Starting with update 1.15, Decent Sampler is also a Decent Synthesizer thanks to the new built-in multi-wave oscillators.
Many Kontakt users are currently worried due to Native Instruments’ preliminary insolvency. Besides Kontakt, there are other sampler platforms like HALion, Falcon, and others.
A very popular free alternative is the DecentSampler, developed by YouTuber David Hilowitz. Since the end of 2025, DecentSampler can also be called DecentSynthesizers because the latest update has eliminated the sample-only limitation.
Decent Sampler/Decent Synthesizer
For those unfamiliar with DecentSampler, it’s a free sampler platform/plugin that lets you build your own multi-sample-based instruments. It’s especially popular with YouTubers who want to offer virtual instruments as Patreon bonuses.
DecentSampler has many advantages over Kontakt: it’s free, has no fees, and runs on macOS, Windows, Linux, and iOS.
In contrast, Kontakt offers a virtually endless third-party library and a more powerful engine. However, Decent Sampler has a huge community, and its engine is constantly growing.
Shortly before the end of 2025, David Hilowitz released update 1.15 of DecentSampler, which broke the sample-only limitation. It introduces built-in oscillators, allowing you to create all-synthesized instruments for the first time.
This is particularly useful for creating sub-bass layers, lead synth sounds, or even entirely sample-free instruments. That’s new for DecentSampler, or should we say DecentSynthesizer?
In the backend, you can work with five traditional waveforms: sine, saw, square, triangle, and noise (white noise), as well as a new pluck synthesis oscillator introduced with update 1.15.2.
Since DecentSampler already includes the core elements of a subtractive Synthesizer, such as filters, envelopes, LFOs, and effects, oscillators were the last missing piece needed to build custom synths.
Alongside this, the latest 1.15.1 update also brings MTS-ESP support.
First Impression
An exciting evolution of the Decent Sampler plugin. The ability to create custom synthesizers is a fantastic addition. I’m curious to see what instrument developers will do with this. We’ll likely see hybrid instruments, as well as pure synthesizers without samples.
Decent Sampler is available now as a free download. It runs as a VST, VST3, AU, and AAX plugin on macOS (native Apple Silicon + Intel), Linux, and Windows. It also runs as a free AUv3 plugin on iOS.
More information here: Decent Samples
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