Good free synths for kids

VST, AU, AAX, CLAP, etc. Plugin Virtual Instruments Discussion
RELATED
PRODUCTS

Post

I'm asking this for a friend who is a Science teacher. What synths would you recommend for learning the basics, the kids are aged 13 - 15

I suggested starting with Charlatan and to then move to Zebralette. Have just found out that he will be using Macs. Is there anything for Mac that is similar to Charlatan? Thanks
HPZ2 i9 32RAM, Macbook Pro M1, Studio One, FL, Ableton, Sibelius, BIAB

Post

This should be a very good learning synth: http://tal-software.com/products/tal-noisemaker and even sounds good. I guess your friend knows already, but i'd make sure that those kids use a limiter, unless he wants to get blamed for loss of hearing or similar... i read here somewhere else that someone looked for a synth for his 5 year old son or so. Tbh, i wouldn't recommend a synthesizer to use at such an age. 13-15 year olds is another thing of course.

Post

Thanks very much, that looks perfect. Thanks also for suggesting a limiter.
HPZ2 i9 32RAM, Macbook Pro M1, Studio One, FL, Ableton, Sibelius, BIAB

Post

I'd say Synth1... It's quite simple yet it can produce a wide range of sounds. Charlatan is probably even simpler to use. Tyrell Nexus 6 is also an option.

Post

beegee wrote:I'm asking this for a friend who is a Science teacher. What synths would you recommend for learning the basics, the kids are aged 13 - 15
When you are that age you need a bit of flash, and TyrellN6 looks lovely, and sounds lovely too, wish I was 14 these days...

https://www.u-he.com/cms/tyrelln6

Post

Basic...
http://www.audiodamage.com/instruments/ ... ?pid=AD033
*edit* Ah, free...this is not :)

The U-he options are certainly a good bet.
Another free one is Linplug FreeAlpha http://www.linplug.com/alpha.html

Post

another three classics

http://www.linplug.com/alpha.html

-> go to "downloads" and select the "FreeAlpha" on the right

http://www.greenoak.com/crystal/about.html

http://www.tunefish-synth.com

EDIT: my bad, didn't notice FreeAlpha has already been posted...

Post

TAL Elek7ro might be better choice than Noisemaker. More basic.

I don't think Zebralette is a good choice for the second synth, it's too complex.

I would say start with TAL Elek7ro and then move to something that combines substructive, FM and FX. Maybe Synth1.

Post

Helm looks like it could be a great synthesizer to learn on, as well as one they can continue to use as their skills grow.

Free and multi-platform (WIN/Mac, AU/VST/AAX). Free is always good for an educational budget.

http://tytel.org/helm/

Image

Post

You could use a browser-based synth like this:
http://www.g200kg.com/en/docs/webmodular/

This way it doesn't matter which computer plattform etc. :)

Post

I love tunefish. Not sure it has a Mac version though.

Post

Wow, thank you so much for all the great suggestions, I'll start checking them out and also send my friend a link to this thread. Schools are so lucky that generous developers offer free versions. Thanks once again.
HPZ2 i9 32RAM, Macbook Pro M1, Studio One, FL, Ableton, Sibelius, BIAB

Post

Don't underestimate kids at that age.
I would say that they are ready for 99% of VSTi synthesizers, if they are passionate enough to spend some time with them.
Though you may want to start their adventure on something like any Minimoog emulation to get them hooked on something simple and good sounding.

Then on their 2nd step, Sonigen Modular may be a good choice.

[edit]Opps it is Windows only... well, it shows that if you want free software, Mac is not a good choice.
[====[\\\\\\\\]>------,

Ay caramba !

Post

Kids with a bit of patience, will also benefit from watching Synth School, which gives a good intro

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atvtBE6t48M

Post

+1 for Crystal & Helm. Also Lokomotiv- very simple, and Podolski - less so. I think its important to give choices, so they can choose a sound they love and want to explore.
d o n 't
w a n t
m o r e

Post Reply

Return to “Instruments”