Best Free Vst Program
Posted By admin On 21.12.20Buying an amplifier is essential for playing electric guitars. But getting a good one can be rather expensive. This especially the case if you are a beginner, or if you don’t earn money by playing. You can understand why someone can have problems with throwing a thousand dollars or more.
But there is an alternative to an amplifier. You can get a variety of programs that can simulate an amp, and they will allow you to plug your guitar directly into your PC. While some of these programs are quite expensive, it’s possible to find ones that are free of charge.
Many free VST plugins are incredibly powerful, versatile programs, whereas some aren’t even worth the free download. Because of this we’ve created this HUGE list of the best free VST plugins available on the web, to help you transform your music production without ever reaching for your wallet. Best Free Vocal VST Plugins. It's well-known that dynamic sounds are much harder to mix – and the vocals are super dynamic. Luckily, there is no need to stress out every time you get to the mixer and start working on getting the “perfect vocals.” All you need to do is to know which free vocal mastering VST plugins to use.
If you still don’t know how to connect your electric guitar to your PC or laptop then check out my post 5 Easy Ways To Play Electric Guitar Through PC/Laptop
Standalone + Vst Plugin
One of the best options you can find, and the easiest to use, are standalone programs that can act as a plug-in as well. They can do a variety of things besides just being an amp simulator if you want to properly record your guitar there is an options built-in. Some programs can act as VST (Virtual Studio Technology) for your DAW (more about DAWs later on). If you already have a program, you might want to find just a plug-in that will enhance the DAW you already own, or to help you get the desired sound.
Guitar Rig 5 Player
Available on Windows and Mac
Native Instruments offer a great simulation that comes in both free and paid versions. While the design is the same for both, the free version has fewer options when it comes to amps and effects. When it comes to a free version of the program, you will get one amp and one cabinet to use. However, you can use a couple of effect pedals like Ibanez Tubescreamer, for example.
There are also a few delay pedals, as well as equalizers and noise gates. The UI is quite good, and you don’t need to spend hours trying to figure out how to use it. The main idea behind these two versions is that the basic or free program offers only a demo, hoping to get you hooked and getting a full version of the software.
Whichever option you pick, there is no doubt that the program will serve you well, and that you’ll be able to create beautiful music. The paid one, of course, offers so much more when it comes to the choice of equipment.
AmpliTube Custom Shop
Available on Windows and Mac
Over the years, AmpliTube gained incredible popularity and not without reason. The design of the program is similar to others where you can customize your experience as you would with a real amplifier.
As you can probably guess, this software comes in several versions as well, but you can get a free plug-in as well. This plug-in will allow you to use AmpliTube 3, as well as 24 models that include nine stomps or pedals, four different amplifiers, three microphones, and two rack effects. It also has a built-in tuner that will allow you to always keep your guitar in key.
One of the best qualities of AmpliTube is that the program is perfect for beginners. You won’t need a degree in engineering to use it, and you can experiment with sounds to find what you love the most. The UI is incredible and it will show you a virtual amp with all the potentiometers and buttons that you can mess around with until you get a tone that you love.
Naturally, you can get a paid version as well that gives you an opportunity to use “real” brands like Orange, Fender, Mesa, and there are even simulations of player’s rigs available. So, if you really want to sound like Jimi Hendrix, you can buy a custom software that will allow you to achieve it in no time.
AmpLion Free
Available on Windows and Mac
AmpLion works as a standalone program and plug-in. The program is developed by Audified, and if you like it, you can get a pro version as well. As you can probably guess already, there are several options that are not available in the free version, but you can still use it for practicing, recording, composing, and even playing live!
What is interesting about AmpLion is that it gives you an option to use Track Player and play along with your favorite songs and artists. You can also use intelligent metronome, which is something that is perfect for practicing.
AmpLion also allows you to adjust the microphone position while using the simulation, where you can choose the location of the microphone and the distance from the speaker. If you ever tried recording something with a mic and an amplifier, you know how important it can be.
Finally, it gives an impressive amount of customization, and you can find several pedals and cabinets available even in the free version. AmpLion Free offers five-channel tube amp, two cabinets, metronome, audio player, and advance recorder.
