5 Best Software Synths for Pads (Patreon)

The following is a brand new video script that will most likely make it to the channel in video form in the next few weeks. As members of my Patreon, I thought you might enjoy articles like this in written format before they hit my YouTube Channel! Let me know what you think in the comments below...

Cheers and enjoy!

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When it comes to software synthesizers, there’s no shortage of available options these days. But when we talk about ambient and pads, there are some synths that stick out in my mind more than the rest. But what makes a good synth for pads? Is it the quality of the filters, or the creaminess of the onboard reverb? Is it the insane modulation routing capabilities or simply how many oscillators or sound generators you can have at once? Does it have to do something that no other software synth can do just to somehow be unique and stand out amongst an already extremely crowded synth market?

Well, it turns out that the answer to this question really comes down to a few simple factors. We’re going to explore what those factors are and why I’ve come up with this list. Granted, that this list while is 100% my own personal opinion is not meant to be definitive and is subject to change at any given time! I am always trying out and exploring new software and occasionally something comes along that I’ve either had my eye on or really blows me away with the sound quality or functionality. Even though these synths are all inherently different in their own way, it all really comes down to one thing which is output. You want to be using a synth that’s going to constantly inspire you and consistently get you great results.

#5.) VITAL

Starting out at number 5, and this may come as a shock to some of you, but I’m going to go with Vital. Some of you might not even agree that Vital should be on the list, but there’s a ton of strong arguments against that and I’m going to give you some of my own. The first thing that really struck me about Vital was not the sound quality, it wasn’t the well thought out interface, and it wasn’t even the speed of use, the first thing that blew me away was the accessibility of the synth to anyone and everyone. Vital IS the people’s synthesizer. Price? The core synthesizer is totally free. Sharing patches couldn’t be any easier. Creating entire soundbanks can literally be done with just a few keystrokes and mouse clicks. Through the simple fact that it’s available to anyone who wants to use it and it’s extremely easy to use and has some really unique features, puts it on my list for my favorite synths for pads.

As far as features go, Vital isn’t the most robust synth out there but in the end, when you have a solid wavetable editor, 9 high quality effects, a ton of routing options including auxiliary modulation sends and the amazing “Mod Remap” which is unique to Vital itself, it really is capable as far as usability is concerned. For pads Vital really shines with the wavetable editing capabilities, spectral distortion modes, wavetable resynthesis, and even the available randomization options including the amount of usable envelopes and LFOs you can create some really dynamic and evolving movement in your pads that sound just as good as some of the other far more expensive synths on the market these days. On my wish list for Vital would of course be some kind of granular engine, which isn’t exactly necessary but it would be nice to have, more options as far as the envelopes go including looping and completely free running envelopes, and perhaps some CPU optimizations go for those with underpowered hardware. All in all, if you’re looking for a free wavetable synth, or even just a wavetable creation machine which you can export those creations out use in other synthesizers, I can’t recommend Vital highly enough.

Purchase Vital Presets: https://material.bandcamp.com

#4.) Serum

Coming at number 4, and I know this is a huuuge shocker considering my number 5 pick was a very similar and very capable wavetable synthesizer, but when it comes to pads, I’ve got to go with Serum. Believe me, I know how it is to be on the outside looking in on this one and I’ve often been asked the question what can Serum do that Vital cannot and why would I want to spend the money on Serum when Vital can pretty much do everything Serum can already do? Well not quite and there’s more to a synth than simply it’s feature set and we’re going to talk about that here. What really stands out for me with Serum is the sound quality. That quality though is completely subjective and I have no viable way to prove that the sound of the oscillators or the quality of the filter is better other than my own ear and intuition. But when you compare and contrast the two synths, or Serum to many other synths Serum just sounds better. It’s filter is extremely creamy and do what it’s supposed to do. The only flaw this synth has is that there’s only of them.

Other features that I love about Serum are the extremely flexible wavetable editor, which is definitely one of the best out there, the new morphable LFOs are quite nice to have and open up some new creative possibilities, and the effects are extremely high quality. Making patches for it are a breeze. So to answer the burning question, is it better than other comparable synths like Vital or Surge XT, I’d have to say yes it is - and that’s just my own personal opinion. One of Serum’s prominent features is it has the innate ability to “cut through the mix” more than any other synthesizer that I’ve ever used. How it does this isn’t well known, but it really does have a pleasant digital edge - comparable only to the Hydrasynth, which from my ears sounds pretty close. Serum is still on version 1 but has been consistently updated since release. Will there be a Serum 2? Given how passionate the developer is and how dedicated the userbase has been, I’m going to go with a definite yes.

Ancient Technology for SERUM: https://material.bandcamp.com/album/ancient-technology

More Serum Presets here: https://pluginboutique.com/?a_aid=628ed85038399

#3.) Hive 2

Another shocker to the list, and this synth is one of my latest editions - but Hive 2 made my list for the best synths for pads! The moment I first laid my ears on the sound of Hive 2, I was blown away. Straight out of the box it just SOUNDS better than any other wavetable synth. This is a huge deal but not much of a big surprise coming from the developer U-he which has been known for their quality standard for the past 20 years in the software synth world. As far as features go, Hive 2 comes pretty stacked with 4 oscillators, 2 filters capable of serial or parallel alignment, a boat load of modulation options including 4 “shape sequencers” which is a very interesting cross between a sequencer and an LFO, 2 “function generators” which is common in the modular synth world, a full arpeggiator and 16 step sequencer, XY controls across 4 macro slots some great onboard effects, and a highly useful scope which allows you to view your audio signal or modulation in real time.

