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Thanks for checking out this resource! If you are interested in checking out my music, you can find it on my home recording YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jasontower_home_recording/videos
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Amp Modelers
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NameURLComments
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Acehttps://www.pluginboutique.com/product/2-Effects/18-Amp-Simulator/1433-AceThis sounds like a little old yellow practice amp I used to have. I love the sound of this one. **Edit** I have found that this amp modeler is excellent for vocal applications. You can get a very good vocal distortion with this; I've used it on many track vox. **Edit** Three years in and I still love this amp sim. **Edit** I have used this on harmonica a few times now and it is amazing. If you are looking for a growly, angry-goose honking harmonica then this is the amp for you. Superb.
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Audiority L12Xhttps://www.audiority.com/shop/l12x-solid-state-amplifier/#getitfreeThis is a superb model of a vintage 1980's Marshall solid state amplifier. If you are looking for that signature full, smooth Marshall distortion tone, then this plugin is perfect. Simple controls, just like the original amp head. I have only just started using it, but I know it will become one of my staples for guitar tone. **Edit** Yes, indeed! I use this quite frequently now, especially when doubling guitar tracks and blending this with other amp models.
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BC Free Amphttps://www.bluecataudio.com/Products/Product_FreeAmp/I love this one, and have used it on almost every recording I've done so far. 3 different fully modeled amps, they sound amazing. **Edit** This has been, and continues to be, one of my two workhorse amp modelers. The other one being the L12X above.
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BODhttps://www.tseaudio.com/software/tseBODThis is a model of a Sans-Amp bass DI. Sounds exactly like it.
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LeCtohttps://plugins4free.com/plugin/960/This guitar amp plugin is...distinct. I'll be honest, I do not really like the way this thing sounds. Maybe it is just not what I think of when I think guitar tones, but I find it to be brittle and tinny, with little character in the low-mid and lows. It might be useful as a specialty effect, perhaps on an instrument other than guitar. I'll come back and add more comments if I ever use it. **Edit** I have learned that there is an associated cabinet simulator that is meant to be used with this. Apparently it sounds nice when you set up a cabinet model for the preamp, though I have not yet tried it myself. I'll try to investigate if I have time.
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AmpLion Freehttps://shop.audified.com/pages/amplion-free?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=dynamicsearch&gclid=Cj0KCQiAweaNBhDEARIsAJ5hwbfuNbrC7A6MZEu18wJejc3T1O0AcA2EKumuPAKlWO9f7xbjKUwbaFYaAntdEALw_wcBThis plugin is friggin awesome. There are 3 full featured amp models that all sound great. BUT, the thing that makes this one especially cool is you can change the mic placement on the cabinets. It does mono or stereo micing too. It really gives you a ton of control for DI guitars.
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Ignite Emmisaryhttps://www.stltones.com/products/stl-ignite-emissary-plug-in-bundleThis has 3 amp models that all sound great. They are very modern sounding; like 80's and 90's rock amp sounds. They can be huge though, if you need a giant distortion sound try this one. It's like super-hot valves going insane.
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Amplifikation Litehttps://www.kuassa.com/products/amplifikation-lite/This is a nice simulated guitar amp with three channels and optional cab emulation. It sounds quite good so far, sounds unique enough that it is worth keeping along side the other plugins on this list. It is not trying to sound "like" some famous amp, it is its own sound so far as I can tell, and it does sound good.
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Amped Rootshttps://ml-sound-lab.com/products/amped-rootsThis one sounds great. Wide range of usable clean and distorted amp tones. It appears to try to model a Marshall JCM 800 or 900, but doesn't officially say so. If you want that sound, this one works well. **Edit** apparently the free license expires. I no longer use this.
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IVGIhttps://klanghelm.com/contents/products/IVGI.phpI had a problem trying to get this one installed and working properly. I will add notes when I get this working and try it out. I do know that I love Analog Obsessions' plugins, so it is probably going to be good.
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ATONEhttps://www.patreon.com/posts/atone-102446579?utm_medium=post_notification_email&utm_campaign=patron_engagement&utm_source=post_linkAnother new channel strip modeler from Analog Obsessions. It is supposed to have some unique vintage analog gear models combined; input, eq, and compressor. I'll report back when I've used it. **Edit** this is a really good channel strip model. Like all of Analog Obsessions' plugins, it adds a lot of audible character. The preamp quality is good and warm. The compressor is not transparent, but it is quite musical if used right, and the EQ options work well to regain clarity after the modeled preamp. A nice easy tool for a good vintage sound, if that's what you are looking for. **Edit** I have used this now on acoustic guitar, vocals, and harmonica, and it is a great choice for one-box vintage tones.