Bias FX2
Available on Windows and Mac
The company that’s behind this software recently released their second and upgraded version of BIAS amps. If you compare it to the first one, there is so much improvement, and you will get a lot better feel while playing the newer version. It is worth mentioning that there are several versions of this program that you will have to pay, and the price is between $100 and $300. Why is it on the list, you might ask. Well, you can also get a free version of the program, that comes with certain limitations.
But even if you get a demo, it is still an incredible software, that will allow you all kinds of customizations and options to tailor the sound to your needs. Using your virtual amplifier is easy. Based on the version of the software you get, you will have hundreds of different effects and amp simulations. Similarly to the real thing, you can add or remove reverb, gain, loop, and so on.
DAW With Built-In Amp Simulator
DAW stands for Digital Audio Workstations might not be the best thing for beginners, due to the complexity of these programs. Some of the programs are designed for audio editing, recording, and such, but they don’t offer an amp simulator you can use to record guitar, but if you find one that does, you won’t have to bother downloading and installing VST plugins.
If you are a beginner and really don’t know anything about DAWs. Here is a video that demonstrates how to playrecord your guitar with Cakewalk DAW. This is just to get you started.
Cakewalk With TH3
Available only on Windows
Cakewalk is designed by BandLab, and as other products on the list, is free. You can record, edit, mix, master, and almost anything you’ll ever need. The BandLab takes pride in its product, and they claim that this is the most complete package you’ll ever find. While Cakewalk works almost like a demo for the THU, TH3 is a free plug-in for Cakewalk you can try out for yourself. It is quite decent software you can try, and since it is free, it offers you a chance to play with it without worrying about a thing.
Magix With Vandal SE
Available only on Windows
Another great software you can try if you are looking for something heavier is Magix with Vandal SE. Here, you will have a variety of crunch tones, drives, and other effects that are perfect for any heavy metal or rock lovers out there. But this doesn’t mean that you can’t use it on clean as well. It works great for both singles and humbuckers as well. Magix is great for both beginners and more advanced players, and you can check it out on the link above.
VST Plugins That Works On DAW
Now, things get a bit more complicated if you are looking for a VST for your DAW only. This means that you already have (or plan to have) a Digital Audio Workstation, and there are so many incredible programs available. While the best ones are usually quite costly like Steinberg’s Cubase, there are some you can download for free as I mentioned in the section before.
You can use either Cakewalk that is available for Windows, or Tracktion T7 that’s available for both Windows and Mac. After you downloaded and installed your DAW, you will need to download and install the VST plugin.
If you opted for Cakewalk, which is free, you can follow the link below to see how to install and add VST plugins into it. This will allow you to have both DAW and VST that you can use for free.
Blue Cat Audio Free Amp
Available on Windows and Mac
Blue Cat is a free simulation plug-in for your DAW, which can be great if you are looking for more variations to your guitar sound. Since this program is free, you can easily download it, and check it out for yourself. The design is easy to use, and it works as a demo to their Axiom program. You will get a taste of their popular amps. There are three amps available and you can use them regardless of your music taste. Settings for each of the three amps allow you to use anything from clean and soft guitar sound to crunchy heavier sounds for rock lovers. As with a real amp, you can experiment with potentiometers to make something that’s perfect for you.
Voxengo Boogex
Available on Windows and Mac
Boogex is a rather interesting program. While it has a similar function to the others on the list, the design is a lot different. Here, you won’t have a visual representation of an amplifier, but you will still have an option to customize your sound. Where Boogex shines is with low and medium settings for gain. You can still play it with higher gain, but the sound will be a lot less clear. However, this might be appealing to some players anyway. Higher gain settings are a lot more fizzy and compressed.
There are also a lot of built-in impulse responses, and you can add different loaders as well. Voxengo also made sure that you have an impressive selection of amplifiers, cabinets, and even microphones.
The quality of this software lies in variations and changes you can try out. Almost anything is possible, and you can try both smooth jazz sound and heavy metal drive. The latency is almost zero, which means that you can use it for real-time processing.
Finally, the program won’t be a trouble for your CPU, and you can even add additional cabinet speaker impulses.
Ignite Amps
Available on Windows and Mac
The main thing about Ignite amps is they are completely free to use. Their product covers both tube amps and solid-state ones. If you were wondering about how it works, the technology is based on analog modeling and derives systems of nonlinear differential equations. The entire software is based on C++, and more importantly, it’s free.
