There are great free plugins out there for LMMS!
Come with us to to reveal synths, drums, and various effects suitable for mixing. You will find VST, AU and AAX plugins in the list.
Let’s dive in.
Plugins For LMMS: The 30 Best Free VSTs Of All Sorts 2023
1. ujam Usynth Drive (Premium Synth 1)
Usynth Drive is a free synthesizer, sequencer, and effect plugin by ujam.
It’s a simple-looking plugin with an intuitive interface but has excellent functionalities under the hood. The synthesizer section packs wavetable, virtual analog, FM, multi-sample synth engines, modulators like multi-mode filters, a 5-stage envelope, LFOs, a modulation matrix, and more.
Drive is great for creating House music but has good sound design options for pop, RnB, funk, retro, and many dance genres.
Key Features:
- Simple synthesis workflow
Usynth Drive has a synthesizer section, which two knobs can control: Dark/Bright and Fast/Slow knob. Further, there are knobs like Calm Down, Scream, and More Sub. You can change the presets for the synth window by using arrows and a dice, by which you can select anything from bass sounds to pad sounds. - Sequencer Engine
The switchable sequencer allows you to adjust the rate between quarter and 1/32nd note. You can also sync it to the BPM and key and select various patterns. Further, you can adjust the note length, swing, octave shifts, and pattern length. - Finisher section
Finisher is a multi-effects section that consists of 60 different effect combinations that you can set at every instance of the knob. Every Finisher preset is a different configuration of different effect modules. - Generative functions
All sections consist of the Surprise button, symbolized by the Dice icon. You get fresh Sequencer and Finisher ideas and presets when you click on them. - Under-the-hood functionality
The knobs/controllers that appear very simple from the outside have complex functionalities hiding behind them. For example, the bright/dark knob helps you adjust the harmonic content to get even harmonics at the bright end and odd harmonics at the dark end.
Compatibility:
Drive is available in AU, AAX, and VST 2 plugin formats and requires a minimum of macOS Catalina (10.15) or Windows 10 operating systems, 8 GB of RAM, and 1.23 GB of hard disk space.
2. Matt Tytel Vital (Premium Synth 2)
More Info & Download (Paid Version Available)
Vital’s synthesizer brings spectral oscillator warping to add new life to your wavetables.
Acting directly on a waveform’s harmonics, this technology can create drastically different tones and shapes from a signal source. Thanks to this simple tool that creates endless possibilities, what was already incredibly customizable became even more so.
If you want to import your samples to create a wavetable, Vital’s pitch-splice and vocode converter are two great and easy add-ons to get even more specific on your sound design.
You can also develop wavetables from scratch via the built-in wavetable generator or even directly from the text!
Key Features:
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- Excellent oscillators
These oscillators have a shallow low noise floor and a sharp cut-off at Nyquist for almost no aliasing, creating the cleanest sounds with the best quality possible. “Nyquist” means that each periodic signal should be periodically sampled at a rate twice the size of your audio signal. So, to overcome this, a higher quality sampling is sought after on synths like Vital – and a cut-off might be the simplest tool you’d ever need. - Microtonality at its best
This synth can load .tun, .scl, and .kbd files – which can alter and configure how the tuning will perform – and play in a microtonal setting without any trouble. A brand new tuning system can unlock new possibilities regarding how the samples perform. This expands how you’ll play notes and frequencies and how to sample and interact with one another via the oscillators. - Key-tracked LFOs
It’s possible to create key-tracked bass lines with this LFO setting, combining it with an audio-rate modulation and using your LFO as an oscillator modulation source. This enables you to instantly automate certain modulation parameters in relation to whatever notes are being played. - Audio-rate modulation
The audio modulator kicks in when you have an audio signal or a parameter being varied and brings much more personality to your tones. The variations can be tracked down and edited in the most creative ways possible. The signal whose waveform is used to trigger is modulated accordingly, with extreme precision and character.
- Excellent oscillators
Compatibility:
The plugin is available for mac OS 10.12 or higher, Windows 10 or higher, and Ubuntu Linux 18.04 or higher. All 64-bit only, with OpenGL 3 or higher. It comes in VST, AU, and LV2 plugin formats.
3. MonsterDAW Monster Bass (Rompler)
Monster Bass is a bass rompler plugin designed by MonsterDAW.
Monster Bass is all about the bass and low-end focused sounds. The sounds come in presets divided in three categories depending on the type of bass sound they offer. It’s an excellent choice for producers working in bass-centered styles of music like Trap, Dubstep, and Bass music.
Key Features:
- Wide range of sounds
Monster Bass includes sounds that can cover almost any genre of music. The bass sounds are split into three categories: synth bass, electric bass, and acoustic bass. In the synth’s bass category, expect to find Dubstep-appropriate wobble bass sounds and thick fuzzy bass sounds. The other two categories include bass sounds that can be used in any genre, from pop to rock music. - Basic control
Monster Bass is exceptionally straightforward and includes just a handful of knobs to shape your bass sounds. There is an ADSR envelope for volume shaping and a filter for sonic sculpting. The filter has lowpass and highpass modes which add a bit of extra sonic flexibility. - LFO
The most hands-on feature of Monster Bass is easily the LFO. It’s a single LFO that can modulate a few different parameters. You can choose from a few different shapes, such as triangle, square, and saw, and send the LFO to destinations like pitch or expression to add interest and movement to your sounds. The source of the LFO can be set to aftertouch or mod wheel, something that adds a bit of life and expression to your sounds. You can tweak rate and depth knobs to fine-tune the effect.
Compatibility:
Monster Bass is available on Windows and macOS in VST and AU formats.
4. Sound Magic Piano One (Piano)
Piano One is one of the best free piano plugins, especially if you are a pop musician.
