The year is almost over but the barrage of new software synths is showing no signs of slowing down. Check out this quick roundup of some of the highlights synth fans can get their hands on right now.

Lines

By AudioThing

Website: https://www.audiothing.net/effects/lines/l/

Price: $39 (Regular Price $69)

Lines is a complex effects processor and feedback synthesizer created in collaboration between AudioThing and Hainbach. This marks the sixth time that AudioThing has teamed up with the composer and YouTuber to create a plugin. According to AudioThing, it can be used as a creative mangler of all kinds of signals, including lo-fi telephone sounds and unique frequency shifting to name a few. However, it is also an experimental synthesizer that can use feedback to create a range of inspiring rhythms, pulses, and organic soundscapes even without any input. 

The synth draws inspiration from a rare piece of hardware made in the 1970s, called the Axel Line Simulator. The Axel Line Simulator is not a synth and was created to simulate signal loss over telephone and data lines. By using analog effects it could mimic the effects on message transmissions. After discovering it on an auction site, Hainbach was intrigued by its potential and had it restored, which eventually led to the creation of this plugin. 

Specifications: 

• Frequency Shifter
• Phase Jitter
• 2nd and 3rd Non-Linear Distortion
• Line Selector (Band Pass filters)
• Pulse Sequencer
• Feedback
• Noise with Envelope
• Trip Modulation
• Resizable Window
• Preset system with randomizer

Lines is available for macOS, Windows, and Linux as well as on iOS for iPhone and iPad. Check out the official website for more information or to try the free demo. 

Oberheim OB-X

By GForce Software

Website: https://www.gforcesoftware.com/products/ob-x/

Price: £59.99 (Regular price £99.99)

GForce Software has released Oberheim OB-X, which is the world’s first officially endorsed emulation of the famous synth from the eighties. Popularized by artists and groups such as Ultravox, BBC Radiophonic Workshop, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Depeche Mode and Queen, the Oberheim OB-X still delivers sounds that fit right into modern genres. 

According to GForce Software, the Oberheim OB-X not only provides an authentic experience but also boasts a few powerful enhancements. These include up to 16 voice polyphony, vintage control for adding subtle analog imperfections, Stereo Delay, Reverb functions, and much more. 

Features:

• An authentic-sounding emulation of the Oberheim® OB-X
• Fully-scalable UI
• Powerful Preset Browser
• Over 400 presets
• Vintage knob for authentic analog imperfections
• Augmented with vast modulation options via X-Modifiers
• Chord mode with scales
• Arpeggiator
• Chorus, Delay, and Reverb effects
• Four programmable Macros for easy manipulation of sounds
• Monophonic, polyphonic, legato, and unison trigger modes
• Per-voice-pan for wide stereo sounds
• Programmable Aftertouch and expanded Velocity controls for extra playability

The Oberheim OB-X virtual instrument is available for MAC and PC. A trial version, which is limited to six hours of use or seven days, is available from the official website.

PS-3300

By Cherry Audio

Website: https://cherryaudio.com/products/ps-3300

Price: $49 (Regular Price $69)

Cherry Audio has announced the availability of PS-3300, which is a faithful analog emulation of the very rare synth released by Korg in 1977. It was the largest and most expensive of the Polyphonic Series of analog synthesizers released by Keio Electronic Laboratories under the Korg brand name and was in production until 1981. However, with only 50 units produced it is considered to be one of the most rare analog synths ever made. The PS-3300 is more than just a novelty, though, as it is capable of delivering rich, sonically evolving timbres, making it one of the holy grails of polyphonic analog synths. Unfortunately, only the wealthiest musicians could afford one and its popularity was further boosted by artists such as Vangelis, Aphex Twin, Keith Emerson, and Jean-Michel Jarre using it. 

The price and scarcity of the PS-3300 put it out of reach of most buyers, which is why Cherry Audio collaborated with the Electronic Music Education and Preservation Project for the creation of this softsynth version. It replicates the functionality, layout, and sonic characteristics of the three PSU-3301 sonic generator panels while also expanding the voice panels with additional faculties.

The PS-3300 is available in AU, VST, VST3, AAX, and standalone formats for macOS and Windows. A free 30-day demo is also available, which does not limit any of the features, but will play white noise periodically.