Best Free Phaser Vst
In this guide we’ll take a look at a few of the best phaser plugin software on the market today.
Best Free Synth VST Plugins Dexed by Digital Sub Urban Dexed is a Free multi platform and multi format frequency modulation Synth which is based on, or closely modeled to, the Yamaha DX7. You can download it here. Freq Echo is one of the best free VST plugins you can get your hands on for adding phaser, chorus and flanger effects to your mix. Not to mention, it also doubles up as a swanky frequency shifter with analog echo emulation. 49) Softube Saturation Knob. Supaphaser VST The coolest VST phaser, with up to 23 stages and a distort unit, it cames with great presets and is easy to tweak with immediate and good results. Comments (0) - download. Summary: Best Phaser VST Plugins. Soundtoys – PhaseMistress 2. D16 Group – Fazortan 2 3. Softube – Fixed Phaser 4. U-he – Uhbik-P 5. Artsacoustic – Big Rock. All opinions are my own, but I hope this post has educated, inspired and motivated you to dive deeper and find the perfect phaser plugin for you!
If there is one free VST synth that you want to get yourself familiar with, it is the Synth1 by Ichiro Toda. This synthesizer is actually a favorite among many music producers, and is often the one that’s most recommended. Synth1 is an analog modeled subtractive synthesizer. It’s functions are modeled on the Clavia Nord Lead 2 Red Synth. Free vst plugins September 22, 2019 No Comments Bucket Phaser Phaser size 0.6 MB / 0.6 MB / 0.8 MB / 0.8 MB Full Bucket Phaser is a classic analog phaser.
So whether you like your phasers to gnarl up your guitars or keys, or you’re just looking for a way to add something unique to your mix, we’re certain you’ll be happy with any one of these picks.
Quick answer: OhmForce Mobilohm is our favorite for top choice, followed by D16 Group Fazortan.
While the cheapest is the Phaser Snapin Phaser by kiloHearts.
The rest of this guide will take a look at these, and more, in more detail. That way you know what you’re getting into before making your final choice of what you’re going to get.
Let’s take a closer look 🙂
Table of Contents
- Phaser Plugin Buying Guide
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Phaser Plugin Buying Guide
What is a Phaser?
A phaser is a type of filter that reduces and boosts the level of varying frequency bands of the audio.
USing an LFO (low frequency oscillator), it sweeps through the different frequency ranges, resulting in a characteristic “whooshing” or swirling sound.
The effect can be quite distinctive and pleasing to the ear, which is why it has been used in countless recordings since the 1960s to the present. This is especially so for music producers trying to spice up audio recordings.
Sound Characteristics of Phasers
The sounds produced by phaser circuitry can vary considerably, ranging from the subtle to the extreme. Most familiar are the swirling, ‘chewy’ sounds heard on countless rock songs throughout the 1960s and the 1970s, from such guitarists as Jimi Hendrix, David Gilmour, Brian May, and Eddie Van Halen.
But phasers are also capable of producing some pretty extreme effects. With high modulation and resonance rates, it is possible to produce a whole gamut of sounds, including metallic textures, resonant pipe sounds, and even robotic, alien voices.
Features to Look for in a Phaser Plugin
A good degree of control is always good to have in a plug-in, and this is especially applicable to phasers.
Although you do want your phaser to affect the sound in a significant way, you will probably want to preserve the integrity of the original sound as much as possible. For this reason, you might want to focus your search on phasers that have a mix control for blending the ‘dry’ and ‘wet’ signals.
When it comes to phaser stages, more doesn’t necessarily mean better. Some of the most revered phaser stompboxes have as few as two or four stages, and yet they are still sought after to this day.
Nevertheless, the option to use as many–or as few–stages as you need is always a good thing to have in a phaser plug-in.
How to Choose a Phaser Plugin
As with all plug-ins that can affect the sound to a significant degree, your choice in phaser plug-ins should depend on how much you like its fundamental sonic character.
A wealth of features is always nice to have of course, but they wouldn’t amount to much if you can’t stand the base tonal quality of the phaser. You should therefore base your decision on the quality of the sound first of all, and then consider the availability of useful parameter controls.
