Title: HR Sounds – Best of Synth 1 (KONTAKT): Pure 80s & 90s Nostalgia
Post:
If you produce synthwave, retrowave, pop, or cinematic music, Best of Synth 1 from HR Sounds is a library you need to check out.
Designed for the full version of KONTAKT, this instrument pack focuses on capturing the warm, analog, and slightly gritty character of classic hardware synthesizers from the 80s and early 90s.
What’s inside?
This isn’t just a collection of basic waveforms. HR Sounds has curated a selection of truly "best" patches – think lush pads, punchy basses, shimmering arpeggios, and expressive leads. The library emphasizes playability and instant nostalgia.
Key Features:
Who is this for?
Pros: ✅ Huge variety of usable sounds. ✅ Light on CPU (simple sample architecture). ✅ Very affordable price point. ✅ Low disk space (~1-2 GB).
Cons: ❌ Full Kontakt only (no free player support). ❌ Some patches may feel less "polished" than massive blockbuster libraries – but that’s part of the charm for retro work. HR Sounds Best of Synth 1 -KONTAKT-
Final Verdict:
HR Sounds Best of Synth 1 won't replace Omnisphere or Zebra – but it’s not trying to. It delivers exactly what it promises: a straightforward, inspiring collection of classic synth tones for producers who love vintage hardware sounds without the maintenance or cost.
Rating: 8/10 – Highly recommended for retro enthusiasts.
Buy / More info: Search "HR Sounds Best of Synth 1" on your favorite sample store or check their official site.
The Best of Synth 1 library by HR Sounds is a specialized Native Instruments Kontakt instrument designed for producers looking for high-quality, "ready-to-use" synth sounds . Key Features of Best of Synth 1
Vintage Sound Library: The collection features 50 brand-new sound patches sampled from rare and iconic synthesizers from the 1970s and 1980s .
Genre Versatility: While labeled under "Leads," the library is often used by producers for oriental, pop, and electronic music styles .
Direct Usability: Like other HR Sounds products, it is marketed as being ready to use "straight out of the box" for professional compositions .
Price: The standalone library is available for $150.00 at HR Sounds and Oriental Sounds . Related Libraries & Bundles Title: HR Sounds – Best of Synth 1
If you are looking for a more comprehensive collection, the brand offers several related expansions:
Best of Synth Bundle: Includes multiple volumes (Best of Synth 1, 2, and 3) plus HR Leads for a discounted price of $250.00 $300.00 .
Expansion Volumes: Individual libraries like Best of Synth 2 and Best of Synth 3 are also available for $150.00 each .
Other HR Instruments: The developer is also well-known for the HR Strings library, which features realistic strings recorded in five different countries . Alternatives for Kontakt
If the price point for HR Sounds is too high, you might consider these other vintage-inspired Kontakt libraries: Best of Synth Bundle - HR Sounds
Best of Synth 1 includes a collection of a brand-new 50 sound library from the best and rare synth from 1970 and 1980. Best of Synth 1 - HR Sounds
Best of Synth 1 includes a collection of a brand-new 50 sound library from the best and rare synth from 1970 and 1980. $150.00.
Best of Synth 1 is a curated sound library featuring 50 brand-new patches
sampled from rare and iconic synthesizers of the 1970s and 1980s. Key Features and Content Curated Sound Bank : Contains 50 distinct sounds focused on vintage hardware. Hardware Origins Format: Requires KONTAKT 5
: Samples are sourced from "best and rare" synths from the golden era of analog and digital synthesis (1970s–1980s). Ready-to-Use
: Designed to be functional immediately "out of the box" within the Native Instruments Kontakt environment. High-Quality Sampling
: While specific bit-depths aren't listed for this exact pack, HR Sounds' other libraries, like HR Strings
, typically feature large sample footprints (e.g., 8GB) to ensure rich, realistic textures. Pricing and Bundles
As of April 2026, the following pricing is available directly from Individual Price : $150.00 for Best of Synth 1 Bundle Options Best of Synth Bundle
: Includes volumes 1, 2, and 3, plus HR Leads for $300.00 (discounted from $600.00). HR Leads Bundle : Available for $325.00 (down from $450.00).
This library is particularly well-suited for producers looking for authentic vintage textures without the complexity of programming a full virtual analog synth. It bridges the gap between classic 80s "cheesy" vibes and professional atmospheric underscores. It is often used alongside other HR Sounds products, such as their regional string libraries, to create a blend of modern electronic and traditional oriental textures. Happy Composer Best of Synth 1 - HR Sounds
You might ask, "Why not just buy a Nord Lead sample pack?" or "What about Synth Anthology?"
One of the selling points of "Best of Synth 1" is its playability. It avoids the overwhelming "spaceship control panel" look of some modern synths.
Instead, HR Sounds has equipped the Kontakt shell with a streamlined set of controls. You typically get standard ADSR envelopes, filter controls, and effects sections (delay, reverb, and chorus). This is great for producers who want to tweak, not twiddle. You can dial in a sound quickly without getting lost in modulation matrices, keeping the creative flow moving.
It is worth noting that because this is a sample library, it behaves differently than a VST synth. You aren't sculpting raw oscillators in real-time; you are manipulating high-quality recordings of them. For most users, this distinction is negligible, but it results in a CPU-friendly experience that sounds expensive.