Dezert Audio has launched PolyFreq, a free analog modeled synthesizer plugin for macOS and Home windows.
You could acknowledge Dezert Audio from Freq-2, the premium Kontakt instrument we coated beforehand, constructed from recordings taken from Dez Wright’s private assortment of over 20 analog synths.
PolyFreq is a distinct sort of launch. It’s a synthesis engine fairly than a pattern library, however the deal with classic analog character is simply as current.
I cherished the interface design immediately, notably the filter part. The cutoff frequency and resonance controls seem as horizontal bars that you simply modify by dragging, fairly than the usual knob format. The entire design has a retro-futuristic high quality that I actually like. It appears to be like a bit uncommon at first, but it surely is sensible when you begin utilizing it.
The synth attracts on Soviet-era analog {hardware}. The developer describes the filter as “daring Soviet-style,” and the sound character matches that description. It’s fairly uncooked, however I prefer it.
To my ear, the inspiration feels near the Polyvox 18, a Soviet analog synth from the early Eighties that has its personal uncooked, distinctive sound. It drew from the Korg MS-10, however sort of went in its personal route, and PolyFreq has an identical rawness.
Underneath the hood, you get twin oscillators feeding a nonlinear analog-style filter with three modes: low cross, band cross, and excessive cross. The sign path makes use of saturation and a nonlinear response to introduce the analog character and instability you get from actual {hardware}.
Unison mode can also be out there with adjustable drift, unfold, and detune. The drift management is my favourite a part of the synth and is tremendous efficient at including delicate pitch instability, making the sound really feel extra alive.
One other fairly cool characteristic is the randomizer button close to the highest of the interface. One click on generates a very new patch, and the outcomes are normally extra musical than random noise.
After a number of random clicks, I landed on a bass sound with sync modulation that had an superior glitchy and considerably unpredictable high quality that labored rather well. Should you’re searching for fast analog-style inspiration, it’s an excellent place to begin.
PolyFreq is free to obtain from Dezert Audio’s web site. You should full a free checkout and create an account. Whenever you open the plugin for the primary time, enter your e-mail and password to activate it. Donations are elective.
PolyFreq is on the market in AU and VST3 codecs for macOS (Sequoia 15.7 and above) and VST3 for Home windows 10 (64-bit). Each variations require an web connection for activation.
Obtain: PolyFreq (FREE)
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Final Up to date on Might 3, 2026 by Tomislav Zlatic.