This plugin features a deeply sampled Yamaha C7 concert grand piano. Over the audio samples, Piano One also utilizes a hybrid modeling engine to offer even more playability. However, since this is a free version of Sound Magic’s Neo Piano, some features are limited.
The limitations aren’t debilitating, though. The modeling engine’s sympathetic resonance feature is missing, and the piano samples are limited to 18 seconds. Neither should create any issues unless you intend to use the piano in a professional solo performance.
Key Features:
- Piano Tweaks
The plugin features overtone controls from the Harmonics section. You can shift the harmonic frequencies or change their level. Similarly, the Tone section lets you control the low and the high frequencies, and the Lid fader adds a low-pass filter to simulate the piano lid position. Furthermore, you can change the amount of hammer dampness, dynamic range, release amount, and so on. - Built-in Reverb
Piano One has a dedicated reverb section, where you can adjust its parameters. It’s a relatively simple digital reverb, but it offers all the critical parameters. So, it’s fine for mixing with other instruments. If you are playing the piano solo, though, I’d suggest trying an outboard convolution reverb. - Performance
Piano One has a Perspective section to mix between the player and the audience’s perspective. I found that a blend between the two can result in a wider stereo space. And similarly, the Noises section features pedal, string, and hammer-off noise generators, which can add to the realism of your performance.
The following video by Kenny Gioia demonstrates the sound of Piano One. If you are using REAPER, the video also shows how to load the plugin in your DAW:
Compatibility:
The plugin is available for Windows 10 or higher and macOS 10 or higher, both 32-bit or 64-bit. It comes in VST 2 and AU formats.
5. MaxSynths DR-910 (Drum Machine)
As the name suggests, DR-910 is a Roland TR-909 drum machine emulation.
The plugin attempts to recreate the original unit’s sounds by emulating each sound section (kick, snare, tom, hi-hat, and cymbal) individually. The result is a delightfully close reproduction. Furthermore, it adds to the legacy by including effects to make mixing easier.
Key Features:
- Mixing Effects
The DR-910 includes a reverb, compressor, and a Lo-Fi effect. Each channel has an individual send control for the reverb, whereas the compressor is tailored to work with drums. And the Lo-Fi effect includes three modes for convenience. Overall, they offer enough for in-the-box mixing. - Four Outputs
The plugin includes four outputs for external mixing. They come in handy in real-world uses. Not only that, you can assign one of the outputs for the reverb channel as well. So, you can process the wet reverb signal alone with EQs or other effect plugins to achieve cleaner mixes.
Compatibility:
The plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher 32-bit only. It comes in VST 2 format.
6. MT Power Drum Kit 2 (Acoustic Drums)
MT Power Drum Kit 2 is possibly the most feature-rich free drum plugin available.
What makes this plugin stand out from the rest is its comprehensiveness and exemplary user interface. MT Power Drum Kit 2 contains a single excellently sampled drum kit appropriate for rock and pop music. Also, the drum recording is pre-processed so that it stands out in a mix.
Key Features:
- Groove Library
The plugin features a midi groove library containing thousands of professionally performed grooves. There are intros, variations, fills, and endings neatly organized in folders. Furthermore, the browser’s Composer section lets you build an entire drum arrangement, which you can drag and drop into your DAW. - Processing
MT Power Drum Kit 2 has a built-in mixer where you can control the level and panning of each instrument in the kit. Furthermore, you can activate a compressor at the bottom of each channel and adjust it with an Amount knob. For further processing, the plugin supports multi-out to your DAW. - Convenient
The plugin has even more surprisingly thought-out features that are often limited to paid plugins. First, you can assign midi mappings to make recording easier. Second, it supports e-kit features like hi-hat pedal CC# and a choke note for each cymbal. Not to mention the UI is resizable.
Compatibility:
The plugin is available for Windows XP or higher and macOS 10.5 or higher, both 32-bit and 64-bit. It comes in VST 2 and AU formats.
7. Ample Bass P Lite II (Bass Guitar)
Don’t worry if you don’t have a budget. We’ve got some free plugins for you. The first is Ample Bass P Lite II from Ample Sound.
The Chinese company Ample Sound, from time to time, pleases its users with free products. For example, you can get a virtual instrument based on the Martin D-41 acoustic guitar. Ample Bass P Lite II is also on the list of free plugins.
This software is based on the Fender Precision Bass. More often than not, free plugins can’t surprise you with excellent sound quality. But let’s be honest with you – this one is perfect. At least you can safely try it before you buy similar virtual instruments.
Key Features:
- Over 400 Bass Samples
In total, the plugin uses over four hundred bass guitar samples. It is pretty enough to provide many articulations. Namely, Hammer-Ons & Pull-Offs, Accent, and Sustain. Also, you will hear a rich fingering noise. - Implemented technologies
The creators have introduced the Auto Buzz system, Capo Logic, Customized Parameters Control, Poly Legato, and Slide Smoother technologies. You can also combine several articulations by pressing a few key switches at the same time. - Use Your Tabs
With the Tab Player, you can load and play guitar and bass tablature in the plugin. In addition, you can export the file from the Tab Player. This mode supports all necessary articulations as well.
Compatibility:
The plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.9 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST2/3, AU, AAX formats, and as a standalone host.
Related Reading:
Top 20 Instrument VST Plugins For Musicians
8. Ample Guitar M Lite II (Acoustic Guitar)
Ample Sound makes a bold move by delivering a free plugin with virtually no compromises. It is the Ample Guitar M Lite II plugin.
This plugin from the Chinese company Ample Sound is based on the Martin D-41 acoustic guitar, known for its rich sound. Beautiful inlays and the fingerboard make it a dream for many guitarists.
