There’s never been a better time for independent DIY musicians to mix, master and produce music, to avoid expensive studio fees.

Dexed is a free plugin synth that is modelled after the classic Yamaha DX7, a staple of music from the 80s and 90s. It’s also a cartridge librarian for a real DX7! Its sound engine has been based on the Yamaha hardware and you get 144 automatable parameters as well as access to many of the controls that would be found in real life for making. AIR Music Technology Xpand!2 is a four-part multitimbral workstation software synthesizer (virtual instrument) featuring over 2500 presets and parts. Available for Windows and Mac OSX in VST2, VST3, AU, plugin format. Windows & Mac (Catalina & Big Sure Ready) $ 79.99 $ 14.99. Home / Plugins / Synthesizers. Surge is a free subtractive hybrid synth plugin, and was winner of the 2020 KVR favourite free virtual instrument award. Regardless of it’s awards, Surge still remains somewhat of a hidden gem in the world of free plugins. The engine features 3 oscillators, each with 12 unique algorithms to choose from. LMMS – Free Music Production Software. LMMS is a free cross-platform digital audio workstation software that allows you to produce music with your computer. This covers creating melodies and beats, synthesizing and mixing sounds, and arranging samples. You can have fun with your MIDI keyboard and much more.

You can download a seemingly endless supply of free VST plugins for music production to add to your digital audio workstation, whether that’s Logic Pro, Ableton, Pro Tools or any other easily-accessible music production software.

Here's a list of the very best. Try them out for yourself, it won't cost you a thing!

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Free VST plugins for music production

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If you’re looking for an awesome free effects plugin to give your track a boost when recording music at home, or a helpful tool to streamline your production, check out this comprehensive list and download the best free music production plugins for Mac or Windows from across the web.

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Know of any great free plugins for music production not featured on this list?

Let us know in the comments section below!

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Free creative effect plugins

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If you're looking to give your tracks something extra, and make light work of creating unique sounds, take your pick from this collection of free creative effect plugins, sure to shake up your next production.

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iZotope Vinyl

This fantastic free VST effect plugin allows you to mimic the dust, scratches, and warp of a worn record, as well as the electrical and mechanical sounds of the turntable it would be playing on. Download here.

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Guitar Gadgets

Guitar Gadgets simulates a number of analog guitar pedals, including Delay Attack, Super Phazor, Crusher and more, and is perfect for using on electric guitars and guitar amp imitations. Download here.

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Illformed Glitch

Glitch is an audio effect plugin which can play multiple effects simultaneously. It features a sequencer and a collection of great effects, as well as the ability to randomize - or ‘glitch’ - effects for some off-the-cuff inspiration. Download here.

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Head Crusher

As the name suggests, the Head Crusher is not for the faint-hearted! But offers five different saturation modes to add something extra to a vocal track or make give your drums a heavier feel. Download here.

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Ohm Force Frohmage

Frohmage by Ohm Force is a powerful filter with an easy-to-use interface, designed to provide warmth, dirt and many more unique effects more to produce a professional sound on any track. Download here.

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Anarchy Rhythms

Anarchy Rhythms is a cross between drum machine and an audio effect. It takes an audio input and applies a customisable mix of modulation, filtering, feedback loops, oscillation and compression to create a unique sound. Download here.

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Voxengo Oldskoolverb

One of the ultimate free reverb plugins, OldSkoolVerb offers a broad range of options, allowing users to create many types of reverb. It is best to be used with softer instruments like piano and vocal tracks. Download here.

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CamelCrusher

CamelCrusher is a popular free multi-effects plugin, featuring two different distortion tones which can be mixed together to develop multiple textures and sounds. It’s perfect for a wide range of instruments including drums, guitars, and more. Download here.

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Hysteresis

This glitch delay plugin can be used to create robotic-sounding abstract audio effects. It includes effects like delay, modulation and others, for processing percussion and much more. Download here.

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Shattered Glass Audio Code Red

Inspired by the British consoles of the late 1960s, this plugin recreates the EQ and bold overdriven sounds of the Beatles, perfect for those nostalgic riffs. Download here.

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Free plugin synths

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To save you from sifting through the many, MANY free plugin synths across the internet, here are a few of the very best. Try them out and let us know what you think!

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Tunefish 4

Tunefish 4 is a diverse free plugin synth with plenty of sound to play with. It has something for just about any situation, whether you're looking to create bass, leads, pads or anything else. Download here.

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Ichiro Toda Synth1

Modelled on the Clavia Nord Lead 2 Red Synth, this plugin features a range of great tools, including 4 types of filters, tempo delay, 128 presets and much, much more. Download here.

