While this term may seem alien to most, you would not have escaped VST plugins if you are a part of the ever-increasing group of people who spent time recording and producing music on their computers.

• VST plugins can add power and flexibility to your digital audio workstation. They can also be very expensive. Here is a collection of over ninety awesome effects plugins that have one thing in common: they're free. Check the details for each plugin to see if it works on your system.
• Software plugins (VST) do a great job of emulating the sound of the devices that have shaped music. If you’re putting together a home studio, this is not going to be ideal. Instead, software plugins (VST) do a great job of emulating the sound of the devices that have shaped music.
• What it does: Krush is a bitcrusher plugin, which puts it in the effects VST category. Instead of using it to generate new sounds, you use it to modify the output from an instrument VST. As a bitcrusher, it's designed to clip, downsample, and filter your tracks to create interesting new effects.

You could be a small, bedroom-sized studio owner who just does this on the side as a hobby, or you could be running a professional studio that produces music for others as well.

The Pecheneg is a tremolo VST effect. It gives you the power to create rhythmic modulations with your sound. The Tempo section allows you to play the frequency either by selecting a Note or a Frequency. Just like when you use LFOs, the Pecheneg Tremolo allows you to change the wave shape.

There is no way for you to produce real quality content without using the many different VST plugins that are easily available across platforms.

If you are looking for a guide that will help you understand VST plugins, all you need to do is keep reading!

What Is VST?

VST is the short form commonly used for Virtual Studio Technology.

This technology was developed to replace the traditional audio recording hardware with the help of software that could do the job in a much easier manner. This interface standard works to connect synthesizers and effects to editors and recording programs focused on audio.

The main difference in the process — when you compare the traditional methods with VST — is that you don’t have to bother about routing the audio out of the computer to the units made especially for hardware effects and then get it back to the computer. Instead, all of it is done internally.

There are two types of VST plugins that you absolutely need to know about if you are into recording and producing music — VST effects and VST instruments. Within each of these categories, there are tons of different options for you to choose from. All of these may perform similar or vastly different functions.

Let’s delve deeper into both these types of plugins in the next section.

VST Effects and VST Instruments

In this section, we will be looking at the two main types of VST plugins that you can incorporate into your audio recording, editing and producing process.

The first of these is the VST effects, which also include a large number of different sub-categories within the larger category of effects.

Similarly, the second type of plugins are VST instruments, which also cover a wide range of categories, some of which will be discussed in greater detail below.

VST Effects

The first type — VST effects — work like most other types of audio effects and can be used to process audio in a more effective manner, as it gives you the option of using it in real-time. VST effects work best when they are used in combination with the right low-latency soundcard

If there is a particular audio effect found in the form of hardware, there will definitely be a VST option for the same.

The different effects can be split into many different categories, the most popular of which are mentioned below:

• Modulation effects — For example, Chorus, Flanger, and Phaser.
• Time-based effects — For example, Reverb, Delay, and Echo.
• Spectral effects — For example, EQ and Panning
• Dynamic effects — For example, Compression and Distortion
• Filters — For example, Low-pass, High-pass, Band-pass, and
  Band-reject

Let’s look at some of these in greater detail now.

EQ

The first type of VST plugins to be discussed here are the ones that concentrate on EQ. With the EQ plugins, you have control — digitally 0 over the frequency of the audio signals, which you can then adjust according to your requirement. There are many different types of EQ plugins available but their efficiency and utility will depend on your individual need for equalizing. Using these plugins, you can put together some simple adjustments and then customize the audio to fit your exact needs. The plugins may include many different multiple filters that help in either boosting or cutting off the different levels of frequencies.

The Best EQ VST Plugins for Instruments and Vocals

Looking to level up on your beats? Make sure you are always EQing everything with some of these free and paid eq vst plugins.