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PreBOXhttps://freevstplugins.net/analog-obsession-prebox/This is not a guitar amp modeler, but a tube preamp modeler. I friggin LOVE this thing. There are 11 different tubes modeled, and there is input and output gain, plus HPF and LPF. Can be used to saturate anything at any point in an effects chain, or just distort vocals or whatever. Adds warmth to DI too. Love it. **Edit** I have come to rely on and use this one heavily. It is just too versatile; every tube model sounds amazing. If you are recording direct with anything, you should consider this tool in the signal chain at some point. **Edit** Yes, I cannot recommend this stronly enough. It is amazing. **Edit** There is a new verion of this. I had to re-install some things and grabbed the newer version of this. It looks slightly different but functions very differently. The new one has an "auto gain" switch that will automatically adjust gain on the pre-amp side, but still let you dial the output gain. I do not like this as it makes it harder to use the various tubes' saturation qualities. I since deleted the new one and found the older version on the website "plugins for free". I personally recommend the older version, but both are great.
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Eminence Channel Striphttps://www.acustica-audio.com/pages/specials/eminenceA fully realized model of an Eminence channel strip with everything that comes with it, EQ, gains, etc. I have yet to really explore this. More notes to come.
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Valvolahttps://www.hornetplugins.com/plugins/hornet-valvola/This plugin models about a dozen different vacuum tubes. You can select the tube type, and the amount to which it is driven. It is simple and perfect. You can string them together in a channel to reproduce any combination of power and output tubes, so you can make any number of real or imaginary amp models from this. It really is an amazing plugin for clean amplification, or adding warmth, or adding full on overdrive. Amazing. Make the free account and download it for free.
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PREDDhttps://plugins4free.com/plugin/3575/Another modeled vintage tube mic preamp with full features.
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Frank CShttps://bedroomproducersblog.com/2022/10/20/frankcs-analog-obsession/A beautiful channel strip model. The Frank is like "Frankenstein" as in this is a combination of models from various famous analog mixers and components. It is all put together into a complete input channel with eq', compressors, you name it. An awesome plugin to get for free! **Edit** The more I use this the more I love it. If I had only one channel stip model to use forever, it might be this one. A great range of tonal and dynamic control in one easy box and it sounds great.
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Compressors
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NameURLComments
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FRONTIERhttps://d16.pl/frontierThis compressor is awesome. It can be transparent, or it can pump. Easy to control this one as well. Also can be used as a leveling amp. **Edit** I personally lean toward using this one as a leveling amp, as the controls are somewhat limited.
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LALA Leveling Amplifierhttps://plugins4free.com/plugin/3221/This is a model of a Teletronix LA-2A optical limiter. I use this all over the place, instruments, vocals, and even main mix bus. It is super transparent, you can use it anywhere. **Edit** I have stopped using this because I was getting a glitch. Sometimes when adding this plugin to a track, it caused a super loud transient pop and buzz in my audio channel, which would slam my headphones and my ears. It was only every once in a while, but honestly I didn't want to risk it. I now use the YALA plugin listed down below for limiting.
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MJUCjrhttps://m-audio.com/account/software-instructionsMy goodness, this is an amazing free version of a modeled tube compressor. It sounds perfect. If you want tube compression sound, this is it. **Edit** I just want to add that I still use this somewhere on every project for more than two years now. It dials in a transparent and warm dynamic control with lots of tube output if you need it. A real workhorse tube compressor for me.**Edit** Make that three years...still going strong.
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RoughRider3https://www.audiodamage.com/pages/free-downloadsI use this compressor in every mix. It can be subtle, and it can PUMP super hard. I love this thing. Makes drums and bass pop like crazy if you want, or it can be practically invisible. HPF on it too. **Edit** this is my go-to compressor for making drums pump and pop hard. It can be dialed up so aggressively that it can really smash anthing you throw at it. A very musical compressor.
