8 Best Lo-Fi Plugins 2023 (PAID & FREE)

In this post, we will talk about the 8 best Lo-Fi plugins in 2023 with 4 free effects.

Now more than ever, the satisfying vibe and texture of retro gears are eminent. First, however, you’ll need an excellent, dedicated Lo-Fi plugin to achieve results, which this article will help you pick.

There are several kinds of Lo-Fi plugins available. Some only down-sample and lower the bit depth of your audio to give a raw feel to your track. In contrast, some emulate vinyl records and tapes or even hardware samplers to provide different feels.

Each has its own style and character, so you should go ahead and give them a try to figure out how they sound and whether or not they are appropriate for you. Generally, it’s your music genre that decides what kind of plugin you require.

Now let’s have a look at our selection of the best Lo-Fi plugins that you could try.

The 8 Best Lo-Fi Plugins 2023

1. Unfiltered Audio Needlepoint NEW*

More Info & Price (Trial Available)

Needlepoint, a new plugin by Unfiltered Audio, boasts a fully-tweakable physical modeling engine that the company claims will revolutionize vinyl emulation.

The developer of this plugin calls it “a revolution in vinyl simulation.” That’s a high marketing rate, and you should investigate its integrity further. The programmers want to realize their vision by employing a tailored engine. Needlepoint is unique among the plethora of vinyl emulation plugins since it uses physical modeling rather than samples.

Using real-time synthesis, physical models may accurately mimic properties. And when it comes to customization, Unfiltered Audio spared no expense. Needlepoint’s engine has several fine-grained controls.

Key Features:

• Physical Modeling
  Needlepoint uses physical modeling to create sounds, while many vinyl plugins are willing to just loop samples of vinyl noise. It creates an overall impression of wear and tears on a record, from hair and dust mites to scratches and warping. These aren’t thrown onto a virtual, spinning platter at random but rather given careful consideration before being allocated.
• Classic Vinyl Effects
  Adjusting the emulation speed, you can change Needlepoint’s tone beyond traditional RPMs and even tempo-syncing the turntable to your digital audio workstation. To simulate the clicks and pops of a record player, press the SPINDOWN button.
  Next, turn up the WOW and FLUTTER and play around with BROKEN to create erratic looping effects and spliced, glitchy sentences. Finally, to generate a chopped-up sound without altering the tempo of your music, you can use the granular pitch changer.
• Tone Shaping
  Needlepoint offers a wide variety of processors to enable you thoroughly etch out your feelings, not just noise, ambient, and vinyl effects. Most notably, a compressor with just one knob can simulate the analog distortion heard in vinyl records thanks to emulating the algorithms of well-known hardware samplers used in vinyl-based beat-making.
• Complex Processing
  Needlepoint has a gorgeous, user-friendly interface and a wealth of carefully built presets to let you add authentic analog grooves to your recordings, whether you’re going for a subtle or blatant effect.
• One Knob Compressor
  The one-knob compressor in Needlepoint is reminiscent of the classic hardware samplers used in the heyday of vinyl-based beat-making. Since of this, the new Unfiltered Audio processor is superior to existing vinyl emulations because it provides the second processing step many producers find essential after vinyl-sizing their samples. 

Compatibility:

The OS requirements for this plugin are Windows 7 or higher for PC and macOS 10.9 or higher for Mac. It comes in VST/RTAS/AU/AAX formats and supports 32 and 64 bit systems.

Summary:

Another seemingly promising deep Unfiltered Audio plugin. The effects on the sheet should be very realistic if physical modeling is used. Another potential benefit of this technology is the ability to make extensive changes to the emulation process. The potential for a vast arena for vinyl effects seems promising.

2. RC-20 Retro Color

More Info & Price (Trial Available)

As the name suggests, RC-20 is a sonic coloring, multi-FX plugin by XLN Audio designed to give a retro vibe to a track.

First off, we must mention that RC-20 is one of the complete audio coloring plugins available. It has everything you could need to get a Lo-Fi mix. Furthermore, the plugin has a modular workflow, although you cannot change the order of the modules.

A noise section has many kinds of textures ranging from the typical vinyl crackles to “Apollo” space noises. A couple of the modules are for adding wow and flutter of a vinyl/tape. Similarly, we have an analog distortion and a digital bit-crusher as well.

However, what’s interesting is that most of the modules have a low-pass and high-pass filter. So, you could have only the bass have some analog grit while the rest stays pristine. There is also a Space module to add retro-sounding reverb to your track. And a “Flux Engine” slider on each module lets you add variations to taste.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive
  RC-20 has everything you would need to color your tracks and make them sound like they belong to the 60s. Often, you will want just the intro or the outro of your song to sound retro, and this plugin lets you do just that by automating the Magnitude slider. We particularly enjoyed using this effect in combination with the master EQ section, which is also affected by the said slider.
• Filters
  The master EQ section of the plugin lets you add a high-pass and a low-pass filter. However, it doesn’t just end there. You could also employ filters on the modules to get distinct sounds only in a specific frequency range. For example, if you make hip-hop, try using the Distort module only on the top end of your full mix.
• A Classic Look
  The design of the interface is user-friendly. It looks like a combination of classic gears with a modern flair. The parameters are self-explanatory and should pose no difficulty in understanding even to a beginner.
• Analog Sound
  RC-20 is a dedicated plugin for old-school retro sounds. So, creating realistic analog emulation is its priority. The plugin does so by providing a wide range of noise textures, warm saturation, and a “Flux Engine.” The Flux Engine captures the unpredictability of real hardware units to give a natural feel to your sound.