Reverb

The second type is the reverb VST plugins, which are basically tools that help you create the surroundings — including the specific reflections — in which any instrument is being placed. These are wonderful when it comes to giving a natural feel to the audio, as they put together the right amount of delay, as well as the response frequency so that an accurate recreation of the natural setting can be created. There are different types of reverb plugins that you can turn to, but you must remember that the performance of these can vary to a great extent.

Delay

If you are looking for specific plugins that will record an audio signal and replay it after a decided interval of time till it fades out completely, you can get your hands on delay VST plugins. There are a ton of ways in which you can play with these VST effects and all of them will end up giving you vastly — or marginally — different end results. There are a number of controls that are typically found in delay plugins, for example, dry/wet — which can be used to decide whether you want the actual audio with repetitions or just the repetitions — delay time — which determines the time for the replays — as well as feedback controls, which help in deciding how long the replays are going to be.

Compressor

Sometimes the difference between the louder and the softer sounds can get too jarring and the overall audio needs to be compressed to achieve a more balanced sound. Compressor VST plugins have been specially designed for situations like these, where their main purpose is to react to the audio signals and condense the sounds. These are different from EQ plugins, as they simply reduce the range of sounds that are coming in. There are many different types of compressor plugins, but the most basic ones usually come with a variety of adjustment controls like threshold, ratio, attack, release, knee, and more. These are in charge of the different aspects of the compression of sound signals.

Filter

Another set of plugins that work in a manner that is similar to EQs, in essence, are filters. These help in tuning frequencies that go out of a particular limit that has been set as the cut-off frequency. This includes both frequencies that go over it or stay under it. You have the option of making the most out of the different bands on which these plugins function and operate. While there are many different varieties available, there are three main ones that you should know about — high-pass filter, low-pass filter, and band-pass filters. While a high-pass filter will just disable frequencies below the cutoff, low pass will disable the ones that go above the cutoff. Band-pass filters will keep only those that fit in the specified band.

Distortion

The last set of VST effects plugins to be discussed on this list are the ones aimed at distortion. If you choose such plugins and apply them to your audio, it will be intensified to a degree that makes it sound closer to what the same audio would sound in an analog setting. While in the past you didn’t have too much control over such distortion, now you can adjust all the different parameters that are in front of you to get a customized end result. Some parameters include multi-band, bit-crushers, phase, dynamic distortions and so much more. These can add a lot of character to the sound.

VST Instruments

Often referred to as VSTi, VST instruments can come in the form of either synthesizers or sampler units that you can play in real time. The other way to use them — if you are looking at live performances — is with MIDI. Regular instruments are physical pieces of hardware that can be bulky and unwieldy, but VST instruments are just the software versions of these, which makes them very handy for people working out of studios. Some of the more popular VST instruments will be discussed in greater detail below. Having these plugins loaded onto your computer eliminates the requirement of physically carrying around instruments.

Drum

As we mentioned before, VSTi plugins are going to give you all the benefits of having access to hardware without some of the associated disadvantages. With the help of a large number of VST drum plugins that are available — both for free and at some reasonable cost — you can get some authentic sounds in a virtual format. There are two types of drum plugins here. The first category of plugins is capable of mimicking the sound produced by the drums but with a few additional features for more depth. The second gives you many more options to create and innovate.

Bass

Bass is one of those elements that can make a world of a difference to the end result of your production. If you are looking for a virtual tool that will help you create a sound that is similar to the sound that is produced by analog tools, bass VST plugins can be the solution to your problems. As there are many different types of bass plugins available at any given time, you may have to choose what suits your requirements in the best possible way. Most, however, will give you a wide range of low-end variations and a chance to customize them according to your needs. The libraries included with these plugins are very impressive.

Synth

If you use the regular hardware synth instruments in your studio but want to switch them out for virtual software options, turning to synth-based VST plugins is always a good idea. These plugins help in creating the digital waveforms that emulate the sound that is produced by the physical instruments. With the help of these plugins, you can pick and choose which qualities you want to add while isolating and manipulating the basics. Synth-based VST plugins can help you get sounds that are similar to the ones created by instruments as well as the environment.

