Making Modern VSTs Sound Totally 80s:

A Synthwave Survival Guide (with free Plugin Links)!

Alright, synthheads, buckle up. If you’re tryna make your modern VSTs sound like they came straight outta 1984, you’re in the right place. Synthwave = nostalgic vibes — think VHS fuzz, neon lights, palm trees, and gated snares. 🌇

But what if all you’ve got is Serum or Vital and no vintage synths? No sweat, radster. Here’s how to make modern tools sound retro as ever! — with free & paid plugin links for your synth arsenal. 🚀

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🎵 1. Start with the Right Synths

Modern VSTs like u-he Diva, Arturia Analog Lab, or TAL-U-No-LX can absolutely shred with the right patches.

🆓 Free Synths (totally tubular):

• 🎹 Vital – Wavetable synth that can get seriously lush with the right tweaks

• 🎹 PG-8X – Killer JX-8P clone

• 🎹 Surge XT – Open-source synth beast

💾 Paid Synths (for synth warriors):

• 🎛️ u-he Diva – Analog modeling = pure warmth

• 🎛️ TAL-U-No-LX – Spot-on Juno-60 emulation

• 🎛️ Arturia Analog Lab V – Instant access to iconic patches

🎯 Pro Tip: Pick analog-modeled synths with “drift” or detune to get that woozy, warbly 80s goodness.

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🔊 2. Detune for That Warm Analog Drift

Modern synths are too clean, dude. Detune ‘em slightly and modulate with slow LFOs to get that imperfect, human feel.

🆓 Free Tools:

MRatioMB by MeldaProduction:

While it's primarily a multi-band processor, MeldaProduction's FreeFXBundle includes:

• 💫 MLFO: a free LFO/modulator as part of the bundle

• 🚀 Tons of other useful modulation tools

• 🛠️ Works with any parameter on supported hosts (VST/AU)

🔗 Download the full free bundle here:👉 https://www.meldaproduction.com/MFreeFXBundle

💾 Paid Tools:

• 🎛️ Cableguys ShaperBox – For precision modulation & analog-style drift

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🎧 3. Stack on Chorus & Reverb

If your track isn’t swimming in chorus and verb, is it even synthwave? 🌊

🆓 Free FX Plugins:

• 🎧 TAL-Chorus-LX – Juno-style chorus 💯

• 🌌 Valhalla Supermassive – Huge spacey reverb, FREE

• 🌀 Acon Digital Multiply – Chorus with stereo widening

💾 Paid FX Plugins:

• 🌠 Valhalla VintageVerb – Synthwave reverb royalty

• 🌈 Arturia Chorus JUN-6 – Lush 80s chorus vibes

• 🎛️ Baby Audio Spaced Out – Reverb + delay spaceship

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📈 4. Gated Reverb Drums = Synthwave Gold

Get that Phil Collins drum snap — reverb that explodes then cuts off. Gated drums are non-negotiable.

🆓 Free Drum Tools:

• 🔊 TDR Nova – Free dynamic EQ/gate combo

• 🥁 MT Power Drum Kit 2 – Add reverb + gate manually for retro drum textures

💾 Paid Drum Tools:

• 🥁 Drumazon 2 – 909-style madness

• 🥁 Waves SSL Channel Strip – Classic gated snare setup

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✨ 5. Filter Like It’s 1985

Automated filter sweeps = pure synth magic. Think pads fading in, leads rising, tension building.

🆓 Free Filter Tools:

• 🎚️ Filterstep by Audiomodern – Step-sequenced filter

• 🔄 TAL-Filter-2 – Envelope + LFO filtering

💾 Paid Filter FX:

• 🔥 Soundtoys FilterFreak – Analog-modeled filter madness

• 🔊 FabFilter Volcano 3 – Four filters + modulation

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🚗 6. Drive & Saturation = Retro Vibe Central

Analog warmth is your best bud. Add subtle drive, tape noise, or even bitcrush to age your sound like it’s on a worn-out VHS.

🆓 Free Saturation/Drive:

• 🎛️ Softube Saturation Knob – Easy analog heat

💾 Paid Saturation FX:

• 📼 Waves J37 Tape – Abbey Road-style tape plugin

• 🎛️ Kramer Tape – Grit and vibe in one

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🎉 Bonus Tip: Reference Real 80s Tracks!

Fire up some A-ha, Tangerine Dream, or Jan Hammer and pay attention to more than just melody.

Use free tools like YouLean Loudness Meter or SPAN by Voxengo to measure levels and EQ while you A/B tracks.

LFO Tool (Free Alternative): Cableguys’ PanCake

This is a free auto-panner, but it uses custom drawable LFO curves, which you can repurpose creatively for modulation.

• Great for modulating volume, panning, or anything tied to stereo movement

• Custom shapes, tempo sync, and precise control

• Super smooth GUI, very stable

[Xfer LFOTool – Not Free, But Popular]

I’ll include this as context:

• Not free ($49), but iconic for modulation

• Still, free plugins above can get you similar vibes!

🧠 Bonus Modulation Trick (DAW-Built):

If you're using Ableton, FL Studio, Bitwig, or Logic Pro, most of them have built-in modulation utilities:

• Bitwig: Modulators galore

• Ableton Live 11+: LFO in Max for Live

• FL Studio: Fruity Formula Controller + Peak Controller

• Reaper: Parameter modulation native support

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🌌 Final Thoughts, Synth Surfer

You don’t need vintage hardware to ride the neon wave — just a few right plugins, some analog-style warble, and a whole lotta reverb. Layer it up, detune it down, and most importantly — let your inner retro warrior run free.

🕶️ Stay tubular. Stay neon. Stay creative.

Drop a comment if you’ve got your own synthwave plugin faves or FX hacks. ⚡🛸 Be sure to let us know if you've used any of these plugins above to make your soung sound vintage. Share it with us in the comments! And make sure you sign up for the newsletter for some knarly 80s-inspired songs that will knock you off your seat!