ModulAir Free Modular Synthesizer VST/AU Plugin Released (BETA)

ModulAir is the best freeware modular synthesizer plugin available right now, period. VCV Rack is a brilliant virtual modular synthesizer in its own right, yes. But being a standalone application, it doesn’t integrate with digital audio workstations as smoothly as ModulAir. As the most complex and versatile freeware virtual instrument released this year, ModulAir is BPB’s top pick for the best free VST plugin of 2019.

Although still a work in progress, Full Bucket Music’s virtual modular synthesizer feels very polished and stable in its current state. The latest beta version of the plugin comes with 38 module types and the ability to host up to eighteen different modules per patch. The plugin also supports up to 64 voices of polyphony, double precision audio processing, micro-tuning file import, and MIDI learn for quick and easy controller mapping. The user interface is very well made for a virtual modular synthesizer, allowing the user to manage complex patches with ease. We liked the developer’s decision not to use virtual cables but to rely on drop-down menus instead. ModulAir is a must-have virtual instrument for all fans of modular synthesizers who don’t have insane amounts of money or free space to spare. Full Bucket Music has released several other interesting plugins this year, including the MPS virtual synthesizer.

These are great times for musicians on a budget. Until a couple of decades ago, it was beyond imagination to be able to experiment with a modular synthesizer without having to invest a few thousand dollars into building one. Then came the first virtual modular synthesizers, which dropped the price of modular fun, in the digital realm at least, to a couple hundred bucks. Nowadays, we have a choice between several very good freeware modular synths which can provide hours upon hours of fun and help a beginner synthesist make up their mind before eventually deciding to invest in hardware. Amazing times, indeed.

You can download the beta version of ModulAir completely free of charge via Full Bucket Music’s website. The instrument is compatible with all VST and AU plugin hosts on PC and Mac. You don’t need to sign up for a user account before downloading and the plugin doesn’t need to be activated before use.

is available for free download via Full Bucket Music (4.5 MB download size, ZIP archive, 32-bit & 64-bit VST/AU plugin formats for Windows & MacOS)

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