Compatibility:

RC-20 Retro Color is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.9 or higher, both 32-bit and 64-bit. It comes in VST, AU, and AAX formats.

Summary:

RC-20 is very much worth checking out as a comprehensive plugin to create Lo-Fi tracks with great presets. However, it’s worth noting that the plugin is quite CPU intensive. So, be sure to demo the plugin on your computer before purchasing it.

Related Reading:

Top 12 Plugins For Logic Pro X (Instruments & Effects)

3. Waves Retro Fi

More Info & Price (Trial Available)

In this fairly new plugin by Waves, you’ll find a variety of ways to make your music sound older than it is.

We’ve established that people prize the sound of classic hardware gear because of their distinct sonic quality. These devices often include vinyl records, tapes, samplers, environments, etc. So, many music genres nowadays use emulation of such hardware to evoke a nostalgic vibe in the music. However, many emulation plugins focus on merely one aspect of such gear.

Waves Retro Fi provides multiple kinds of processing to add versatility. It lets you emulate various hardware devices by using simple sets of controls, four modules, one of which adds noise. However, it doesn’t name the devices it emulates. So, using Retro Fi requires you to rely on your ears or the presets. Still, the variety it offers makes the plugin worth checking out.

Key Features:

• Device Module
  The Device module is the first section you will find, and it affects the sound most. In this module, you’ll find the Device knob to select from four impulse responses (IR) of various devices. These IRs include the following: A the brightest, B the muddiest, C the boxy/honky, and D without any IR. Furthermore, you can brighten or darken the sound using the Tone knob below the Device parameter.
  Next, the Styler dial lets you select the sound era from the 50s to 80s. Combining the Device parameter with various Styles provides many types of results. Similarly, the Squash knob adds either saturated compression or expansion, whereas the Ringer adds ring modulation.
• Space Module
  The Space module features two sections: Echo and Reverb. Echo offers a standard delay effect with DAW sync and a ping-pong mode. And Reverb sports two types of reverb effects: spring and plate. The spring reverb has a distinct vibe yet is also quite transparent. Conversely, the plate reverb adds plenty of character to your sound. So, if you want to emulate the sound of old studio reverbs, Retro Fi has you covered.
• Noise Module
  Despite the small size of the section, it provides an impressive collection of noise samples. These include typical ones like vinyl crackle and tape hiss alongside electric hums and room noises. The plugin divides the array into these seven categories: cassette, digital, electric, mechanical, synth, FX, and vinyl. Each offers many audio samples that you can mix into your audio single to add authenticity to the Lo-Fi emulation.
  The section also features some parameters. The threshold knob controls how loud your input audio signal has to be to trigger the noise section. Once triggered, it’ll either duck or gate the noise volume, depending on your choice. Similarly, you can change the overall volume of the noise and position it before or after the space module.
• Mechanics Module
  This module features two sets of wow, wobble, and speed knobs. Each set is labeled A and B. Set A emulates a cassette tape, whereas Set B is closer to vinyl records. So, you can either choose one of these to accurately model the sound of tape or vinyl or employ both to get intricate results.
  The wow knob adds random pitch variations generated by a tape machine’s defective pinch roller. Natural aging also causes vinyl records to deform, causing such variations. The wobble knob then generates amplitude changes, while the speed knob controls the pace at which they occur.

Compatibility:

Waves Retro Fi is available for Windows 10 or higher and macOS 10.14.6 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST 2/3, AU, and AAX formats.

Summary:

Retro Fi provides a large collection of noise samples and detailed emulation of both vinyl and tape. Furthermore, you can choose the era and impulse responses to change how your audio sounds drastically.

These features let you emulate various hardware that may or may not even exist! However, it doesn’t employ some common features found in Lo-Fi plugins like bit reduction, digital quantization, sample rate changes, etc. Although, the built-in reverb and delay sections that can sit before or after the noise section offer new ways to customize your sound.

Related Reading:

20 Best Waves Plugins For Mixing, Mastering & Producing

4. Thenatan Tape Piano 2

More Info & Price

Tape Piano 2 provides an easy-to-use collection of piano samples with various built-in effects.

One way to match a Lo-Fi vibe is to process your existing instruments. However, if you want to bypass the whole mixing process for your piano sounds, Tape piano 2 has you covered. It doesn’t provide a large, deeply-sampled instrument library, unlike other piano plugins.

