Fruitymasterz released Hercules V2, a freeware virtual analog synthesizer in VST2 and VST3 plugin formats for digital audio workstations on Windows.
Hercules V2 is an improved version of Fruitymasterz’s previously released Hercules virtual synth. The new instrument features an improved sound engine, an FX section, improved modulation capabilities, and several bug fixes.
See also: Free Synthesizer VST PluginsFeature-wise, Hercules V2 is the type of virtual synthesizer I’d recommend to beginner sound designers. Thanks to its intuitive layout and beginner-friendly feature set, the plugin is a useful playground for learning the basics of subtractive synthesis.
Hercules V2 sports a dual-oscillator subtractive synthesis engine, paired with a trio of ADSR envelopes (for modulating the volume, filter, and oscillator pitch), a pair of LFOs, and an FX section.
As expected, the oscillators offer a choice of different waveforms, including all the standard analog shapes and a pair of noise generators. As for the effects, we get a ping-pong stereo delay and a chorus, both of which are useful for making the output sound wider.
Some advanced modulation settings are available in the Routing section of the main menu. This is where you’ll use the LFOs to modulate various synth parameters. Speaking of the LFO modules, they can work in sync with the host’s tempo setting.
So, do you need to download a freeware synthesizer like Hercules V2?
If you already own many synths that cover the standard analog sounds, then the answer is no. Plenty of plugins do the “virtual analog” thing amazingly well, including Charlatan and Tyrell N6.
And if you’re already handy with heavyweights like Surge and Vital, then downloading Hercules V2 is definitely out of the question.
On the other hand, if you’re just learning synthesis, Hercules V2 is a great place to start. The interface is super intuitive, and you’ll easily figure out which slider or knob does what.
By the way, which virtual synthesizer would you recommend as the best freeware synth for beginners? I’m working on an article that covers this topic, so it will be interesting to hear your thoughts on this.
I learned subtractive synthesis using Charlatan by Blaukraut Audio and the legendary Synth1 by Ichiro Toda.
Hercules V2 is available in VST3 and VST3 plugin formats for compatible digital audio workstations on Windows. Both 32-bit and 64-bit plugin hosts are supported. A valid email address is required to download the plugin.
Download: Hercules V2 (2 MB download size, ZIP archive, 32-bit & 64-bit VST2/VST3 plugin format for Windows)
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17 Comments
Tomislav Zlatic
onA big THANK YOU goes to BPB reader Aris for the info about the Hercules V2 freebie.
Brenny C
onIf it sounds really good, I’d say it might still be worth downloading even if someone is a master at synthesis…but since sound quality wasn’t mentioned at all, I’m assuming the sound is nothing fancy. I may still give it a try anyway. Thanks, Tomislav!
Also, my VSTi recommendation for beginners is Odin 2. Excellent sound quality and extremely easy to use.
Michael
on“Yes, but how does it sound…?”
probably the most important question of them all…
Tomislav Zlatic
onI’d say the sound is average. I could be wrong, but it seems to me that this was built using default SynthMaker (FlowStone) modules. What stands out to me is the UI layout which is great for learning synthesis.
Den
onhorrible aliasing :/
Numanoid
onAny synth is worthwhile downloading, it might be lighter on the resources than Surge and Vital, which makes it worthwhile to check out.
To compare, why do user bother downloading any new reverb/delays when Valhalla Supermassive is about
Tomislav Zlatic
onI agree, nothing wrong with trying new plugins. It’s just that I like to keep my plugin collection lightweight and not have more than a couple of plugins for a particular task. Helps with productivity in my case.
Jason Botha
onThanks Tomislav. Vital is a good synth to learn synthesis and there are tonnes of online videos showing how to use it. One rather overlooked one for easy learning is Orb Synth.
Jon
onWhen I tried Surge in 2019 the CPU usage was surprisingly good, so you’re possibly mistaken there. Seems quite efficient.
And regarding Supermassive: It’s a bit disagreeable at times when you want control over the size of the reverb, or if you want just a pure controlled delay. The preset modes are a bit hit or miss. With Supermassive, you are letting go of control, accepting chaos, and are rewarded with a rich, wide, chorus-like reverb+delay.
Glauco W. Beall
onThere’s no doubt…”Helm” is the best to learn subtractive synthesis.
All parameters are animated, you can drag parameters or graphics itself…
hear and see what they are doing. Unfortunately i ahven’t seen updates anymore
Athanasios
onHi Tomislav.
As SH-101 is a straightforward synth (which was my first synth in late 80’s and I still have and use), I would recommend TAL bassline 101, as a beginner synth: the user gets to understand the principles on an emulation of a real synth.
As a side note, I don’t own the commercial version of 101 from TAL (I have their J8 and UnoX), but this bassline 101 sound very different to my SH-101 (by no means can that vst reach the screaming nature of my SH).
Aris
onFat channel XT free with any purchase at plugin boutique.
Aris
onFirepresser is free with any purchase at adsr sounds.
Michal Ochedowski
onGearspace.com & TB Pro Audio presents GSat+ FREE. This looks like a cool alternative to Sleepy Time DSP Stereo Channel.
Aditya Ghosh
onHey, thanks as always for letting us know about these free plugins.
One thing I think you should’ve mentioned is “Fruitymasterz” himself; he’s a hardstyle producer with a fairly dedicated following on YT and this synth was made with the modern hardstyle aesthetic in mind as a free alternate to the oft-used Sylenth1 banks. That context is a fairly important part of why this synth exists in a market of free and cheap VA VSTi’s and maybe it’s better to think about how this synth will sound in that context rather than as something emulating a subtractive, virtual analog workflow.
Just a heads-up. Keep the articles coming, we all appreciate you bringing such great content to us <3
Rox Roll
onSo limited you can do with this synth,you only have 2 LFOs for pitch modulation,and 1 pitch envelop.There are so many better options out there.Maybe you want some challenges with this one,but that’s all.
Milan (Sawer)
onIve used both Hercules 1 & 2 and 2 is definitly a very usefull plugin. How I’d describe the sound? Kinda sharp but not thin in any way. It is made with Hardstyle production in mind and for that I highly reccomend it. Even if you have Serum or Sylenth1. Its great to layer with.
If you are not into hardstyle, I still reccomend it, but mainly for beginners in synthesis. If you want a softer kind of sound instead, Hercules 1 might help.
Great all round synths? Not really. But for the task it is designed for it is a great tool <3