings are saved with your song



homepage- http://www.linplug.com/Products/CronoX/cronox.htm

QuadraSID 6581

Type : Synth

Up to four independent SIDs can be emulated with a single SID plugin
Each SID has three independent oscillators and a fourth "Galway-noise" channel
Oversampling per chip (1x - 8x)
Chip-Model selector per chip (6581 / 8580)
The SID emulation has been enhanced so each oscillator can have it's own volume
Build-in arpeggiator for each oscillator
Four LFOs, four envelopes and four "functions" for each oscillator
Programmable wavetables for each oscillator
Three play modes : Mono, Poly & Multi-timbral
Nearly every parameter can be modulated by MIDI or other internal modulators

Velocity sensitive Virtual-keyboard can be toggled on/off
Beta-tested by Chris Hülsbeck, the C-64 SID guru
Very low CPU consumption



homepage- http://www.refx.net/products/QuadraSID.php4

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