Pricing and availability

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Experience a new realm of sound design with the Synapse Audio Dune 3, a synthesizer plugin that combines power and versatility to cater to both seasoned professionals and novice producers. Crafted with state-of-the-art oscillators and effect modules, Dune 3 stands out with its comprehensive arsenal of tools designed to spark creativity and innovation.

With its innovative dual synthesis engine, Dune 3 offers a hybrid platform that integrates subtractive, FM, and wavetable synthesis, providing you with endless possibilities for crafting unique soundscapes. Dive into the world of customizability with its extensive modulation system, which is both intuitive and deep, allowing you to shape your sound with precision. The included arpeggiator and lush effects enhance your compositions, making this plugin an indispensable tool for any music producer looking to push the boundaries of their creativity.

Key Features:

  • Dual synthesis engine: integrates subtractive, FM, and wavetable synthesis
  • State-of-the-art oscillators and effect modules
  • Comprehensive modulation matrix for in-depth sound crafting
  • Extensive library of presets, covering a wide range of genres
  • Built-in arpeggiator and high-quality effects for added depth and complexity
  • Intuitive user interface designed for streamlined workflow
  • High-resolution graphical interface for detailed control
  • Supports all major DAWs on both Windows and macOS platforms
VST'S SOUNDS

VST'S SOUNDS

SYNAPSE DUNE 3 DEMO PRESETS

Video thumbnail for SYNAPSE DUNE 3 DEMO PRESETS by VST'S SOUNDS

SYNAPSE DUNE 3 DEMO PRESETS

VST'S SOUNDS

VST'S SOUNDS

Video thumbnail for Synapse DUNE 3 - Introduction for beginners by SynapseAudio

Synapse DUNE 3 - Introduction for beginners

SynapseAudio

SynapseAudio

Video thumbnail for Synapse Audio DUNE 3 | Presets Sound Demo by The Sonic Oasis

Synapse Audio DUNE 3 | Presets Sound Demo

The Sonic Oasis

The Sonic Oasis

Video thumbnail for Synapse DUNE3 VST - [All Factory Presets] - SOUND DEMO -  no talking by ART & SFX

Synapse DUNE3 VST - [All Factory Presets] - SOUND DEMO - no talking

ART & SFX

ART & SFX

Video thumbnail for DUNE 3 Tutorial for Advanced Users - Wavetables, FM Synthesis, Multi-Layering, Audio-Rate Modulation by SynapseAudio

DUNE 3 Tutorial for Advanced Users - Wavetables, FM Synthesis, Multi-Layering, Audio-Rate Modulation

SynapseAudio

SynapseAudio

Video thumbnail for Synapse Audio Dune 3 - Pad Tutorial [Wave // Future Garage // Ambient] by Venus Theory

Synapse Audio Dune 3 - Pad Tutorial [Wave // Future Garage // Ambient]

Venus Theory

Venus Theory

Video thumbnail for Synapse Audio Dune 3 | Is it that good? by UDi Audio

Synapse Audio Dune 3 | Is it that good?

UDi Audio

UDi Audio

Video thumbnail for Synapse Audio Dune 3 | No Talking | by DKS SYNTH LAB

Synapse Audio Dune 3 | No Talking |

DKS SYNTH LAB

DKS SYNTH LAB

Reviews

PROS

  • Superior audio engine with high-quality sound

  • Low CPU usage, outperforming many competitors

  • Versatile with FM, Wavetable, Analog, and Unison engines

  • Intuitive workflow for smooth sound design

  • Great for piercing lead sounds and diverse genres

  • Highly flexible, often used for custom sound design

  • Regarded as one of the best-sounding VST instruments

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Synapse Audio Dune 3.

Features and functionality

  • Dune 3 excels in creating deep, multi-layered sounds and is praised for its efficient CPU usage, even at high voice counts.

    Source
  • Offers detailed filter routing options, including serial, parallel, and post-filter processing.

    Source
  • Dune 3 includes a built-in wavetable editor, allowing users to create unique sounds without needing external generators.

    Source
  • The mod matrix in Dune 3 significantly enhances patch creation, offering greater sound design flexibility than its predecessor, Dune 2.

    Source
  • Dune 3 allows routing of oscillators through two filters independently, enabling selective filtering or bypassing for each oscillator.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Unlike Pigments and Phase Plant, Dune 3 offers a more fixed voice setup, providing ease of use without overwhelming options.

    Source
  • Lacks phase distortion modes like "bend," which are useful for creating metallic or noisy sounds, differentiating it from synths like Massive.

    Source
  • While not as powerful as Falcon or Melda MSoundFactory, Dune 3 offers a more efficient and streamlined workflow for sound creation.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Particularly effective for trance and ambient music due to its unison and filter capabilities.

    Source
  • Dune 3's sound design is reminiscent of the Access Virus C, suitable for warm and rich tones.

    Source
  • Despite perceptions, Dune 3 is capable of decent wavetable synthesis, comparable to popular options like Serum, but with different modulation capabilities.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the ability to tweak and customize sounds easily, enhancing the creative process.

