Hybrids combine analog-style oscillators with digital control or effects.

How it works: Mix of analog-style signal paths with digital modulation, routing, or effects. for example, digital oscillators with analog filters.

Sound: The warmth of analog with the precision of digital.

Examples: Dave Smith Prophet 12, Nord Lead, Arturia MicroFreak

Logic Pro Plugins:

• ES1 – Analog-style subtractive with digital modulation

• ES2 – Versatile 3-oscillator hybrid with extensive routing

• Retro Synth – Switchable modes: analog, FM, wavetable, digital

Modular synths are built from individual components connected by patch cables.

How it works: Made of separate modules (oscillators, filters, envelopes, etc.) that can be patched together with cables. Modular synthesizers are extremely flexible and customizable and can be analog, digital, or hybrid. In a modular synthesizer, you manually route signals between modules (VCOs, LFOs, filters).

Sound: Completely customizable, experimental, and often unique.

Examples: Eurorack systems, Moog Modular, Make Noise Shared System

Logic Pro Plugins:

• ES2 – Routing matrix mimics modular patching

• Sculpture – Customizable signal flow with modulation

• Alchemy – Flexible architecture and modulation routing

These live inside your computer or DAW and replicate or extend hardware synths.

How it works: Entirely software-based—no physical components.

Sound: Varies—some emulate analog warmth, others offer unique digital engines.

Examples: Xfer Serum, Native Instruments Massive, Arturia Pigments

Logic Pro Plugins:

• All of them! Logic’s built-in synths are soft synths: ES1, ES2, Alchemy, Retro Synth, EFM1, etc.

FM synths use one waveform to modulate the frequency of another.

How it works: Modulating oscillator (modulator) alters the pitch of the carrier oscillator, producing harmonically rich tones. The user creates complex waveforms by modulating the frequency of one oscillator with another.

Sound: Glassy, metallic, complex—great for bells, electric pianos, and sharp textures.

Examples: Yamaha DX7, Elektron Digitone, Native Instruments FM8

Logic Pro Plugins:

• EFM1 – Simple FM synth

• Retro Synth (FM Mode) – More visual and intuitive interface

These build complex waveforms by layering many simple ones (usually sine waves).

How it works: Adds together partials (harmonics) to build complex timbres. The user builds sound by combining multiple sine waves (the simplest waveform) at different frequencies and amplitudes. Additive synthesizers are good for creating rich, harmonic tones.

Sound: Clean, organ-like, or harmonically rich—great for evolving pads and ambient tones.

Examples: Kawai K5000, VirSyn Cube, Camel Audio Cameleon 5000

Logic Pro Plugins:

• Alchemy – Additive engine with full control over harmonic spectra

Start with harmonically rich waveforms and subtract frequencies using filters.

How it works: Oscillators create full-spectrum sounds; filters remove certain frequencies to shape the tone.

Sound: Classic synth tones—brassy leads, warm basses, lush pads.

Examples: Roland SH-101, Moog Sub 37, Sequential Prophet-5

Logic Pro Plugins:

• ES1, ES2 – Subtractive architecture

• ES M, ES P, ES E – Simple subtractive analog emulations

• Retro Synth (All Modes) – Classic subtractive design

Wavetable synths scan through tables of waveforms over time, allowing complex and evolving timbres.

How it works: Cycles between different waveforms for dynamic tones. Wavetable synthesizers use a table of waveforms that can be scanned through dynamically.

Sound: Rich, morphing textures—great for modern EDM and cinematic sound design.

Examples: Serum, PPG Wave, Waldorf Blofeld

Logic Pro Plugins:

• Alchemy (Wavetable Mode) – Load or browse wavetable sounds and morph them

• Retro Synth (Wavetable Mode) – Simple wavetable synthesis with visual display

Granular synths split a sample into tiny grains and reassemble them in creative ways.

How it works: Breaks a sound into small segments, or grains, then rearranges or modulates them.

Sound: Evolving, atmospheric, often glitchy or textural.

Examples: Granulator II, Tasty Chips GR-1, Native Instruments Form

Logic Pro Plugins:

• Alchemy (Granular Mode) – Great for ambient, cinematic, and experimental textures