Synths we rate

What to play the MIDI on

The synths and controllers that suit trance best. Start with the free one; upgrade when you know what you're missing.

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Plugins

Free, and good enough for release-ready supersaws. The pack on this site is built for it.

The modern default for wavetable leads and plucks, with a huge preset ecosystem.

The sound of a generation of trance leads, and still light on CPU.

Massive hypersaw stacks straight out of the box. Built for big trance leads.

A hands-on synth with a convincing supersaw engine at a sensible price.

Warm analogue pads and leads with a digital oscillator for extra edge.

Enough keys for chords and bass, with pads for triggering clips.

A compact pad grid for launching loops and finger-drumming.

A huge searchable library of trance drums, risers and FX that plays in time with your project.