You can also get a plug-in for the majority of DAWs or Digital Audio Workstations, and you can play, record, and test it as much as you like.
Among the amp plug-ins, you can get are Libra, Emissary, The Anvil, NadIR, and many more. While it might not sound as impressive as having a Fender, these simulations are incredible, and you can adjust and customize them as much as you desire. These plug-ins have different purposes, and you can find ones designed for mixing, jamming, simulations of tube amps, solid-state, and so much more.
LePou Plugins
Available on Windows and Mac
Another exciting thing you can try is one of the LePou plugins. These are designed to simulate one several popular amps. You can find, for example, a hybrid guitar amp, which is a solid-state amp with tubes in the preamp. Furthermore, there is a preamp simulator, as well as a variety of cabinets.
The best thing about these plugins is that they are free of charge, and you can download them whenever you desire. Most of these are quite good and give you an option to further customize the sound. All you have to do is try a few and see which one suits your style and taste.
Kuassa Ampilfikation Lite
Available on Windows and Mac
If you are looking for a more classic, vintage style, Kuassa might have a perfect thing for you. Their amp software, Amplifikation, allows you to experience the best of the bygone era, and enjoy traditional bluesy rock style. Like many other entries on the list, there is a lite version that is completely free and allows you to try out their product.
Lite offers an amplifier that sounds like a combination of Marshall and Peavey amps. Naturally, you can use gain if you are looking for a harder music genre, but you can play it clean as well. The simulation is able to perfectly capture that late seventies sound, and if you are looking for something like this, Kuassa might be the best choice.
Kuassa also offers a couple of pedals that you can take free of charge, like equalizer and noise-gate, and you can always check their paid models if you want something more.
Shattered Glass Audio Ice
Available on Windows and Mac
If the seventies are too recent for you, Shattered Glass might have a product you’ll like. Their amp simulator is based on Fender’s Tweed Champ, which is arguably one of the best amps from the fifties. The original inspiration is 5W, all-tube amp. What is interesting here is the option to adjust the level of feedback.
There is also a mod to the real circuit and it includes grip stopper resistors. You can also use a plug-in that can be oversampled up to eight times.
Interestingly, the volume on the amp simulator can go all the way to twelve, just like on the original amp. It’s a nice detail which tweed lovers will undoubtedly appreciate.
X50 V2
Available on Windows and Mac
This software comes from TSE Audio, and it is definitely worth your attention. As some of the previous examples on the list, you can find a demo or free version that is a stripped version of the original program. Some of the functionalities will be unavailable, but you will still get a very clear idea of what they have to offer.
X50 V2 is rather versatile, and you can get anything from a crisp clean tone, all the way to heavy metal distortion. But even if you get a free version, you will still be able to use a tuner, equalizer, delay, phaser, reverb, and several distortion pedals.
But one of the main qualities of the software is simplicity. You will notice from the start that the program is rather intuitive and easy to use. you won’t need an expensive PC to run the X50 V2. Furthermore, a demo version is available for both platforms, and you can download it and check system requirements in the link below.
NRR-1
Available on Windows and Mac
If you are a heavy metal player, there is a chance that you are not satisfied with some of the entries on the list. Finding an amplifier that has a good distortion can be challenging, especially if we talk about software simulations. Ignite designed NRR-1, and the program was created for Cristiano Trionfera. Trionfera is currently playing with an Italian symphonic death metal band, and NRR-1 is quite similar to the original amp he used.
This program offers three channels: clean, rhythm, and lead. Each of the channels has its own separate controls, and you can choose between mono and stereo processing support. It also allows you to use preset management systems as well as bank import and export functions.
For everyone looking for a digital version of his amplifier from 2009, this will be an incredible option. You can find more info on the link, and you can try it for yourself if you are into a heavier sound.
SimulAnalog Guitar Suite
Available only on Windows
SimulAnalog Guitar Suite is a free program that offers a variety of amplifiers and pedals. While it is not as polished as some others from the list, there is no paid version. This means that you will get the whole product, and you won’t be tempted to invest if your goal was to experiment on your computer.
