Free music software round-up: Week 59

This week, a new synth that promises not just style but substance, and news of an OS X port for a popular series of guitar amp/FX plug-ins.

If you've got a new free music software release, make sure you let us know about it by emailing musicradar.pressreleases@futurenet.com with all the details.

Tactile Sounds TS-Substance

Platform/format: PC/VST Download

If you were asked to come up with a list of things that you'd like to see in a new free soft synth, simplicity, flexibility and (good) sound quality would probably be on it. This is what Substance promises: it was inspired by the classic analogue polysynths of the past and has two oscillator sections, two LFOs, two envelopes and two filters.

AuraPlug Freetortion Series

Platform/format: PC, Mac/VST, AU Download

OK, it's not new, but Mac users should be aware that Auraplug's Freetortion Series, which contains six guitarist-friendly amp/FX plug-ins, has just been ported to OS X. The only stipulation is that you'll need an Intel-based machine to run them.

I’m the Deputy Editor of MusicRadar, having worked on the site since its launch in 2007. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 24 of which I’ve also spent writing about music and the ever-changing technology used to make it.