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Why use sampled synths over VST plugins?

THE NATURE OF SAMPLED SYNTHS

AND WHY SAMPLING SYNTHS NOWADAYS STILL MAKES SENSE

Why choose sampled synths over VST plugins? Discover the warmth, character, and creative ORGANICNESS AND depth of synth libraries captured through analog gear, guitar amps, LESLIES, EXCOTIC HARDWARE and lo-fi signal chains.

Old hardware chips and synthesizers, especially analog models, possess subtle behaviors—like oscillator drift, filter nonlinearities, and unpredictable modulations—that are challenging to model accurately with software.

Sampled synths capture these idiosyncrasies directly from the source, preserving the unique character of the original instruments.

Wrongtools brings new life to sampled synths by re-amping them through guitar amps, radios, and Leslies.

The inherent variability of electric circuits contributes to the organic feel that sampled synths provide.

The Magic of the Recording Chain: Adding Depth and Character

Adding Depth and Character

The process of sampling often involves recording hardware synths through various analog equipment—such as tube preamps, compressors, and vintage microphones—imparting additional warmth and depth to the sound. These subtle enhancements are difficult to replicate with digital plugins alone.

This hands-on approach to sampling captures not just the raw sound but also the ambiance and character introduced by the recording environment.

Sampling Through Guitar Amps, Telephones, and Radios

Wrongtools synth-based sample libraries often involve re-amping synthesizers through guitar amps, rotary speakers like Leslies, telephones, radios, old speakers, and other unconventional devices.

This introduces a unique sonic signature, full of color, noise, and distortion that would be impossible—or at least extremely complex—to replicate with plugins alone.

By doing this, Wrongtools not only captures the sound of the original synths, but also infuses them with new life through texture, room tone, and nonlinearities from the hardware signal chain.

This makes Wrgtls instruments especially inspiring for film scoring, sound design, and character-rich electronic music production. And easy to mix in with other instruments.

Vintage circuits bring imperfections—such as slight detuning, noise, or variations in timbre—that contribute to a more lifelike and expressive sound.

These characteristics adds depth, and flavor to music, making it feel more human and less mechanical.

Embracing Imperfection

By capturing the unique qualities of original hardware—including their imperfections and the nuances introduced during recording—sampled synths offer an organic alternative that resonates with the human ear.

Explore the creative power of synth libraries recorded through exotic signal chains and analog gear.