Intro – what are Synths, and how do you use them in your setup?
Synths are electronic instruments and software tools that let you create, shape and design sounds from scratch – from classic analogue bass and lead sounds to modern pads, textures and electronic drums. In SoundStoreXL’s range of Synths, you’ll primarily find software synthesizers and synth bundles for music production, which you use directly in your DAW as VST, AU or AAX plugins. This means you can build a complete, flexible synth setup on your computer with professional sound quality and without filling the studio with large hardware synths.
In this guide, you’ll get an overview of what a synthesizer is, which types of software synths you’ll find at SoundStoreXL, how to choose the right synth for your needs, and what to be aware of when working with virtual instruments such as Arturia Pigments, Air Music Drum Synth 500, DrumSynth, AIR Super Synth Pack, AIR Essential Synths Pack and TubeSynth.
What is a synthesizer – explained briefly
A synthesizer (often just called a synth) is an electronic instrument that generates sound via different synthesis methods rather than via acoustic strings, drumheads or resonance bodies. In the software world, it all happens digitally on your computer, but the principles are the same as in classic hardware synths.
A typical software synth consists of a few core building blocks:
- Oscillators, which create the basic sound (for example sawtooth, square, sine or more complex wavetable and additive sounds).
- Filters that shape the tone by cutting or boosting specific frequency ranges.
- Envelopes, which control how the sound evolves over time – for example how quickly it starts and how long it rings out.
- LFOs and modulation sources that add movement to the sound by changing parameters automatically.
- Built-in effects such as reverb, delay, distortion and chorus, which add depth and character.
Software synths like Arturia Pigments and the plugin bundles from AIR Music build on these core principles and combine them with modern user interfaces, lots of presets and deep control, so you can both get started quickly and later dive all the way into the details.
Who are Synths at SoundStoreXL relevant for?
Synths in software format appeal to a wide range of users – from the curious beginner to the experienced producer looking to expand their sound arsenal. When you choose a synthesizer from SoundStoreXL, it’s especially relevant to consider what role it should play in your music production.
- Electronic producers working with techno, house, EDM, trap or drum’n’bass who need fat bass sounds, leads and modern drums.
- Pop and hip-hop producers who want warm pads, catchy synth lines and creative effects that help productions stand out.
- Film and media composers who need atmospheric soundscapes, risers, transitions and textures.
- Rock and band musicians who want to complement guitar, bass and acoustic instruments with synth pads, arpeggios and electronic layers.
- New producers who want to learn basic synthesis and sound creation with user-friendly plugins and lots of ready-made presets.
SoundStoreXL's selection of synth plugins gives you both specialised instruments – such as drum synths – and broad, versatile bundles that can cover most of your needs in a single installation.
How to choose the right synth for your needs
When choosing the right synth, it’s about matching your music style, your current setup and how deep you want to go into sound programming. A software synth can be both a simple tool for quickly finding a sound and an advanced instrument you can immerse yourself in for many years.
- Define your primary use: Should the synth deliver bass and leads, drums, pads, risers or a bit of everything?
- Consider workflow: Do you want lots of ready-made presets, or would you rather design the sounds yourself from scratch?
- Check genre focus: Some synths stay close to classic analogue sounds, while others are more futuristic and experimental.
- Look at integration: Do you work best in a specific DAW, and do you need VST, AU or AAX? Software synths in this category are made to work directly in your production.
- Plan for expansion: Synth bundles such as AIR Super Synth Pack and AIR Essential Synths Pack can be a great way to buy into an entire ecosystem at once.
By considering these points, you can more quickly select the synths in SoundStoreXL's range that best suit your creative workflow – whether you’re working on your first beats or building a professional studio.
Types of synths in SoundStoreXL's range
In this collection you’ll find several different types of software synths, each with its own strengths. Overall, the range can be divided into the following categories:
- Versatile polyphonic synthesizers for complex, modern sounds and sound design.
- Specialised drum synths for electronic drums, percussion and rhythmic textures.
- Additive and hybrid synths that combine multiple synthesis methods in one instrument.
- Virtual analogue synths that emulate the warmth and character of classic hardware machines.
- Synth bundles where you get several instruments in one package for a single price.
What all synths in this category have in common is that they come as software that can be installed on your computer and integrated with your DAW. This gives maximum flexibility and the ability to work with multiple synths simultaneously without additional hardware.
