Helm

Windows · Mac · Linux

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Freedom report

Three barsScore 6.5

Free tierA free tier is on its own pricing page
Open codeNo open-source code on record
Runs widely3 of 6 device platforms
DocumentedPlans, terms and facts published

Helm is ranked #7 of 34 in software synthesizers on Freedom251. It runs on Linux, macOS, Windows. There is a free plan.

Helm plans and pricing

All plans

Pay what you want Free Pay what you want; you are free to pay nothing. Standalone or plugin · GNU/Linux, Mac OSX, Windows · 32-bit and 64-bit versions tytel.org · 4 Oct 2026

Compared on software synthesizers

Free plan: Yes
Plugin formats: LV2, VST, VST3, AU, AAX
Standalone app: Yes

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The record

What it does: Helm is a software synthesizer for creating electronic music on a computer.
Standalone and plugins: Helm is available as a standalone synthesizer and as an LV2, VST, VST3 or AU plugin.
Supported systems: The maker lists GNU/Linux, Mac OSX and Windows, with 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
Synth features: Helm includes dual oscillators with cross modulation, unison, a sub oscillator, filters, modulation, a step sequencer, an arpeggiator and audio effects.
MIDI control: The manual explains how to map a MIDI control to a knob or slider using MIDI Learn.
License and DRM: The maker describes Helm as free software that can be run without DRM, studied, changed and redistributed in original or modified form.
Created sounds: The FAQ says sounds created with Helm belong to the person who played them, who holds their copyright.
System requirements: The FAQ lists Windows 7 or later, MacOS 10.7 or later, Ubuntu Trusty 14.04 or later, and Debian Jessie or later.
Support: The maker asks users to email bug reports with details such as what happened, crash reports, operating system and whether they use the plugin or standalone version.
Known limitations: The GitHub project description says the release is in beta and has outstanding bugs.
Price from: Free

Where it ranks on Freedom251

Best Software Synthesizers in 2026#7 of 34

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Sources

tytel.org/helm/faq/· checked 4 Oct 2026
tytel.org/helm/downloads/· checked 4 Oct 2026
github.com/mtytel/helm· checked 4 Oct 2026
tytel.org/static/docs/helm_manual.pdf· checked 4 Oct 2026
tytel.org/helm/· checked 4 Oct 2026