DAWJunkie releases VinylSynth Jr, a FREE vinyl-sample-inspired synth

DAWJunkie’s latest release is VinylSynth Jr, a free vinyl-sample-inspired synth for macOS and Windows.

I would say it’s that time again when we have a new DAWJunkie release to play with, but it feels like it’s almost always that time; there’s never too long to wait for the next freebie.

DAWJunkie, of course, developed releases like Drumbo Jr, Peggio Jr, and DT-600 Mini (Casio MT-600 emulation).

There’s always something a bit quirky about a DAWJunkie release, from the original sound source to the name, and VinylSynth Jr is no exception.

VinylSynth Jr centres around three sound generators, with the defining one being the Sample layer.

The sample layer provides samples taken from vinyl recordings. The samples cover a range of sources, from strings to vocals. Along with the typical dusty character of vinyl samples, this layer includes a Drive function for extra grit and heat.

You can also increase the Crackle.

It starts with the Sample layer, and you build your sound with a simple Synth layer and a percussive One Shots layer.

Additional features include unison parameters, an arp, an amp envelope, a filter, and built-in FX (Crunch, Compressor, Phaser, Delay, and Reverb).

As usual, this junior version offers a taste of the full version, which is currently available for $14.95 (usually $49).

But even without paying for that extended functionality, VinylSynth Jr delivers the standard DAWJunkie combination: instantly usable presets and enough controls to have fun.

Another thing I like about DAWJunkie, and it’s a fairly random thing, is that the demo videos always make me think of retro cinema and gaming. Steve from DAWJunkie has a way of highlighting the simplicity of good retro sounds, whether it reminds me of a typical 80s movie pad sequence or vintage gaming arp; I’m all for it.

The presets cover a decent range because you have the retro 80s sounds, you have more modern sounds, then you have these string-sample-led presets that could sit in any period, and some of them are lovely.

You can download VinylSynth Jr for free now in AU, VST, and AAX formats for macOS and Windows. If you enjoy it, check out the full version!