Hey Group--


Does anyone have any recommendations for current sounding soft-synths that would work for Pop Rock, Alternative Rock? I have kontakt, but it could be a stand-alone too.

I'd like to see if I can grab one whilst many vendors are having big sales.

Thanks! 

Can you give us a few examples of the type of bands you like?

Look at Synthmaster, it's very versatile and suitable for most genres, there are a lot of preset packs for different styles.

Hybrid 3

Dmitry Sches Thorn and Diversion - I have both and use all the time
https://dmitrysches.com/
Nigel
 

Glyn Barnes
Look at Synthmaster, it's very versatile and suitable for most genres, there are a lot of preset packs for different styles.

+ 1 for SynthMaster.
 
There is a Winter sale until Jan 6th.  You can get the SynthMaster 1+2 bundle for $77.
 
http://www.synthmaster.com/

jude77
Can you give us a few examples of the type of bands you like?

Hey Jude (sorry, had to)
 
It's hard for me, but here are a couple of current songs (with retro influences) that probably are good representations of the type of synth sounds I'm looking for:
 
Foster the People (Sit Next to Me)
Empire of the Sun (Walking on a Dream)
 
Surprising how similar the key intros are to each other when I listened to them back to back!

Thanks, all! Between this forum and one other, here is the list I put together to check out:
 

• Synthmaster
• Hybrid 3
• Dmitry Sches Thorn and Diversion
• Serum
• Sylenth
• Diva
• Rob Papen synths

 

razor
Thanks, all! Between this forum and one other, here is the list I put together to check out:
 

• Synthmaster
• Hybrid 3
• Dmitry Sches Thorn and Diversion
• Serum
• Sylenth
• Diva
• Rob Papen synths

 

Synthmaster would be my first suggestion, but also checkout AIR Xpand! 2, which is quite often on sale... like it is now for under £4:  https://www.pluginboutique.com/product/1-Instruments/64-Virtual-Instrument/1560-Xpand-2
 
 

msmcleod


Synthmaster would be my first suggestion, but also checkout AIR Xpand! 2, which is quite often on sale... like it is now for under £4:  https://www.pluginboutique.com/product/1-Instruments/64-Virtual-Instrument/1560-Xpand-2

I have SynthMaster, Hybrid 3, and Xpand!2.  I wouldn't actually classify Xpand!2 as a synth, as it is more of a ROMpler, although stuffed with a wide variety of sounds.  Very useful for quickly sketching up a few tracks!  But for someone that already has Kontakt, it is probably mostly an overlap, regardless of the price point.
 
If you want to keep the budget under $1, you cannot go wrong with Hybrid 3.  A lot of modern synth sounds to be had with that for the price!!!  It really has a good sound. with two layers and two step sequencers.  Great for moving sounds, sequences, arpeggios, etc.
 
But SynthMaster overall for the value that you get is hard to beat!  There are multiple synthesis types available, including classic virtual analog and wavetable.
 
SynthMaster also a lot of very good preset expansions from skilled sound designers as add-on options to go with.  They cover everything from the vintage to the modern sounds, and the expansions are available individually or as an "everything" bundle.  http://www.synthmaster.com/