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Description

Step into a world of limitless sonic possibilities with the Image-Line Sytrus Software Synthesizer. This dynamic frequency modulation synthesizer is perfect for musicians and producers seeking to sculpt unique soundscapes with precision. Sytrus combines subtractive synthesis, additive synthesis, and FM synthesis to offer a comprehensive sound design experience. Its user-friendly interface provides intuitive controls, allowing you to dive deep into modulation and effects without getting lost in complexity.

With six customizable operators, Sytrus offers unparalleled flexibility in creating intricate patches. Each operator can function as a modulator or carrier, expanding your creative potential. The synthesizer also features a powerful effects section, including reverb, delay, and chorus, to further enhance your sound. Whether you’re crafting lush pads, gritty basslines, or sparkling leads, Sytrus delivers with precision and depth.

Sytrus is not just about power; it’s about performance. The plugin is optimized for minimal CPU usage, ensuring smooth operation even in dense project sessions. Seamlessly integrate Sytrus into your digital audio workstation and explore its vast library of presets or create your own signature sounds from scratch. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned producers, Sytrus is a versatile tool that grows with your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Combination of additive, subtractive, and FM synthesis
  • Six customizable operators for versatile sound design
  • Comprehensive effects section, including reverb, delay, and chorus
  • Low CPU usage for efficient performance
  • Wide range of preset sounds and user-friendly interface
  • Seamless integration with most DAWs

Product specs

Operating Systems Windows
FL Studio

FL Studio

Image-Line | Sytrus Demo

Video thumbnail for Image-Line | Sytrus Demo by FL Studio

Image-Line | Sytrus Demo

FL Studio

FL Studio

Video thumbnail for Image-Line Sytrus vst ( Powerful Synth ) Must Have by VST'S SOUNDS

Image-Line Sytrus vst ( Powerful Synth ) Must Have

VST'S SOUNDS

VST'S SOUNDS

Reviews

PROS

  • Extensive modulation capabilities with six oscillators and a flexible matrix

  • Ability to import and create custom waveforms

  • Versatile for a wide range of sounds, from orchestral to dubstep growls

  • Free with certain versions of FL Studio

  • Combines FM, additive, and subtractive synthesis

  • Strong support with tutorials available online

  • Powerful for creating complex sound designs

  • High-quality presets for quick sound design

  • Inspires creativity with its vast sound design possibilities

  • Effective for creating pure and loud subbass sounds

CONS

  • Steep learning curve can be intimidating for beginners

  • Interface is complex and can be difficult to navigate

  • Filters are considered to be of lower quality

  • Can be overwhelming due to its extensive features

  • Not ideal for users seeking simple, quick sound creation

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Image-Line Sytrus Software Synthesizer.

Features and functionality

  • The envelopes in Sytrus can be challenging due to their unique weighting, impacting the ease of creating specific sounds like bells compared to other synths.

    Source
  • Sytrus can accept Yamaha DX7 presets, offering users access to classic FM synthesis sounds used in numerous hit records.

    Source
  • While Sytrus lacks resampling/layering noise capabilities, it remains praised for its detailed control over tonal harmonics and frequency modulation.

    Source
  • Sytrus allows the use of 'X' and 'Y' parameters as macros, simplifying modulation across its 6 operators without manually copying envelope states.

    Source
  • Manual activation of oversampling is crucial for improved sound quality when rendering in FL Studio, potentially affecting perceptions of Sytrus's audio fidelity.

    Source
  • Sytrus allows users to drag in custom single-cycle waveforms for modulation, offering flexibility in sound design similar to Serum's wavetable import feature.

    Source
  • Sytrus offers a unique capability to boost harmonic distortion specifically on fundamental frequencies, enhancing bass sound production in FM synthesis.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Some users create sounds in Sytrus and then resample them for further manipulation, showcasing its role in complex sound design workflows.

    Source
  • The flute preset in Sytrus is particularly admired for its authentic sound, standing out among other synths' flute offerings.

    Source
  • Sytrus can be used to create a wide range of sounds, from modern dubstep growls to pads, leads, and even piano sounds, leveraging its FM and additive synthesis.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Sytrus is compared to Serum and Massive, with users highlighting its ability to design sounds from scratch, unlike relying on pre-made wavetables.

    Source
  • Sytrus's FM synthesis capabilities are compared favorably to Serum, with users noting its more comprehensive oscillator customization options and modulation matrix.

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  • Sytrus presets are considered outdated by some, with most originating from its initial release era (circa 2003-2004), unlike newer presets like Oblaid and Nucleon.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite its age, Sytrus is lauded for its versatility, capable of creating complex sounds with its 6x6 operator matrix and multiple synthesis methods.

    Source
  • Fine adjustments in the FM range can significantly impact sound, with 1-2% changes making a noticeable difference, requiring careful tweaking for optimal results.

    Source
  • The steep learning curve of Sytrus, especially for those unfamiliar with FM synthesis, can make creating quality sounds challenging yet rewarding for dedicated users.