Best Phaser Plugin Software
OhmForce Mobilohm
The OhmForce Mobilohm is about as fully-featured a phaser plug-in as you will find. It features four independent phaser circuits for starters, each of which can be split into four frequency bands. This translates into a superb degree of user control, making it possible to produce virtually any type of phaser sound you could conceive of. From subtle, shifting textures to wildly-pulsating rhythms, the OhmForce Mobilohm can do it all.
Specs and useful features
- Four phaser circuits, each of which can be split into four frequency bands
- Bandpass filter and three phasing algorithms on each circuit
- Auto-bind for MIDI control over all parameters
- Adjustable LFO phase for syncing to host tempo
- Group parameters for advanced control
- Morphs between presets for unique transition effects
User impressions
The Ohm Force Mobilohm is praised for the wide range of sounds made possible by the various settings. Many users appreciate the intuitiveness and ease of use of the user interface, despite the many controls available. It also gets top praise for its ability to produce sounds ranging from the classic to the unique.
Bottom-line
The OhmForce Mobilohm is simply one of the most versatile and fully-featured phaser plug-ins ever designed. From subtle and barely-noticeable washes to almost overpowering waves of sound, this one pretty much does it all. It is also priced quite reasonably, making its rich and lush sounds accessible to most any budget.
Demonstration
D16 Group Fazortan
If you’re looking for a phaser plug-in that captures the swirly goodness and psychedelic throbs of the classic phaser units from way back, then you’ve pretty much found it in the Fazortan Phaser. It’s capable of mimicking the thick, chewy sounds of vintage phasers, and can go a lot further into the depths of phaser lushness as well.
One of the best features of the Fazortan is the absolutely gorgeous interface bristling with controls. Relatively few plug-ins sound as good as they look–and vice-versa–but Fazortan definitely delivers in both departments.
Specs and useful features
- True emulation of classic analog phase shifter circuitry
- Two fully-controllable LFOs
- LFO synchronization with host tempo
- Midi learn function
- 64-bit internal processing
- No harmonic distortion at output
User impressions
The Fazortan has earned quite a loyal following with its wide range of sound shaping capabilities. Many users seem to be quite taken with its ability to produce everything from subtle phasing and flanging effects to more outrageous whooshes and whirs. Comments have also been made with regard to its ability to make otherwise bland tracks stand out without overpowering the original sound.
Bottom-line
The Fazortan is pretty much neck-and-neck with Mobilohm in terms of user control, ease of use, and sheer lushness of sound. You can create most any phaser or phaser-related sound with this plug-in, from broad sweeps to massively throbbing and pulsating textures. Most any track you pump through this will sound good, including guitars, keys, and basslines, and even drums.
Demonstration
Soundtoys PhaseMistress
Underneath this utilitarian and almost forbidding facade of the Soundtoys PhaseMistressis a good set of controls that you can have fun with doing some serious tweaking. Although any phaser sound is easily achievable without a lot of futzing around, power users appreciate how much control is available under the hood. This one of the crowd favorites, anything by Soundtoys in a worthy mention.
Specs and useful features
- Modeled after classic phase-shifting circuits
- Several modulation modes such as LFO, Rhythm, Envelope, Random, Step, and ADSR
- Classic stompbox emulations included
- LFO syncs to MIDI, tap tempo, or BPM
- Rates adjustable to musical increments
- Rhythmic control with adjustable shuffle and swing
- Adjustable mix, frequency, resonance and modulation
User impressions
One thing that is often said about the PhaseMistress is how organic sounding it is. Although it is quite popular among those looking for a vintage-sounding phaser plug-in, it can do so much more than stompbox emulations. The rhythmic pulses possible with the MIDI or tempo syncable LFO is an especially well-liked feature, although some users did comment about the occasional jump in volume when switching between presets.
Bottom-line
The PhaseMistress could very easily handle most of your phasing needs. Remarkably versatile and controllable, it has a rich and vibrant sound that you simply can’t resist slathering over every track. Despite the all of features available under the hood, it can be as simple and straightforward as you need it to be, with even minor tweaks producing a wide degree of cool sounds.
