Top 10 best virtual synthesizers for hip-hop & trap

Maxim HetmanCo-founder, Sound Designer

Virtual synthesizers have become an integral part of the modern music production industry, offering limitless creative possibilities and sound design options. In the hip-hop and trap genres, synthesizers are used to create unique and innovative sounds that add depth and character to the music. With so many options available, it can be difficult to choose the right synthesizer. To make things easier, we've put together a list of the 10 best virtual synthesizers for hip-hop and trap production.

Serum by Xfer Records

Serum is a wavetable synthesizer that allows you to create and manipulate sounds with a high level of precision and control. This synth is known for its intuitive interface, powerful sound engine, and versatile wavetable synthesis capabilities. Serum's unique oscillator design allows you to import your own wavetables, giving you complete control over the sound design process. It also comes with a comprehensive set of effects and modulation options, making it ideal for creating a wide range of sounds, from big basslines to intricate synth leads.

Pros:

  • Intuitive interface and easy to use
  • Advanced wavetable synthesis capabilities
  • Ability to import your own wavetables
  • Comprehensive set of effects and modulation options
  • Wide range of sounds can be created
  • Cons:
  • Steep learning curve for beginners
  • Can be processor intensive
  • Some users may find the interface cluttered or overwhelming

Sistema by guk.ai

Sistema is a cutting-edge virtual synthesizer designed for electronic music & hip-hop production. It combines the latest advancements in synthesis technology with an intuitive interface to provide producers with a powerful tool for sound design. Sistema is known for its versatile sound engine, which allows for the creation of a wide range of sounds, from classic analog-style leads to modern sound design elements. The synthesizer also boasts a comprehensive set of modulation options and effects, making it easy to shape and manipulate sounds with precision and control. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced producer, Sistema is a synthesizer that offers a unique and powerful way to create engaging and innovative sounds

Pros:

  • Intuitive interface and easy to use
  • Versatile sound engine
  • Comprehensive set of modulation options and effects
  • Ability to create a wide range of sounds, from classic analog-style leads to modern sound design elements
  • Ideal for both beginner and experienced producers
  • No need to buy extra preset packs

Cons:

  • May require a higher-end computer for live performance with complex sound designs
  • Lack of physical feedback

Sylenth1 by LennarDigital

Sylenth1 is a virtual analog synthesizer that has been a staple in the hip-hop and trap production scene for many years. With its powerful sound engine and intuitive interface, Sylenth1 is capable of creating a wide range of sounds, from classic analog-style leads to modern basslines. The synth also includes a set of effects, including distortion, delay, and reverb, making it ideal for shaping and shaping your sounds

Pros:

  • Powerful sound engine
  • Capable of creating a wide range of sounds
  • Comprehensive set of effects included

Cons:

  • Limited modulation options compared to other synthesizers
  • The sound is "quite old" and requires a lot of post-processing
  • Some users may find the interface too basic or outdated

Massive X by Native Instruments

Massive X is a wavetable synthesizer that is known for its massive sound and ability to create huge basslines. The synth's intuitive interface and powerful sound engine make it ideal for creating a wide range of sounds, from aggressive leads to atmospheric pads. Massive includes a comprehensive set of modulation options, making it possible to create complex and evolving sounds.

Pros:

  • Powerful sound engine
  • Comprehensive set of modulation options
  • Ideal for creating huge basslines

Cons:

  • Interface is completely inconvenient and incomprehensible
  • Processor intensive
  • Included presets are not unique
  • Limited wavetable import options compared to other synthesizers

Omnisphere by Spectrasonics

Omnisphere is a hybrid synthesizer that combines both sample-based and wavetable synthesis technologies. This synth is known for its vast sound library and ability to create a wide range of sounds, from classic analog-style leads to modern sound design elements. Omnisphere's comprehensive modulation options and intuitive interface make it ideal for creating complex and evolving sounds.

Pros:

  • Combines both sample-based and wavetable synthesis technologies
  • Vast sound library
  • Comprehensive modulation options

Cons:

  • CPU heavy
  • Steep learning curve for beginners
  • Some users may find the interface cluttered or overwhelming

FM8 by Native Instruments

FM8 is a frequency modulation synthesizer that is known for its ability to create complex and evolving sounds. This synth is ideal for creating modern sound design elements, from aggressive leads to atmospheric pads. FM8's intuitive interface and powerful sound engine make it easy to create and manipulate sounds with precision and control.

Pros:

  • Powerful sound engine
  • Ideal for creating complex and evolving sounds
  • Suitable for modern sound design elements

Cons:

  • Steep learning curve even for pro sound designers
  • Not intuitive interface
  • Hard to use
  • Can be processor intensive
  • Preset database is outdated

Thorn by DS

Thorn is a synthesizer that is designed specifically for hip-hop and trap production. It is known for its intuitive interface, powerful sound engine, and versatile synthesis capabilities. Thorn allows you to create a wide range of sounds, from classic analog-style leads to modern basslines and sound design elements. It also comes with a comprehensive set of effects and modulation options, making it ideal for shaping and refining your sounds.