Piano

A piano is a large instrument that you possibly cannot lug around wherever you go. Therefore, VST plugins make for great alternatives that give you the right sound quality coupled with convenience. When it comes to piano VST plugins, there are two types that you must keep in mind. In the first category are those plugins that work with the help of sample sounds from an actual piano. The real instrument is used to record sounds and you will be required to use your computer as well as a MIDI keyboard controller to gain full access to its functionality. The second type use specially designed algorithms that mimic the sound produced by a piano.

String

If you need software that emulates the sound created by some of the popular stringed instruments that are used in the music industry, you should try to choose a good set of string VST plugins. With the help of high-quality processors and specialized parameters that are aimed at some of the more advanced utilization of the sound produced, these plugins help emulate the sound produced by a bunch of different stringed instruments like the guitar, violin and so on.

Orchestral

The final set of VST instrument plugins to be discussed on this list are orchestral plugins. Their functionality is not limited to just one or two instruments but covers a full collection of instruments, usually more in line with the classical form of music. The aim is to produce a sound that mimics an actual orchestra set up and performance by giving you access to libraries of samples that are extraordinary in terms of quality.

While it is easy to get overwhelmed by the number of options that are in front of you when it comes to VST plugins, there are some things that you must keep in mind before giving in to the hype. First and foremost, check the system requirements, as there are some plugins that may not go well with your CPU. Additionally, it is important to know the source of the plugins, as these are third-party elements that may put your system in danger if you don’t look at the makers and their reputation. There may be free plugins but you may have to pay anywhere between a few dollars to a few hundred dollars for the plugins.

If you have been putting off using VST plugins, it is recommended that you try to incorporate these into your audio development process and just see the massive difference that they make to the quality of output. This is something that you just can’t avoid if you want the best out of your system!

Disclosure: When you buy through our links, we may get a commission at zero cost to you.

“My audio sample sounds dry” – I’ll add a reverb effect to make it wet (sound roomy) a little!

That was a joke, I can bet you have come across several effects in your software applications (DAW) such as reverb, delay, compression, distortion, and other various effects.

But! Why do we use audio effects in the first place?

To answer that question, I’ll ask you a simple question. How would your meal taste without any ingredients?

Tasteless right! Yh, sure, it’s still eatable but it lacks flavor. /free-vst-plugin-distortion.html. Let’s transition back to the old question, why do we use audio effects?

Audio effects are software devices (ingredients) that manipulates an audio signal to a specific taste, it can make a dry audio signal sound wet, it can help in controlling the gains of an uncompressed sound (proper leveling of peaks), it can make a dull audio sample sound lively, and it can also be misused (think of adding too many/too little salt to your meal).

Since we know the importance of using audio effects, I would be recommending some of the best free VST effects plugins.

It doesn’t make any sense to randomly list the effects, so I decided to categorize each and every effect, all compressor vst effect plugin would be under the Compressor Vst category, reverb vst effects plugin would be under Reverb Vst category, you get the idea.

Page Contents

Vst Audio Effects Plugins Plugin

• Compressor Free VST/AU/AAX Plugin
• Reverb Free VST/AU/AAX Plugin
• Delay Free VST/AU/AAX Plugin
• EQ Free VST/AU/AAX Plugin

Let’s get cracking…

Compressor Free VST/AU/AAX Plugin

Compression is an effect or an audio processing tool that is used to control the overall Dynamics of an audio signal or an audio portion.

Some of the best free compressor plugins are…

1.) Audiofb – SeteChave Compressor

SeteChave is the first compressor on our list and is designed with characteristics close to the “pumping” effect. It can be used for parallel compressing and it is really intuitive with minimal knobs, so, you will quickly get a hold of this one.