Demonstration
Audio Thing Phase Motion 2
AudioThing Phase Motion 2 is a 32-stage classic-styled phaser with stereo capability. It’s available in VST, AU, and AAX formats, and has six waveforms types for modulating the cutoff frequency. You also have the option to set the rate to Hertz values or to sync it to your host’s tempo. With the depth and feedback controls, anything from classic phasing to extreme modulations is possible.
Specs and useful features
- 32-stage phasing
- Six LFO types: sine, triangle, ramp up, rump down, square, random
- Host tempo rate sync
- Low CPU
- Preset system with randomizer
User impressions
Great sound and simplicity seem to be the most popular attributes of the Phase Motion, with many users especially in love with its core sound. The fairly comprehensive set of controls also gives it great value for the price, although a few users bemoaned the omission of envelope controls. There have also been complaints about the randomize button, which affects even the wet/dry controls. This often has the effect of making the sound almost inaudible.
Bottom-line
The Audio Thing Phase Motion 2 packs a good range of features and functionality into an affordable and very easy to use plug-in. Versatile enough to handle most any creative need, it has an appealingly rich tone that belies its low cost. Although there are many other more fully-featured phasers out there, the Audio Thing Phase Motion could easily hang with most of them in terms of sound quality.
Demonstration
kiloHearts Phaser Snapin
The kiloHearts Phaser is designed to be part of a more comprehensive chain of effects in the company’s own “Snapin” hosts.
Nevertheless, it is more than capable of standing on its own merits, with a rich and thick sound that ranges from subtle to outlandish.
The Phaser is available in VST, AU, and AAX formats, and also as a rack extension for use with Propellerhead’s Reason.
Specs and useful features
- Order knob creates more pronounced effect
- Cutoff knob for setting filter cutoff
- Depth knob for adjusting cutoff modulation
- Rate knob for setting modulation rate
- Spread knob for widening effect
- Mix knob
- Settings panel
- Randomize button
User impressions
Although a fairly simple plug-in, many users are pleasantly surprised at the wide range of sounds possible with the kiloHearts Phaser. Some users have in fact been tempted to use it on everything, which is frequently a sign of a great-sounding phaser. Most users seem to like using it on guitars, although some have reported utilizing it to great effect for creating bizarre, alien-like soundscapes.
Bottom-line
The kiloHearts Phaser Snapin is a surprisingly capable phaser plug-in that can handle everything from subtle washes to more extreme modulation effects. Despite its modest set of controls, it provides excellent bang-for-the-buck.
Honorable Mention: u-he Uhbik-P
Apart from these very fine phaser plug-ins, we also have to make mention of the u-he Uhbik-P, which is every bit as capable and as great sounding as the best examples in the above roundup. Featuring a pretty impressive array of 42 all-pass filters, the Uhbik-P can deliver sounds of utmost purity and clarity, without a hint of phasing.
When pushed to extremes however, it is also capable of pumping out bowel-churning low-end throbs, harsh and dissonant metallic textures, and everything in between.
Effective use of the Uhbik-P requires familiarity with the filter frequency and feedback controls. With these two parameters working on tandem with each other, you can produce a staggeringly diverse range of sounds. You also have the option to modulate these manually, or via your host’s track automation or the onboard LFO.
While many phaser circuits typically have from two to four, or 12-stages, the Uhbik-P can be set from 14 to 42 stages. This makes it possible to produce highly resonant effects, some of which can be tuned to a remarkably accurate degree.
Even with the wide range of bizarre and outlandish sounds possible, the u-he Uhbik-P has a rich and thick base character that can easily handle more pedestrian phasing duties. Nevertheless, the many possibilities offered by the comprehensive range of controls almost begs for a more experimental and creative approach.
Final Thoughts – Which to Get?
The OhmForce Mobilohm and D16 Group Fazortan are pretty closely tied for the stop spot in this roundup. Both offer a good range of control over the various parameters, they sound great, and they are certainly capable of producing most any phasing sound you can think of. For what it’s worth, the D16 Group Fazortan might have the edge in terms of a purely ‘classic’ sound, while the Mobilohm is better suited for more in-depth tweaking.
