Model-E

Name: Model-E
Author: Steinberg

by Steinberg · Synth · Virtual analog synth

Not rated yet

Model-E is Steinberg's classic three-oscillator analog-style synth, modelled on the Minimoog Model D, now back as a VST3 in the Steinberg Classics collection.

It has switchable 2- and 4-pole lowpass filters, glide and a mono mode, at very low CPU load. It is free.

Best for: Keys & Synths, Bass, Sound Design. Genres: Electronic & EDM, Pop, Lo-Fi.

Keywords: analog, free, basses, leads, monophonic, CPU-light, fat, hardware emulation, inspired by, subtractive, classic, simple, 70s, lo-fi, nostalgic, polyphonic, retro, sound design, vintage, warm.

What it does

Model-E is a Minimoog-style subtractive synth from the early VST era, based on the Moog Model D. It was formerly called CS-40 and keeps the controls on one streamlined panel.

Oscillators: three oscillators plus a noise generator, six waveforms per oscillator, with ranges from 32' to 2'.
Filter: a switchable 2-pole or 4-pole lowpass filter with filter modulation and key tracking.
Envelopes: two envelope generators, one for the filter and one for the amp.
Playing: glide and a mono mode for leads and basses; velocity can be routed to several targets.
Stereo: stereo spread and pan controls.
Multitimbral: the original version was 16-part multitimbral with 64 voices, 8 outputs and 128 preset memories (per KVR's listing).
What it lacks: no dedicated LFO, no oscillator sync, no PWM and no external audio input, as Sound On Sound noted.

KVR lists it as having "ultra-low CPU load". Steinberg re-released it in August 2026 as an updated plugin, part of the free Steinberg Classics collection that marks 30 years of VST. It is free. KVR lists the current version as 2.0.0.34.

Source: Steinberg product page

When to use it

Model-E is a small, simple Minimoog-style synth with a period sound, best as a free extra for basses and leads. Compared with Diva, its analog modelling is far less detailed and it has no sync, PWM or dedicated LFO, but it costs nothing and is very light on CPU. Vital, also free, goes much further with wavetables and deep modulation. Next to Neon from the same Steinberg Classics set, Model-E has a third oscillator, a noise source and a stronger filter, so it is the better of the two for fat mono basses.

Best for: fat mono basses and leads, retro synth parts, and quick sketches.
Genres: electronic, synth-pop and lo-fi styles.
Look elsewhere if: you want an accurate modern Minimoog model or modulation depth; Diva covers that, and Vital is the free option with far more range.
Tip: the 2-pole filter mode costs less CPU than the 4-pole mode; Sound On Sound got 36 notes against 22 on a 1999-era PC.

What producers say

Reviewers liked its warm filter at launch, but KVR users are mixed about how Moog-like it really is.

Sound On Sound (April 2000) called it "impressive", praising the 4-pole filter's "lovely controlled resonance" and very fast envelopes, with attack under 1 ms, for basses and plucks.
KVR users rate it 3.3 out of 5 from 10 reviews (2001 to 2024). Some praise a fat sound, good pads and leads and the multitimbral setup; one said it "doesn't really capture anything of the old Moogs".
Criticisms: fiddly mouse control of the knobs, weak factory banks and aliasing on very high notes (Sound On Sound); MIDI timing problems and a dated interface in early versions (KVR users).

Where to buy

Steinberg: Free

Tutorials and reviews

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