Instead, you will find a minimalistic collection of piano sounds but with many effect-processors to customize them.

Furthermore, there are a lot more sounds to explore than mere pianos. It includes some pitched percussions, strings, synth keys, pads, atmospheric textures, etc. All of these sounds work together to form the ideal keys for your next hip-hop, Lo-Fi, or chill music.

Of course, you could use these sounds on any other genre too. For example, some of the synth pads are excellent for pop, rock, and similar music genres when you want a calm and smoky sound.

Key Features:

• Five Layers
  Tape Piano 2 features four sample layers and one texture layer. You can add various built-in sampled instruments in each of the sample layers. These instruments include piano sounds, percussive sounds, synth pads, etc. Furthermore, you can change the attack and release parameters of the sample layer alongside its pan, width, and pitch. Likewise, the texture layer plays various sounds like vinyl crackle, tape hiss, etc., to make your instrument more Lo-Fi.
• Filters
  The plugin’s main interface features two filters. Each filter provides the following types: low-pass, high-pass, SVF low-pass, SVF high-pass, bi-quad low-pass, bi-quad high-pass, bi-quad low-pass resonant, ladder 4, all-pass, and ring modulation. The SVF filters are state variable filters, and the bi-quad filter is a second-order linear filter (12 dB/octave). Try using a low-pass filter to soften up bright presets.
• Modulation
  Tape Piano 2 features two LFOs, two envelopes, one step-sequencer, and an MSEG. The LFOs allow you to change the waveform and change the speed in sync with your host. Similarly, the envelopes feature attack, hold, decay, sustain, and release. And the step-sequencer allows you to create rhythmic or smooth modulations. In contrast, the multistage envelope generator (MSEG) lets you draw a custom envelope. You can assign these to almost any parameter in the plugin.
• Scaler
  Sound designing is only half the battle in music production. You also need to ensure your melodies stay in key with the rest of your instruments. So, Tape Piano 2 comes with a built-in Scaler feature. It includes seventeen popular scales that help you play in key every time. This feature is ideal for beginners and even live performances (if there are no accidental notes).
• Mixing
  The plugin employs five effect plugins that apply to the master output. These effects include reverb, delay, damage, modulation phaser, and dynamics. Here, the reverb features both algorithmic and convolution reverb effects. Similarly, the damage module offers a soft/hard distortion and an 8-bit degrader.
  Furthermore, Tape Piano 2 also features a Surgical EQ. It’s a parametric EQ with a sleek user interface that lets you make precise cuts and boosts in your sound. And finally, it employs a Scratch Designer tool that enables you to create vinyl scratches. It has a node-based graphic UI, where you can also change the speed, select various layers, randomize the effect, invert the sample, etc.

Compatibility:

The plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher 32-bit and 64-bit and macOS 10.9.5 or higher 64-bit only. It comes in VST 2/3 and AU formats.

Summary:

Tape Piano 2 is a unique instrument plugin, not just in its concept and sound—even the UI design features relaxing tape reel and raining animations. And the vector interface is fully resizable. The plugin features over two hundred presets categorized over nine groups, such as bells, choir & pads, mellow, rhythmic, etc. These showcase a lot of what you could do with this plugin’s powerful effects, master filters, and modulation. Overall, this plugin is indispensable if you produce hip-hop and chill music, especially when it’s on sale.

Related Reading:

Top 8 Piano VST Plugins For Musicians

5. Thenatan Vybz

More Info & Price

Vybz is a Lo-Fi multi-fx plugin designed to add color, retro crackles, and noise to your mix.

This plugin has several effects like reverb, echo, and saturation. One of them is the texture section with nine available options that add hiss or vinyl noise, a high-pass, and a low-pass filter. You could also load your own texture file into this section. The “duck” option lets you add a ducking effect to the texture according to your input.

The reverb section comes with many of its own models and impulse responses, but it also lets you import your own impulse. Similarly, to stack on to the flexibility, the reverb and echo wet can be routed to an LFO to achieve a cool rhythmic effect as well.

Next, there is a saturation stage called Damage, which even lets you draw in your own waveshapes. Moving on, the Time Machine emulates retro VHS-style audio wobbling, the Motion section is a stereo imager, and the II Band is a single-band dynamic EQ plus filters.

Key Features:

• Multi-Effects
  Being a collection of useful effects means that you could use Vybz to get retro sounds or add some warmth to an 808, or even just to de-ess vocals using the dynamic EQ. In addition, the sonic flavors it can generate are awe-inspiring and pleasant.
• Flexibility
  Every section of this plugin, while remaining simple to use offers an incredible amount of flexibility. We particularly liked the distortion features, varying from warm, analog grit to a heavy bit crush as easy as a push of a button. We also liked how you can load your own texture and reverb impulse, routing the outputs to an LFO, and so on. It feels like this plugin came out to be the go-to for everything.
• Excellent GUI
  The user interface of this plugin is vector-based and scalable. The interface has a very low learning curve, and you’ll probably be up to speed in minutes if you have experience with similar plugins before. In particular, we enjoyed its clean look and well-labeled parameters.
• Envolution Section
  At the top right, you will find a globe icon, which shows a page called “Envolution.” It lets you emulate various listening environments (like a bathroom) and speakers (old radios, for example). We liked it as an effect to give a touch of realism to the Lo-Fi sound.