As with their other software, Ample Sound has taken care of deep sampling. The plugin includes Finger Instrument libraries to fit different needs and features rich firing noise, which has become more vivid and realistic. There are Sustain, Hammer-On & Pull-Off, Palm Mute, and Popping five articulations.
Key Features:
- Technology
The plugin is equipped with Capo Logic technology, which provides intelligent play according to guitar rules. It also has Double Guitar, which means different samples at L & R channel. In addition, Ample Guitar M Lite II has Poly Legato, Slide Smoother, and Alternate Tuner. - Strummer
This feature will give you unusually realistic strum samples. In total, there are 14 strum notes with 28 different ways to play each chord. In addition, four humanization settings, strum SEQ with customized rhythm, and delicate presets with drag & drop support. - Tab Player
With the Tab Player, you can download and play several standard guitar tablature file formats. When used in a DAW, the Tab Player also lets you export tablature to an audio file. This feature supports all fingering, loops, chords, articulations, and other markers in the loaded tablature.
Compatibility:
The plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.9 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST2/3, AU, AAX formats, and as a standalone host.
9. Spitfire Audio LABS (Electric Guitar)
From the giant library that is free, Spitfire LABS comes to an excellent sample-based electric guitar.
Recorded and created by guitarists Leo Wyatt, Keith Theodosiou, and Dino Pollano, LABS Electric Guitar is a collection of guitar sounds. The sounds are suitable for specific scoring styles, pop, trap, hip-hop, 80s rock, etc. And the user interface is straightforward, with only two faders.
Key Features:
- Sound
The sounds of this plugin are pre-processed. You’ll find a chorused Fender Telecaster, pop-like Fender Stratocaster, and a darker, driven Ibanez. I would suggest using it to play melodies and arpeggios. You can’t play rhythms without a strumming engine unless you intend to keep it super simple. - Simplicity
All LABS instruments boast simplicity, and this one’s no different. You can adjust the amount of reverb, dynamics, and volume using the available parameters, and that’s it! However, it’s enough for adding arpeggio patterns and short riffs.
Compatibility:
Spitfire LABS is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.10 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST 2/3, AU, and AAX formats
Related Reading:
Top 11 Spitfire Audio Libraries & Plugins 2023
10. Orchestral Tools – Layers (Strings)
Layers is an excellent choice as a backing string ensemble or even underscoring.
Orchestral Tools is well known for its fabulous orchestral libraries, and Layers is their free, highly usable instrument plugin that features an entire orchestra along with individual instrument categories. You will find a symphony, woodwinds, brass, and a strings section, where the latter is what we’ll be focusing on.
In essence, Layers is designed to let you play backing ensembles as chord beds and also play melodies using the legato patches. So, I would recommend it if you make pop, rock, hip-hop, or any other commercial music, where you need string ensembles as backing tracks.
Key Features:
- Pre-Orchestrated
The library features two articulations: sustain and staccato. Each articulation features three pre-orchestrated chord types: major, minor, and sus4. And each articulation also features a Low Unison variety, which is the bass. Furthermore, the sound is full and excellent for use as pads. - Mixing
Each section of the library features four microphone positions: A-B, Close, Surround, and Decca Tree. The second and latter are the main mics, whereas the rest add space and width. You can use them to adjust how intimate or massive your strings are. - Legato
Orchestral Tools have some of the finest legato scriptings around, and Layers also features a sustained legato path. You can use it to play leading melodies across the entire ensemble or play harmonies for backing.
Compatibility:
The library is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.12 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST 2/3 and AU formats.
Related Readings:
20 Best FREE Kontakt Libraries 2022 For Various Categories
11. Newfangled Audio Pendulate (Bass Synth)
Pendulate, by Newfangled Audio, is an impulsive free synth that borrows the double pendulum engine from its paid sibling.
The plugin offers an innovative synthesis method based on a double pendulum, a chaotic system governed by ordinary differential equations. In short, the plugin generates sound from a sine wave, and you can shape it with the six oscillator parameters. In addition, the Wavefolder section helps you add wave-bending harmonics to the sound, and the Low Pass Gate offers an ADSR and a smooth sound.
Key Features:
- Global
Here, you can set the parameters for voice and pitch on a global scale. In addition, the modulation sources within this area let you add MIDI and MPE modulation into any parameter in Pendulate’s upper half. - ADSR
This section creates three modulations sources when a note is pressed. You get a full-envelope ADSR modulator, an ADR envelope, and an ASR. These slightly different shapes let you affect multiple parameters with similar intentions but exceptional results. - LFO
Lastly, we have a single LFO with five outputs in the modulation chain. Each modulation output offers a different waveform that you can use to modulate other parameters. For example, the LFO gives you sine, triangle, pulse, sawtooth, and ramp waveforms.
Compatibility:
This plugin is available for Windows 8.1 and higher and macOS 10.9 and newer in AAX, VST, and AU formats.
12. Surge XT (Advanced Synth)
The Surge XT is one of the best and most advanced open-source subtractive synthesizers.
It has a unique interface and signal flow. It operates under two scenes, with three oscillators in each scene, resulting in a total of 6 oscillators, with 64 voices of polyphony. In addition, it’s a modulation-heavy plugin with eight macros, six LFOs, two envelope generators, and other modulators.