Furthermore, the software comes only in the 32-bit version, which might be a deal-breaker for some. However, the sound that you can create using this program is well worth the trouble. The plugins you can find here offer two amplifiers, Fender Twin from 1969 and Marshall JCM9000 Dual Reverb.
When it comes to effects, there are Boss DS-1 and SD-1, incredible TubeScreamer, Univox Univibe which is for modulations, and a phaser based on Oberheim PS-1. As you can see, the options for pedals and amps are rather impressive, and they are able to cover a plethora of genres. With this equipment, you’ll be able to play anything from blues to heavy metal.
Black Rooster Audio Cypress TT-15
Available on Windows and Mac
Black Rooster designed Cypress TT-15 that is incredible for all the metal lovers out there. As with other entries on the list. Finding a good drive or distortion for hard rock or metal is not easy, and most VST will give you an unsatisfying tone. However, Cypress can be quite good if you know how to use it. The settings for this VST are amazing, and it allows you to create a lot of incredible tones that work amazingly with heavy riffs.
Cypress is good for both lead and rhythm sounds, and you can use a variety of effects like delay. The amp is a solid-state, and it has three knobs for tone, gain, and volume. While it would be amazing if they offered a treble, mid, bass, as well, we can’t really complain since it is free.
Lost in 70’s Tone Deluxe
Available on Windows and Mac
The main idea behind Tone Deluxe by Lost in 70s is to create a full analog tube amplifier. What is interesting here is that Tone Deluxe completes everything from preamp to the cabinets. If you are into tube amps, you’d love to hear that it simulates ECC83 and EL34 tubes. You can also reduce the signal processing time which will create a more pleasurable experience.
This software also offers two channels, one for clean and other for high gain. You can also use two spring reverbs, and five cabinet models. While the program is not great for metal, it works incredibly with rock, blues, hard rock, and other softer genres.
Nick Crow
Available on Windows and Mac
Nick Crow Lab offers 8505 Lead that’s available for both Windows and Mac. The main quality of 8505 is the variety of tones you can get from it. The amp simulation comes with several knobs you can use. The first one is gain, and you can choose anything from heavy metal to soft rock. There is also an option to adjust lows, mids, and highs, which is something that other amps simulations are lacking. For anyone looking for heavier sounds, 8505 is an incredible option.
Nick Crow Labs also offer a 7170 amp simulation, as well as a couple of other amps, pedals, and effects you can test. As with other entries, the entire Nick Crow plug-in pack is free to use, and you can check it on the link above.
ReValver 4
Available Windows and Mac
ReValver by Audio Media Research is actually a Peavey amp simulator, and it is incredible. If you ever played a Peavey amp, this is something you need to check as soon as possible. Lo fi synth free vst. Naturally, the software is backed up by Peavey, and there are so many effects and options you can try out. One of the exciting options is to adjust the microphone position, as well as reverbs and many other options.
You’ll be surprised by how many adjustments are available from different amps and effects to tubes and speakers. If you are looking for great software that offers a variety of effects and simulations, ReValver might be the thing to check. You can also add as many stompboxes as you want, and all of the effects sound quite good. At first glance, it seems that there is no limit to what ReValver can do. Peavey and AMR decided to show everyone how you should create an amp simulator, and they really managed to set a new standard.
Summary
Playing an electric guitar without an amplifier might be challenging but it is far from impossible. There are so many companies developing software that will allow you to play your guitar using a computer. Most of these apps are available for both Mac and Windows, and the only thing you’ll need to do is plug in your guitar, and start playing.
If you were wondering about price, most of the software companies offer free and paid versions, and you can try them both. Free software is usually a stripped version of a paid program, and you won’t have as many options. However, you can still play your guitar and create music without spending a dime if you don’t want to.