Features:

• Input – Input signal gain control from -12db to + 12db
• Att – Attack spanning from 1.2ms to 500ms
• Rel – Release ranging from 20ms to 5s
• Threshold – with decibel range from 0db to -36db
• Ratio – Compression ratio, ranging from 1: 1 to 200: 1
• Knee – Curve gives compression, which varies between values 1 and 5 Output – Output signal gain control from -12db to + 12db.

Specification Requirements:

• Windows: Minimum of Win 8.1
• Mac OSX: Minimum of 10.10
• Supports Only 64bits of this format: VST/VST3/AAX/AU

Download (Requires Free Registration): SeteChave Compressor

2.) TDR Nova

Nova is a parallel equalizer and a multiband compressor that can tackle and fix a wide range of applications when processing. It can feel a little bit daunting when using TDR due to its various knobs, but you should easily get familiar after experimenting with its features and besides, it is free 😉

Free Vst Audio Effects Plugins

TDR NOVA is useful and works with all kinds of audio material, be it a drum bus asking for more crispiness, or a sibilance issue with your sounds, Nova got your back!

A simple UI design, drag and drop display with a classic “Knob” interface given quick and smooth access to the various parameters driving NOVA’s powerful processing capabilities.

The most interesting thing about this tool is that it has a rare feature you would find in Nova is that it allow users to copy and paste presets, and a lot of more great feature.

Features:

• Parametric equalization
• Dynamic equalization
• Frequency selective compression
• Multi-band compression
• Wideband compression.

Specification Requirement:

• Compatible with Windows ( Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10 and later versions) and macOS X 10.7 and above
• Win 32bit formats: VST2/AAX
• Win 64bits formats: VST2/VST3/AAX
• Mac OSx 64bits formats: VST2/VST3/AU/AAX

Download TDR NOVA Blue exorcist season 2 download.

3.) T-Chain

I can’t even believe this is free (well, partially!)

T-Chain as it names sounds, it is a chain of different plugins or a channel strip plugin that is designed for modularity, users can arrange different sound modules within the signal path, you get the idea!.

For example, you might decide to use it as a single Eq or a compressor module and if you so wish, you can arrange different sound modules such as a free EQ, Compressor, Gate, and Splitter (for splitting the signal into two distinct paths), one of the most exciting features about this free plugin, is that the module can be rearranged, added, and deleted by drag-and-drop, this way, your life can be easier rearranging your signal chain.

I should mention some modules aren’t free but getting a free Eq, compressor, gate, and splitter is more than enough for so many use cases.

Features:

• Free and Paid modules, with the ability to demo any module at any time
• Customizable spectrum analyzer and waveform display
• Full-featured preset management system with searchable filter and text-based importing/exporting
• Multiple plugin interface size (compact, small, medium, and large)
• A/B Comparison feature for the entire plugin, and for individual modules

Specification Requirement:

• Available on Mac and PC; in VST, VST3, AU, and AAX formats; and 32- and 64-bit architecture

Download Mac: T-Chain for Mac

Download PC: T-Chain for Win

4.) TDR Kotelnikov

TDR Kotelnikov is a plugin by tokyodawn, the maker of TDR Nova.

Kotelnikov is a wideband dynamics compressor that is designed with high fidelity dynamic range control with deep musical flexibility. Their Nova plugin is a combo of Eq and Compressor while Kotelnikov is built solely for dynamic processing and has an on par features such as a proven control scheme, individual release control for peak and RMS content, an intuitive user interface, and powerful, state of the art, high-precision algorithms.

This plugin is suited when used as bus compression and or a master channel, if you try throwing many instances of Kotelnikov on your mixer inserts, you’ll eat your CPU up!