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SUPERCHARGERhttps://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/effects/supercharger/A killer tube compressor model from Native Instruments. You'll need the NI account, but this is a very good sounding tube compressor with simple controls. Its like a one-knob "make it sound good" kind of box. Can control loud vocals easily with this.
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TDR Molotokhttps://www.tokyodawn.net/tdr-molotok/A highly musical compressor with lots of available gain boost and a very good HPF. I use this all over the place; guitars, bass, vocals mainly. **Edit** I personally have stopped using this, but my initial comments stand, a really excellent compressor with an easy interface.
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Busterhttps://plugins4free.com/plugin/3215/BUSTERse is a classic console compressor with extra filter and transient sidechain options to dominate whole signal. Another awesome compressor from Analog Obsession. **Edit: I've been using this across the mix bus and it is extremely good for final mix compression; it can really squash things together and even out a mix if you need it to. Excellent plugin. **Edit** I have used this on every mix now for at least the last year. It is a great mix bus compressor. Be careful, it is quite responsive and can really slam a mix down.
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Dynasaurhttps://plugins4free.com/plugin/3086/This is a great multiband compressor. It has 5 bands, low, low mid, mid, high mid, high. Each band has fully adjustable parameters (attack, release, threshold, gain boost/reduce, frequency center and witdth too). It has a hugely variable range of gain reduction. There are meters for each band too, but I would suggest using your ears on this one as it is a really powerful compressor.
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Dirty LAhttps://bedroomproducersblog.com/free-vst-plugins/bpb-dirty-la/A not-really-a-model of an LA-2A optical compressor. It also has a knob that let's you add "dirt", which is a sort of overdriven effect if you want it. It can also be switched to limiter mode. It works well as a compressor/limiter and can be pretty transparent. I don't recommend the "dirt" though. Add to taste.
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Comperhttps://www.patreon.com/posts/comper-74729047A unique plugin that has 2 compressors in series with one another, both able to be switched between modeling modes: FET, VCA, and Optical. I just got this and havent used it yet, but I will update this entry soon. **Edit** I am now in love with this plugin. Chaining compressors is something I already do, so having 2 in series in a single plugin is great just for that. The unique thing about this is that the three modes can all be activated simultaneously, or in pairs too. The output is the average of the signals. So, you could have the first comp be the average of the FET and OPTO, then the second VCA and OPTO, or all three, etc. Hugely powerful and very transparent for controlling something like a bass track that goes back/forth between fingerstyle and slap/pop. Lots of dynamic control. **Edit**. Get this. It is such a powerful tool for dynamics control. I now use it on every recording. If you do any chaining of compression/expansion, having the two blendable modelers in series just simplifies things, while giving you so many options for the way the two of them stack. Just an amazing tool for free.
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DC1A3https://klanghelm.com/contents/products/DC1A.phpI haven't used this yet. Notes to come after I do.
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dBComphttps://plugins4free.com/plugin/3567/A leveling amp/maximizer that is supposed to be optimized for drum and vocal applications. It is from Analog Obsession, and I love all of their other plugins that I've tried. I will definitely be trying this out immediately and will add notes. **Edit** this is an excellent tool from Analog Obsession. I have now tried it on drums and vocals and the leveling, when set properly, is controlled and transparent. This is great and definitely worth having in your arsenal of leveling amps/compressors.
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YALAhttps://plugins4free.com/plugin/3031/YALA is a model of a Vari-Mu tube leveling amplifier. This is another one from Analog Obsession, whose plugins are all excellent. I will be trying this out immediately and will add notes. **Edit** I have used this now on a dozen projects and it is an excellent hard limiting amplifier. I have used it on vocals, bass, vst instruments; it does the job and is actually really transparent even with very low threshold. A very good tool for dynamics control. **Edit** Yes, used at the end of a compression chain, this is the "none shall pass"; just a really good hard leveler.
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Reverbs
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NameURLComments
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TAL-Reverb-2https://splice.com/plugins/184-tal-reverb-ii-vst-au-by-tal-togu-audio-line?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google_Search_Acquisition_Sounds_Nonbrand_DSA_US.Americas&utm_content=gear&utm_term=&campaignid=665108603&adgroupid=29216849490&adid=141025796095&gclid=Cj0KCQiAweaNBhDEARIsAJ5hwbcozJ4x21ldCAmH-Fb6FN4eGahnY35c6EyhQ8vdjMR_WMyLAuwu5sQaArMnEALw_wcBFrom what I can tell this models a plate reverb and it sounds amazing. This can sound huge and full, or subtle and close. I use this all over the place. I use it on my digital drums all the time to give them some life. Vocals too, this can sound like a huge space. **Edit** I rely heavily on this plugin for reverb that sounds "real". The controls are so powerful that you can create a convincing sound field from anything like a bathroom to a stadium. If I had to pick only one reverb to use forever, it would be this one.