Key Features:
- Easily Adjustable signal flow
Under the Filter Configuration windows, you can set how and in order the filters are applied to the sound. There are eight different types of configurations that you can set, with three serial, two dual, a stereo, a ring, and wide types. You can also map it to the controller or key and add automation lanes. - Scene Modes for layering and splitting the sounds
The Scene modes decide how the scenes can be used together, whether layered or split. Single mode allows you to play only the selected scene simultaneously, whereas Key Split allows you to play different scenes on different keyboard parts. - Wide Oscillator Section
Three oscillators per scene can be mixed, soloed, muted, and even multiplied or cross-fed into each other. In addition, the oscillators can be key tracked or retriggered, and we can change their pitch up to three octaves above and blow. Further, their pitch, shape, pitch range, width, sync, unison detune, and unison voices can be changed and edited. - Huge scope of modulations
The modulation matrix is located right at the bottom of the GUI. Here, we can use the MACROS to control multiple parameters simultaneously with a simple drag-and-drop option. Almost every knob and slider in the interface can be modulated using the macros, and you can also rename the modulators as per your taste.
Compatibility:
In Windows, the Surge XT is available as a 32 and 64-bit VST and CLAP plugin, which demands Windows 7 (or later versions), at least 4 GBs of RAM, and Pentium 4/Athlon 64 or above CPU. To use the 64-bit version on Windows, you require a CPU supporting the x64 (AMD64/EM64T) instruction set.
For macOS, the plugin is available in 64-bit Audio Unit (AU), VST3, and CLAP versions, which requires a Mac OS X 10.11 or newer, a 64-bit x86 Intel or ARM Apple Silicon CPU, and at least 4GB of RAM. On Linux, Surge is available as a 64-bit VST3 and CLAP in the form of a deb and RPM package.
13. Audiority L12X Solid State Amplifier (Guitar Amp)
If you remember that little but growling transistor head from Marshall called the Lead 12, know that you can get it as an amp sim plugin entirely for free. It is the L12X Solid State Amplifier from Audiority.
Marshall created the Lead 12 Solid State Amplifier in the late 1980s. It was a small head that could surprise with the amount of gain and push cabinets up to 4×12 and could easily sound like a JCM. Now this famous amplifier is available in amp sim plugin form from Italian company Audiority.
The plugin almost wholly replicates the appearance of the actual head. The creators slightly modified the chain by adding a Contour knob to get a more scooped tone and additional Boost overdrive stage.
In addition to that – built-in Marshall cabinet impulse with Celestion V30 speakers.
Key Features:
- Contour control
This knob is present in most guitar amplifiers. It allows you to scoop up the mids and make your tone more biting and aggressive. - Boost mode
If you don’t have enough power in your guitar tone, the boost button always comes to the rescue. Turn it on, and it will give you more gain. - Cab sim
The cabinet impulse is built-in here. It sounds pretty good and was designed by Seacow Cabs. But if you want to apply your own IR, that’s not a problem since you can disable the built-in impulse at any time.
Compatibility:
The plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.8 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST2, VST3, AU, AAX formats, and as a standalone host.
14. Lostin70s – Bass Deluxe (Bass Amp)
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
The Bass Deluxe is one of the most used free bass amp plugins. The Bass Deluxe made by Lostin70s, based on a tube bass amp, will help your bass sound stand out and give it more character.
It has a very fat sound but is also versatile enough also to have a very funky sound. The amp takes the graphic design of Modern Deluxe, but the preamps are flat, the distortion, amplification, and compression are suitable for a wide variety of possible bass sounds. The Bass Deluxe also has two identical channels and a switcher that lets you change them on the fly.
Key Features:
- Adjustable Pedalboard
The Bass Deluxe comes with two independent identical channels, each with an adjustable and super well-ordered pedalboard, with the following effects: Vibrato/Chorus, a Compressor, a Tone Drive, a Digital Reverb, a Tremolo, and a Delay. You can also change their order in the signal chain. - Beatbox player
The beatbox player features simple but effective grooves for practicing. It also comes with a player with several drum machine grooves and a looper so that you can practice it. You can even set a recorder to record exactly how many bars you want. - Adjustable presence
Not every plugin comes with a Presence knob, and it is an excellent tool for dialing the dynamics in your playing. You can make it, so every nuance in your picking or thumping is heard. Usually a feature present on guitar amps, but present on this bass amp simulation.
Compatibility:
The Bass Deluxe made by Lostin70s is available for Windows 7 or later 64 bit and Mac OS 10.10 or later 64 bit. And it comes in VST, VST3, and Audio unit formats.
15. TDR Nova (Dynamic EQ)
Nova is a handy toolbox with everything you need for dynamic processing.
Nova is a powerful parallel dynamic equalizer that you can use for transparent frequency dynamic processing in mixing and mastering situations. This plugin offers you a wide range of possibilities in both cases. In addition, it allows you to be as drastic as you need while keeping transparency with the dry/wet mix knob without adding artifacts or distortion.
If you were looking for a free mastering solution or want to get started with dynamic EQs and didn’t know what to get, Nova by Tokyo Dawn Records is a great option. This plugin gives you precise control over your signal and brings the possibility of using it as a multi-band compressor or a wideband compressor.
Besides all its features, it has a smooth user interface, and it’s super helpful if you’re at a beginner’s level and aren’t familiar with this type of tool. It explains itself and has helpers that will guide you through the plugin so that you adapt quickly and achieve results.
Key Features:
- Automatic gain compensation:
Nova has a button called EQ gain that automatically makes up for all gain additions and reductions you apply with the EQ to prevent you from confusing louder with better. - Band individuality:
Compress each band by group or individually with separate settings for each band. Determine which parts of the spectrum will be affected by the compression. - Wideband compression:
Nova comes with a wideband aside from the four EQ bands and the two filters that you can add to emphasize or reduce the overall EQ curve or add compression to the entire spectrum. Additionally, you can combine this band with the others to enhance an entire mix or for bus processing. - Control over your compression:
Not only do all individual bands have their compressor, but also you can control every aspect of the processing and even limit each band separately or exclude them from being compressed. You can adjust the ratio, threshold, attack, and release to the frequency cuts and the wideband.
