Instead of Dexed
Dexed alternatives
Dexed is a free synth plugin and standalone app built around the sound and controls of the Yamaha DX7. It also serves as a DX7 MIDI cartridge librarian: it loads and saves DX7/TX7 SysEx programs, sends and receives SysEx messages, and puts 144 automatable DX7 parameters in one panel. Modern, Mark I, and OPL Series engine types, operator meters, microtuning, and MPE support add flexibility, while the instrument remains centered on the DX7. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows and supports VST, AU, and LV2 formats.
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DefleMask
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+2Chiptune tracking for classic console and computer systems — DefleMask is a multi-system chiptune tracker with emulator-based sound, game-oriented exports, and live collaboration, rather than a DX7-focused synth.
Free plan Visit site - 2
Cardinal
Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+3Modular synthesis in a self-contained plugin — Cardinal offers 1,382 built-in modular modules and multiple plugin variants, but cannot load external modules or connect to the Rack library.
Free plan Visit site - 3
Sonic Pi
Free plan LinuxMacWeb+1Code-based composition, performance, and music lessons — Sonic Pi makes music through algorithms and code, with live loops, synths, samples, and effects instead of DX7 emulation.
Free plan Visit site - 4
SynthMaster One
Free plan iPhoneMacWindowsWavetable synthesis with presets and cloud sync — SynthMaster One adds wavetable imports, 1,250 desktop presets, an arpeggiator, effects, and preset and waveform syncing.
From $49 Visit site - 5
VCV Rack
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsModular patching with a large module ecosystem — VCV Rack centers on Eurorack-style modular patching and a broad module ecosystem, with Rack Pro adding DAW plugins and automation.
Free plan · paid from $149 Visit site - 6
Vital
Free plan Open source LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1Wavetable sound design with deep modulation — Vital warps wavetable harmonics and adds sample or text wavetable creation, extensive modulation, effects, MPE, and microtonal tuning.
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Helm
Free plan Open source LinuxMacWindowsA free standalone synth and multi-format plugin — Helm offers a general electronic-music synth with dual oscillators, modulation, sequencing, and effects, rather than DX7-specific controls and SysEx tools.
Free plan Visit site - 8
Surge XT
Free plan Open source LinuxMacWindows - 9
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Free plan MacWindows - 10
PREMIER SOUND FACTORY
Free plan MacWindows - 11
Virtual Drummer
Free plan MacWindows - 12
Voltage Modular
Free plan MacWindows - 13
EastWest ComposerCloud+
Free trial MacWindows - 14
MODO BASS 2
Free plan MacWindows - 15
MODO DRUM
Free plan MacWindows - 16
Pianoteq
Free trial iPhoneLinuxMac+16.1 Visit site - 17
KORG Collection
Free trial MacWindows6.0 Visit site - 18
NotePerformer
Free trial MacWindows - 19
OB-E
Free trial MacWindows - 20
Garritan Abbey Road Studios CFX Concert Grand
Paid MacWindows - 21
Virtual Guitarist
Free trial MacWindows - 22
Virtual Pianist
Free trial MacWindows - 23
Trilian
Paid MacWindows - 24
Diva
Paid LinuxMacWindows - 25
Addictive Drums 2
Paid MacWindows4.9 Visit site - 26
Arturia V Collection 11
Paid MacWindows - 27
Magnus Choir
Paid MacWindows - 28
EZbass
Paid MacWindows - 29
Hive 2
Paid LinuxMacWindows4.8 Visit site - 30
EZkeys 2
Paid MacWindows
That focus may not fit if you want a different way to make music. Dexed is not presented as a perfect DX7 clone, and its documentation is minimal. Alternatives span console-focused tracking, modular synthesis, wavetable design, and code-based composition and performance. Compare the sound approach and workflow you want, then check platform and plugin-format fit. Also weigh the differences in presets, modules, MIDI or hardware connections, and price: some options are free, while others offer paid tiers or a starting price.