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u-he Tyrell N6

This incredible synth plugin is a truly powerful concept and offers plenty of great possibilities for your next track. And unbelievably, it’s available completely free, so check it out for yourself. Download here.

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HELM

Helm not only features everything you could ever need from a synth plugin, but also runs pretty much anywhere and is available in 32-bit and 64-bit versions. Download here.

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Siegfried Kulmann SQ8L

The SQ8L by Siegfried Kulmann features 3 lo-fi oscillators for each of its 8 voices, plus a wide range of other great features, and can produce lots of diverse and interesting sounds. Download here.

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Free mixing effect plugins

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So you're ready to get to work with your mixer, but you're looking for some extra inspiration to bring the best out of your track? Here are some of the best free mixing effect plugins for all of the creative DIY sound engineers out there.

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Klanghelm IVGI

IVGI not only provides very soft and subtle saturation effect, but is also able to produce a very dense and dirty sound with unmistakable distortion effects. Download here.

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TDR Nova

NOVA is a parallel dynamic equalizer with the well-known format of a parametric equalizer. Each band also offers a thorough dynamics section, which means the processor can cover a wide range of applications. Download here.

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Softtube Saturation Knob

This free Saturation Knob plugin is a modeled output distortion that can be used to fatten up bass lines, add harmonics and shimmer to vocal tracks, or simply kick your drum loop up a notch. Download here.

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MeldaProduction MFreeEffectsBundle

This effects bundle from Melda Productions contains 30 different audio effects and is completely free. Alternatively, you can pay to upgrade to the professional version for even more options. Download here.

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Sonimus SonEQ

SonEQ is a digital equalizer that combines the best parts of some vintage gear in one great package. It has a 3 bands equalizer, 2 filters and a pre-amp section. Download here.

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Luxonix LFX-1310

LFX-1310 is a multi-effector with 24 algorithms and 3 serial slots to play around with. Every unique algorithm on this free plugin offers an exciting new effect. Download here.

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Free plugin tools

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Creating a great track isn't all about adding effects. It's about being in control of your sound and getting the most out of your software. These free plugin tools and utilities can help you produce the perfect mix. Download them now and see for yourself!

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Beyerdynamic Virtual Studio

This incredible free plugin tool simulates a selection of real speaker systems in different environments, so you can see what you track sounds like in a host of venues, from big concert hall to intimate stages, without even being there! Download here.

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Circular Labs Mobius

Mobius is free software used for the real-time design of audio loops. Basically, it has 8 synchronized stereo loopers that can be used in any combination with extensive MIDI and computer keyboard control. Loops created can then be easily saved and loaded. Download here.

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Voxengo Span

SPAN is a free real-time audio spectrum analyzer for music and audio production applications, featuring a wide range of powerful tools, compatible with just about every DAW out there. Download here.

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Blue Cat Audio Gain Suite

Blue Cat’s Gain Suite offers a number of gain utilities, so you can control the levels of one or more tracks in real time, alongside a collection of other unique and exciting features. Download here.

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There are hundreds of free VST plugins for music production available across the internet. These are just a selection of our favourites!

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If you enjoyed using any of these plugins, make sure to share this list with your friends, or if you know of any great free effects or plugin tools not featured here, then please let us know in the comments!

Article Content

It’s been a while since I surveyed the market for free software synths, so I thought I’d give it go and see what’s new and what has stood the test of time. Some of these instruments were released as prototypes or were the early experiments of developers just entering the market.

Free stuff is not always actually free. Often you will follow a link only to find out that it’s a free “demo”. Aren’t all demos supposed to be free?? In other cases, free software is dangled like a carrot in order to get your email address or to entice you into buying other products, preset libraries, add-ons, etc.

Well, business is business, and I suppose everyone needs to make a buck. I really don’t mind spending a few dollars for some shareware now and again to support a budding developer. But it behooves even the most experienced consumer to proceed with caution when the word free is thrown around.

What follows are some awesome sounding instruments in no particular order that are indeed free with very few strings attached. And if you can stomach a little extra spam, some of these may prove valuable additions to your stockpile of synths.

1. TyrellN6 by u-he

• Virtual analog with classic architecture, plus extras.
• Two oscillators, noise, ring modulator.
• Two LFOs with eight waveforms that are host-syncable.
• Audio source mixer with authentic overdrive and filter feedback.
• Twin filter related to Diva (early model).
• Unison with up to eight voices.
• Analog-type ADSR envelopes, loopable or LFO-triggered.
• Small modulation matrix with depth modulation from a second source.
• Chorus effect with three modes.
• MIDI learn / unlearn for hardware control.
• Resizable UI from 70% to 200%.
• Skinnable UI.
• Over 580 factory presets.