If you found this article useful you may want to save this pin below to your Guitar board
You may face several scenarios while mixing and mastering which may include the use of an equalizer, having a transparent display to analyze what you are adding or subtracting with the EQ, multiple EQ bands, and proper CPU usage is what to look for in an EQ. But with that said every piece of software and hardware alike creates and outputs a slightly different sound meaning they all have unique timbres and uses. Alongside that, there are some rather expensive plugins we may see online, which aren’t out of our reaches but we don’t know what we need until we need it right? Well, this is why its best to try some free EQ’s first to see what it is you like within an EQ and what it maybe you are looking for. We become ever so comfortable with our stock plugins, they do the simple tasks for us (sometimes), they don’t run our computer into the ground, and they for sure are pretty basic. Well, this is the issue most people come to, they want a better EQ, or they want a change of visuals. EQ History – ‘The first EQ was first used by John Volkman working at RCA in the 1920s” More Info & Download Specifications: Features & When To Use: Colour EQ is a 64-bit EQ plugin that offers 5 ”super parametric” bands to manipulate the frequency range. This is exceedingly handy when wanting to use more than one band in one instance; the intuitive gain knobs on the five bands allow for perfect mixing of these bands when mixing and mastering. Using the two different types of curves, Colour EQ offers a warm sound that you just wouldn’t get from your stock EQ. Having a bright visual display helps you to craft and mould your bands to preference. A great way to use this plugin is when you are not getting enough warmth in your low, mid/mids, Colour EQ will add a great sense of warmth throughout the selected bands. Another cool way to use this plugin is to use two different setups with two different curve types; you can use modified versions of the EQ for selected times in your mixdowns to add the feeling of a change in energy in a breakdown or drop. Colour EQ is a great tool to have in your arsenal for mixing and mastering, plus you may find many uses in your day-to-day production. Compatibility: Windows VST (32/64 bit), Windows/Mac RTAS, and Mac VST/AU format (Intel, OSX 10.5 and higher) More Info & Download Specifications: Features & When To Use: With a sleek, minimalistic design Free Ranger is a powerful EQ. With a mid-band (150Hz – 7kHz), fixed high (10kHz), low shelf (80Hz) SPL have kept things very simple so anyone can EQ with ease. Free Ranger gives the feel of the world-renowned API 560 EQ but offers this all for free! Free Ranger is a bodybuilder for your sounds while mixing and a gentle touch when mastering, this plugin makes EQing fun, quick and easy. You may find yourself using the four different EQ settings and incorporate them into your mixdowns. Using them to create different feels and vibes can give your masters that final touch you’ve been looking for. This is a must-have! Compatibility: macOS 10.9 through 10.15, Windows 7-10 More Info & Download Specifications: Features & When To Use: Simplicity is key with EQ work in the mix or master, and this plugin keeps that in mind through and through. With a very easy to use GUI STEQ 2 has a powerful but simple way of delivering a small form factor EQ to your DAW. This EQ gives off old school retro vibe, precise, clean, and adds a lot of detail to the mid-range. STEQ 2 is excellent for tonal rebalancing due to the broadness of the three bands creating a pure blend between the frequency ranges. Using this to add punch to claps and snares is also a good use. But be careful when adding to full bus groups. This EQ from Analog Obsession is an excellent tool to keep at your disposal when thinking about doing some tasks during your mix, or why not change up those stock plugins for free. Compatibility WiN, OSX AU VST, VST3 More Info & Download Specifications: Great for: Features & When To Use: Nova is a parallel dynamic EQ; each band has a dedicated, dynamic section giving the user full flexibility. Giving the option to drag and move bands in the visual GUI individually or group, this provides a natural form factor way to get results. Using the multiband compression built into Nova your be able to manipulate your EQ even further, this will be displayed in the visual GUI with real-time feedback of the compression process. (subtly decrease the threshold to hear the difference) In mix and mastering, you can use Nova to visually see where you may have audio issues to fix and makes it very easy to apply these changes with the drag and change feature. The dynamic EQ is a handy tool to have in practice when mixing down full compositions – use it to bring down or up frequencies only when they reach a specific volume. Nova is a heavyweight EQ with a lot under the hood all for free! Compatibility: Win XP SP2 or above, Mac OS X 10.7 or above. More Info & Download