Synth1

Free virtual analog synth by Ichiro Toda · since 2002 · version 1.13 beta11 (macOS) / 1.13 beta3 (Windows)

Synth1 by Ichiro Toda: plugin interface screenshot
Synth1 interface. Screenshot: daichilab.sakura.ne.jp

What Synth1 is

The Nord Lead 2 clone that launched a thousand tracks since 2002. Ancient GUI, enormous preset library.

  • 2 oscillators + sub, FM, ring mod, sync
  • 32-voice polyphony, host-synced arpeggiator
  • Freeware, commercial music use permitted

VST2 and AU only; there is no VST3 build. Windows and macOS.

On this site since 2012

Free Soft Synth first listed Synth1 on April 9, 2012: Synth1 is a software synthesizer. Functionally it is modelled on the Clavia Nord Lead 2 Red Synth.

How to install Synth1

Synth1 runs on Windows and macOS. It ships as VST2 and AU. Logic Pro and GarageBand users need the AU build. There is no VST3 build, so make sure your DAW still loads VST2. Download it from daichilab.sakura.ne.jp, run the installer or copy the plugin into your plugin folder, then rescan plugins in your DAW.

Questions

Is Synth1 free?

Yes. Synth1 is free from Ichiro Toda. There is no trial period and no feature lock.

What plugin formats does Synth1 support?

Synth1 is available as VST2 and AU.

Which operating systems run Synth1?

Synth1 runs on Windows and macOS.

Free alternatives to Synth1