This thing is responsive as hell and sounds sweet! I love the stained and grungy aesthetic of the interface. It’s really hard to believe it’s free. But it serves its purpose I suppose because it truly whets the appetite for more stuff from u-he.

2. Dexed

Dexed is an emulation of the classic FM synth: Yamaha DX7.

From the Github page:

“Dexed is a multi-platform, multi-format plugin synth that is closely modeled on the Yamaha DX7. Dexed is also a midi cartridge librarian/manager for the DX7. Do not expect this to be a perfect clone of a DX7 since this will take years in the open source world and multiple collaborators before getting there … Since Dexed is modeled on the DX7, the Yamaha DX7 Operating Manual can be used as a reference documentation.”

The interface is a little cluttered and is more functional than it is aesthetically pleasing, but there are a ton of sonic possibilities with this for those willing to dig in.

3. MiniSpillage

“MiniSpillage is a free professional quality drum synthesizer plugin featuring high-resolution 64-bit DSP processing.
MiniSpillage includes three exclusive drum synthesis algorithms along with distortion effects and resonant filters.”

• Bass Drum – Single oscillator bass drum synth with pitch sweep, internal FM and harmonic controls.
• Wood Drum – Flexible wooden drum model synthesizes natural and synthetic timbres from log drums to toms.
• Hi-Hat – Six oscillators closed and open hi-hat generator with a noise source and dual resonant filters.

This is a great free option for those that want to create their own drum sounds with modulation, filtering and distortion effects.

4. Crystal Synth by Green Oak

This is one is a bit frustrating and takes a while to get anything remotely usable. The interface is on the clunky side. But a little patience can be rewarding.

5. Lokomotiv

Lokomotiv is an analog retro synthesizer that is impressive from the first launch. Its austere interface is surprisingly responsive and sounds immediately great.

Oscillator:

• Mathematically generated high definition Oscillator without using wavetable or interpolation.
• Silky smooth 9X detuned sawtooth wave.
• Pulse wave with self PWM.
• Shape morphing sub-oscillator.

Filter:

• MG ladder modeling multimode filter featuring Zero Delay Feedback technology.
• Routable filter Drive (Pre/Post).

Modulator:

• Natural Curved ADSR Envelope generator.
• One-shot LFO which can be used as envelope.

Specification:

• 1X OSC (Saw+ Pulse) + One Sub OSC, Noise Generator.
• 1X multimode Filter with Drive.
• 1X LFO, 1X Envelope Generator.
• Eight polyphonic voices, Mono and Legato mode supported.
• 64 Factory presets included.
• Native 64-bit, Mac and Windows OS supported.

6. Digits from Extent of the Jam

This one sports a subdued color palette with beefy growls, preset chords and brass sounds. A bit of crackling when parameters are modified, but worth the time to download for sure.

7. Spitfire Audio – LABS

Not long ago, Spitfire Audio released an ongoing series of completely free instruments called LABS. These are very, very simple sampled instruments with just a handful of controls and they sound really, really good. So far the collection includes:

• Charango
• Electric Piano
• Amplified Electric Cello Quartet
• Drums
• Strings
• Soft Piano

If you’ve used any of the Spitfire Sample Libraries before, you know how well they’re recorded, and these instruments are no exception. While you won’t get the flexibility or deep sampled variety of a full-scale library, you will get a great sound that can be slightly varied to taste. While these are sampled instruments as opposed to synths, they’re free and so good that I felt they warranted inclusion.

8. TAL NoiseMaker

This is one my of favorite choices. The interface is accessible, clean and to the point and thick, beefy sounds are possible from the get-go. Really nice!

From the developer: “TAL NoiseMaker is an improved version of TAL-Elek7ro and has a completely new synth engine and a lot of improvements in sound and usability. The synth also includes a small effect section with a reverb, chorus and a simple bit crusher effect. A display shows the knob and slider values. This allows more control over the synth. A ring modulator and a syncable triangle are also part of this synth.”

TAL NoiseMaker includes new filter types and the self-resonating 6 dB low pass and notch filter. Its improved amplitude ADSR is very suitable for slow pads and for really fast envelopes. 128 factory presets included, 80 made by Frank “Xenox” Neumann.

