Amsynth

Active

amsynth.github.io

Country: United Kingdom (GB)
Founded: 2003
Developer: Nick Dowell
Pricing: Free (open-source)
Open source: Yes
Platforms: Linux, macOS

Indexes

Audio/Music Production

Overview

amsynth is an open-source analog modeling software synthesizer that emulates classic subtractive synthesis topology similar to Moog Minimoog and Roland Juno-60. It features dual oscillators, resonant filters, ADSR envelopes, LFO modulation, distortion, and reverb, operating as a standalone app or plugin in formats like LV2, VST, DSSI, JACK, and ALSA. Designed for Linux users in audio production, it provides an easy interface modeled after hardware synths for creating and modifying sounds, with polyphonic, monophonic, and legato modes.

Key Features

Dual Oscillators - Sine, saw, square, noise waveforms with hard sync and detuning options.
Resonant Filter - 12/24 dB/oct low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, notch modes.
ADSR Envelopes - Separate generators for filter and amplitude control.
LFO Modulation - Modulates oscillators, filter, and amplitude with various waveforms.
Keyboard Modes - Mono, poly, and legato operation with MIDI control.
Effects - Built-in distortion and reverb processing.
Presets - Hundreds of factory presets for quick sound selection.
Plugin Support - Runs as LV2, VST2, DSSI plugins in DAWs.

Pricing

Plan	Price	Includes
Free	$0	Full feature set including standalone and plugin versions.

Platforms & Requirements

Primary support for Linux via source code builds, standalone with JACK/ALSA/OSS, and plugins (LV2/VST2/DSSI); available in distro repositories. macOS offers AudioUnit version (1.11.0). No native Windows support mentioned; Linux-focused with potential cross-platform plugin use.

Integrations & Ecosystem

JACK audio connection
ALSA/OSS standalone
LV2 plugin host
VST2 plugin host
DSSI plugin host
MIDI input/control
Ardour DAW
Qtractor DAW

Alternatives

App	Difference
ZynAddSubFX	More complex modular synth with extensive effects vs amsynth's simple subtractive design.
Helm	Cross-platform with advanced formant filters vs Linux-centric classic analog modeling.
Surge XT	Modern open-source with wavetable synthesis vs traditional oscillator-based subtractive.
Vital	Free wavetable synth with visual oscillator editing vs hardware-emulating interface.

Reputation

amsynth is regarded as a reliable, easy-to-use virtual analog synth praised for its authentic Moog-like sound, intuitive hardware-style GUI, and seamless JACK integration in Linux audio workflows. Users appreciate the quality presets, low CPU usage, and plugin versatility, though it lacks multitimbrality without multiple instances. Criticisms include limited waveforms and no native Windows support, positioning it best as a lightweight lead or pad instrument rather than a full-featured workstation.

Sources (9)