Compatibility:
Supports Windows XP SP2 or higher, supports macOS 10.9 or higher, runs on 64 bit only, and comes in VST, AU, and AAX formats.
Related Reading:
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16. Techivation T-De-Esser (De-Esser)
Techivation T-De-Esser delivers a convenient performance in a vast spectrum of implementations. While offering a powerful engine, T-De-Esser is a surprising plugin you can get for free.
The De-Esser developed by Techivation works amicably. Its low CPU usage and intuitive controls make it a straightforward tool for controlling the higher frequencies in any mix.
Its modest interface shouldn’t mean it portrays a lower execution capacity. T-De-Esser’s modern algorithms are exact at acting upon sibilant signals without compromising any natural and organic textures from the sound.
Key Features:
- Processing
The highly modern algorithms that T-De-Esser offers will act extremely solidly to adjust the processing. The central knob, named “Processing,” is where you control their preferred values to determine the De-Esser compression. You can monitor the level by looking at the metering adjacent to the Processing knob. You can set specific numbers after double-clicking the dB value featured in the knob. - Controls
Apart from a Processing knob, Techivation’s De-Esser also features two more knobs, Intensity and Sharpness, and a frequency range display. With Intensity, the plugin’s threshold level will determine how much gain reduction the signal will get. Sharpness offers transitioning controls for the compressed and non-compressed states of the audio going through, giving you a choice on a smoother progressive compression or a more aggressive one. - A/B Switch
T-De-Esser has a handy tool called A/B Switch. When activated, this feature will give you the possibility to switch between two different De-Esser’s behaviors. By allowing producers to compare distinct settings for sibilance compression, Techivation’s plugin allows quick and versatile de-esser performances.
Compatibility:
This plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher 32-bit and 64-bit and macOS 11.2.2 or higher 32-bit and 64-bit. It comes in VST 2/3, AU, and AAX formats.
17. Valhalla Supermassive (Delay/Reverb)
Designed for lush reverb and grand delays, this plugin can make sonic spaces unlike anything else you know.
Supermassive offers truly massive effects with a relatively simple set of controls. Of course, you’d expect typical controls from any delay plugin, but it also has Warp and Modes. Warp affects the lengths of the delay feedbacks to transform the effect from simple echoes to blurry repeats, all the way to luscious reverbs.
Likewise, we also have Density, Mod, and Width, all of which are meant for a smooth transition between pure delay and huge reverb. It’s very satisfying to hear your delay sound halfway smeared and modulated into a reverb. Furthermore, another thing worth noting is the stereo width, which lets you dial back to -100%, reversing the effect output’s stereo image.
Key Features:
- Modes
Supermassive uses complex techniques involving feedback and feedforward in its delay network, resulting in unconventional but luscious sounds. Various chains and settings have been set as “modes” in the plugin that changes the way the feedback sounds. Some of the modes are suitable for long, lush reverbs, whereas some work better for short delays. However, trying out each mode and tweaking the warp and density parameters is bound to produce interesting results. - Modulation and Filters
The plugin features a modulator for adding chorus and ensemble effect to the delay/reverb. It offers rate and depth parameters for controlling the sound. In addition, there is a low-pass and high-pass filter, which helps clean up the sound. - Handy Presets
There are plenty of presets categorized neatly into Echoes, Mod, Reverbs, and SFX categories. There are even more under the Designer Presets section. In addition, you can also copy/paste your preset parameters from one instance of Supermassive to another or even share your preset with a friend by sending the copied text.
Compatibility:
Supermassive is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.8 or higher, 64-bit only. It comes in VST 2/3, AU, and AAX formats.
18. Voxengo Marvel GEQ (Graphic EQ)
In every list of best plugins, there is a Voxengo entry, and the same goes for the free plugins as well.
Marvel GEQ is fantastic graphic EQ with 16 bands and multi-channel support. It is highly effective and produces transparent sound. Each band can have up to 12 dB of boost/cut, and you can also right-click and drag to “draw” the EQ curve. Furthermore, there are several presets exploiting its various features to help get you started.
Key Features:
- Multichannel
Marvel GEQ is the only free EQ on this list that supports up to 8 channels. You can use the Underlay feature to display another group of channels to see its EQ shape while you edit the present group. These features make Marvel GEQ ideal for even 7.1 surround audio production. - Linear Phase
This plugin functions in linear phase mode at all times. However, due to the technology it uses, the gain value you set per band may not be entirely accurate until you adjust the adjacent bands a little in the same direction. If you are mixing with your ears, though, then this is a non-issue. - Advanced Routing
Marvel GEQ supports highly customizable internal routing. For example, you could use it to pair various channel groups together. Note that this doesn’t mean you need to learn everything about it — Voxengo provides several routing presets to perform basic tasks such as mid/side and individual channel editing. This powerful feature means you will not have to use multiple instances of the EQ to accomplish significant edits.
Compatibility:
Marvel GEQ is available for Windows XP or higher and macOS 10.11 or higher, both 32-bit and 64-bit. It comes in VST 2/3, AU, and AAX formats.
Related Reading:
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19. Valhalla Space Modulator (Flanger, Doubler & More)
Valhalla Space Modulator can help you create an entire atmosphere in seconds.
Valhalla’s Space Modulator has a lot to offer and is one of the best flangers available in the market. The plugin provides six different modulation modes, 11 different filter types, and an exciting Color control that lets you change the sound of your music in real-time.
The plugin comes with a great preset manager and offers a variety of excellent presets to get you started.