Features:

• 64bit multi-rate processing structure for highest accuracy
• “Delta” oversampled signal path (bit transparent at 0dB gain reduction)
• Super fast, yet natural sounding compression
• Flexible sidechain highpass filter
• Advanced stereo linking options optimized for the stereo bus
• Delta preview mode previews the difference between the compressed and original signal
• Latency compensated, click-free bypass (i.e. processing never interrupted)
• Advance User interface rescaling (100%, 125%, 150%)

Specification Requirement:

• Compatible with Windows ( Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10 and later versions) and macOS X 10.7 and above
• Win 32bit formats: VST2/AAX
• Win 64bits formats: VST2/VST3/AAX
• Mac OSx 64bits formats: VST2/VST3/AU/AAX

Download Mac: TDR Kotelnikov

5.) Multiband Compressor – OTT

OTT is based on a popular Ableton compressor presets and are redesigned has a three-band compressor that can either be used as an Upward or Downward compressor.

Download OTT

6.) Beatskillz – Max1

I might be biased in this review but personally, this is one of the best auto-compressor plugins out there. Max 1 will automatically analyze the ratio depending on the audio source and compress accordingly.

If you feel itchy about using an auto compressor tool, you are as well covered, Max1 comes with the default compressor knobs (Threshold, Attack, Gain, and the likes). In addition to this, it also comes bundled with a soft clip switch so you can clip anything that goes past 0dB, this way, you can save extra effort using a Limiter.

Features:

• Auto-Compressor with “intelligent” and variable release time and ratio settings.
• Control your peaks very easily or increase the energy and levels of your track or mix effortlessly.
• The Plugin has accurate metering for both L/R input and output channels as well as Gain Gain Reduction Metering.
• Great Presets to get you started on all types of material and also save your own presets.
• When compressing a lot, just use the “Attack” knob to dial back the punch easily. Use the soft limit to make your track loud effortlessly and transparently.
• Never Lose “Bass” when maximizing your mix or sounds, retain the character of your sounds with this transparent dynamics processor.
• Easy Effortless Compression and Energy Maximization.

Download: Win 32 VST / Win 64 VST / Mac OSX VST / Mac AU

Note: You might be asked to provide a serial key, just input your email and if you don’t get one by email, click not today

7.) Dead Duck Free Effects Bundle (25 VST audio effect plugins)

This is a bundled effect plugin by Dead duck. It contains 25 original VST audio effect plugins covering everything from essential mixing tools such as EQ, compression, and limiting to creative sound-shaping tools such as delays, modulation effects, and reverb:

1. AutoFilter: A resonant 4-pole low-pass filter with a built-in LFO modulator.
2. AutoPan: An auto-panning modulation effect with optional tempo-sync and width control.
3. BitCrusher: A bit-crusher effect for lo-fi distortion.
4. Channel: A multi-function channel-strip plugin featuring gate, compressor, equalizer, limiter, filters and gain controls with comprehensive input, output, and gain-reduction metering.
5. Chorus: A stereo chorus effect with optional tempo-sync.
6. Compressor: A peak compressor with optional external side-chain input.
7. DeEsser: A de-esser for reducing sibilance and other unwanted high-frequency sounds.
8. Delay: A stereo delay featuring independent left and right channels with optional stereo linking and tempo-sync.
9. DJEQ: A three-band ‘DJ-style’ equalizer.
10. DualFilter: A high-pass and low-pass filter combination with full-range cutoff frequencies and resonance.
11. Equalizer: A four-band parametric equalizer with switchable low- and high-shelf bands.
12. Expander: A downward expander with optional external side-chain input.
13. Filter: A multi-mode filter including low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and band-stop responses from 12 to 48 dB/octave.
14. Flanger: A stereo flanger with optional tempo-sync.
15. Gate: A noise-gate with optional external side-chain input.
16. Limiter: A ‘soft’ limiter with optional hard-clipper.
17. MonoDelay: A mono-delay with optional ‘ping-pong’ stereo output and tempo-sync.
18. Overdrive: An overdrive distortion effect.
19. Phaser: A stereo, multi-stage phaser with optional tempo-sync.
20. Reverb: An efficient algorithmic reverb with pre-delay and input filtering.
21. RingMod: A ring-modulation effect.
22. SigGen: A signal-generator with sine, pink noise, and white noise outputs.
23. TiltEQ: A tilt-equalizer for adjusting high/low-frequency balance.
24. Tremolo: A volume-modulation effect with optional tempo-sync.
25. Utility: A multi-function mixing utility.

