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
Win 32 VST
(23.5 Mb)
Win 64 VST
(23.5 Mb)
Mac OSX VST
(45.9 Mb)
(5 / 5)
This thing still stands the test of time, truly one of the better free options out there
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.
(5 / 5)
A very capable synthesiser.
(5 / 5)
A Classic indeed. Though a version 3 is long overdue.
Where can I get that darker skin for this synth?
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.
(5 / 5)
How to get Crystal VST 20mb sample rom? A link on the project's site is broken (error 404).
Now in the zip files, here.
OK, where? Do you have a link?
(5 / 5)
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!!
(5 / 5)
A timeless Classic!
(4 / 5)
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.
(5 / 5)
The ambient/atmospheric sound Legend!
(3 / 5)
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.
(3 / 5)
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.
I totally agree
(3 / 5)
Good, but doesnt records the automation...
(4 / 5)
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.
(5 / 5)
Waoh Great work
(5 / 5)
Awesome synth! Always in use)
(5 / 5)
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.
(5 / 5)
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 ...
(3 / 5)
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.
(0 / 5)
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.
Excellent. Right up there with Oatmeal and Synth1 !
(4 / 5)
The best free semi modular synth.
(5 / 5)
One of the best. Once you get your head wrapped around it, you can create some very mean sounds.
(5 / 5)
I use it for creating mainly effects to my electronic music. Great machine!!!! I would give even 10/5 :-))))
(5 / 5)
This is an Icon!
(5 / 5)
Has to be the DADDY of freeware VSTIs. Takes some time to get your head around it properly but this thing is AWESOME!!!!!
(4 / 5)
Again, been using this one a long time. It's very nice. Great leads!