Key Features:
- Easy to use:
Valhalla Space Modulator has a knob-based interface and five different parameters: mix, rate, depth, feedback, and manual. It also includes eleven different flanging algorithms and can create unique and weird flanging sounds worth checking out. The GUI is almost the same as other Valhalla DSP releases, so you already know how it works if you have used any of these great-sounding plugins before. - Flanging modes:
Space Modulator lets you choose between four different flanging modes. TZF+ mode (Through-Zero Flanging) will give you the sound of several delay signals added together. Doubler mode adds two detuned voices with a wide stereo spread. The Tri-mode is an antiphase triangle wave modulation. Finally, the Up mode emulates a unidirectional barber pole flanging with a slight pitch shift.
Compatibility:
Supports Windows 7 and higher, Supports macOS 10.8 or higher, runs on 64 bit, and comes in VST2, VST3, AU, and AAX formats.
20. Acon Digital Multiply (Chorus)
Acon Digital’s Multiply is a six-voice free chorus plugin with an anti-comb filter technology.
The plugin delivers everything you expect from a chorus effect and a little more. You can simulate up to six identical voices to thicken up your sound. Additionally, you can use the Pre-delay knob to create diffuse and modulated echoes.
Key Features:
- Frequency Modulation
You can set up the Voice Count to your liking and tweak these two knobs to find the best sounding Chorus effect. Depending on the source material, too much Depth can generate thick sounds or wobbly results. Therefore, use it carefully. - Amplitude Modulation
The Tremolo effect produced in this section helps widen the sound, especially when you set the Pre-Delay at a high value. It would help if it had a sync mode, but it makes the effect sound more analog. - Equalizer
The prominent EQ has simple-to-use four-band controls. You can create low- and high- cuts to focus the processing within a limited frequency range. Use the other two controls to manipulate the curve within the selected region. You can create shelves, slopes, and bells that let you shape the sound to your liking.
Character & Sound:
You can use this plugin to create thick, rich chorus textures. The sound is lush and natural, and you can even generate reverb effects with it. There are eighteen built-in presets that show you the plugin’s robes and give you a direction in which to go on. The automatic comb-filtering avoider comes in handy to make each chorus voice sound clean and full, and the EQ gives the user extended versatility.
Compatibility:
Multiply is available for Windows 7 and up and macOS 10.8 and higher as a VST, AAX, and AU plugin.
Related Reading:
30 Best Free Plugins For DnB, EDM, EBM, IDM & Experimental Music
21. Chow Phaser (Phaser)
First on our list of free phaser plugins is Chow Phaser by Chow DSP, which will give you the legendary vintage sound of this effect.
Chow DSP is the American student, engineer, and musician Justin Chowdhury’s website, where you can download software for free. His goal is to provide good-sounding plugins to as large an audience as possible and thus inspire music creation.
In Chow DSP, you will find such software as the emulation of the famous Klon Centaur guitar pedal, kick drum synthesizer Chow Kick, digital emulation of a reel-to-reel analog tape machine Chow Tape Model and several others.
The Chow Phaser plugin is a digital effect inspired by the Schulte Compact Phasing ‘A’. It is the legendary analog phaser that was popular in the ’70s. Such music legends used it as Ritchie Blackmore, John Lord, Tangerine Dream, and Pink Floyd.
Key Features:
- Mono & Stereo
The plugin has both versions, Mono and Stereo. In Mono, a mono signal will be generated as a stereo signal at the output. In turn, the Stereo version handles the left and right channels separately. - Multiply the LFO
There is also a separate checkbox that allows you to multiply the frequency of the LFO by 10. In Stereo mode, you can do this separately for the right and left channels. - Drive, Dirt & Thrash
You will have three knobs with which you can add different styles of non-linear processing. For example, use Drive to give more saturation to your effect.
Compatibility:
The plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher, macOS 10.12 or higher (M1 not supported), and Linux. It comes in VST/3 and AU formats.
22. MeldaProduction ConvolutionEZ (Convolution Reverb)
Melda Production’s ConvolutionEZ is a free plugin by the same developers of MConvolutionMB.
And before we start, this is not a free version of that plugin. It’s an entirely different proposal that achieves very distant results. The ConvolutionEZ is a single-band convolution reverb with a surprisingly big impulse response library.
Key Features:
- Samples
From basic rooms to sound-design-oriented environments, the ConvolutionEZ is an extremely versatile plugin. It covers from the most commonly found plates, different-sized rooms, and halls to box and household items simulations. All this enables you to work on virtually any project with satisfying results.
Character and Sound:
The plugin offers very few controls, which means that you’ll have to trust the sound of the samples. You can apply low- and high-pass filters and blend the input and output signals. Other than that, you can enhance the stereo widening and, when using a stereo input, you can check the balance between the mid and side channels using the Width meter.
Compatibility:
The ConvolutionEZ is available as a VST, AU, and AAX plugin for 32- and 64-bit PCs running Windows 7 or up, and 64-bit only Macs running macOS10.9 and newer
23. Analog Obsession BUSTERse (SSL Compressor)
Analog Obsession’s BUSTERse plugin can be your main tool for “gluing” mixes.
Now, what do you use the bus compressor for anyway? First, it allows you to shape transients, and second, to get the effect of “gluing” the mix as a whole. The SSL Bus Compressor is a very popular equipment for this, which was part of the console. But now, there are enough plugins that emulate its operation.
Key Features:
- Familiar Compressor Settings
If you already have experience with SSL-style compressors, then the set of basic settings will not discourage you. In particular, there is the usual Auto Release, Ratio from 1.5 to 10, Attack from 0.1 to 30 milliseconds, Make-Up Gain, and Threshold control. - Dry/Wet Control
Unlike many paid plugins, the developers have also implemented the Mix knob, which implies selecting the ratio of Dry and Wet signals. This parameter can be very helpful if, for example, you want to do a parallel compression for drums. - Additional Mods
At the top right of the plugin window, you will get three buttons that are responsible for mods. In particular, the first Main will work like the usual bypass. Also, here is the Turbo, which will bring the plugin to work more similarly to the original unit. - Sidechain Filter
The Sidechain section makes your work with the plugin most exciting. You can use it to influence how the compressor perceives frequencies. For example, there is a High Pass Filter here and two Mid and HF knobs. - Transients Shaping
On top of that, the Sidechain section has another set of TR controls to help you influence the transients a bit more. For example, you will find a Tilt control that will boost the high frequencies and cut the lows, or vice versa.
