SynthMaster One

SynthMaster One is a wavetable synthesizer for Windows, macOS and iOS, suited to producers who want sound-design tools alongside preset browsing. Its desktop version has the deeper engine and larger library; the iOS editions cost less but have lower polyphony and fewer presets.

Overview

There is more to SynthMaster One than playing factory sounds. Desktop instances combine oscillators, filters, envelopes, LFOs, sequencing and effects, while wavetable imports let users expand the sound sources they work with. The desktop version is the stronger choice for detailed sound design; the iOS app makes the instrument available on a phone or tablet, with a smaller preset library and less polyphony.

Key features

• Wavetable importing: Import wavetable files or place them in the SynthMaster One Waveforms folder to extend the included library. This suits producers who want to work with their own wavetable material rather than rely solely on factory sounds.
• Desktop sound engine: Each desktop instance has two oscillators, two sub oscillators, two filters, four ADSR envelopes, two LFOs, a 16-step arpeggiator/sequencer and 11 effect types. That breadth supports shaping and sequencing within one instrument, rather than requiring a separate tool for each of those tasks.
• MIDI patterns and tuning: Scala tuning files are supported, and MIDI patterns can be dragged into the arpeggiator. The MIDI import is useful for adapting existing patterns to the synth's sequencing workflow.
• Preset and cloud features: Desktop includes 1,250 factory presets. The maker says users can sync presets, waveforms, samples, favourites and MIDI programs across machines and platforms, which is useful for carrying sound-design work between setups.
• iOS DAW integration: AudioUnits V3 support allows multiple instances in compatible DAWs such as GarageBand, Cubasis and Beat Maker. The Files app can import and export presets, waveforms and scales on iOS 11 or later.

Pricing

The desktop version costs $49.00 once for Mac and Windows. It is the paid option to choose for the full desktop preset library and 32-voice polyphony, as well as standalone use on Windows and plugin use in supported formats.

The iOS Universal App costs $9.99 once and runs on iPhone and iPad. It is a lower-cost fit for users who want the instrument on either device, but the iOS version has 650 presets and 16-voice polyphony, compared with 1,250 presets and 32 voices on desktop.

The iPhone Only App is free and runs on iPhone, not iPad, with 650 presets and 16-voice polyphony. It is a way to use SynthMaster One without paying, but the device restriction and lower capacity make it a less capable choice than desktop. The demo is another way to try the product: it includes 650 factory presets, disables preset saving and stops working after 15 minutes.

Platforms

SynthMaster One is available for Windows, macOS and iOS. Desktop runs as a VST instrument on Windows and Mac, as an Audio Unit instrument on Mac, and as a standalone application on Windows. The iOS app is an Audio Unit instrument and supports multiple instances in compatible DAWs. KV331 Audio directs product-support issues to the contact form on its support page.

Who it's for

SynthMaster One is a good fit for producers who want wavetable sound design, sequencing and effects in one instrument, especially if they value importing their own wavetable files or moving presets and other materials across platforms. Desktop users get the larger preset library and voice count. The iOS app is better suited to users who prioritize mobile access and can work within its lower polyphony and preset count.

It is less suitable for someone seeking a free, unrestricted desktop synth: the free app is iPhone-only, while the demo cannot save presets and ends after 15 minutes.

Pros and cons

• Pro: A wide desktop engine, from dual oscillators and filters to a 16-step arpeggiator/sequencer and 11 effect types, gives sound designers a substantial set of tools in each instance.
• Pro: Wavetable imports and drag-and-drop MIDI patterns let users bring their own material into the instrument.
• Pro: A one-time desktop price and a cheaper universal iOS edition give users distinct paid entry points without a subscription.
• Con: iOS has half the desktop voice polyphony and 600 fewer presets, a meaningful reduction for users comparing it with the desktop edition.
• Con: The free iPhone app cannot run on iPad, and the demo's 15-minute limit and disabled preset saving constrain extended use.

Alternatives

Browse software synthesizers if you want to compare more instruments. DefleMask is a freemium alternative with a free plan and a $14.99 one-time paid plan; its 32-bit legacy offering is unsupported and described as a demo. Cardinal is a fully free, open-source option with built-in modules, though modules cannot be added to an existing build. Sonic Pi is a free, open-source alternative made by more than 200 contributors and in development since 2012. VCV Rack offers a free, open-source standalone with free modules and an open plugin API. Vital has a free Basic plan with full synth features, 75 presets and 25 wavetables; its $5.00 per month subscription adds store credit and subscriber-only packs. Dexed is free software under the GPL v3 license. Helm is a pay-what-you-want standalone or plugin for Linux, macOS and Windows, with 32-bit and 64-bit versions. Surge XT is a free, open-source virtual instrument plugin for Windows, macOS and Linux.

Verdict

Choose SynthMaster One if you want a substantial wavetable instrument with sequencing and effects, and are willing to pay once for the fuller desktop version. Its strongest case is the combination of an extensive desktop engine, user wavetable imports and 1,250 presets. Look elsewhere if you need a free desktop synth or expect the iOS edition to match desktop capacity.