    Source
  • Users appreciate the swift workflow and efficient sound design process, especially when layering a third oscillator sample with VA sounds.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Maintains excellent CPU efficiency, reportedly peaking at only 6% on an Ableton Live CPU meter with complex presets.

    Source
  • Dune 3 performs efficiently on silicon Macs, handling numerous instances with ease compared to more CPU-intensive synths like Roland Cloud.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Some users regret not purchasing Dune 3 during sales like Black Friday due to its high price point but recognize its value alongside expensive synths like Omnisphere.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Synapse Audio Dune 3 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Dune 3 elevates the synth game with impressive wavetable editing, dual filters, and enhanced effects, making it a versatile choice for sound designers. However, the $79 upgrade feels steep, and the wavetable editor suffers from lag. Despite these drawbacks, its sound quality and user-friendliness make it a top contender for those seeking a comprehensive synth solution.

positive
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 6 Reviews and 23 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
carbinax

yeah !!

Great synth. I demo'd this alongside serum, and Dune has serum for breakfast and spits the crusts out. It has a far superior audio engine. Serum may have more modulation possibilities in regards to routing destinations, but why would you want to route inferior sound, when you can have sound like this. Dune has one of the best sound engines I've ever heard. Really high quality.

djfriendzone

Amazing Sound, Low CPU

This is one of the great "supersynths," however unlike many of them, the CPU usage is so low (lower even than Sylenth1). It sounds great and is incredibly flexible, with FM, Wavetable, Analog, and a great Virus-like Unison engine. A must have.

M

Fantastic Synth

I love the smooth sound and the intuitive workflow. Really powerful. Easily my most used synth when I am designing my own sounds.

gordon_ross

Great synth for trance

This is my most recent vst purchase so I haven't used it a lot but it does sound great, especially the piercing lead sounds.

dukimusic

nice :-)

Very good sounding VST Instrument - one of the BEST!

peter_schips

Synapse Audio - Dune 3

Synapse Audio has established the Dune 3, the next generation of high quality software synthesizers. An absolutely convincing product for many different music genres.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how AU5 uses Synapse Audio Dune 3

AU5

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 5:37, he opens up Dune 3 to show how he made the saw chords. He praises it as the "next generation of Sylenth," as says it has some wavetable capabilities.

See how Sewerslvt uses Synapse Audio Dune 3

Sewerslvt

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the song "Slowdeath," Sewerslvt utilizes the Synapse Audio Dune 3 synthesizer, specifically employing the factory preset "031 Importer KS," as heard on Sewerslvt's YouTube channel.

See how Sega Bodega uses Synapse Audio Dune 3

Sega Bodega

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

In this Twitch stream, Sega Bodega uses Synapse Audio Dune 3 as the main synth.

See how nanobii uses Synapse Audio Dune 3

nanobii

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video, nanobii is seen using Synapse Audio Dune 3.

See how AudioFreQ uses Synapse Audio Dune 3

AudioFreQ

Music Producer

...
Verified via Twitter

Friendship Ended With Serum Now DUNE3 is my best friend

See how Djs From Mars uses Synapse Audio Dune 3

Djs From Mars

DJ

...
Verified via Photo

djsfrommarsofficial Подтвержденный DOPE SEQUENCES WITH DUNE 3 BY @synapseaudio

See how IBRANOVSKI uses Synapse Audio Dune 3

IBRANOVSKI

...
Verified via Photo

Can be seen in his FL Studio favorite vst menu in his 789ten tutorial.

See how Ace Aura uses Synapse Audio Dune 3

Ace Aura

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Twitter

In this tweet, you can see him using Dune 3

0

0=0

Music Producer

...
Verified via Twitter

Artist 0=0 is associated with using the Synapse Audio Dune 3 synthesizer plugin, as noted in a Twitter post by ias0na, mentioning the plugin shortly after its release.

See how metaroom uses Synapse Audio Dune 3

metaroom

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In a WIP mix of Sticker Invasion, you can see an audio track labeled "Dune 3"

C

Can Şengün

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Can uses Dune 3 on this video. (2:16)

See how kuroyuki ayeda. uses Synapse Audio Dune 3

kuroyuki ayeda.

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "มา!!", kuroyuki ayeda demonstrates the use of Synapse Audio Dune 3 while discussing plugins used in the track "Fallen Angel."

Album Usage

The Synapse Audio Dune 3 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 Synapse Audio Dune 3, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

2 alternative and related items for Synapse Audio Dune 3, curated by the Equipboard community.

More Synapse Audio Synth Plugins

u-he Repro

$49.00 - $149.00

# 10

Rank

Disclosure Madeon The Midnight
11 artists using
u-he Bazille

$108.50 - $129.00

# 15

Rank

Christopher Franke The Thrillseekers TehCarterPSpartan
6 artists using
Arturia ARP2600 V

$119.00 - $149.00

# 20

Rank

Christopher Franke Tosca Hard Rock Sofa
6 artists using
FabFilter One

$39.00 - $55.00

# 25

Rank

Deadmau5 Noah "40" Shebib Virtual Riot
11 artists using

Community setups

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    chk007
    chk007

    Gear IQ 71