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TAL-Reverb-4https://tal-software.com/products/tal-reverb-4This reverb models a modulated vintage reverb sound. It is very nice and very natural sounding from small to large reverb sounds.
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Room041https://www.patreon.com/posts/room041-55993203This is another amazing free plugin from Analog Obsession. This can produce beautiful lush reverb sounds that can sound like either plate or room reverbs. It is unique in that it has a preamp drive knob, which most reverbs do not have. Also HPF, and post-reverb EQs. Very nice for free. **Edit** Yes, I love this reverb now. It works very well for modeling a "hard wall" space. You can easily make something sound like it is in a large tiled bathroom, or like a parking garage or something. Very unique with the built in eq. too.
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Ocean Platehttps://www.patreon.com/posts/ocean-plate-100710016I just downloaded this and I will add comments as soon as possible.
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Devilspringhttps://lostin70s.com/plugins/DevilSpringExcellent multi-cab modeled spring reverb.
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Valhalla Supermassivehttps://valhalladsp.com/shop/reverb/valhalla-supermassive/I'm putting this in reverb, but it is principally a delay. But it is so widely and variously adjustable that is does both things amazingly well. It can make the most beautiful, musical delays, echoes. reverberations, you name it. **Edit** Beware how sensitive the "mix" and "feedback" controls are with this tool. I have found it often difficult to get echoes to diminish quickly enough in a mix unless those settings are quite low. The presets are all dialed up quite aggressively for long-lasting delays that can clutter things up. Just my two cents here.
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Pitch Correct / Autotune
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NameURLComments
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Graillon 2https://www.auburnsounds.com/products/Graillon.htmlThis one is very transparrent; will make corrections without the super auto-tune sound. I've actually used this on a bass track and it worked amazingly well too. **Edit** This pitch corrector has won me over. It can be adjusted to sound very natural. The full range of control the UI gives you is really excellent. **Edit** This plugin will NOT give you the really smooth sounding robotic-type autotune that is used commonly in rap and R&B (the TPain thing..) It almost does, but not quite. I still have not found a good free plugin to get that effect (used to be Voloco, but that is not free anymore).
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Pitchproofhttps://aegeanmusic.com/pitchproof-specsThis one works pretty well. It can definitely be used as a non-transparent effect, so try it and see if it works in a particular mix. **Edit** I recommend NOT using this as pitch correction, but for harmonizing. It has a number of preset harmonies available, or you can choose up to +/- one octave in 1/2 step increments. In that respect, it is a useful tool for coloration and support, but not so much as pitch correction, at least for the things I have tried it on and in. Just my 2 cents here.
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Volocohttps://www.tracktion.com/products/waverazorThis one makes it very easy to do the way-over-the-top autotune effect. There is nothing to adjust, it has only 5 presets that vary from "just a little cleaning up pitch" to some really wacky over the top stuff. You of course input the key you are in, but thats it. I really like it. **Edit: this sometimes will glitch out and cause my vocal tracks to no longer have volume control, or otherwise have a constant buzz. I have had to copy the whole track content to a new track and delete the original and re-do the channel. When it works, it sounds amazing, but be careful and watch for glitches. **Edit** I recently downloaded the updated version of this and it works great now. Also there are more presets that sound awesome. Definitely worth getting the current version. **Edit** one new weird glitch: when closing my DAW, and re-opening a project, this plugin defaults to the orig. settings. You have to go back and re-do your settings each time. ***Edit** no more free version of this I'm afraid. The new one is amazing, but subscription only and it is $15/month when I checked. I'll be looking for someone to make a new free one to replace this unfortunately.
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VST/ AU Instruments
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NameURLComments
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Aspen Trumpet 1https://plugins4free.com/plugin/3321/Sounds pretty good; wide tonal control and reverb.
