Vaporizer 2 is a free, open-source synthesizer and sampler workstation for Linux, macOS, and Windows. It combines wavetable, additive, FM, and subtractive sound generation with sampling and granular synthesis. Four independent wavetable oscillator banks support up to 24-oscillator unison; the editor lets users draw waveforms with Bezier curves, edit cycles, and import Serum- and Icarus-format wavetables. The sampler accepts WAV, AIFF, OGG, and MP3 files, with loop points, key tracking, granular mode, and sample-to-wavetable resampling. The product page lists more than 780 wavetables and single cycles, plus more than 410 factory presets. Modulation includes 25 sources, 220 destinations, five MSEG envelopes, and five LFOs, and the software supports MIDI Polyphonic Expression. Listed plugin formats include VST2, VST3, AU, and AAX; Linux release notes list LV2 builds. A standalone version is also available. The maker says updates are free for the lifetime of the product. The README specifies at least 1 GB RAM and a CPU supporting AVX or SSE2.
Who it is for
Vaporizer 2 suits musicians and sound designers looking for a free synthesizer and sampler workstation with wavetable editing, granular synthesis, and multiple plugin formats. Users should check that their computer meets the listed memory and processor requirements.
What is good
- Free and open source under GPL-3.0
- Four wavetable banks with up to 24-oscillator unison
- Sampler accepts WAV, AIFF, OGG, and MP3
- Supports MIDI Polyphonic Expression
- Lifelong free update policy
What to know first
- Requires at least 1 GB RAM
- CPU must support AVX or SSE2
- Product page states no security certifications
Verdict
Vaporizer 2 brings several synthesis methods, sampling, and extensive modulation into a free workstation. Check the stated processor requirement and plugin format availability for your system before choosing it.
Vaporizer 2 plans and pricing
All plansCompared on sampler software
- Free plan
- Yes
- Plugin support
- both
- Sample mapping
- No
- Maximum polyphony
- 32 voices
- Granular engine
- Yes
- Supported sample formats
- WAV, MP3, AIFF, OGG, FLAC
- Standalone app
- Yes