Compatibility:

This plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher 32-bit and 64-bit or macOS 10.9.5 or higher only 64-bit. It comes in VST 2/3 and AU formats.

Summary:

This plugin gives you the complete experience when it comes to retro sounds. It features everything from saturation and reverb to VHS and speaker emulations. If you want complete flexibility out of your plugins, we cannot recommend this enough.

Related Reading:

The 10 Best Multi-Effect Plugins (And 3 Best Free Plugins)

6. Tritik KrushPro

More Info & Price (Trial Available)

From a subtle Lo-Fi effect to mangled, stereo insanity, KrushPro has you covered.

No list of Lo-Fi plugins would be complete without mention of the renowned favorite KrushPro. It offers four ways of sonic destruction: a bit crusher, wave crusher, ring modulation, and a frequency shifter. You can reorder them by dragging the handles at the top of each module. Similarly, the colored horizontal bar above each module is the dry/wet control.

KrushPro opens a world of possibilities when you click on the “show modulators” buttons. You could modulate any parameter using one of the several modulators available: 3 LFOs, 2 Step Sequencers, and an Envelope Follower. Furthermore, each of these gives stereo output. For example, you could use the Step Sequencer to move and sweep the parameters for individual channels resulting in creative, stereo miracles.

Key Features:

• Flexibility
  KrushPro lets you delve deep into audio distortion and waveshaping. Its selectable wavetables for wave-crushing, modular approach, and parameter modulation can help save a lot of time spent in multiple plugins and tedious automation.
• Convenient To Use
  The GUI of this plugin is fully resizable. Getting used to the interface is quite easy, thanks to the many tips available on their website. Similarly, there is no tedious parameter mapping required for parameter modulation; you can simply drag and drop a modulator on top of a parameter to get good to go. Small touches like that help add up to a wonderful user experience.
• Multiple Modulators
  KrushPro has three LFOs, two sequencers, and an envelope modulator. Furthermore, each modulator can be set to work in stereo channels. It means that you could modulate a parameter in a certain way for the left channel while the right channel does something else. So, you will have plenty of ground to get creative.

Compatibility:

This plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher 32-bit and 64-bit and macOS 10.8 or higher 64-bit. It comes in VST 2/3, AU, and AAX formats.

Summary:

While KrushPro is completely capable of delivering Lo-Fi saturations, it could be overkill if you are only after a plugin to add some retro vibe to your mix. Also, KrushPro is only an audio-mangling plugin. So, you will need other emulators for vinyl wobble and tape-stops. However, if bit-crushing, chiptune effects, chaotic sounds, etc., are something you enjoy as well, then we would highly recommend you give this plugin a try.

Related Reading:

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7. BeatSkillz SampleX V3

More Info & Price (Trial Available)

SampleX V3 is an upgraded version of the SampleX series of vintage sampler emulators by BeatSkillz. The third version features exciting filters and width control and an exclusive Dynamic Convolution System.

SampleX V3 features many modern algorithms that emulate different types of samplers for a vast range of purposes. In addition to that, the plugin lets you create your sampler.

The plugin by BeatSkillz offers a considerable amount of controls for sculpting any signal. You can operate filters, dynamic parameters, sample rate, bit rate, aliasing control, and many more.

Key Features:

• Aliasing & Drive
  The Drive segment will allow you to acquire a “driven” sound, much like it was provided by old samplers like the s900. In a section named “Shift,” you will set an accurate aliasing value that they want in the sound; it will operate by giving the same characteristics as a vintage sampler would, but without modifying the signal’s pitch. This saturation effect will deliver outstanding results to any sound.
• Bits & Sample Rate
  You can set the bit rate between 24-bit to 4-bit, allowing for intense lo-fi textures in any audio. The sample rate control can position itself to values between 2kHz to 96 kHz. Both Bits and Sample rate are vital for crafting appropriate effects in musical genres that are being highly demanded today, such as Lo-Fi beats.
• Analog Filtering
  Even though the plugin is used in an in-the-box mixing setting, meaning a digital environment, it has highly modern and technological algorithms that provide an analog shape to its filters. Their 24 dB per octave low-pass filter is resonance-rich. Because of a self-oscillation algorithm, a pitched Tone will be present if you increases resonance within the filters, making the plugin perfect for a serene Lo-Fi timbre.

Compatibility:

This plugin is available for Windows 10 or higher and macOS 10.14 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST 2/3, AU, and AAX formats.