Arturia Pigments – polychrome software synth for modern sound creation
Arturia Pigments Polychrome Software Synthesizer is a powerful, flexible and modern software synth that combines multiple synthesis engines in one instrument. Pigments is designed to be the heart of a modern software setup, where you can move freely between classic virtual analog, wavetable, granular and harmonic synthesis.
- Combines virtual analog, wavetable, granular and harmonic engines in one unified synth.
- Comprehensive modulation system with drag-and-drop, so you can quickly create creative routing setups.
- Over 1200 factory presets designed by professional sound engineers and artists.
- Color-coded interface that provides clear visual feedback and an overview of modulation sources.
- Integrated sequencer and arpeggiator for rhythmic patterns, hooks and movement.
- Built-in effects such as reverb, delay, distortion and chorus for complete sound shaping.
- MPE compatibility for more expressive playing with compatible controllers.
- Works as a plugin in most DAWs in the VST, AU and AAX formats.
Arturia Pigments is particularly well suited to producers who want one versatile synth that can deliver classic analog tones, modern wavetable sounds, experimental granular textures and everything in between. With the many presets, you can quickly find sounds for your productions, and when you’re ready to dive deeper, the in-depth modulation system opens up serious sound design.
Drum Synth 500 and DrumSynth – specialized drum synths for electronic beats
If your focus is on electronic drums and rhythmic sound creation, you’ll find in this collection two strong contenders for drum synths: Drum Synth 500 and DrumSynth. Both plugins are designed to give you control over electronic drum sounds – from classic kicks and snares to modern, experimental percussion.
- Drum Synth 500 is built on AIR Music Technology’s legacy from, among others, Strike and collaborates with Akai Professional and Alesis Drums.
- Provides a complete library with hundreds of drum sounds, drum samples, ready-made drum kits and MIDI loops.
- Gives you full control over electronic drum sounds via a user-friendly, clear interface.
- DrumSynth combines multiple synthesis methods such as FM, analog modeling and physical modeling into 8 individual sound engines.
- Includes dedicated modules for kick, snare, clap, hi-hat, toms, percussion, crash and ride.
- Includes extensive effects such as transient shaper, tuning, EQ, compression, reverb and delay.
If you use MIDI Keyboards, a pad controller or an electronic drum kit, you can play drum synths like Drum Synth 500 and DrumSynth live and record them directly in your DAW. That means you can both programme beats and perform them, making these plugins ideal for both studio use and live scenarios.
AIR Super Synth Pack and AIR Essential Synths Pack – complete synth ecosystems
If you want to build a broader synth setup in one go, the synth bundles AIR Super Synth Pack and AIR Essential Synths Pack are obvious choices. You get several specialised synthesizers gathered in a single installation, giving you both depth and breadth in your sounds.
- AIR Super Synth Pack includes, among others, Loom II, Hybrid 3.0 and The Riser – covering everything from pads and textures to modern leads and transitions.
- Loom II is a modular additive synth with Morph Pad, making it easy to create lively, moving soundscapes.
- Hybrid 3.0 combines analog warmth with digital manipulation options and is suitable for both classic and futuristic sounds.
- The Riser is a dedicated instrument for creating musical transitions such as risers, drops and builds.
- AIR Essential Synths Pack brings together, among others, Loom II, Vacuum Pro and The Riser in one bundle.
- Vacuum Pro is a polyphonic analog-model synth with vacuum tube simulation for extra warmth and grit.
With these bundles, you can quickly build a complete synth library covering bass, leads, pads, textures and transitions. This is especially interesting if you’re either starting from scratch and want an all-in-one solution, or if you want to expand your DAW with a focused, cohesive set of high-quality synth plugins.
TubeSynth – virtual analog synth focused on warmth and character
TubeSynth is a virtual analog synth that builds on the technology from Air Music’s well-known desktop synth Vacuum Pro. The focus here is on authentic, analog sounds and a workflow that works both in the studio and on stage.
- Advanced analog modelling based on many years of research and development.
- Option to dive into classic subtractive synthesis and recreate sounds from the 70s and 80s.
- Sounds ranging from soft, clear tones to dirtier and more aggressive expressions.
- Layout designed for quick tweaking with your favourite MIDI controller – ideal for live use.
- Suitable for everything from bass and leads to pads and vintage-inspired textures.