Features:

• Three Oscillators. Osc 1, +/- 24 semitones, fine tune, phase control (saw, pulse, noise). Osc 2, +/- 24 semitones, fine tune, phase control (saw, rectangle, triangle, sine). Sub Osc (rectangle).
• Osc 1 PM for pulse waveform.
• Osc 2 FM controlled by Osc 1.
• Osc 1 & Osc 2 sync to sub osc (saw, pulse, rectangle, triangle (bipolar sync)).
• Adjustable master tune and transpose.
• Up to six voices.
• Portamento in mono and poly mode (off, auto, on).
• Ringmod modulates Osc 1 with Osc 2.
• Self resonating 4x oversampled filters (24 dB LP, 18 dB LP, 12 dB LP, 6 dB LP, 12 dB HP, 12 dB BP, Notch).
• Filter ADSR (negative and positive).
• Volume ADSR
• Routable ADSR, modulates Filter, Osc 1, Osc 2, PW, FM (negative and positive)
• Two LFO’s with different running modes: free, sync to host, triggered by note. Modulates filter, Osc 1, Osc 2, FM, PW, LFO rate, Panorama and Volume. Sine, Triangle, Saw Square, S&H, Noise. Positive and Negative modulation. Phase control.
• Adjustable Velocity-dependent control over volume filter contour and cutoff.
• Adjustable Pitch Wheel control over Cutoff and Pitch.
• One pole HP filter.
• Detune, detunes notes randomly.
• Juno chorus with different modes.
• A built-in reverb and delay.
• Adjustable filter drive.
• Bitcrusher affects Osc 1 and Osc 2. It’s a pre-filter stage effect.
• MIDI Learn for all knobs.
• Panic button.
• Easy to use, no hidden panels.
• 256 great presets (Presets by Frank “Xenox” Neumann, The Unshushable Coktor, Alexandra Sendy, TAL, Patrick Kunz).

9. Thump by Metric Halo

Thump is a unique audio processor that allows you to synthesize low-frequency audio to add low end to a track or generate another sound entirely. Thump looks at the pitch and dynamics of its audio input and uses this information to control its oscillators. You can add low end to drums, augment a bass or even create synthetic drones.

Thump is ideal for beefing up a kick drum, adding low end to percussive tracks, recreating classic drum synth sounds and more. You can use Thump’s envelope driven, percussive sub-harmonic synth for the following things (among others):

• Build low-octave support for bass drum, tom, snare and other percussive tracks.
• Create kettle drum sounds from regular drum tracks.
• Recreate the sounds of classic drum synths like the TR-808.

The effect of Thump is similar to generating a sine wave or other waveform on a gated track that is side-chained to a transient on another track such as a kick. But Thump allows more control, two oscillators that can be changed on the fly and more pitch specific envelope control. If you like kicks that are thick as hell and challenge the range of human hearing, you will like Thump a lot.

NOTE: the instrument requires a transient input to be activated so you would use it like an insert rather than a standalone synth.

10. Synth 1 by Daichi Laboratory

While the interface is a bit nasty and pixelated, Synth 1 by Ichiro Toda is modeled after the Nord Lead 2 Red Synth and sounds decent. It doesn’t take long to get a few usable sounds and the onboard arpeggiator is great for experimenting.

11. PG-8X by Martin Lüder

“The PG-8X is a virtual synthesizer, inspired by the Roland JX-8P with the PG-800 programmer. The synth architecture is a standard 2-oscillator -> Filter -> VCA design. These elements can be modulated by a common LFO and one of two envelopes. The PG-8X is patch compatible with the JX-8P and can read and write JX-8P Sysex data”. (Manual)

Smart Music Soft Synth Plugin Download Windows 7

12. Vital by Vital Audio

Vital is a recent addition to this list which I happily included thanks to several users that called my attention to it. It is described as a “spectral warping wavetable synthesizer”. The basic free version is quite powerful on its own and has all the functionality of paid versions, which include additional presets, wavetables, samples, and LFO patterns.

The download and install of this beauty seemed unusually fast and I was up and running in less than a few minutes. I was immediately impressed after choosing a random preset to give it a spin. A thick, lush sound erupted and the intuitive interface invited experimentation with a robust collection of effects, modulators, and oscillation choices. The aesthetics of the GUI are particularly elegant for a free instrument, and the layout and clearly labeled parameters make this a very attractive and user-friendly instrument. It downloads as a plugin and standalone app compatible on all major platforms including Linux and also supports MPE. This is a feature-rich synth that is almost too good to be free!

Conclusion

While these instruments may not be the best things in life — they are free. And it has been my experience that there is something to be learned from every piece of software, as there is from all types of music. Experimentation and exploration yield untold rewards for the adventurous, and freeware is a great place to start your journey or a means to unshackle yourself, at least temporarily, from the financial constraints that plague us all.

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Check out my other articles, reviews, interviews and my video tutorial series, Synthesis 101 available exclusively on The Pro Audio Files.

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Smart Music Soft Synth Plugin Download Windows 10

It’s been a while since I surveyed the market for free software synths, so I thought I’d give it go and see what’s new and what has stood the test of time. Some of these instruments were released as prototypes or were the early experiments of developers just entering the market. Free stuff is not al