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CollaB3https://sampleson.com/collab3-free-tonewheel-organ.htmlA perfect model of a Hammond B3 organ w/ working sliders, rotary, and chorus. Beautiful. **Edit** Yes indeed, this is still the best free B3 I have found. Amazing for free. **Edit** Three years in now and this is still the best free organ vst I've found. It can do everything from funk to gospel, you name it.
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Spitfire Labshttps://www.spitfireaudio.com/my-account/login/Make a free account and download this plugin/app. There are dozens and dozens of super-high-quality instruments. Percussion, strings, brass, guitars, bases, etc. etc. plus synths, environment sound effects and whatever. It is a must-get for free, and download all the sound banks. **Edit** All of the "LABS" you can download sound superb, but at the cost of taking up lots of storage space. I got overzealous and grabbed a ton of them to try out and next thing I knew my HD was full and I couldn't edit anything. I deleted all but the few I actually use often to save space.
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VSCO2 Clarinethttps://plugins4free.com/plugin/2720/This is a very nicely sampled clarinet. **Edit** I recommend just getting the whole VSCO2 Orchestra below. It has this clarinet plus all the others.
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VSCO2 Orchestrahttps://vis.versilstudios.com/vsco-2.htmlA host of excellently sampled orchestral instruments; some that I could not find for free or otherwise get to work on Mac. Totally worth getting this for free. **Edit** This is now my go-to for orchestral instruments. Each instrument has multiple attack or sustain modes, with fully adjustable parameters as well. Really amazingly good sampled instruments for free. I use them all the time now.
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Monster Ethnicahttps://agushardiman.tv/monster-ethnica-the-best-free-plugin-of-world-instruments/A collection of high quality "ethnic" flute and other blown instruments from around the world. I'm going to use them soon and will add more comments. *Edit** I just opened this to check it out and wow, it has percussion, wind, and string intstruments from various folk and ethnic groups around the world. I can't wait to use this.
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Sweetcasehttps://noiseash.com/sweetcase-vintage-electric-piano/Finally! An amazing sounding electric piano that can re-create all the great sounds from the 70's. Rhodes, Wurlitzer, whatever you are looking for. The controls are excellent with full customization, plus excellect presets for starting points. I'm so glad I found out about this one. It will definitely be my go-to electric piano patch. **Edit** Yes, this is the best sounding electric piano I have found for free. It sounds incredibly good, with realistic bell, boost, and modulation parameters fully adjustable. A must-have.
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Pianotone 600https://app.gumroad.com/d/35bf56758c9b8e64b5cf43ae26fdab5dI'll try to add notes when I get to using it.
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Synthesizers
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NameURLComments
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Waverazorhttps://www.tracktion.com/products/waverazorMake the free account and download this. I love this synth because the presets are wide and varied, but are also very easy to adjust and make them perfect for your needs. This synth is capable of some really crazy sounds. I love it. **Edit** personally, I have moved away from this one, but it's really just my taste lately. This synth makes really "out-there" sounds, which are excellent if that is what you are looking for. It also can be tempo-mapped, so it is very musical while also being very weird. I still love it.
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Dexedhttps://www.audiopluginsforfree.com/dexed/This is a multi-oscillator digital synth with a crazy amount of control. Too much for me, I usually use the presets and tweak them a little, but you can really customize this thing, and it sounds awesome. I use it a lot actually. **Edit** I have personally moved away from this synth, I think it is just too much for me, control-wise. In the right hands, I bet this thing is. a beast, but I am not that person.
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Kontakt 6https://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/samplers/kontakt-6/A great suite of synth sounds, also from Native Instruments. Might need to make a free Native Instruments account to download it. **Edit** I do not use any of the additional Kontakt libraries so I don't use this anymore.
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Synsonic BD-808https://synsonic-instruments.com/synsonic-bd-808/A model of the classic TR-808 drum machine. It sounds deep and amazing. If you know the sound from early 80's rap and hip-hop, this one makes that low synth "kick" for beats.
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Synsonic BD-909https://synsonic-instruments.com/synsonic-bd-909/From the same makers as the above 808 synth, this one is a model of the other classic; the TR-909. This is a very versatile and famous "kick" or "beat" generator used all across hip-hop and rap. This thing is awesome stand alone, or as a blend-in for other kick drums and beats. An amazing plugin.