    Source
  • Some users find the unison feature limited, noting it can be disappointing for those seeking rich, layered sounds.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Image Line Sytrus

soundonsound.com

Sytrus is a powerhouse FM soft synth, praised for its versatility and rich feature set, including resonant filters and an intuitive X-Y modulation pad. While it simplifies FM synthesis, it's still complex, and the manual could be more beginner-friendly. With a range of sounds from digital brightness to organ patches, it's a solid choice for those ready to explore FM synthesis beyond presets.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 51 Reviews and 183 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
heyimnox

tastes like yellow orange

it does frequency something synth magic and also has cool yellow orange color

jhon_shepherd

Sytrus

This has always been a personal favorite of mine for the last few years. The sounds of this machine are highly expressive, Especially the string selections, They make for a good starting point in designing complex and haunting sounds.

djwhitepepper

Stock but occasionally pull out

I like using Sytrus for when I need a synth brass-esque sound.

jimmarchi1

I find myself using this all the time when I want the gritty quality of my DX7 with the acid squelching of my MKS and 303... the ability to self modulate the oscilators and the intuitive matrix setup are really first rate and she sits in a mix just fine against dedicated hardware

kuriyomusic

Nice drops and chords

i always use this thing to make drops with FM Sythesizer

cyb3rm3

Very Useful

This synth is extremely useful for creating a variety of sounds. Fun to see what sounds you may discover just by turning a few (virtual) knobs!!!

bytebandit

NOT A FRUIT

i got this thinking it would add some juice to my tracks. was terribly disappointed to find out that if i wanted to do that i would have to somehow force a physical orange into my project file

lilythewolf

My main FM synth

I've never really worked with FM8, but I'm so use to Sytrus that I don't think I could use FM8. It's just a nice-sounding FM synth that comes with FL Studio.

dylan_pride

Awesome little powerhouse synth

Awesome little powerhouse synth, bright synth strings and has some great saw presets

sitee

The sounds for this are unlimited.

You can make everything from chords to arps to heavy dubstep basses on this plugin.

barvoucher

My go-to default VST for FL Studio

So many great sounds and easy to use. Infinitely recommended.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Deadmau5 uses Image-Line Sytrus Software Synthesizer

Deadmau5

Music Producer

BSOD

...
Verified via YouTube

At 4:26:50, there is a folder on Joel's computer that shows that he helped with the development of Sytrus.

See how Avicii uses Image-Line Sytrus Software Synthesizer

Avicii

Music Producer

Jovicii

...
Verified via YouTube

Avicii used Image Line's Sytrus in his song 'Record Breaker'. The preset is called Pacman Pill 2

See how Porter Robinson uses Image-Line Sytrus Software Synthesizer

Porter Robinson

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Musicradar

Sytrus makes the list of Porter's favorite synths. Sytrus is part of FL Studio.

See how Madeon uses Image-Line Sytrus Software Synthesizer

Madeon

Music Producer

...
Verified via Reddit

When asked how he made "the dancing bass" in his Alphabeat - DJ remix, Madeon replies that he made it using Sytrus. "A lot of the feel comes down to the pitch automations (slides, legato, etc)."

See how Dyro uses Image-Line Sytrus Software Synthesizer

Dyro

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 36:23 of the video we can see Dyro open Sytrus to show how he made his bass in Sytrus

See how Owl City uses Image-Line Sytrus Software Synthesizer

Owl City

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Twitter

"However, Sytrus is possibly the greatest plugin of all time."

See how Virtual Riot uses Image-Line Sytrus Software Synthesizer

Virtual Riot

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

At 6:12 of the video we can see Virtual Riot using Sytrus to make a growling bass synth.

See how Mick Gordon uses Image-Line Sytrus Software Synthesizer

Mick Gordon

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

In the comment section of this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bsXuaIVMB4 Mick answers questions and in one of his replies to a question regarding the gears he uses, he mentioned "As for synths in general, in-the-box it's only Serum, FM8 (or Sytrus) and occasionally Harmor. Out-the-box, it's Eurorack, Polivoks, MS-20 and a few other bits and bobs."

See how Savant uses Image-Line Sytrus Software Synthesizer

Savant

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Beatport

"I started using more of FL Studio’s own stuff—Harmor, 3osc, Sytrus, and a bunch of other underrated plugins. They do pretty much exactly what you want them to do when you know them well enough. But as all experienced producers know, it’s not about the car, it’s about the driver. So processing stuff, treatment and flair is often what gives an artist an edgy sound."

See how Tristam uses Image-Line Sytrus Software Synthesizer

Tristam

Music Producer

...
Verified via reddit

In his Reddit AMA, Tristam said he uses "Massive, sylenth, kontakt, sytrus, fabflilters, ozone, alloy 2, sytrus, fm8, razor, gladiator, SF, nectar a few others..."

See how Carnage uses Image-Line Sytrus Software Synthesizer

Carnage

DJ

...
Verified via Razerzone

Razer Music lists Carnage as using Image-Line Sytrus.

See how Pierre Bourne uses Image-Line Sytrus Software Synthesizer

Pierre Bourne

Rapper, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

WTF Kyle uses Sytrus in this remake of Drake and Playboi Carti's "Pain 1993", a song Pierre Bourne produced.

Album Usage

The Image-Line Sytrus Software Synthesizer has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Image-Line Sytrus Software Synthesizer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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