The kiloHearts Phaser Snapin is easily the lowest-priced option in this roundup, although it can measure up to quite a few higher priced plug-ins. For standard phaser sounds and even more extreme modulations, this could very well be sufficient for your needs.
As for the Soundtoys PhaseMistress and the Audio Thing Phase Motion 2, both provide excellent value for the money. Between the two, we would have to give the advantage to the PhaseMistress for the sheer level of control available under the hood.
When it comes to VST synths, you can decide on whether you want to buy one, or you want to download one for free. Naturally, the best VST synths are really the one that you’re gonna have to buy. But there are a few gems out there that are for free.
However, there are so many “free VST synths” that downloading them all and installing them on your computer and DAW can be too time consuming.
So for this article, we’ve researched and compiled ten of the best free VST synths. That’ll eliminate a lot of trial and error for you.
Interested in seeing what they are? Keep reading…
The 10 Best Free VST Synths to Use
Check out these other studio and music production gear:
# 1 – Synth1 by Ichiro Toda
If there is one free VST synth that you want to get yourself familiar with, it is the Synth1 by Ichiro Toda. This synthesizer is actually a favorite among many music producers, and is often the one that’s most recommended.
Synth1 is an analog modeled subtractive synthesizer. It’s functions are modeled on the Clavia Nord Lead 2 Red Synth.
It features 2 oscillators, which can be modulated via FM, ring, synchronized, modulation envelopes. Using the 4 types of filters, you can sculpt some cool and interesting sounds, adding distortion for effects.
It has 2 LFOs, an arpeggiator, and tempo delay. These functions are synchronized with the host digital audio workstation’s BPM.
As far as effects goes, you get the ability to add stereo chorus and flangers.
In writing notes, you have legato mode as well as portamento for interesting slides, yet the ability to play up to 16 notes polyphony.
You have a total of 128 presets, and its controls can be automated.
Synth1 was optimized for light CPU load using SSE instructions. Definitely the first choice in “freeware” soft synthesizers.
Demonstration
# 2 – FireBird 2 by Tone2
After Synth1 we have FireBird, a synthesizer that was actually premium synth you had to BUY until the developers at Tone2 decided to release it for the masses after 15 years of development.
Tone2 is responsible for some of the best VST synthesizers on the market, many of which are used to create chart topping hits, FireBird 2 is one of them. So this is definitely recommended for your collection.
FireBird 2 is a subtractive synthesizer with a very intuitive and easy to use interface to navigate its 437 preset sounds. That’s a lot of presets for a free VST synth…
Best Free Phaser Vst Software
FireBird 2 features Harmonic Content Morphing, which utilizes a large range of standard waveforms that can emulate the sound of many instruments, acoustic or synthetic (kind of like wavetable synthesis).
The synth comes with 38 types of filters, including your standard low-pass filters, comb-filtering, EQ, Phaser, Vocal filters, plus FM and AM modulation, to name a few. It also comes with an arpeggiator, so no need to use an external arpeggiator with this device.
You can also customize its look as it has several skins you can download or create to change the interface.
Overall, another very good synthesizer to use, which has been used commercially on chart topping hits.
Demonstration
# 3 – Crystal by GreenOak
If you want a synthesizer programmed by the same person that made Omnisphere, one of the titanic synths in existence today, look no further than the Crystal by GreenOak.
This synthesizer is unique also because it’s available for iPhone. There are many user reviews talking about how great this synth works as a possible free alternative to Omnisphere (there’s another alternative below as well). Of course, don’t expect the same power, nor does it come with any samples.
However, that less power means it won’t be a resource hog on your computer (something Omnisphere is known to be). And you can find free and paid for soundfonts (.sfz files) all over the internet.
In terms of features, it’s credited as utilizing both subtractive synthesis as well as FM synthesis technologies. It’s modulation controls offers 90 parameters, multi-stage envelopes, tempo sync, delays, built-in effects for chorus, flanger, filters, echoes. It has everything you’d need in a synthesizer, which is great for someone learning. You can also use automation, as MIDI controls.
Overall, another good option for a free synthesizer.