TubeSynth is a strong choice if you’re especially looking for the classic, analog sound, but still want the flexibility and integration of a modern software plugin. With a well-designed interface, it’s easy for beginners to get started with, yet deep enough for more advanced users.
Synths, DAW and compatibility in your digital studio
All software synths in this category are designed to run alongside your existing music software. The typical formats are VST, AU and AAX, making them compatible with the vast majority of modern DAWs on both Mac and Windows. That way, Synths become a natural part of your digital setup, whether you produce in a home studio or in a professional environment.
- Integrate Synths directly as instrument tracks in your DAW and record MIDI in real time.
- Use your MIDI Keyboards, pad controller or drum kit to play the sounds live.
- Use your DAW’s automation to control filters, modulation depth, effects and other parameters over time.
- Combine Synths with other effects plugins, mastering tools and sample libraries.
- Save your own presets and projects so you can easily return to sounds and setups.
Because these Synths are software-based, you can quickly build complex sound worlds with multiple layers without having to invest in expensive hardware units. At the same time, you have all your projects and sounds gathered in one digital environment, making your workflow efficient and flexible.
Practical considerations before you buy a synth
Before you add a synth to the cart at SoundStoreXL, there are some practical points that are good to have in place. This ensures you get the best experience both during installation and in day-to-day use.
- Check system requirements: See the minimum requirements for CPU, RAM, hard drive space and operating system.
- Consider space for presets and libraries, especially with larger bundles containing many sounds.
- Make sure your DAW supports the VST, AU or AAX format, depending on what the synth requires.
- Plan licence management so you have control over activation and any user portals.
- Consider control options – do you have MIDI Keyboards or a controller that fits the synth’s workflow?
By preparing these points, you avoid unnecessary roadblocks when getting started with your new virtual instruments. SoundStoreXL’s products are developed for modern setups, so you get a stable, reliable tool for your day-to-day music production.
FAQ – frequently asked questions about Synths in software form
When you look at Synths for music production, a number of questions often come up – especially if you’re relatively new to the world of virtual instruments. Here you’ll find clear, concise answers to some of the most common questions.
What is the difference between a keyboard and a synthesizer?
A keyboard is typically a standalone instrument with keys, built-in sounds, speakers and often auto-accompaniment. A synthesizer – especially in software form – focuses on the sound engine itself and sound design, and typically requires external MIDI Keyboards and a computer to be played. While a keyboard is often made for getting started quickly with many ready-made sounds, Synths are more aimed at users who want to shape the sound themselves or use specialised tones in a DAW.
How does a synthesizer make sound?
A synthesizer typically starts with one or more oscillators that generate a basic waveform. This sound is then routed through filters that shape the frequency content, and through envelopes and LFOs that control how the sound changes over time. Finally, the sound can be processed through effects such as reverb and delay. In a software synth like those in this category, everything happens digitally, but the principles are the same as in classic analogue synthesis.
Can I use these synths as a beginner?
Yes, several of the synths in this collection are designed to be both accessible for beginners and deep enough for advanced users. The many factory presets make it possible to get started without understanding every parameter, and as you become more experienced, you can begin to tweak the sounds or build new patches from scratch. The synth bundles from AIR and a versatile instrument like Arturia Pigments are good choices if you want plenty to explore over time.
What type of music are these synths best suited for?
Synths in this collection are suitable for a wide range of genres. Drum synths such as Drum Synth 500 and DrumSynth are ideal for electronic music, hip-hop and modern pop production, where electronic drums play a central role. Pigments, Loom II, Hybrid 3.0, Vacuum Pro and TubeSynth cover everything from EDM, ambient and cinematic music to synthwave, pop and experimental soundscapes. The most important thing is to choose the synth or synths that match your own sonic vision.
Buy your synths at SoundStoreXL – 100% Danish retailer
When you choose synths at SoundStoreXL, you get access to a selection of carefully curated software instruments from established developers. The focus is on high sound quality, flexible use in modern DAWs, and products that can serve as core building blocks in your music setup. Whether you are looking for your first versatile software synth or want to expand the studio with specialised drum plug-ins and complete synth bundles, you will find relevant solutions in this collection.
Start from your own musical style, your current setup and how deep you want to go into sound design. Browse the different synths in the range, compare features such as synthesis engines, preset libraries, effects and workflow, and choose the instruments that inspire you the most. This way, you build a personal sound library that can stay with you through many years of productions.
Buy your synths at SoundStoreXL – 100% Danish retailer.
