synthLennarDigital
Sylenth1
The classic virtual analogue synthesizer that defined the EDM and house sound of the 2010s. Smooth, warm oscillators and a famously easy workflow.
At a glance
Genres
Sylenth1 vs Spire
The classic, CPU-light virtual-analog synth versus the modern hybrid that sits between Sylenth1 and Serum.
Written and reviewed by Kasper Nods. Updated June 2026. How PlugPick reviews
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synth
synthReveal Sound
Spire
Four oscillators, four filters, and a sound that sits in a mix without fighting for space. A go-to for progressive house and trance leads that cut through.
At a glance
Genres
Artists who use it
- Brooks
- ReOrder
- Showtek
Why Sylenth1
Sylenth1 is the classic. A pure virtual-analog synth from 2007, it is famous for warm, finished tones, the best supersaw unison in the business, and remarkably low CPU. It hosts more soundbanks than almost any synth, and producers love how its leads, plucks and basses sit in a mix with almost no effort, which is why it stayed an EDM and trance staple for over a decade.
Why Spire
Spire is the more modern option, combining virtual-analog, wavetable, FM and AM synthesis. That gives it a wider sonic range than Sylenth1, with lush trance pads and bright, aggressive leads, effectively sitting between Sylenth1 and Serum. It costs a little more CPU than Sylenth1 but offers more sound-design depth, and it has become a go-to for contemporary trance and big-room production.
The verdict
If you want the fastest path to a classic, warm dance tone with almost no CPU load, Sylenth1 still delivers and its preset libraries are enormous. It is the more beginner-friendly, instant-gratification choice.
Spire is the better tool when you want a wider palette and more modern, detailed sounds from a single synth, at a modest CPU cost. Plenty of trance producers own both and use Sylenth1 for classic tones and Spire for bigger, more current sounds.
Pick Sylenth1 if you want classic warm leads and supersaws, huge preset libraries and the lowest CPU load.
Pick Spire if you want a wider, more modern hybrid palette for current trance and big-room sounds.
Frequently asked questions
Is Spire better than Sylenth1?
Spire has a wider sonic range because it adds wavetable and FM to virtual-analog, while Sylenth1 is lighter on CPU and faster for classic tones. Many producers use both.
Which is better for trance, Sylenth1 or Spire?
Both are trance staples. Sylenth1 excels at classic supersaws and warm leads with low CPU, while Spire offers lusher pads and more modern, aggressive sounds.
Is Sylenth1 still worth it in 2026?
Yes, for fast, polished, low-CPU classic dance sounds and its enormous preset market, though some producers now treat it as a complement to more modern synths like Spire or Serum.