Compatibility:
Analog Obsession BUSTERse is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.9 or higher. It comes in VST/3 and AU formats.
24. BPB Dirty LA (LA-2A Style)
The BPB Dirty LA compression effect plugin is now available on the Bedroom Producers Blog as a free download for Windows and macOS DAWs.
For those who appreciate the sound of classic limiting amplifiers, we present BPB Dirty LA, a free compressor effect. This plugin is aimed to achieve the same musical-sounding compression with a more streamlined process. If you ever need to saturate the signal completely, we’ve included one of their Dirt algorithms to assist you in doing it.
This compressor is not a direct software replica of any existing hardware model, but rather it draws upon the best features of numerous established hardware designs. They optimized internal algorithms and the control method to get as close as feasible.
Key Features:
- Peak Reduction Knob
With the Peak Reduction dial, you can adjust the threshold value and hence the degree of signal compression. Once satisfied with the compression, you can easily compare it to the dry signal by setting the Output knob to the same level. - Algorithm
They optimized their Dirt method to provide transparent saturation, which enhances and warms up the signal while somewhat taming the transients. It pairs nicely with the compressor and is especially useful for making the bass and drums in a track stand out. - Oversampling
Activating the plugin’s Dirt setting causes it to oversample internally by a factor of 4. Turning off Dirt prevents oversampling, which in turn reduces CPU use. In addition, they’ve ensured the plugin uses as little processing power as possible, so you may run numerous instances simultaneously without slowing down your projects.
Compatibility:
This plugin is available for macOS 10.10 or higher (64-bit only) and Windows 8 or higher (64-bit only). It comes in VST/RTAS/AU/AAX formats and supports 32 and 64 bit systems.
25. Analog Obsession VariMoon (Vari-Mu)
VariMoon is, you guessed it, an emulation of a vari-mu compressor.
Analog Obsession has been making emulated plugins for a while. And VariMoon is modeled after the legendary Fairchild 660 compressor. It features an easy-to-use interface with deep component emulation to deliver authentic sound. However, the interface differs by a good deal.
VariMoon has a fixed attack of 10 ms with six positions for the release, including two auto modes. Before talking more about VariMoon’s features, we would like to point out another Analog Obsession’s bus compressor BUSTERse, a great free stereo compressor with EQ and side-chain.
UPDATE: We noticed that this plugin is causing FL Studio to crash. We used it with 3 various projects. Once we removed plugin, project loaded correctly.
Key Features:
- Variable Input
As a vari-mu compressor, variable input is what it’s all about. So, the first knob, Input Attenuation, lets you set the input drive from -18 to +18 dB. You can use it to drive the internal circuit and get saturation. In addition, it also features a high-pass filter labeled HPF that has a range of 20 Hz to 500 Hz. - Threshold
A feature that plugins of this nature don’t provide is a separate threshold. However, VariMoon employs a ratio control (DC Threshold) and an actual threshold (AC Threshold) with a range of 50 dB. It’s crucial if you want clean compression without a driven input. - Oversampling
Finally, the Analog Obsession logo lets you enable a 4x oversampling to help you avoid aliasing caused by the saturation. However, since the plugin is relatively modest when it comes to saturation, you can get away without oversampling in most cases to save CPU.
Compatibility:
VariMoon is available for Windows 7 or higher 32-bit and 64-bit and macOS 10.9 64-bit only. It comes in VST 2/3 and AU formats.
26. Analog Obsession Britpressor (Channel Compressor)
Get the sound of the Beatles and early Pink Floyd with this plugin.
Britpressor is an emulation of the classic British channel compressor that was the sound of many hit albums from the 60s and beyond. The plugin is actually a part of a three-plugins bundle called BritBundle, which includes a preamp/filter, a compressor, and a complete channel.
Key Features:
- Limiter
The plugin features a limiter as well as a compressor. However, it doesn’t function well as a mastering limiter. Instead, it is much more preferable for clipping off drum busses or instrument tracks to keep everything under control. The second needle meter shows its gain reduction. - Built-in Preamp
The built-in preamp gives the plugin its warm sound. Furthermore, you can also drive the input using the three-band EQ provided. If you enjoy warm, saturated sounds, you can control which part of your frequency spectrum gets more treatment with ease. - External Side-Chain
In addition to everything else, it also features an external side-chain input, which is well known for ducking your synths or bass when the kick hits. Note that you can use the EQ we mentioned earlier to adjust the level of detected frequencies too.
Compatibility:
Bitpressor is available for Windows 7 or higher 32-bit and 64-bit and macOS 10.9 64-bit only. It comes in VST 2/3 and AU formats.
Summary:
Using channel plugins is a great way to save time. If you don’t own one yet, the BritBundle is a great starting point. Further, with Bitpressor’s 4x oversampling capability, you will always get pristine quality. Not to mention the handy mix knob for easy NY/parallel compression.
27. Xfer Records OTT (Multiband Dynamics)
Hailing from the creative minds of the makers of Serum synth, the OTT is an easy-to-use multiband enhancement plugin that needs no introduction.
