I am not aware of too many freeware synth worth having, at the moment. There have been some releases here and there (in fact, Linplug had a few) but, nothing too complex.

As for the 2nd question, YES, it is possible...if whoever writes the plugin is willing to put in the programming time and then, give it away for free.

However, there are ways to get plugins at a reduced cost, or even for free.

For example, if you are lucky enough to 'discover' a new, upcoming software developer you can establish a working relationship with them before they become huge. Or, you can offer to beta test products. Or, you can offer to help develop a product by giving insight as to the featureset, GUI, etc... Of course, you must have knowledge and an impressive resume for certain type of considerations.

Never hurts to ask though.

In the mean time, here's a FREE plugin from our friends at LINPLUG

http://www.linplug.com/Products/FreeAlpha/freealpha.htm

oh yes yes, I know Free Alpha, nice one :)

I would like to know "what make the difference" between, for example, Albino and Synth1 (or some other "famous" synth, that's not the point) :)

can someone explain it to me? :)

A far as I can tell the biggest difference between packaged software and freeware is the elegence of the codes.

Most of the freeware I've tried tended to be huge CPU hogs. They also seem to crash my system and/or created system conflicts.

hm.. this is true.
There isn't any other difference between Albino and Synt1? :P

There is a reason why they are free.

That said, there are plenty of freeware synths that are good for something. Generally it's one specific thing like one might have a really good filter or do a specific type of sound really well.

Also, I've found that some of the "payware" synth aren't all that good. Again, they may be good for a couple things but not good in all that they do.

The reason for the general difference between free ones and not free ones? Developement and Programming. It's all about dsp programming and how good the programmer is at it.

There is a synth maker tool out there (the name escapes me) that allows the average Joe to build his/her own softsynths. It's not bad but not great either.

I don't know very much about programming (ok ok: I know almost nothing :lol:), so now I ask: is there any int to tell apart the good ones from the "bad" ones? :)

There's no trick to finding the good ones. You have to buy, listen and use them to know if they are good. Some offer trial periods where you can use the software for a limited amount of time to decide whether you like it or not.

Probably the best thing to do is read and ask around. The forums at link removed are a good resource VSTi information.

we are very luck that most of them offers demo versions. Actually, this thread convinced me not to buy any, I will keep using freeware ones until the difference will not be abyssal as it is between sequencers :)

thanks ^^