SynthMaster 2

What SynthMaster 2 is

SynthMaster 2 is a two-layer semi-modular software synthesizer and effects plug-in for Windows, macOS and iOS. Its desktop sound engine covers virtual-analog, additive, wavetable, wavescanning, phase and frequency modulation, pulse-width, ring and amplitude modulation, physical modeling, and SFZ sample playback. The desktop version includes 2,000 factory presets and runs as a VST or AAX instrument on Windows and Mac, or as an Audio Unit instrument on Mac. Desktop requirements are Windows 7 or later or macOS 10.7 or later, 2 GB RAM and a 2 GHz CPU.

On iPad, the iOS version runs standalone or as an AUv3 plug-in on iOS 11 and above. It includes 1,000 presets, searchable by author, bank, instrument type or name. Its oscillators provide Basic, Additive, Wavetable and Vector modes; Wavetable mode supports up to 256 frames. Users can import wave files and sort them as waveforms, wavetables or multisamples. Visual feedback shows modulation sources and targets as notes play. SynthMaster 2 is paid, with a desktop plan at $9, paid once (Regular Price: $49.00) and an iOS plan at $14.99, paid once. A demo is available with restrictions.

Who it suits

SynthMaster 2 suits musicians and sound designers looking for a multi-method synthesizer, with desktop formats for Windows or Mac and a standalone or AUv3 iPad app. Its preset libraries, imported-wave options and visible modulation routing may appeal to users who want several ways to shape sounds.

Limits

The demo prevents preset saving, ends after 30 minutes and includes fewer factory presets than the paid version.

Getting started

1. Visit the SynthMaster 2 website.
2. Choose the desktop SynthMaster 2 plan or the iOS plan.
3. For desktop use, install on Windows 7 or later or macOS 10.7 or later, meeting the listed memory and CPU requirements.
4. For iPad use, install the iOS version on an iPad with iOS 11 or above.
5. Use the demo to explore the product, keeping its saving, duration and preset limits in mind.

Verdict

Choose SynthMaster 2 if you want a semi-modular instrument with varied synthesis methods, substantial preset libraries and multiple desktop plug-in formats. Look elsewhere if you need an unrestricted free version: the demo limits preset saving, duration and preset selection.