You’d have to be living under a rock not to have heard about OTT at least once somewhere on the internet. This great freeware by Xfer is a preset multiband compressor that gives you a super-simplified interface and spectacular sound. People have used it on aggressive bass synth, leads, sound effects, drums, and sometimes even the master channel. If it sounds good, it belongs there, we say.
Key Features:
- Quick Results
The preset OTT uses under the hood is great at delivering results. The lows get tightened, the mids are tamed, and the highs get clearer with the fewest knob tweaks. For people who aren’t experienced, this plugin should be the easiest to get results from. - Lightweight
OTT is light enough on the CPU to be used multiple times in a single project. Trying it out on various instruments and vocals makes it one of the most fun plugins to use. - Multiple Processing Modes
It has an upward compression and a downward compression mode with individual dials for controlling the amount processed.
Compatibility:
OTT is available for Windows 64-bit and macOS X 64-bit. There are VST, AU, and AAX versions.
Related Reading:
Top 11 Free Compressor Plugins (VCA, Vari-Mu, FET, Digital)
28. Pecheneg Autoswell Light (Volume FX)
The Autoswell light is a miniature volume automation plugin that is modeled off vintage analog slow attack gear.
There are no LFO editors or frequency-focused parameters with this plugin. Instead, users are provided with a very diminutive interface hosting four knobs that handle volume control’s raw essentials.
Key Features:
- Time
This sets the total length of your volume swell. The parameter is dialed in milliseconds and decides the primary characteristic of your volume processing. - Depth
The depth knob on this plugin acts as dry/wet control. You can use this to determine how much of the affected signal blends with your original. - Sensitivity
Users can use this control to adjust the level of response of the effect to their input signal. Higher values will allow softer signals to trigger the envelope. - Volume
This control allows users to set the overall level of their affected signal. Should you find that your swells are too soft in a mix, you can use this feature to add some gain to your output signal.
Compatibility:
The Autoswell is compatible with both Windows and Mac and comes in VST and AU versions.
29. Camel Audio CamelCrusher (Distortion)
Camel Audio’s CamelCrusher is a very capable free distortion and compressor plugin.
The plugin offers two distortion sounds that you can blend to fine-tune the resulting sound. Additionally, you get a one-knob compressor to simulate the loss of dynamics as you push up a preamp’s input knob.
Key Features:
- Distortion Types
There are two types of distortion: Tube and Mech. The first sounds soft and harmonic, while the second is more aggressive and present. - Filter
This section gives you a low-pass filter and a resonance knob that boosts the frequencies right before the cutoff point. - Compressor
This plugin’s compressor also adds a bit of distortion, which is boosted along with the volume by the Phat Mode.
Character & Sound:
Overall, this plugin’s distortion sounds impressive and creamy. No one can deny they modeled the sound after analog equipment. Additionally, the presets sound amazing, and the plugin is straightforward to use. Also, the randomize function can give you interesting starting points to kickstart your creativity.
Compatibility:
This plugin is available for Mac and Windows as a VST, RTAS, and AU plugin.
30. Vladg Sound Limiter №6 (Limiter)
VladG Sound’s Limiter №6 is a free option to another plugin on this list: TDR’s Limiter 6 GE.
VladG’s Limiter Nº6 is a transparent plugin with a great application for mastering. It eliminates the need for more plugins in the signal chain, although it doesn’t offer as many possibilities as TDR’s. You get several parameters, as well as modes, that bring up different flavors to this plugin.
Key Features:
- Five Modules:
- Compressor
A complete compressor with Gain, Ratio, Attack, Release, Dry Mix, and Stereo/Mid-Side options. - Peak Limiter
A capable peak limiter with five types and four modes, versatile and suitable for most musical genres. - High-Frequency Limiter
Strong de-esser with a simple threshold knob. - Clipper
A great addition to the signal chain, this clipper offers three modes and an upsampling option for better clarity. You can bring soft or hard distortion to your mix and still sound harmonic. - Protection
This is no more than an output limiter in which you can set the ceiling for the whole chain. Also, you can compensate for the increased gain added by the previous steps. You control the output in ISPs (inter-sample peaks) with a soft-clipping option.
- Compressor
- Classic VUs
Limiter Nº6 provides the user with classic VUs with multiple needles for Mid-Side Gain reduction metering. It lacks a metering section, though. Whether in LUFs, RMS, or True Peak EBU, you need another plugin to measure your output information. - Ordering
You can change the order between the compressor and the limiter at the compressor’s upper right corner. This changes the signal flow to limit first and increases the overall volume with the compressor afterward.
Compatibility:
VladG’s Limiter Nº6 is available for 32 and 64-bit Mac and Windows computers, as VST2 and AU formats.
Bonus:
Auburns Sounds Graillon 2 (Pitch Correction)
More Info & Download (Also Offers Paid Version)
The Graillon 2 is one of the market favorites when it comes to free pitch correction plugins.
This isn’t much of a surprise, considering it has a pretty unique interface and level of control. It also has some rather exciting settings than what one might typically expect. Although it’s free, you can also buy it to support the brand.
Key Features:
- Detect Section
The initial section of the plugin handles the detection of audio, quantization, and bit-crushing. This is a somewhat surprising trio of controls but a combination that can achieve some interesting sounds. - Harmonics and Modulation
Choose between ring modulation and pitch-shift modulation before you explore the various settings that work with it. In this section, there is also a low-cut EQ to tame any unnecessary low frequencies. - Pitch Correction
The next item in the chain is pitch correction. There are several elements involved here and a fair amount of control over them. These include pitch shifting, formant control, scale, amount of correction, and more. Finally, you can adjust the dry/wet to balance it into the mix after all of this.
Compatibility:
This plugin is available for Windows (32/64 bit), macOS (32/64 bit), and Linux (32/64 bit). It comes in ST, AAX, AU, and LV2 formats.
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