modSynth v1.0 - Vintage Analog Synthesizer for DecentSampler

A warm, vintage-inspired modular synthesizer plugin for DecentSampler, recreating the classic sound and workflow of 1970s analog synthesizers with 2 example presets.

Features

Sound Sources

• 3 Oscillators (VCOs) with saw, square, and triangle waves
• Frequency Modulation (FM) and Hard Sync capabilities
• LFO with multiple waveforms including sample & hold
• Noise Generator (white and pink noise)

Sound Shaping

• Vintage-style Filter with cutoff and resonance
• 907 Filter Bank for classic Moog character
• Dual Envelopes (Filter and Amplitude)
• Real-time Modulation with LFO

Effects

• Analog-style Drive for warmth
• Reverb and Delay for space
• Chorus for width and thickness
• Compressor for punch
• Ring Modulation for metallic tones

Factory Presets

• 2 Factory Presets showcasing different sonic capabilities
• Various sound types from classic leads to experimental textures
• Preset settings demonstrating different synthesis techniques

Quick Start

For Users (Just Want to Play)

1. Download DecentSampler (free): https://www.decentsamples.com/downloads/
2. Download the Library: Get modSynth.dslibrary from the Releases page
3. Install: Copy the library file to your DecentSampler libraries folder
4. Play: Load modSynth in DecentSampler and start playing!

For Developers (Want to Modify)

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/perniemann/modSynth.git
   cd modSynth

2. Set up Python environment:

   python -m venv .venv
   source .venv/bin/activate  # On Windows: .venv\Scripts\activate
   pip install -r requirements.txt

3. Generate samples and UI:

   python generate_samples.py    # Generate audio samples
   python generate_panel.py      # Generate UI graphics

4. Test in DecentSampler: Load the generated library from modSynth/

Project Structure

modSynth/
├── modSynth/                        # Complete DecentSampler library
│   ├── modSynth.dspreset            # Main instrument definition
│   ├── modSynth_p1.dspreset         # Factory preset 1
│   ├── modSynth_p2.dspreset         # Factory preset 2
│   ├── Samples/                     # Generated audio samples
│   ├── Resources/                   # Generated UI graphics
│   └── DSLibraryInfo.xml            # Library metadata
├── generate_samples.py              # Audio sample generator
├── generate_panel.py                # UI graphics generator
├── requirements.txt                 # Python dependencies
├── modSynth_v1.jpg                  # Interface screenshot
└── README.md                        # This file

Development

Audio Sample Generation

The generate_samples.py script creates band-limited waveforms:

• Band-limited synthesis prevents aliasing
• Multiple waveform types: saw, square, triangle, sine, noise
• Modulation variants: FM synthesis and hard sync
• Audio format: 44.1kHz, 16-bit WAV files

UI Graphics Generation

The generate_panel.py script creates 1970s-style metal panels:

• Materials: Brushed aluminum, anodized finishes, satin steel
• Textures: Grain patterns, aging effects, subtle beveling
• LEDs: Bezels and phosphor colors
• CRT displays: Vintage oscilloscope-style envelope visualization

Customization

Want to modify the synthesizer? Here's how:

1. Change waveforms: Edit generate_samples.py to add new wave types
2. Modify UI: Edit generate_panel.py to change the visual style
3. Add parameters: Edit modSynth.dspreset to add new controls
4. Regenerate: Run the generation scripts to update the library

Usage Guide

Basic Sound Design

Bass Sounds:

• Use VCO1 with sawtooth wave
• Lower filter cutoff (30%)
• Add filter resonance (40-60%)
• Short filter envelope attack

Lead Sounds:

• Mix VCO1 + VCO2
• Higher filter cutoff (60-80%)
• Add LFO modulation to filter
• Use filter envelope for expression

Pad Sounds:

• Use all three VCOs with different settings
• Long attack and release times
• Add chorus and reverb

MIDI Control

modSynth works with most MIDI controllers out of the box. The 8 most important controls are automatically mapped:

1. VCO1 Frequency
2. VCO1 Wave Mix
3. VCO2 Frequency
4. Filter Cutoff (most important!)
5. Filter Resonance
6. LFO Rate
7. Reverb Amount
8. Filter Envelope Amount

Technical Specifications

• Version: 1.0.0 (June 2025)
• Sample Rate: 44.1 kHz
• Bit Depth: 16-bit
• Format: DecentSampler (.dspreset)
• Presets: 2 factory presets
• Requirements: DecentSampler 1.6.0+ (free plugin)
• Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
• Host: VST, AU, AAX, Standalone

Contributing

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch (git checkout -b feature/amazing-feature)
3. Make your changes
4. Test with DecentSampler
5. Commit your changes (git commit -m 'Add amazing feature')
6. Push to the branch (git push origin feature/amazing-feature)
7. Open a Pull Request

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.

Acknowledgments

• Inspired by classic Moog modular synthesizers
• Built for the DecentSampler community

Support

• Issues: Use the GitHub Issues page
• Discussions: Join the Discussions section