Crystal
by Greenoak
4.0 / 5     (37 votes)
Win32 Win64 OSX
   
VST
Crystal is a semi-modular software synthesizer featuring both subtractive synthesis and frequency modulation (FM) synthesis.
  • Over 90 parameters which may be modulated
  • multi-stage envelopes with graphical editors
  • extensive tempo sync of envelopes/lforates/delay times, built-in effects
  • band splitter for effects processing by frequency band
  • wave sequencing
  • granular synthesis
  • program morphing
  • MIDI learn
  • imports soundfonts.
Downloads
absolutefunnyman Dec 26 2020
(5 / 5)
Dec 26 2020
This thing still stands the test of time, truly one of the better free options out there
the MAN Apr 14 2021
Apr 14 2021
Amazing, isn't it? I remember using this thing back in 2000s, yet it still ranks among the best freewarre snyths today. Spend a bit of time learning this and you don't really need any other synths. I know it's a bit of a learning curve, but start with a blank patch and the user guide and play with options one by one and you will learn Crystal's power.
Darko Aug 09 2020
(5 / 5)
Aug 09 2020
A very capable synthesiser.
Digital Rules Oct 27 2019
(5 / 5)
Oct 27 2019
A Classic indeed. Though a version 3 is long overdue.
Zipede Oct 09 2019
Oct 09 2019
Where can I get that darker skin for this synth?
beatterri Apr 03 2019
Apr 03 2019
I have been using this synthesizer for many years, I got rid of many plugins, but I could never stop using it, it is a great synthesizer, a pity that it does not have an improved GUI, it is definitely from my favitos for more than 10 years.
Andrei Dec 28 2018
(5 / 5)
Dec 28 2018
How to get Crystal VST 20mb sample rom? A link on the project's site is broken (error 404).
Anonymous Dec 31 2018
Dec 31 2018
Now in the zip files, here.
John Jan 10 2020
Jan 10 2020
OK, where? Do you have a link?
AM May 23 2018
(5 / 5)
May 23 2018
This is excellent and pretty much made for evolving sounds, pads, soundbeds, soundscapes, ambiences and atmospheres. 5/5 I do hope Greenoak will make Crystal 3, that would be absolutely amazing!!
Proteus May 19 2018
(5 / 5)
May 19 2018
A timeless Classic!
darky Mar 23 2018
(4 / 5)
Mar 23 2018
Weirdest plugin ever. On it's own, and trying to fit it in a song is definitely not anywhere near my comfort zone. But the second I threw it in for a remix, it changed the game completely. I respect it, and love it for all it's weirdness. It's like having an awkward girlfriend, you know she never makes any sense, but you love her for it anyways.
Mato Mar 05 2017
(5 / 5)
Mar 05 2017
The ambient/atmospheric sound Legend!
jphturtle Oct 27 2016
(3 / 5)
Oct 27 2016
Sure, I had a tough time with it, but it's got some really awesome sounds! And if you can find the Greenoak website, they have a whole bunch of presets to play around with.
Long time Jul 22 2016
(3 / 5)
Jul 22 2016
I don't recommend this. Unless you get lucky with the presets or mutations, it takes far too long to get a good sound out of it. Sure, it's powerful, but in the time it takes to create a sound here with all the confusing parameters, I could have created a sound and written a part using a simpler and only slight less powerful synth. Simply put, it's too complicated for its own good.
Dave Sept 08 2017
Sept 08 2017
I totally agree
Csaba Mar 13 2016
(3 / 5)
Mar 13 2016
Good, but doesnt records the automation...
Liu Feb 05 2016
(4 / 5)
Feb 05 2016
A long runner for a reason. It requires commitment to grasp certain aspects of it. Unlike other synths that completely faded through time though, still competes in quality terms with the best free VSTs.
Dj Exclusif_dcd Oct 27 2015
(5 / 5)
Oct 27 2015
Waoh Great work
Gary Mar 12 2015
(5 / 5)
Mar 12 2015
Awesome synth! Always in use)
Noize Boyz Jul 29 2012
(5 / 5)
Jul 29 2012
Somewhat demanding, but with great potential sound. And for the impatient among you; it has the ability to "spawn" new presets by mating sounds. Great stuff.
solcito musica May 16 2012
(5 / 5)
May 16 2012
No matter which category to choose, it remains one of the best free synths of all time. It has great timbral variety. Once you hear it, you will remember it forever ...
STVRSZ Nov 16 2011
(3 / 5)
Nov 16 2011
Even though I love this synth because of its capabilities and the way it sounds,I rarely pull it up due to the time commitment. I can get great sounds from plenty of other synths without having to spend hours on one patch. If you like the sound, check out HGFortune. You can get the same complexity in a quarter of the time. Arracis Gold is my personal fave.
FrostyC Jul 18 2011
(0 / 5)
Jul 18 2011
I have to say, I HATE this synth. Absolutely HATE it. If you find a good set of patches it's useful, but the interface is not made for easy sound creation. I have spent hours tweaking sounds on this, only to end up with garbage that other synths (synth1, FM7, Adonis) will completely outshine.
Armedaudiowarfare Sept 06 2010
Sept 06 2010
Excellent. Right up there with Oatmeal and Synth1 !
2GO Jul 31 2010
(4 / 5)
Jul 31 2010
The best free semi modular synth.
deepwatermusic Jun 22 2010
(5 / 5)
Jun 22 2010
One of the best. Once you get your head wrapped around it, you can create some very mean sounds.
sound maker Mar 04 2010
(5 / 5)
Mar 04 2010
I use it for creating mainly effects to my electronic music. Great machine!!!! I would give even 10/5 :-))))
Onslow Nov 07 2009
(5 / 5)
Nov 07 2009
This is an Icon!
Funk Sept 22 2009
(5 / 5)
Sept 22 2009
Has to be the DADDY of freeware VSTIs. Takes some time to get your head around it properly but this thing is AWESOME!!!!!
SpyderX Aug 07 2009
(4 / 5)
Aug 07 2009
Again, been using this one a long time. It's very nice. Great leads!