Specifications: Features & When To Use: ReaEQ may look basic, but under the hood, there is a lot to offer. Being able to have as many bands as you wish is a massive bonus, you also have the ability to change all of these bands to one of the following (shelves, bands, LPF, HPF, notch, bandpass, allpass). With a stripped-back GUI, it keeps you focused on the task at hand, not over complicating things but giving you the power of an audio god at your fingertips. With a tremendous real-time visual display, this gives you the eyes and ear focus that you need when EQ in the mix. Phasing is a big issue when mixing, ReaEQ gives you a ‘Show Phase’ button which will show you in your display what frequencies are being affected by the band. When mastering you may wish to keep all bands in one EQ patch, with ReaEQ you can do this. Stripped back and powerful ReaEQ is a favorite among many producers across a wide range of genres. Compatibility: WIN 32, WIN 64 More Info & Download Specifications: Features & When To Use: The Triple EQ is a three-band semi-parametric equaliser. With a simple and easy to read visual display of the frequencies in real-time, you will have a clear display of the EQ in front of your eyes. Alongside the huge +/- 40 dB range, Triple EQ has a bandwidth of .01 to 5 Octaves! An exciting feature with Triple EQ is that you can link two bands together using the ‘Link Channels’ feature. This will allow you to use them in unison; combine this with the automaton support to create quick and easy modulation. This is a great way to change an EQ while in the mix with complex automation. Using the linking feature to create movement and progression within your mixdowns makes Triple EQ a threat. Fully customisable shapes make this a different tool when deep in the mix or master, you will find many uses for the dynamic bands you can create—having dynamic bands that you are able to manipulate helps when visually your EQ and how it may affect the whole frequency range. Check this one out for a small form factor powerful EQ! Compatibility: Windows 7 to 10, Mac OS 10.7 or newer. More Info & Download Specifications: Features & When To Use: We have another FREE plugin from Analog Obsession! This time is bringing you Merica an emulation of the API 550A console equaliser. A simple three-band EQ delivers a lot of power to your mixes and masters. Selectively choose which frequency your band boosts or cuts with the option to the right of the knobs. All bands kept simple and easy to get to grips with. Meica also has a nifty and very much needed output knob, there will be no issues with clipping in the digital domain when mastering with this plugin. A larger than appearing sound Merica is an excellent EQ plugin to use when in the mixdowns and masters. Given that the EQ it emulates is an industry-standard plugin this small form, powerful, easy to use, and was coded by one man! Merica is a must grab for all audio creatives looking to upgrade their stock EQ plugins. Compatibility: VST Win, VST3 Win, VST Mac, VST3 Mac, AU Mac More Info & Download Specifications: Features & When To Use: TinyQ is a small form factor EQ. Giving the user a stripped-back interface TinyQ offers a solution to a simple job. Having too many settings can become overwhelming; TinyQ does what it says on the tin and doesn’t make your job any harder. Keeping things simple when mixing down whole groups is essential – finding yourself using CPU heavy EQ, or a stock plugin just might not cut it for you. TinyEQ is excellent for doing those necessary but straightforward EQ tasks! With the recent addition of built-in frequency analyzer, it makes EQ even easier when getting stuck into your mixes or masters. Create awesome sounding band curves. Great emphasis on keeping things simple goes a long way with TinyQ; the team has made a great EQ that does everything it needs to in one small package. With four bands plus high pass/low pass filters, you won’t be looking any further for your day to day EQ needs. Compatibility: Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.7 or later (both 64 bit) More Info & Download Features & When To Use: SonEQ has 3 bands, low (20 Hz – 100 Hz), mid (150 Hz – 4 kHz), high (6 kHz – 15 kHz). Combined with a high pass and low pass filter, plus a ‘Mid-high Q’ this means when it’s on your band its narrow and when deactivated will cause it to be wider. This indicated by the red light. Giving the user a lot of ways to EQ but keeping things user-friendly is what SonEQ does best. Having the volume meter is very hand when mixing with any EQ, it gives the visual display of when things are getting a bit heated for your output. SonEQ also gives you the full control of your input and output levels. This comes in handy when you are mixing your tracks with heavy effects, causing the overall levels to become louder than 0.0dB; this is where adjusting both the input and output parameters will solve the issue. With this plugin being free for all to use we don’t see any reason why this shouldn’t be