Synthesisers and Virtual Synths (VSTs)

by Niraj Chohan Music Production Concepts

Synthesizers, Synth Instruments (VSTi), and Synth Effects (VSTs)

🎹 What is a Synthesizer?

A synthesizer is an electronic device or software tool that generates and manipulates sound. Synths are widely used in music production to create new tones, modify existing sounds, or mimic real instruments.

There are two main types:

  • Hardware synthesizers – Physical devices with knobs, keys, and sound engines

  • Software synthesizers – Virtual versions used inside DAWs, also known as VST Instruments (VSTi)

Most modern synths include:

  • Presets – Pre-designed sounds ready to use

  • Built-in effects – Tools like EQs, compressors, reverbs, delays, and distortion to shape the sound

🧩 What is VST (Virtual Studio Technology)?

VST (Virtual Studio Technology) is a plugin format developed by Steinberg. It allows you to add software instruments and audio effects to your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).

There are two main types of VSTs:

  1. VST Instruments (VSTi)

    • Also called Synth Instruments

    • Used to generate or create sounds

    • Can include drum machines, pianos, guitars, synths, strings, etc.

    • Used only on MIDI tracks in a DAW

    • In Ableton Live, these are found under the Instruments tab

  2. VST Effects (VSTfx)

    • Also called Synth Effects or Audio Effects

    • Used to modify, enhance, or shape existing sounds

    • Includes effects like EQ, compressor, reverb, delay, distortion, etc.

    • Can be applied to both Audio and MIDI tracks

    • In Ableton Live, these are found under the Audio Effects tab

🏢 Popular Hardware Synthesizer Brands:

  • Yamaha

  • Roland

  • Korg

  • Moog

  • Novation

  • Arturia

💻 Popular VST Plugin Companies:

  • Native Instruments

  • Spectrasonics

  • Refx (e.g., Nexus)

  • Xfer Records (e.g., Serum)

  • Lennar Digital (e.g., Sylenth1)

  • Reveal Sound (e.g., Spire)

  • FabFilter

  • Waves Audio

  • iZotope

  • Universal Audio

  • IK Multimedia

✅ Summary (for beginners):

  • Synth Instruments (VSTi) = Create sounds → Use on MIDI tracks in DAWs

  • Synth Effects (VSTfx) = Modify sounds → Use on Audio, MIDI, Effects and Master tracks in a DAW

Both are essential parts of modern music production and help bring your songs to life.