Favorite Software Synth's?

[RobotNinja]

Just want to get some opinions on everyone's favorite Software synth's. I'm looking into getting a Virus TI desktop but they aren't cheap so while I save up for one it's all about the software.

Personally I've used Absynth, Zorg Legacy collection, Sylenth and ZebraII.

ZebraII is hands down my favorite of the synths I've used so far. Sylenth is a great starter synth, it's very simple to use and the layout is straightforward plus it has tons of presets so you don't have to program your own patches. But ZebraII sounds so amazing compaired to Sylenth it's not even close, also ZebraII can replicate virtually any type of synth you can think of. ZebraII just takes alot of time because you basically build your own custom patches from the ground up, but it's worth it in the end when you get that fat almost analogish sound.

I've heard great things about Massive, Z3ta (Windows only), Omnisphere, FM8 and Rob Papen's synths but haven't tested any out for myself.

What's your favorite soft synth?

[Tarekith]

Omnisphere and Synplant are pretty much all I use these days.

[botstein]

Massive is my favourite.

[mostapha]

Synapse dune is pretty cool.

[JasonBay]

Synapse dune is pretty cool.

Is that the one that's like a Virus?

Anyways, my favourite synth that I've recently is the Minimonsta by G Force. It's a fucking MiniMoog on roids! Won't be disappointed in scooping it. But the best bang for the buck Softsynth wise is the V Collection. All their VSTs are spot on of the originals (for better or worse depending on how you look at it).

My big thing when working with VSTs is the interface. If there's multiple screens you have to navigate and click through to do stuff I'm most likely not going to use it, just not conducive to an efficient and creative work flow.

[mostapha]

I heard that Dune was supposed to be kinda like a software Virus. That's why I got it. I like it okay, but I can still get better sounds out of a real virus in GC (or almost any other hard synth with knobs, for that matter) than I can get out of Dune at home. I think I just have a mental block against mice.

[JasonBay]

From what I was told they are both based off the same engine because a Virus is a virtual analog synth, no? If what I'm being told is true then yeah, you have a mental handicap and only "think" you're getting a better sound as you should be able to do the same with Dune

[brainfried]

I use sylenth and massive here, just because I was taught some stuff on them. Hugely versatile for what I do.

[RobotNinja]

I just picked up Native Instruments Massive and FM8 this weekend to add to my arsenal. From the little time I got to spend with each one, I really like FM8 alot. Massive seems perfect for Brostep or Techno type sounds (Probably won't get as much use from me). Can't wait to spend some more time learning each synth more, damn u spring break, y u only 7 days long!

[Zalgo]

Massive and Sylenth are two I use a lot, Massive is easier to use and more flexible, but Sylenth just sounds epic. I also use all kinds of weird stuff like Fruity Granulizer, Synplant, and even 3xOSC.