ready to deploy at the click of a finger, whether it’s beefing up the mix with the built-in bass boost preamp staging or adding a touch of colour to the highs this plugin has you covered. Compatibility: Mac OSX 10.6 or newer – Windows XP or newer More Info & Download Specifications: Features & When To Use: PTEq-X is a digital emulation of three famous vintage EQ. Equipped with three EQ modules comprised of mid-range (2kHZ – 7 kHz), low-frequency (20Hz – 150Hz), high-frequency (3kHz – 16kHz). Using the mid-range module, you can use the low, mid parameter (top left) to effect the lower mid frequencies. Alternatively use the high mid setting (top right) to cause-effect to these frequencies. Moving down the EQ, we have our second module, which is PEQ1A EQ (Low & High). This comes with a bunch of parameters to mould your EQ patches perfectly to your source. Finally, this is all topped off with the HL3C module; this is a low-cut accompanied by a high-cut. You can also use the ‘Oversampling’ feature to reduce aliasing. Use the “Tube” switch to apply or deactivate the tube amp. Using the input and output levels will give you the ability to control any nasty peaks brought in or out of the EQ. PTEq-X is a combination of some of the best analogue EQ’s to exist, plus its FREE!! We recommend this one for a great addition to your EQ arsenal. Compatibility: Windows 7 – 10 32 and 64 bit. OS X 10.7 64 bit More Info & Download Specifications: Features & When To Use: Pushtec 5+1A is a versatile mid-range program EQ that has mixing and mastering at its heart. This plugin offers six bands, all offering a fantastic sounding boost through all parameters. A vast selection of plugins makes it easy for users to start with something super effective and tweak to their liking. “B/W” stands for bandwidth, this allows you to tweak the selected band and adjust to your preference. A friendly and straightforward GUI keeps this EQ a smaller form factor but with a lot of power. Being designed for mixing and mastering be assured that this plugin delivers best when applied to a whole group or a master channel. Giving instant sparkle to a mix or a very much needed bass boost this FREE plugin has you covered! Compatibility: Win 7 or higher only More Info & Download Specifications: Features & When To Use: QRange is a very straight forward, user friendly, and effective EQ for mixing and mastering. Giving the user an intuitive click and drag feature makes EQ work easy and more controllable. With a choice of twelve bands, there is excellent room for doing additive plus subtractive EQ all in one plugin patch. Each band has. Selection of up to five different types (peak, low-shelf, high-shelf, low cut, and high cut). Built into the frequency spectrum, you have the power to change it to pre or post. ‘Pre’ will let you see what the frequency range looks likes before the EQ is applied, whereas ‘Post’ will allow you to see it after the EQ has taken effect. Offering the ability to users to save and load their own presets makes it easy to bring back some of your favourite patches while working on a mix or master. It has to be said lkjb QRange is a must-have FREE EQ plugin. Compatibility: Win 7 or higher, macOS 10.7 or higher More Info & Download Specifications: Features & When To Use: TDR’s Slick EQ provides a recognizable analogue sound. Using three bands that bring together four different EQ models. Both low and high bands are coupled with a cut and bell feature allowing for comfortable band changing. Auto gain estimates the gain change caused by the current EQ settings; this makes it great to compare your EQ setting during the mix. There is also an ‘EQ Sat’ button; this will activate the saturator which is very intelligently paired to your EQ bands. This will add harmonics when boosting and remain passive when cutting. Being able to save your favourite EQ settings for a later mix or master can be done within the plugin. Coupled with a undo/redo button you never miss that sweet spot for your bands, alternatively set up two different EQs with the A/B switch. Slick EQ gives a very stripped back interface meaning you don’t get caught up with the visuals when doing equalising, providing a focus on what your hearing. This EQ shouldn’t be overlooked, with great coding, algorithms, settings, and excellent sounding types SlickEQ delivers more than you would expect from a FREE plugin. Compatibility: Win 32 bit VST2, VST3, Win 64bit VST2, VST3, AAX More Info & Download Specifications: Features & When To Use: Manda Audio brings us 7Q. 7Q is an emulation of the beloved ‘Classic EQ’ which became discontinued, the team came together and brought the community back a redesigned version. 7Q takes off all the fancy parts and gives you the bare basics; this is what gives this a place on our list. With 7Q giving you the ability to apply your EQ to the left or right or both channels, you can independently EQ both sides of the stereo field. Each band can be additive or subtractive. Keeping easy to use format is what this plugin does best; it doesn’t over-complicate the task at hand but assists your needs along the way wether mix or master. Low memory and CPU usage make it easy to have multiple instances in your projects without having your computer meltdown. 