8.3Great
Dexed is a free open-source Yamaha DX7-style FM synthesizer and cartridge librarian for Windows, macOS, and Linux in VST, AU, and LV2 formats.
Plugin comparison
Dexed vs Sandbender
Specs, price and the Dubspot Score, side by side — with our verdict on which synth to buy.
Independent score / workflow fit / buying signal
Contenders
The side-by-side
8.7Great
Sandbender is Audio Damage's four-operator FM synthesizer, built to make FM programming playable, with drag-and-drop modulation and a genetic preset generator.
Score verdict
Which should you buy?
On the Dubspot Score, Sandbender comes out ahead (8.7). That said, the right pick depends on your workflow and budget — read both reviews before deciding.
Technical matrix
Specs compared
| Signal | Dexed | Sandbender |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | €90.95 |
| Dubspot Score | 8.3 | 8.7 |
| Formats | VST, AU, LV2, Standalone | CLAP, VST3, AU (macOS only), AAX, AUV3 (iOS) |
| Type | FM synthesizer (Yamaha DX7 model) + SysEx librarian | — |
| License | Free / GPL v3 open source | — |
| Synthesis | 6-operator FM (DX7-style) | Four-operator FM, ten algorithms plus a custom algorithm designer |
| Cartridge tools | MIDI cartridge librarian/manager for DX7 SysEx | — |
| Formats | VST, AU, LV2 (platform-dependent); standalone builds | — |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | macOS 10.15+, Windows 10+, Ubuntu 22+, iOS 16+ |
| Per operator | — | Wave shaper, harmonic/free/fixed tuning, simultaneous sound and modulation |
| Extras | — | Wavefolder, divider sub oscillator, six noise types |
| Filters | — | Eleven types (state-variable, ladder, diode, Sallen-Key), stereo per voice |
| Modulation | — | 2 envelopes, 2 LFOs, 2 function generators, 16-step sequencer, 4 macros, drag-and-drop |
| Voices | — | 8, poly/mono/retriggered mono, 1x to 8x oversampling |
| Tuning | — | Full MPE and MTS-ESP microtuning |
| Presets | — | Over 260, in nine categories |
| Plugin formats | — | CLAP, VST3, AU, AAX (desktop); AUV3 (iOS) |
| Copy protection | — | None (no DRM, dongle or subscription) |
See the full plugin database for more comparisons.