If there’s one synth I always recommend – especially to anyone wanting to dive into virtual analog without getting overwhelmed – it’s Podolski by u-he.
Originally created as a spin-off of FilterscapeVA and first released for a German music tech magazine, Podolski is now completely freeware… and trust me, it deserves a permanent spot in your plugin folder.
One oscillator, endless character
At first glance, Podolski looks simple: just one oscillator. But thanks to its Warp and Invert functions, those classic waveforms (saw, triangle, pulse/PWM) transform into a huge variety of shapes.
Add in the filter section – with lowpass, bandpass, and highpass modes – plus extra controls like Drive, Click (an impulse at Note On) and AutoFM (bipolar frequency modulation from the oscillator itself), and you can shape sounds that go from silky-smooth to raw and aggressive in seconds.
One envelope, but still flexible
Podolski has only a single envelope, but it’s surprisingly effective.
If you want to keep things extra simple, you can route the Gate directly to the amplifier, letting you focus more on creative modulation with the LFOs and the arpeggiator.
Two LFOs for animated modulation
There are two LFOs here: one global (affecting all voices) and one per voice.
This offers a nice balance between cohesive movement and subtle variations – perfect for adding that “analog drift” vibe.
The creative heart: arpeggiator / step sequencer
One of the coolest features is Podolski’s arpeggiator – which is more than a simple arp.
It’s actually a step sequencer and modulation source (a bit like what you find in Zebra2): you can sequence pitch, velocity, and even other parameters.
That means you can take a static sound and turn it into something alive: intricate rhythmic patterns, evolving melodies, or moving textures.
Built-in effects and resizable GUI
To round things out, Podolski includes two built-in effects: stereo delay and chorus/flanger with feedback – perfect for adding space and depth.
And yes, the GUI is resizable and even comes with three alternative skins, for when you want to freshen up your workspace.
Why you should download it now
Podolski is light on CPU, completely free, and way more versatile than you’d expect for a synth this “vintage” (it’s been around for years!).
Whether you’re producing electronic, soundtrack, chillwave, or hip hop, you’ll always find a use for it: warm analog leads, gritty basses, or hypnotic arpeggiated sequences.
If you’d like, I could also share a custom patch or record a quick tutorial to help you get started – let me know in the comments or drop me an email!