7Q is a nifty EQ that is awesome for giving your sounds a little crisp boost before running into your other plugins within the chain. Compatibility: Win VST 32/64 bit, AAX 32/64 bit More Info & Download Specifications: Features & When To Use: EQ1A is a FREE analog-style EQ with a clever algorithm giving you minimal phase coloration. This plugin has initially been paid to use the plugin, but the developers have decided to give it to us all for FREE! EQ1A allows you to use broad bands to shape your sounds or outputs in a clean, crisp and phase-corrected way. Being able to save you presets within the plugin makes it very easy to pull back that EQ you made on the last mix. 4-band parametric equalizer with an additional HP filter with variable resonance gives a wide range of settings to play with while keeping everything simple and user friendly. EQ1A does what it says on the tin for FREE! Using this within mixing or mastering may help you when wanting to add a hefty highpass or when looking to give some warmth to your mid ranges. It has to be said with a great look, and low CPU usage EQ1A is an excellent addition to your plugins. Compatibility: Win, Mac More Info & Download Specifications: Features & When To Use: Voxengo is notorious for doing some excellent free plugins. This addition is the Marvel GEQ, which is a fifteen band linear phase EQ. There is a routing tab that allows you to affect the signals mid/sides independently. (orange slides) Also giving full independence to the mid/side output level, becoming very useful when mixing and mastering. Bypass feature makes it simple to hear what your EQ is doing to your sound source. Alternatively, decide between two EQ setups with the A/B mode. For quick EQ drawing, you can hold ‘Ctrl or Cmd’ and click across the EQ drawing in your fader settings with the click of a mouse. Having a stripped back form factor with enough controls to complement your mixing tasks this plugin has to be our list today. Compatibility: VST Win, VST3 Win, VST Mac, VST3 Mac, AU Mac More Info & Download Specifications: Features & When To Use: BASIQ is a three-band EQ. It keeps in mind that EQ work for mixing and mastering doesn’t have to be a headache or over complicated. BASIQ is a design similar to the classic ‘Baxandall Equalizer’ which is knowns for its natural-sounding shelves and HiFi quality responses. Adding a smooth, gradual shimmer or warmth instead of a surgical sharpness is what BASIQ does best. Use on groups or a master chain to subtly but significantly add character with the turn of a knob. With some added presets you be able to get a quick change in tone with the click of a button. The small form factor makes this BASIQ a powerful tool to be used within the mix or master. Compatibility: Win, Mac, VST, AU, 64 bit With all of that said, grabbing all 17 plugins wouldn’t do you any harm, but we want to break down our top 3 picks! In our top spot, we have Colour EQ by DDMF. This plugin brings so many features that you would expect from pay to use plugins but all for FREE! Another fresh point is that the curves you can create with this cannot be done on other EQ plugins, giving Colour EQ a versatile approach. Low-CPU – Usage Customisable GUI – Great warm sound – 5 Bands Coming in second is Nova by TDR. Parametric, dynamic EQ, and multiband compression are all built into an excellent looking FREE plugin. Nova has a built-in dynamic EQ parameter when mixing, and mastering using a dynamic EQ is crucial sometimes. Having this all in one plugin for free is hugely commendable to the team who developed this plugin! Parametric equalization – Dynamic equalization – Frequency selective compression – Multi-band compression – Wideband compression And finally, our last top pick is ‘Triple’ by Blue Cat. This awesome plugin has so many features you just wouldn’t expect a FREE plugin to have. With a fresh interface and drag and click feature to make EQing even more natural Triple is a powerful EQ. Semi-parametric EQ – +/- 40dB Range per band – MIDI control and automation support – Real-time display Today we have covered a lot of great FREE EQs for mixing and mastering. Amazingly, we have developers putting out all of these plugins for producers/sound engineers to level out the playing field. As we have all seen these ‘not to name’ brands releasing rather expensive EQs that we just can’t fork out for, but with the way, music has progressed today in the digital domain it has become much more accessible for creatives to share their ideas and effects for free. With that said, they all have their benefits and downsides, but with them all being free, there is no reason you can’t pick them up and use these in your mixes or masters today!Best Free Vst Sample Player
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