Pros:

  • Intuitive interface and easy to use
  • Powerful sound engine
  • Versatile synthesis capabilities
  • Comprehensive set of effects and modulation options
  • Ideal for hip-hop and trap production

Cons:

  • Can be processor intensive
  • Steep learning curve for beginners
  • Difficult to achieve a natural, organic sound
  • Some users may find the interface cluttered or overwhelming
  • Limited options for customizing the interface

Zebra by u-he

Zebra is a hybrid synthesizer that combines both sample-based and wavetable synthesis technologies. It is known for its intuitive interface, powerful sound engine, and versatile sound design capabilities. Zebra allows you to create a wide range of sounds, from classic analog-style leads to modern sound design elements. Its comprehensive modulation options and intuitive interface make it easy to create and manipulate sounds with precision and control.

Pros:

  • Intuitive interface and easy to use
  • Powerful sound engine
  • Combines both sample-based and wavetable synthesis technologies
  • Versatile sound design capabilities
  • Comprehensive modulation options

Cons:

  • Steep learning curve for beginners
  • Limited real-time performance capabilities
  • Inability to save custom effect presets
  • Can be processor intensive
  • Limited number of built-in effects
  • Some users may find the interface cluttered or overwhelming

Falcon by UVI

Falcon by UVI is a powerful virtual synthesizer that offers a wealth of sound design options and versatility. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced producer, Falcon provides a unique and effective way to create engaging and innovative sounds. With its intuitive interface, comprehensive modulation options, and extensive sound library, Falcon is a valuable tool for any electronic music producer looking to expand their sound design capabilities.

Pros:

  • Versatile sound engine that can create a wide range of sounds, from classic analog-style leads to modern sound design elements
  • Comprehensive set of modulation options and effects for shaping and manipulating sounds
  • Intuitive interface that is easy to use and navigate
  • Large sound library with a diverse selection of presets and samples
  • Can run as a standalone application or as a plugin within a DAW

Cons:

  • Steep learning curve for advanced sound design techniques
  • High system requirements and CPU usage can cause - performance issues on lower-end computers
  • Some users may find the interface cluttered or overwhelming
  • Limited compatibility with certain digital audio workstations (DAWs)

Spire by Reveal Sound

Spire by Reveal Sound is a powerful virtual synthesizer that offers a wealth of sound design options. However, it may not be the best choice for all producers due to its steep learning curve and high system requirements. Additionally, some users may find the interface cluttered or overwhelming, and compatibility issues with certain DAWs and MIDI controllers can limit the effectiveness of Spire for some users. Despite these cons, Spire remains a valuable tool for any producer looking to expand their sound design capabilities. Pros:

  • Impressive sound engine that can produce a wide range of sounds, from classic analog-style leads to modern sound design elements
  • Comprehensive modulation options for shaping and manipulating sounds
  • Intuitive interface that is easy to navigate and use

Cons:

  • Steep learning curve for advanced sound design techniques
  • High system requirements and CPU usage can cause performance issues on lower-end computers
  • Limited hip-hop & trap sound library compared to some other virtual synthesizers
  • Limited number of built-in effects
  • Limited compatibility with certain MIDI controllers
  • Difficulty in achieving a natural, organic sound

SubBoomBass2 by Rob Papen

SubBoomBass by Rob Papen is a powerful and versatile virtual bass synthesizer that offers a wealth of sound design options. With its intuitive interface, comprehensive modulation options, and extensive sound library, SubBoomBass is a valuable tool for any producer looking to create powerful and punchy basslines. However, its steep learning curve and high system requirements may not make it the best choice for all users, and compatibility issues with certain DAWs and MIDI controllers may limit its effectiveness for some users.

Pros:

  • Intuitive interface that is easy to use and navigate
  • Wide range of preset sounds to choose from, including classic analog-style basses and modern sound design elements
  • Comprehensive modulation options for shaping and manipulating sounds
  • Can run as a standalone application or as a plugin within a DAW
  • Powerful sound engine that can produce deep, punchy, and complex basslines

Cons:

  • Steep learning curve for advanced sound design techniques
  • Limited compatibility with certain digital audio workstations (DAWs)
  • High system requirements and CPU usage can cause performance issues on lower-end computers
  • Limited sound library compared to some other virtual synthesizers
  • Limited number of built-in effects
  • Limited compatibility with certain MIDI controllers
  • Ability to create only lowend for your track

Final thoughts

Both Serum by Xfer Records and Sistema by guk.ai offer unique advantages for different types of production. Serum provides unparalleled sound design capabilities, with its ability to create custom wavetables and fine-tune every aspect of the sound. Meanwhile, Sistema offers fast and easy sound design with its extensive sound generation and built-in effects. The choice between the two will depend on your individual needs and preferences as a producer.

In any case, it's important to remember that both Serum and Sistema are powerful virtual synthesizers that can take your production to the next level. So, stay inspired and keep exploring new tools and techniques to enhance your sound.