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T.REX 606https://plugins4free.com/plugin/2373/A model of the classic 606 drum machine. I'll add comments after I've used it. **Edit** Great sounds, quite authentic to the original hardware, and in the same way it is limited to only those sounds. If you want the iconic 606 sounds, they are here.
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Surgehttps://splice.com/plugins/2465-surge-vst-au-by-vember-audio?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google_Search_Acquisition_Sounds_Nonbrand_DSA_US.Americas&utm_content=gear&utm_term=&campaignid=665108603&adgroupid=29216849490&adid=141025796095&gclid=Cj0KCQiAweaNBhDEARIsAJ5hwbe0UStDvyB77v-4qHOOD2lFO-jam1M2Izn0feFQ3UaeSxXwMIHHDpwaAiiiEALw_wcBThis used to cost money, but is now made free by the creator. It is another full-functioned digital synthsizer. You could spend all day tweaking this thing. I haven't used it much, but what I've heard out of it so far is pretty cool.
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8 Bit Treats Freehttps://www.tracktion.com/products/8bit-treatsA suite of plugins from Tracktion that model the sound chips in old video game consoles. Nintendo Game Boy, Commodore 64, Sega Master System, and NES. Super fun if you are looking for this kind of thing.
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Pendulatehttps://www.eventideaudio.com/plug-ins/pendulate/#pendulate_giveawayUpdate: This synth is so unique. It uses simulated pendulums as the oscillators. It sounds incredible, and so very different from all the other synths I've been using. I used it recently in a recording and it really sounds amazing. Full-featured and easy to get interesting sounds. I love it now. **Edit** Three years in and this is still one of the most unique sounding synths I've tried.
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Odin IIhttps://www.thewavewarden.com/odin2**Edit: I have now explored this a lot more. It does make very cool and unique sounds, but it does not handle chords well. For melodies, absolutely beautiful to use, for chords, I would suggest going with another synth. Just my 2 cents here.
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Lokomotivhttps://www.kvraudio.com/product/lokomotiv-by-archetype-instrumentsAnother nice digital synth. This one uses mathematically generated oscillator, no wavetable or interpolation. It makes a wide range of really robust sawtooth and pulse-wave sounds, from warm and fuzzy to really aggressive and buzzy. I used it recently as a substitute for another distorted guitar track and it worked very well. Added an 80's / Rush kind of sound and feel to the track. I'll be using it more now. **Edit** I have used this a ton now and it is one of my favorite synths. I can't say enough good things about the presets on this, and you can tweak them like crazy. I love this.
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Surrealistic MG-1https://cherryaudio.com/products/surrealistic-mg-1-plusThis is a beautiful model of the classic 80's MG-1 synthesizer that was only sold in Radio Shack stores. The model is perfect, fully-featured, and sounds amazing. All the presets are beautiful, and are fully customizable. I have used this synth in a couple pieces of music already, and it is an awesome addition to my synth arsenal. It is rapidly becoming one of my favorites. I'll be getting lots of use out of this.
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Vitalhttps://vital.audio/A "spectral warping wavetable synth". I only recently downloaded this, but I have now checked out all the presets and I can say this: This is one of the most powerful synths I've ever seen. It will take me months to even learn all the features here. It is an incredible tool for sound design for free. Amazing, and I can't wait to try it out for real. **Edit** Yes, this is an incredible tool. The controls are too much for me. I'll stick to tweaking presets for a while, and even that is a learning experience for sound design. The user interface is a bit opaque, but perhaps that will change as I use it more.
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Other Effects
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NameURLComments
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TDR Novahttps://www.tokyodawn.net/tdr-nova/This is a dynamic multi-band EQ and compressor. It can be used as just-EQ, or as a multi-band compressor and limiter. There is a Youtube video that covers all its functionality and I am still learning how to get the most out of this thing. At first glance and listen this is a super powerful tool for multi-band compression and dynamic EQ-ing. I can't believe this thing is free, it is so powerful. It is good on individual tracks, or your whole mix bus, or after mix for mastering. I'll add more notes when I learn it better. **Edit** You MUST get this. This is such a powerful tool, and for free, its simply stunning. A fully-parametric 4 band dynamic EQ. Dynamically compresses or expands the four bands as you see fit. My goodness; just watch the YouTube videos and learn how to use this tool. It is amazing for free.
