There are tons of great free VST plugins available for music production, offering everything from virtual instruments to effects. Here's a curated list of some of the best free VST plugins, sorted into categories like EQs, compressors, reverb, and more:
1. EQs
-
TDR Nova (Dynamic EQ)
Type: Dynamic Equalizer
Description: A highly versatile and powerful dynamic EQ. It’s great for both corrective EQ and adding creative tone-shaping. It offers smooth, musical EQ and compression in one tool.
Download: TDR Nova -
Blue Cat's Triple EQ
Type: Parametric EQ
Description: A simple, intuitive three-band EQ with low, mid, and high frequency controls. Great for quick adjustments on your mix.
Download: Blue Cat's Triple EQ
2. Compressors
-
TDR Kotelnikov
Type: Compressor
Description: A clean, high-quality compressor with a smooth and transparent sound. It's perfect for mastering or mixing tasks, and its interface is straightforward.
Download: TDR Kotelnikov -
Molot
Type: Compressor
Description: A colorful and slightly aggressive compressor with a characterful sound, ideal for adding punch and energy to vocals, drums, and other instruments.
Download: Molot
3. Reverb
-
OrilRiver
Type: Reverb
Description: A high-quality algorithmic reverb that’s very versatile, with adjustable room size, damping, and early reflections. Great for both realistic and creative reverbs.
Download: OrilRiver -
TAL-Reverb-4
Type: Reverb
Description: A lush, vintage-style reverb that works great for vocals, guitars, and electronic music. It offers a classic sound with simple controls.
Download: TAL-Reverb-4
4. Delays
-
Voxengo Tempo Delay
Type: Delay
Description: A simple yet powerful delay plugin that syncs perfectly with your DAW's tempo. It also features modulation options to add movement to your delayed signals.
Download: Voxengo Tempo Delay -
Valhalla Freq Echo
Type: Delay/Effect
Description: A lo-fi echo effect that combines delay and frequency modulation. It’s great for adding character and space, especially for more experimental sound design.
Download: Valhalla Freq Echo
5. Saturation & Distortion
-
Softube Saturation Knob
Type: Saturation
Description: A simple but highly effective saturation plugin that adds warmth and harmonic distortion to your tracks. It’s perfect for fattening up vocals, drums, and bass.
Download: Softube Saturation Knob -
CamelCrusher
Type: Distortion/Saturation
Description: A classic free plugin that offers a combination of distortion, saturation, and filtering, great for adding grit and warmth to your sound.
Download: CamelCrusher
6. Virtual Instruments
-
Spitfire Audio LABS
Type: Virtual Instrument
Description: A collection of high-quality, free instruments including strings, pianos, guitars, and more. LABS is continuously updated with new sounds, all recorded with high attention to detail.
Download: Spitfire Audio LABS -
Dexed
Type: FM Synthesizer
Description: A free, open-source FM synthesizer that emulates the Yamaha DX7. It's perfect for creating complex, evolving sounds and classic 80s tones.
Download: Dexed -
Sforzando
Type: SFZ Player
Description: A simple and lightweight SFZ sample player that can load any SFZ-based sound library. Many free libraries are available for Sforzando, including orchestral, piano, and synth sounds.
Download: Sforzando
7. Drum Machines
-
Drum Pro
Type: Drum Machine
Description: A straightforward drum machine with several classic drum kits. It’s easy to use and can be great for quickly generating beats.
Download: Drum Pro -
MT Power Drum Kit 2
Type: Drum Kit Plugin
Description: A powerful drum sampler with high-quality drum sounds, particularly suited for rock and pop productions. It features several drum kits and custom mixing options.
Download: MT Power Drum Kit 2
8. Utility/Other
-
Youlean Loudness Meter
Type: Metering
Description: A precise and easy-to-use loudness meter plugin that shows the overall loudness of your track in accordance with industry standards.
Download: Youlean Loudness Meter -
Audacity
Type: Audio Editor
Description: While not strictly a VST plugin, Audacity is a free and open-source audio editor that can be used in tandem with your DAW for additional editing tasks.
Download: Audacity
Bonus: Sound Design & Miscellaneous
-
Surge
Type: Synthesizer
Description: An open-source, powerful digital synthesizer with an impressive range of features, including a variety of filters, modulation, and sound-shaping tools.
Download: Surge -
Obxd
Type: Analog Synth
Description: An emulation of the classic OB-X analog synth, great for lush pads, leads, and basses.
Download: Obxd
Conclusion
This list is far from exhaustive, but these free VSTs cover a wide range of production needs, from shaping the tone of your tracks to enhancing your mix with space and depth. Many of these plugins offer professional-level quality and can be used in a wide variety of genres, so you can build up a solid toolkit without spending a dime.
By the Stealify Team!
Check out our MIDI Pack collection to help you PRODUCE HIT SONGS FASTER, EASIER & BREAK THROUGH WRITERS BLOCK! Simply drag and drop!