If you’re looking for a synth that that really shines when it comes to ease of use and quickness as far as the workflow goes, Hive 2 is definitely the synth for you. If you combine that with all the insane modulation that you can do with the function generators and shape sequencers, on top of the already extremely capable modulation matrix with all of your usual routings and destinations, Hive 2 is a monster of a synthesizer. One thing missing from Hive 2 is a proper wavetable editor but the developer has been open about how certain sacrifices had to be made in order to not compromise the quality of the sound and the design of the synth, and once you hear any wavetable through Hive 2, whether stock or you’ve added one of your own, you’ll hear why. Hive 2 is a gorgeous synth and is one of my main “go-to” synths for any task and I find myself reaching more for it these days than many other synths in my arsenal.

BUY HIVE 2: (Affiliate Link) https://pluginboutique.com/?a_aid=628ed85038399

#2.) Dune 3

Coming in at number two and this is no surprise here, but I’m going to have to go with Dune 3. Dune 3 is probably one of, if not the best synths ever made - hardware or software - and that’s a huge statement but hear me out. Dune 3 boasts some of the craziest feature sets, the highest quality oscillators and filters, and some really great effects - and just like Hive 2, all while having an extremely low CPU footprint. Not only do you get 3 high quality oscillators per layer of the synthesizer, but you also get 8 layers to work with giving you an insane amount of flexibility when it comes to sound design. You have 2 effects groups to run all of these layers through and they also added a new “genetics” feature in version 3.5 that allows you to morph between any of the presets you’ve either created yourself or have stored locally on your machine and the results are surprisingly useful.

At the end of the day it’s all about sound quality and usability and Dune 3 delivers on both of those fronts. Some of the craziest and most high quality pads I’ve ever heard have come from Dune 3, which is originally what drew me into the synth. The layers feature alone is worthy of praise, and the fact you can independently modulate the parameters per layer, makes Dune 3 one of the most complex sound design platforms ever. It’s even got two arpeggiators and a wavetable and wave editor! They’ve added so much to the synth since it’s humble beginnings and it comes as no surprise that if a Dune 4 were to be created, that it would top this list as the best synth to make pads with. That title goes to…

Meta for Dune 3: https://material.bandcamp.com/album/meta

#1.) Omnisphere 2

You can’t have a pad and atmosphere conversation without mentioning Omnisphere 2. Pound for pound Omnisphere 2 is the best in class when it comes to atmosphere and pad sound design. It’s well known library is notorious for the amazing samples, but what’s rarely talked about is Omnisphere 2’s other features such as a robust virtual analog library, as well as it’s dual filters, granular synthesis engine, insanely high quality effects, and deep modulation matrix. It also features an 8 part multi mode with four layers each part making for a really deep live performance aspect as well as arrangement of entire pieces without ever leaving the keyboard. It features an amazing “hardware controller” library so you can control Omnisphere from a variety of classic synths and controllers, and they now offer “Sonic Extensions” making the core library even better.

Sound design wise Omnisphere 2 is quite fluid and extremely easy to use once you get the hang of it. Designing patches is a process of discovery where each layer can be an adventure in itself and the end result can not only be surprising, but something completely new that you’ve never heard before. Often times when I’m designing in Omni 2, I’m not thinking about the end result, rather letting the patch guide me and allow this process to unfold in real time. It’s both exhilarating and therapeutic at the same time. Omnisphere 2 also features a deep arpeggiator and sequencer section, as well as ongoing free support and updates. I often get asked if upgrading to Omni 2 now vs. waiting for 3.0 to drop and my answer is always a resounding “yes.” Omnisphere is a synth that is going to be around for a long time. It’s an investment for the long term and if you’re like me, you want the best for your sound and Omnisphere 2 is certainly that.

BUY OMNI 2 HERE: https://bit.ly/3JE6sXu

Honorable Mentions…

A few synths that didn’t make my top 5 but certainly deserve recognition are….

Pigments 3 (Insane modulation / great granular engine) (https://pluginboutique.com/?a_aid=628ed85038399)

Phase Plant 2 (Crazy audio modulation / stackable interface / unlimited power!)  (https://pluginboutique.com/?a_aid=628ed85038399)

Hyperion (Wild layering possibilities / extremely powerful) 

Lunaris / Bioscape (Gorgeous sample libraries / deep and explorative) 

Padshop Pro (Probably my favorite granular synth / gorgeous atmospheres)

Final Thoughts…

As I said in the beginning, whatever synths you choose, it really comes down to one thing. The result is what matters and however you get there is always a personal choice, but if you take the time to use the tools you have available, you can get good quality pads and atmospheres with any of the synths I’ve listed above. Whatever synth you end up getting, let it be YOUR synth - meaning, before you go off looking for the “next best thing,” make sure that you’ve really explored everything you can do with that synth before you go searching for what’s next. You’ll know when the time is right, and hey…if that next synth is calling to you, there’s never a better time to dive in than right now.

-S1gns