Classic sounds reborn
What is it about vintage analogue synthesizers of the ‘70s and ‘80s that engenders such passion in musicians? Why the love affair with those quirky contraptions? After all, they were unstable, undependable and, for a very long time, strictly monophonic.
Time has only made these drawbacks seem more severe, and now we can add that they’re hard to find, hard to afford and even harder to maintain.
And yet the simplicity and raw power of the analogue synth is hard to deny. Bells and whistles be damned, these instruments were easy to use and satisfied the sonic soul in a particular way that the workstations of the following decades never could.
Electronic musicians have always dreamed of harnessing the sonic firepower of the analogue synth and combining it with conveniences like patch memory, dependable tuning and greater polyphony. Enter software synthesizers. They’re stable and reliable, offering total recall, multiple instances and niceties like velocity, aftertouch and tons of polyphony. Better still, they do it for less than what it costs to have the keys on a Minimoog rebushed.
To help you pick the right analogue synth emulation plug-in, we’ve rounded up eight of the best for further scrutiny (they’re listed in no particular order). To keep it focused, we’re leaving semi-modulars (like the EMS VCS3 and ARP 2600) and modulars (like the Moog Modular) out of it. And while it’s true that there are many other emulations we could have included, the eight on test have proven highly popular - if sometimes controversial - and have even won over some diehard retro-fetishists.
All are available for PC and Mac in VST, AU and RTAS formats.
NEXT: XILS-Lab polyKB II
XILS-Lab polyKB II
Following the stunning XILS 3 (a VCS3-alike), this gorgeous instrument takes after the legendary - and exceedingly rare - RSF PolyKobol.
Read XILS-Lab polyKB II review
BUY: XILS-Lab polyKB II currently available from:
US: Sweetwater
GForce Oddity
One of the first (and still only) emulations to win over diehard users of the real deal, this accurately captures the quirky, characteristic sound of the ARP Odyssey.
Read about GForce Oddity2 review
BUY: GForce Oddity currently available from:
US: Sweetwater
Korg Polysix
A recreation of Korg’s own early ‘80s synth of the same name, Polysix is ideal for those looking for something quick and easy with a killer analogue punch.
Find out more about Korg Polysix
GForce Minimonsta
Moog’s venerable Minimoog was one of the first synths to be copied, but GForce took a unique approach in modelling a specific, very early unit with real balls.
Read GForce Minimonsta review
BUY: GForce Minimonsta currently available from:
US: Sweetwater
Arturia Jupiter-8V
Big, boisterous and bombastic, this recreation of the classic, coveted Roland Jupiter-8 has a massive sound and an awesome line-up of features.
Read Arturia Jupiter-8V review
BUY: Arturia Jupiter-8V currently available from:
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Arturia CS80V
The Yamaha CS80 was a heavyweight hit, offering polyphony, a ribbon controller and aftertouch. Arturia’s effort has the garish look, if not the growl.
Find out more about Arturia CS80V
BUY: Arturia CS80V currently available from:
US: Full Compass
Korg Mono/Poly
The Mono/Poly is just as much an odd duck as the original instrument, with some curious features that make it a particularly intriguing synth.
Find out more about Korg Mono/Poly
Arturia Minimoog V
Arturia’s take on the Minimoog had a rocky start, even if it was endorsed by Dr Moog himself. Updates have since made it one of the most authentic emulations.
Read Arturia Minimoog V2 review
BUY: Arturia Minimoog V2 currently available from:
US: Full Compass