Summary:

BeatSkillz SampleX V3 is a sampler for vintage performances, offering versatile applications. Its many modulation options make it optimal to deliver Lo-Fi textures in genres such as Hip-Hop. The bits and sample rate sections of SampleX V3 are straightforward and can be easily set if you double-click on the featured value and type a specific range.

The plugin includes modern algorithms that provide natural analog texture in any sound with many standard filter options. Get your mix even more vintage with the Drive and Shift segments; SampleX V3 is a complete and highly reliable sampler.

Related Reading:

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8. Baby Audio Super VHS

More Info & Price (Trial Available)

Super VHS is a multi-effects plugin that does plenty with fewer knobs.

As you can see from the picture, Super VHS stays on the minimalistic side for the user interface. However, it has several tricks up its sleeves. Each parameter controls a specific effect, so you have a saturator, a reverb, a tape wobble effect, chorus, noise, and bit-crusher.

The Heat knob is the saturator, and it ranges from analog-style warmth to significant distortion. Similarly, Wash is a special kind of reverb, which sounds vintage but not like a spring reverb. Nevertheless, it sounds interesting when used in moderation.

Next, you have the Drift knob, which introduces audio pitch wobble. You could use it with the Mix slider to achieve a flagging effect too.

At the bottom left, you have Static, a noise generator, and the Shape slider on the right side is the bit crusher. Finally, the “magic” button at the center of the interface introduces an analog-style chorus effect (think similar to the Roland Juno chorus) that creates a wide stereo sound.

We loved the chorus on pads and keyboards, especially. And, of course, the Mix slider can control the amount of the chorus.

Key Features:

• Minimal
  The interface of this plugin is designed for quick results. It only offers one knob per effect, but the sound each produces is praiseworthy. Also, the naming of the parameters feels like it is geared towards beginners, but, of course, whether the allegories make any sense is up for debate. Either way, the learning curve for this plugin is undeniably minimal.
• Comprehensive
  Despite having only a few parameters, Super VHS still packs six kinds of effects behind the scene. Sure, you cannot change everything under the hood, but sometimes, simplicity is exactly what you want. And, of course, the effects make some excellent sounds.
• Analog Sounds
  The “magic” chorus and the “heat” saturation remind us of analog equipment. A little bit of Heat on the vocals, bass, drums, and the Magic toggle on some pads or keys, and suddenly, you have a classic 80s track.

Compatibility:

Super VHS is available for Windows 7 or higher 32-bit and 64-bit and macOS 10.7 or higher 64-bit only. It comes in VST 2/3, AU, and AAX formats.

Summary:

If you want some retro sounds quickly without having to dial in a ton of parameters, you should check out Super VHS. It isn’t very pricey and sounds fantastic. You’ll barely be using it for two minutes, and already, you will have some nice sounds coming out of it.

Related Reading:

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The 4 Best Free Lo-Fi Plugins 2023

1. Cymatics Origin

More Info & Download

Extremely rich in vintage textures, Cymatics Origin will make any sample feel like it was produced on an old tape console. In addition to that, the plugin is entirely free.

Origin bases itself on vintage gear, focusing on delivering authentic analog sounds. The Lo-Fi possibilities are unique; the plugin can model any sound by changing the sample rate of the going audio. The Lo-Fi character that Origin adds in sounds is extraordinarily soothing and warm. Its “underwater effect” is outstanding and can make for great Hip-Hop Lo-Fi beats.

Key Features:

• Resampler
  Origin’s highlight is the resampling technology it uses. The plugin will work effectively with complex algorithms by reducing the higher frequencies every time you lower the sample rate. Origin will valorize artifacts that many producers often consider undesirable, resulting in a unique way of benefitting the sonic texture with the pleasant parts of low-quality audio.
• Effects
  Cymatics Origin also features handy effects to shape the sound pre and post-resampler. With the filter, you can manipulate frequencies before the signal passes through the resampling engine and post-resampling. You can also adjust the Saturation effect for additional colors and textures in the sound. An exciting Movement effect will add fast and gradual pitch oscillations, like in old tape machines. You can also adjust a Noise and Chorusing effect for maximum vintage vibes.

Compatibility:

This plugin is available for Windows 8 or higher and macOS 10.10 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST 2/3, AU, and AAX formats.

Summary:

Cymatics Origin is a newly released plugin that offers highly sophisticated algorithms that shape any sound to perform with an intense and soothing vintage vibe. Its modern Resampling engine is vital in modeling a signal without interfering with its organic value. With Origin, any song can perform incredibly well, attending to all the most essential requisites that make modern Lo-Fi tracks great.

2. Inear Display Regressif

More Info & Download

Regressif is a resampler and bit crusher capable of creating sonic mayhem unheard of before.

The essence of this plugin is a simple sample rate reducer and a bit crusher. However, there are LFOs that can modulate almost any parameter available, and that’s when things get interesting.

Before we talk about the LFOs, though, it’s important to mention that it also has an analog-style filter section, which you can place before or after a digital distortion stage. After that, you have a knob each for controlling the resampler and the bit crusher.

