Section
Free and Open-Source Synths and Sound Design
Rapicorn Audio's synths and sound design hub covers free and open-source ways to make sounds from scratch: software and hardware synthesizers, samplers, drum machines, sequencers and music tools that run in a browser. It is written for home producers, students and tinkerers who want capable instruments without licence fees. It is also for anyone curious about how synthesis actually works.
Software synthesizer guides
Hands-on looks at open-source synths such as Surge XT, ZynAddSubFX and VCV Rack, covering what each does well and where it falls short.
Sound design techniques
Practical walkthroughs of oscillators, filters, envelopes, modulation and effects, explained through patches you can rebuild yourself.
Samplers and drum machines
Coverage of tools like the Hydrogen drum machine and the sfizz sampler, plus advice on building and organising your own sample libraries.
Sequencers, hardware and browser tools
Notes on step sequencers, open hardware projects, live coding environments such as Strudel, and web instruments that need nothing more than a modern browser.
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