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TDR Vos SlickEQhttps://www.tokyodawn.net/tdr-vos-slickeq/This is another excellent and very unique EQ from Tokyo Dawn. They call it a, "mixing/mastering equalizer designed for ease of use, musical flexibility and impeccable sound". I am only just starting to use it, so more notes to follow. **Edit** This EQ sounds excellent. Easy controls, very intuitive and some really nice presets to get you going. There are a couple mastering presets that honestly sound really good as a starting point for a mix. Between this and the TDR Nova above, you could likely cover all your needs. **Edit** There are great tutorials on YouTube to learn this tool, and it is excellent for end-of-mix eq or in mastering. As powerful as the TDR Nova, but in a different way; absolutely worth trying out.
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Magic Switchhttps://babyaud.io/freebiesA nice sounding one-button chorus. Can't adjust much, but it does what it does and sounds nice.
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Marvel GEQhttps://www.voxengo.com/product/marvelgeq/A simple and effective graphic EQ. I use it on every recording. **Edit** I no longer use this as much, and do a lot of my EQ'ing with the TDR Nova. If you need a graphic EQ, this would still be my go-to, just my 2 cents.
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MAudio SuiteMFreeFXBundle | MeldaProductionYou have to make an account, but it is free and way worth it. Once you have the account, you put the software in a cart, but the price is $0.00, then they email you a link. You get a whole amazing suite of effects and utility plugins like spectral analyzers, loudness meters, etc. Can't believe it is all free. **Edit** after free trial period I found the remaining things limited in the .vst instrument category, but their support and analyzer tools are still free and excellent quality. Still worth it if you have the disk space. **Edit** Simply for disk space considerations, I personally have moved away from the this toolset, and now use the Kilohearts Essentials suite of tools, that has a lot more in the bundle for free. Just my 2 cents.
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Filterstephttps://www.producerspot.com/product/filterstepThis is an active dynamic filter that adds interesting sweeps and sonic movement to a track. I haven't really explored it much yet, so I'll update this comment later. **Edit** Easy to use, intuitive interface. If you want a go-to step filter that won't take forever to set up, you can go here.
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Blindfold EQhttps://www.pluginboutique.com/products/6070/?a_aid=5b957119046a5A very nice EQ with high and low shelf, plus low mid, mid, high mid. **Edit** this is now pretty standard in my vocal processing chain. You can really scoop out the +/- 400Hz "box" garbage and add some nice sheen with the upper shelf filter. Use your ears with this one though or you can easily overdo it. A very musical EQ.
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Valhalla Space Modulatorhttps://valhalladsp.com/shop/modulation/valhalla-space-modulator/A super high quality flanger model from Valhalla. **Edit** After many tries, I have to admit that I do not like the sound of this plugin. It works fine, as all the Valhalla plugins do. Good UI, but I'm just personally not partial to the sounds I get. You should definitely try it yourself though, it is a quality plugin for free.
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iZotope Vocal Doublerhttps://www.izotope.com/en/products/vocal-doubler.htmlThis does exactly what it says, and very well too. You can vary the percentage of variation in both time and frequency too, which makes it sound very authentic, without weird phase cancellation or comb filtering. It really sounds amazing. **Edit** I have used this on guitars and other instruments as well and it works wonders for thickening and adding a subtle chorusing effect to rhythm guitars or anything else. I really love this plugin now. Also, you can use it more than once in a channel, for REALLY thick multi-layering. Amazing effect!
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Borderhttps://mialaboratories.com/product/border/A high and low pass filter that is perfect for reducing energy in the low or high frequencies. This is suitable for use on individual tracks or even on the main mix bus to maximie loudness.
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Baby Comebackhttps://babyaud.io/freebies?irgwc=1Very nice sounding delay from Baby Audio. It has a built-in ducker too, which is nice. It is easy to set with some preset "flavor" types. A nice option for delay. **Edit** This has become my workhorse delay. The controls are just too easy to use to get it sounding perfectly.
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T-De-Esserhttps://techivation.com/t-de-esser/A simplified and easy-to-use De-Esser that smoothes out high frequencies while maintaining a natural and musical sound. Super easy to use interface.