Below the parameters are two LFO sections, which can be synced and has seven familiar LFO shapes. You can drag the circle icon above the LFO modules to any parameter you want to modulate them. Between the two LFO modules, you have an LFO Mix module, which is the mix of both the LFOs. Routing the synced LFOs into various parameters results in creative sonic destruction that you could use for dubstep, electro, and so on.

Key Features:

• Analog Style Filters
  Regressif has one analog filter section with four shapes: low pass, high pass, bandpass, and notch. We mostly used the filter for automation and creating sweeping noises.
• Parameter Modulation
  The plugin has two LFO modules and an LFO Mix module. They can deliver chaotic sounds that can get very interesting, especially when the sync is activated. Try using a sawtooth-shaped LFO on the Cut parameter for synth pads.
• Randomizer
  Regressif is all about creating chaotic sounds. So, it’s no surprise that it features a randomizer button at the bottom right of the plugin. Unfortunately, you cannot lock parameters while using the randomizer.

Compatibility:

This plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.11 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST 3 and AU formats.

Summary:

This plugin is by no means a comprehensive Lo-Fi plugin. However, if you are interested in the world of digital chaos, you should give this free plugin a try.

3. Tritik Krush

More Info & Download

The younger brother of the paid KrushPro plugin holds its own.

Tritik Krush comes with an analog saturator, a digital bit crusher, and a downsampler. There is also a filter section, and a single LFO can modulate each parameter. While it’s not the most feature-rich plugin, its crispy distortion and clean interface can be a huge plus. You could use it to add some dirt and crunch to your drums to make a chiptune-like crushing effect.

Key Features:

• Clean Appearance
  The parameters are laid out clearly and do not strain the eye. There is no menu-diving at all, and the A/B comparison feature is a nice touch. Also, the user interface of Krush is fully resizable.
• Modulation
  There is a single LFO module in this plugin. It has four different shapes and can be synced to your DAW. The five smaller knobs in the modulation section control the amount of modulation being applied to each of the effects parameters.
• Analog Saturation
  The input Drive in this plugin is an analog saturation stage, which could be used alone on vocals and other instruments to deliver a subtle warmth.

Compatibility:

Krush is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.7 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST, AU, and AAX formats.

Summary:

This plugin works great as both an unlimited demo for the paid KrushPro and a separate plugin. It gives a great-sounding saturator and bit crusher with a taste of modulation to create a nice balance between ease and flexibility.

4. Caelum Audio Tape Cassette 2

More Info & Download

Tape Cassette 2 is a free audio plugin that emulates the character and noise of old cassettes with an impulse response activation option for authenticity.

Cassette tapes have a peculiar kind of warmth, noise, and character that has grown on many people. With Tape Cassette 2, you can get all of that and more. The plugin works with its saturation, noise, wow, and flutter engines. Let’s have a look at what it can do in further detail.

First, there is an input saturation that gives a distinct warmth to any audio fed into it. And there is also a low pass filter to emulate that dirtied cassette tape head with oxide and dust. The further you turn it down, the more the head needs a cleanup.

Then, you have a noise parameter, which turns up a real recorded tape noise sample. Next, the wow and flutter emulations add fluctuations and movements to your audio. Finally, an “IR” toggle switch enables an impulse response of a cassette to add further to the emulation.

Key Features:

• Authentic Impulse Response (IR)
  Along with the many parameters to emulate cassettes, it also offers a true impulse response-based emulation to get even better results. And it does work. If you are a cassette tapes lover, you will find this plugin a joy to work with.
• Tape Saturation
  If you have been hunting for a saturator that sounds like cassettes, then look no further. Tape Cassette 2 features a warm input saturator to mimic the combined sound of a cassette head and its sound circuit.
• Oversampling
  The plugin features oversampling up to 16x to get rid of any possible aliasing effects. However, note that this can be considerably CPU-intensive, especially if used with the IR emulation.

Compatibility:

Tape Cassettes 2 is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.11 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST 3,  AU, and AAX formats. It is also available for iOS 11 or higher for iPad.

Summary:

We haven’t seen a free, proper cassette tape emulation with a good GUI other than this. And since this plugin is a free version of a paid product, you can rest assured that the audio quality is top-notch. We highly recommend giving it a test ride.

Related Reading:

Top 12 Saturation Plugins (Best Mixing & Mastering Tools)

Bonus Plugins:

1. Yum Audio LoFi Flux Machine

More Info & Price (Trial Available)

LoFi Flux Machine by Yum Audio is an effect plugin that emulates analog flutters, warble, and other detuning effects. 

The plugin recreates the flux effects of a tape machine and other lo-fi effects, and you can use the effects to create stereo width and interesting textures in your sound. You can get warmness and inconsistencies in your sound and get creative with how and on what instrument you use the plugin.