# 4 – TAL-NoiseMaker by TOGU Audio Line
Next on the list we have TAL-NoiseMaker by TOGU Audio Line. We came across this synth because it was actually recommended (along with Synth1) as one out of two best free vst synth to use by a professor on synthesis. Mainly because it consists of all the aspects of synthesis that you need to be familiar with, as a beginner, plus its ease of use.
Looking at this synth, you can see why. Everything is laid of clearly, you don’t have to searching around too much for controls that you need when designing a sound.
This actual version was designed as an improved version of TAL-Elek7ro, which comes with an entirely new synth engine, with a few effects like reverb, chorus, low pass filter, and a bit crusher. You also get ring modulation as a synch-able triangle.
The ADSR is very suitable for slow pads or fast envelops attacks. It comes with 128 factory presents, 80 of which were designed by Frank “Xenox” Neumann.
It total, you receive 3 Oscillators, which can each be programmed individually for phase modulation, frequency modulation, or to generate sawtooth, pulse, noise, triangle, sine, square, or rectangle waves.
You get up to 6 voices, which is not a lot but not bad, which can be played in legato, portamento, or polyphonic.
All knobs can be learned via MIDI and automated within your DAW.
Overall, considered an incredible synth, chock full of features, and won’t disappoint as freeware plugin device.
Demonstration
# 5 – Dexed by Digital Suburban
Dexed by Digital Suburban This is a dedicated FM synthesizer, which is excellent for those looking for a frequency modulation synthesizer either to learn, or to general specific sounds. It’s actually designed based on the Yamaha DX7.
This soft synth was created for the intention of being a tool or companion to the original Yamaha synthesizer, particularly for those studying FM synthesis. However, it can be the go-to free synthesizer for those wanting to make some vintage sound genres like Synthwave, which were created using the vintages synths of the day like Yamaha DX7.
Many have considered it an improvement on the actual Yamaha model, plus it being lightweight, it won’t be resource hog on your CPU.
Expect it to work with your digital audio workstation, and to find lots of patches and presets on the web for you to download and to use.
Demonstration
# 6 – MiniMogueVA by Voltkitchen
If you’re looking for a free alternative to Arturia’s Minimoog, or G-Media Minimonsta, then this MiniMogueVA is your choice!
The MiniMogueVA has so many good reviews that it had be on the list. As the name suggests, it’s modeled to match the original Minimoog synthesizers designed by the legendary Bob Moog. Expect the sounds it produces to be particularly rich and juicy, great for funk style music, electronic bass music, and the sub bass in dubstep wobbles.
It features 3 oscillators, one with tuning control, the other two with fine-tuning sliders, and the ability to turn the third oscillator into LFO with dedicated modulation knobs.
Though the original Minimoog had no noise generators, this one actually comes with a the ability to create pink and white noises from the third oscillator.
As to be expected, you get chorus, and delay effects among others, as well as the ability to use MIDI learn to control your software device.
Many people overwhelmingly consider this the absolute best free VST synth on the freeware market. The Minimoog sounds featured in Omnisphere are great, so it’d be awesome to give this a whirl.
Demonstration
# 7 – Proteus VX by E-MU Systems
E-MU systems is the maker of pro audio gear, from hardware synthesizers, audio interfaces, wireless audio transmitters, and digital-analog converters, software instruments, and even audio cables. They’re well known for their quality products, but they also have hidden gem in the “freeware” market: Proteus VX, a free VST synth.
Actually, it is rompler, meaning that it also utilizes samples as well synthesized sounds (like Omnisphere, hence, a worthy free alternative). It was base on the Proteus 2500, a vintage hardware synthesizer. It has the same sounds and factory bank as the original version, plus the ability to control it via 16 MIDI CC controls.
It features “High Voice Polyphony,” which is dependent upon the power of your system, and 54 different filter types, including multi-pole resonant filters, phasers, flangers, vocal filters and multi-parameter morphing filters.
Another cool thing about it is that it offer 24-bit 192kHz high quality audio playback. So you can expect an actual pro level audio quality from a synth that’s actually for free!