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Spazhttps://twoclicksaudio.com/pages/spaz-thank-you-pageI really don't have anything to say about this effect as I haven't used it in a piece of music. It does make things sound interesting, but I'd be lying if I said I knew how good it is or is not. **Edit** You may find some of the random effects this produces useable. It is random, though, how often you get something you may want to actually use in a given piece of music. Try it and see if you like it. I personally do not use it.
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Phaser 74https://www.fazertone.com/plugin/5I've been looking for something like this forever. This is a beautifully-modeled replica of the classic MXR Phase90. I've been using the physical pedal since 1996, and now there is a plugin that sounds just as good! Single knob operation, just like the original pedal. I already am in love with this plugin, it is the exact phaser sound I love so much. I have already used it on numerous instruments and I only just found it last week. Definitely worth a download.
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HZ Multiplierhttps://higherhz.com/hz-multiplier/This plugin makes interesting...sounds I guess. The interface is very un-friendly and hard to use. So far, I can make it do things, but not necessarily what I expect, so it is hard to find proper creative uses for it. I'll add more later if I get around to playing with it more.
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DeeDoublerhttps://dotec-audio.com/deedoubler.htmlI have tried this on vocals, as well as instruments. It has a 2-button easy control system. It does provide a fuller, multi-voiced sound to both audio and midi instruments without giving lots of weird comb-filtering. A solid doubler plugin for free. **Edit** I have noticed that when you save your file, then re-open to continue, that the %doubling setting resets to 50%. You need to remember to put them back where you want before mixing or exporting. Watch for that maybe.
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SPANhttps://www.voxengo.com/product/span/No notes yet, I will add if and when I get around to trying this out.
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Bratwurst Fuzzhttps://guitarandbassplugins.com/doomplugs/This is a model of a fuzzbox distortion. I just got this and will add notes later when I have something to say about it.
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Zupaahttps://plugins4free.com/plugin/3087/This is also a model of a fuzzbox distiortion. This one is from Analog Obsession, and they make great plugins that I already use a lot. I'll add notes on this after I've used it more. **Edit** I have been trying to find an application for this. It sounds EXACTLY like an old analog fuzz pedal, complete with all the weird character you would hear from a 30 or 40 year old pedal. It is actually very real sounding because of this. I guess my one gripe is that the controls do not seem to have much range at all. It sounds either on or off. So like I said, I will use it when I find a place for it in a piece, but so far not yet. You should try it though because it is a unique plugin.
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Kilohearts Essentialshttps://kilohearts.com/products/kilohearts_essentialsThis is an amazing suite of effects and utility plugins for free. There is one of everything I would have thought of, and many I would never have thought of. All the effects and tools you could want. I am currently working my way through the effects first, so I will update this soon. So far, what I am hearing are high quality effects (reverbs, delay, chorus, etc.). I'm looking forward to some of the more obscure ones if they sound just as good. **Edit** I recently needed to use a noise gate, and the Kilohearts one is exceptionally good. **Edit** The transient shaper that comes with this package is incredibly good too. A ton of control and huge dynamic effect possible with this. **Edit** This whole toolset is excellent, I can't say enough good things about every plugin that comes with it.
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Realizerhttps://www.patreon.com/posts/realizer-77091774Most plugins from Analog Obsession are amazing and I love them. I haven't yet found a use for this one, though I will still spend more time playig with it. I'm not even sure what it is "supposed" to do, I think perhaps take vst instruments and give them some variation such that they sound more alive. I'll add more when I understand it better.
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ChowMultiToolhttps://chowdsp.com/products.html#multitoolI have not had a chance to try this out yet. Notes to follow when I spend some time with it.
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ChowBYODhttps://chowdsp.com/products.htmlA build-your-own guitar distortion plugin. I have not tried it yet, but will soon and I'll add notes.
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Zen Masterhttps://unison.audio/zen-masterThis is an effect plugin for producing "low-fi" sounds. I just got it and have not used it yet. I will add notes soon. **Edit** I have only just played around with this plugin, but it does work pretty well for its desired effect. You can tweak 5 parameters to turn any source into "low-fi", meaning it adds different kinds of filters, noises, and other minor effects to produce the "low-fi" sound (meaning less present, sounding poorly-sampled, scratchy, etc). Pretty cool for free! **Edit** After numerious attempts to get something I like out of this, I have abandoned it. Personally I think everything this does could be done another way with better sounding results (filtering, reverb, bit-crushing, etc.). Just my 2 cents.