Key Features:

• Detailing
  The LoFi Flux Machine provides controllers for editing the flutter and warble effects like no other effect plugin. It has interesting and unique controllers like instability, warble width,  saturate, noise, dark, bright, etc. You can use the plugin in flux, pristine, wonky, and loose modes.
• Presets
  The controllers are quite unconventional and may require some manual diving. However, you can get started with the plugin using its presets, which have some creative processing settings.
• Other features
  The plugin has a unique and warm tape saturator and width control settings. In addition, you can command complete control over the two saturators using the Warble section. You can also change the intensity of the “lo-fi” character by using the “Instability” slider.

Compatibility:

LoFi Flux Machine is available in AAX, AU, and VST plugin versions and requires a minimum of Mac OS X 10.11 or Windows 10 operating systems.

Summary:

The plugin has an interesting interface with a classic analog look and a greyish-blue-colored theme. It could be an inspiring tool for sound designers but has unfamiliar parameters. Nevertheless, it allows you to add unique characteristics and sonic appeal to your mixes and productions and is one of the best lofi plugins.

2. D16 Group Decimort 2

More Info & Price (Trial Available)

Decimort 2 is a bit crusher offering complete flexibility over the sound to emulate any vintage sampler you want.

With a tagline that says “the highest quality low-quality effect, you can buy,” D16’s Decimort 2 focuses on simulating the signal path of every conversion circuit at the highest quality possible. So, the result is a 100% alias-free output unless the plugin deliberately emulated it.

The large Frequency knob is the main control you use to adjust the resampler. However, the Jitter knob is something interesting; it lets you add randomization to the resampling to give you sonically exciting harmonic distortion. There is also an analog-type filter that you can apply before or after the effect.

Regarding the other features, it would be beyond the scope of this article to probe into dithering and quantization. But, using them, you can add noise and dynamic bit-crush to your audio that further emulate a vintage AD/DA conversion. And finally, the Approx Filter switch enables anti-aliasing.

Key Features:

• High Quality
  D16 has made every effort to recreate the sonic features of hardware conversion circuits and ensures that the plugin has no internal aliasing. Similarly, the filter section also sounds fantastic on any instrument. So, if you are a fan of analog filters, you could use those, keeping the resampler unused.
• Presets
  The level of flexibility this plugin offers is astounding. However, not everyone can dial in the perfect numbers to get the sound of a classic sampler. So, D16 offers plenty of presets with various sampler emulations already set for your use.
• Two Quantizers
  Audio quantization is the method a bit crusher uses to reduce the bit depth of your audio. In this plugin, there are two digital quantizers, each with its own character in dynamic response. However, this level of control might seem intimidating to a beginner or even an intermediate user. So, we would suggest trying out the presets first and dialing in values based on your ears.
• Jitter
  This bit crusher also features jittering the resampler to create unpredictable distortions. Think of it as a sort of vinyl dirt but in the digital realm. And experiment with its usage on distorted percussive instruments to make it sound even more complex.

Compatibility:

This plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher 32-bit and 64-bit or macOS 10.7 or higher 64-bit. It comes in VST, AU, and AAX formats.

Summary:

If you wish to experiment with your bit-crusher to get the exact sound you have in mind, Decimort 2 is probably the best way to go. And if you enjoy analog grittiness, the pre-amp gain at the top left is useful as well. Overall, this versatile plugin can deliver anything from vintage, fat sounds to sonic mayhem.

Related Reading:

Top 7 D16 Group Plugins For Music Production

3. Klevgrand Degrader

More Info & Price (Trial Available)

Degrader is a resampler and bit-crusher with an additional saturation stage for a Lo-Fi effect or general audio-mangling.

The plugin’s chain of effects starts with the low-pass “pre-filter,” then downsampling, post-filer, and bit-crushing in order. Together, it gives a simplistic way to achieve crushed bits of audio. There is no parameter modulation in this plugin, but you can automate all of the parameters in your DAW.

At the end of the chain, the saturation stage is great for adding warmth to vocals, although it’s a little limiting as you cannot change the waveshape.

Key Features:

• Continuous Bit Depth
  Degrader can change the bit depth continuously from 3 to 24bit without creating any unwanted artifacts. This feature’s necessity is for automation – people often want the Lo-Fi effect to disappear over time (especially for intros). Unlike most plugins, automating the Bit Depth parameter in Degrader will not create glitches due to big jumps.
• Parameter Linking
  The four main resampling and distorting parameters can be linked together using the chain-link icon between the knobs. This feature is useful for automation and creating midi links.
• Adjustable Jitter
  Jitter is a special kind of randomizer that creates random short-time fluctuations in the sampling rate value. This feature creates interesting harmonic distortions that are impossible to replicate otherwise.

Compatibility:

Degrader is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.12 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST, AU, and AAX formats. It is also available for iOS 9.1 or higher for iPad.

Summary:

Degrader is an easy-to-use bit-crushing and downsampling plugin. However, we would say that the price doesn’t quite justify the investment for most of its features. Its most significant advantage is that you can automate both the sample rate and the bit rate without artifacts. So, if this feature isn’t something you are after, you might be better off using another plugin.

