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Noise Sculpture SynthWiz Simple Synth

Platform/format: PC/VST Download

It's not exactly sophisticated, but if you want to start programming your own sounds, Simple Synth may be educational at least. Its release coincides with that of a book, Becoming a Synthesizer Wizard: From Presets to Power User, which should give you a grounding in how to use it, but the instrument can be downloaded by anyone.

AcmeBarGig TranceGate

Platform/format: PC/VST Download

Described as "a tremolo on steroids", TranceGate comprises a block of adjustable vertical bars, each of which represents volume, meaning that the level of your audio can change rapidly over time. Other options include a sweeping filter (with five waveform options and six filter types) and a mono/stereo delay.

LiquidSonics ReverberateLE

Platform/format: PC/VST Download

Convolution reverbs used to cost a fortune – now you can get them for free. This one is highly efficient and comes with a small number of Impulse Responses, but it's recommended that you download some of your own in order to maximise the plug-in's potential. If you like ReverberateLE, the author suggests that you make a donation to Cancer Research UK.

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