Ternär Music Technology has released Flechtwerk, a free synthesizer plugin for Windows, macOS, and Linux in VST3 and CLAP formats.
Flechtwerk is based on the Mutable Instruments Plaits module and its latest 1.2 firmware. I haven’t used the Eurorack module, but it appears that Ternär Music Technology has managed to cram all of its functionality into this freeware instrument.
The plugin offers a collection of 24 synthesis engines packed in a sleek, retro-futuristic interface. By the way, this isn’t the first time Flechtwerk has seen the light of day. There’s been a Max for Live version floating around for a while, but this marks the first official plugin release across all major platforms.
Check out the YouTube video below to see the M4L version in action (the plugin version has the same features).
If you enjoy experimental sound design tools, Flechtwerk should definitely be on your radar. You can switch between 24 synthesis engines using a grid of buttons in the center of the UI.
Each engine is then sculpted via three macro controls: Harmonics, Timbre, and Morph. You also get modulation depth knobs for each, letting you shape the core character of the sound with ease.
One of my favorite things about Flechtwerk is the UI design. It feels like an item you’d find in a late-90s video game. Just looking at the interface gives me nostalgia for the afternoons spent playing games on my old PC.
The layout is clean but dripping with retro charm—similar to the vibe arcDev Industries had with their plugins back in the day. If you’re into synths that *look* as cool as they sound, Flechtwerk is an instant download.
As for the sound, Flechtwerk is perfect for sound design. The included engines cover FM, additive, granular, and physical modeling synthesis, among others.
You can also experiment with envelope modulation, a built-in low-pass gate, and output routing options (including stereo blending via AUX). It’s a surprisingly deep instrument if you take some time to figure out how the engines work.
Envelope controls let you switch between percussive and droning textures, and you can adjust the decay and color for more expressive dynamics. There’s also a pitch transpose knob (±12 semitones) for quick octave shifts.
The plugin is free to download via Gumroad with optional donations. You can set the price to zero or enter any other amount to support the developer.
While you’re there, check out their free ChannelStrip plugin. It’s a modeled tube preamp with a 3-band EQ and an oscilloscope that’s well worth grabbing.
Flechtwerk is available now in VST3 and CLAP formats for 64-bit Windows, macOS, and Linux systems.
Download: Flechtwerk
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Last Updated on July 8, 2025 by Tomislav Zlatic.