4. AudioThing Vinyl Strip

More Info & Price (Trial Available)

This plugin is a convenient, versatile effects strip that literally ages your music like fine wine.

There are six modules in Vinyl Strip. The plugin sets out to add life and retro vibes to your digital samples and track, and it certainly delivers while remaining minimal and easy to use.

The compressor and distortion sections help you get analog warmth to your tracks, and we would recommend starting your chain with those. There are also reverb, a tilt EQ, a downsampler, and a vinyl simulator. The last is what we were most interested in.

The “dust” parameters let you control the amount and rate of vinyl crackles, which we hadn’t seen so far on this list. There is also a noise parameter to get background noise, although we would’ve liked to see an option to change the noise sample as well. Moving on, the “record age” parameter is also just as interesting — increasing it adds a bandpass filter that makes your track lose the bass and treble to deliver a vintage sound instantly. We loved the thoughtfulness of that feature.

Key Features:

• Modular
  There are six modules in this plugin, and you can reorder them freely by drag-and-drop. Each module also has a toggle switch if you want any of them to be disabled.
• Hardware Rack
  The user interface is designed to look like a hardware unit, and it focuses on simplicity. Each module only has the parameters that are crucial for sculpting your sound. The GUI is resizable as well.
• Comprehensive
  The ample number of modules and variety ensures that you can get excellent results with this plugin alone without adding another. You can use it for treating individual tracks or entire busses just as efficiently. And remaining light on the CPU also helps it be that much more useful.
• Lightweight
  It’s not only the interface that is bloat-free; it’s the programming under the hood too. Vinyl Strip manages to be considerably light on your CPU, especially when compared to other plugins with as many effects. We would highly recommend it if you use an older computer or intend to use an instance of the effect per track.

Compatibility:

This plugin is available for Windows XP SP2 or higher or macOS 10.6.8 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST 2, AU, and AAX formats.

Summary:

Vinyl Strip’s interface never feels like it gets in the way, and the sound itself is fabulous every time. We also love the flexibility it offers in the Vinyl module to control the character of the emulation. For what it set out to do, we say it does so with impeccable success.

5. NI Crush Pack

More Info & Price (Trial Available)

This pack with three plugins is an offering by Native Instruments to give you detailed control over audio destruction.

The NI Crush Pack comes with Bite, Dirt, and Freak. Each is a plugin specializing in a particular aspect of Lo-Fi sound production. In addition, NI has provided multiple options and modern twists per effect plugin to breathe new life into the classic sound.

Bite is a bit crusher and resampler plugin. It has creative parameters such as jitter and dither. Furthermore, it also has a saturation knob to add more grit to the output.

Dirt is a distortion plugin with two stages, which you can blend. In addition, there are three saturation algorithms that can add a subtle analog drive to wave-folding for creating complex timbres out of simple audio like sine waves.

Freak is a frequency shifter that has three modulation types: radio, oscillator, and sidechain. Radio emulates a retro radio signal-like pattern; oscillator lets you select a frequency, and sidechain allows you to use an external (or internal) input to modulate with. Each can work with these three techniques: audio modulation, ring modulation, and frequency shifting. It can emulate anything from an alien transmission to radio broadcasts.

Key Features:

• Individual Plugins
  NI Crush Pack offers each stage of Lo-Fi sound in a separate plugin. This ensures you have maximum control over what sound you are creating. Furthermore, You can resize each plugin’s GUI for easy usage. The clean layout of the interface also adds to the user experience.
• Flexibility
  Each plugin in the pack contains enough features to keep you busy for a while. We enjoyed Freak the frequency shifter most of all for its sonic weirdness. You could use it for music production and even sound design for a sci-fi project. Similarly, Dirt’s double distortion for analog warmth and destructive waveshaping is a joy to use as well.
• NI Hardware Integration
  All three plugins are compatible with NKS. So, if you own a Komplete Kontrol keyboard or a Maschine, the effects will have proper mappings for you to tweak parameters as soon as you open the plugins.

Compatibility:

NI Crush Pack is available for Windows 10 or higher and macOS 10.14 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST 2/3, AU, and AAX formats. The plugins require graphics supporting OpenGL 2.1 or DirectX 9 or 11.

Summary:

We loved the approach of having three separate plugins with detailed parameters instead of a multi-effects plugin. It ensures you get to use whichever effect you are after without any distraction. However, you should note that these plugins do consume a considerable amount of CPU, so make sure you try them out first.

Conclusion

With so many options available, it can be difficult to pick one. However, the easiest way is to decide on your needs. If you need something that can emulate a tape or vinyl, try the ones that offer this feature. However, if sonic mangling is your priority, try the KrushPro or the Decimort 2.

Plugins like Super VHS cater to people who prefer to have everything while remaining simple to use. We hope the list helps you narrow into a few select plugins to give them a try.