Being drag-and-drop based, you have select your presets easily, plus it can be used VSTi within your DAW, or as a stand-alone application.
Only downside… it isn’t supported anymore. Meaning that there aren’t anymore updates. But you can grab it and see it works on your system.
Demonstration
# 8 – Superwave P8 by Superwave
The Superwave P8 is a virtual analog subtractive synthesizer that’s considered the go-to emulator of the vintage synth Roland JP8000. This one perhaps one of the few if not only best free VST synth on this list that is more suitable for an advanced user than someone who is just starting out. It features many controls and parameters that can be overwhelming to a beginner, but satisfying to a pro.
Now, about its sound, which should be the primary reason to using a synthesizer. Considering that it’s loosely modeled off the Roland JP8000, its users have considered it one of the best sounding free VST synths on the freeware market. Expect it to have a fairly unique sound suitable for trance, new age, electronic music, house, or even pop. The pads are what many users consider its most attractive asset, because of the richness and thickness of the sounds that the P8 produces.
It features 2 oscillates that will producer sine, sawtooth, ramp, triangle, pulse waveforms, as well as white noise and pink noise. You can control the oscillators with using fine-tuning, detuning, and synchronized modulation. Its filters consist of 2 resonant filters, low pass, band pass, and high pass. It has 2 controlled amplifiers by level, pan, and on/off switch. The effects I see is simply a pair of mono delays, which can be controlled. You get up to 8 notes of polyphonic operation, portamento controls, and 64 high quality presents, all which can be controlled using MIDI CC control with “learn” capability.
If you aren’t familiar with it, and you already know your way around synthesizers, give it a try yourself. Chances are, from other reviews I’ve read, it is worth looking into.
Demonstration
# 9 – OB-Xd by discoDSP (prev. Datsounds)
There is a challenge with curating this list of best free VST synths, because, so far, many of the VST synths we have named can really be considered the “best” free synthesizers you can download. And discoDSP’s OB-Xd is constantly referred to as the “best” as well. And listening to its sounds, utilizing it’s interface, and working with its features, it’s hard to not see why this synth isn’t actually THE best. But, so are many of the others on the list…
So, what makes this one unique?
For starters, it was modeled on the Oberheim OB-X, OB-Xa and OB-8 synthesizers. /vst-plugins-support-nor-sfx-library.html. These classic vintage hardware synths were famous back in the day, and contributed to many hit records. Right now, they continue to enjoy their legacy in this freeware plugin.
The developers claim that they are not “copying” the originals, but rather take the same features and improve upon them. Whatever that means, it just sounds good to me.
Expect all the features you should find in a standard synthesizers, as well as some cool sounding features like the “continuous blendable multimode filter,” which is a filter allowing you to blending different filter types (such as high-pass, band-pass) in different dB modes. Also, it works on 32 bit or 64 bit versions of Windows OS, as well as Mac.
If you want the classic sounding vintage synth Oberheim for practically nothing, or at least to get yourself familiar with it, give it a trying and download it.
Demonstration
Best Free Phaser Vst Files
# 10 – 44 S by GTG
Finally we have a synthesizer crafted by someone who creates synths strictly for personal use. Yes, the 44 S by GTG is synthesizer created by a musician and synthesist, and offered to the public for free.
Actually, there are many synthesizers by this creator for free, so you can take a look at his entire collection, starting with this GTG 4 S.
This particular synth was design to give a flat sound that you can sculpt. You can use the filters for creating interesting and pleasing distortions in the resonance. It also feature filter modulation, pulse-width modulation, and the ability to track the LFO with the keyboard.
This definitely another synthesizer to consider to try using. It is free, and has a good sound. Check it out.
Demonstration
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are several options for downloading and using free synthesizers. Compiling this list was not as not a simple task, as there are several options that are actually very good. But you can know that this list covers practically all the 10 best free synth plugins that you can download.
We hope you enjoyed this post, and enjoyed discovering some possibly new free toys for your plugin collection.
Io Phaser Vst
If you have any thoughts, suggestion, or even question, please comment below in the comment box. We’ll be happy to know if you’ve ever tried one of these, or what you think is the best free synth plugin on the internet today.