Download: Dead Duck Free Effects Bundle

Reverb Free VST/AU/AAX Plugin

Reverb is the simulation of the sound of space. This space could be your bathroom, a small room, a concert hall, a chamber, and so on.

It can be used to create all sorts of effects but it can easily be misused too, basically reverb effects can be used to…

• To create depth in a mix; pushing elements further back in a mix
• To glue elements within a track together
• and many more.

Vst Audio Effects Plugins After Effects

Let’s see some of the best free reverb plugins…

8.) Voxengo – OldSkoolVerb

Voxengo plugins have been my best and ready to go plugin for my music production toolbox.

OldSkoolVerbemulates the classic stereo verb algorithm and produces a crystal clear spatial image that blends well with an audio file.

This reverb tool comes bundled with various sets of parameters permitting a user to achieve different reverb styles ranging from room reverb to hall reverb to plate reverb.

“The Voxengo OldSkoolVerb is best used for a non-percussive and soft-attack sound like vocals, piano and pad sounds”.

Specification Requirement:Reaper midi patch with free vst.

• Compatible with Windows ( Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 and later versions) and macOS (10.7 and later releases, Intel processor-based)
• VST/AAX supports
• Compatible with 32 and 64 bit on Windows and Mac Os
• Supports 2 GHz dual-core or faster processor
• 2GB RAM or higher

Download OldSkoolVerb

8.) Smart Electronix – Ambience

Vst Audio Effects Plugins Chrome

A friend recommended Ambience too me a few years back, and the moment I tested it, I was literally blown away.

One of my favorite features of Ambience is the hold parameter which smartly freezes the reverb tail until the button is released. You can use this for creating a reverse reverb effect, special effect and you can even automate the knobs.

Ambience is a donationware plugin. You get a nag screen with no limitation, and if you love the plugin, you can donate to the developer.’

Download: Win 32 VST / Mac OSX VST

9.) Anwida Soft – DX Reverb Light

This is the light version of the original DX Reverb. The light version contains only one simplified algorithm of the 11 available algorithms in the full version, even with the limitation, DX Reverb Light can be handy for a quick reverb effect.

Download: Win 32 VST / Win 64 VST / Mac OSX VST / Mac AU

10.) Signaldust – Abstract Chamber

I don’t know if you ever notice undesirable reverb effect when used for longer reverb sounds, it sounds frustrating some times, with Abstract Chamber you can create a longer modulated reverbs whole also maintaining a natural yet abstract spatial impression.

It only supports VST

Download Abstract Chamber

11.) TAL-Reverb III

TAL-Reverb 3 is designed to be used as a stereo plate plug-in, which is the replacement of its predecessor (TAL-Reverb-II). This new edition has several improvements such as an optimized GUI and some changes in the reverb algorithm.

Vst Audio Effects Plugins Download

Additionally, TAL-Reverb 3 has a simple EQ section, a meter display and shows actual slider values.

Features:

• Plate reverb sound.
• One simple room size control.
• Pre-delay up to one second.
• EQ section (12dB cut, low shelf filter at 1000Hz, high shelf filter at 200Hz).
• Stereo width control (from full stereo to mono).
• Stereo input mode (mono or stereo input).
• Displays the slider value of the active fader.
• A meter shows the output volume.
• 10 factory presets.

Specification Requirements:

• Windows: Windows XP or higher (32 / 64 bit)
• OSX: OSX 10.7 or higher (32 / 64 bit).
• AAX: Pro Tools 10.3.6 or higher

Download: Windows / Mac

Delay Free VST/AU/AAX Plugin

Delay is an audio effect that records an input audio signal to a medium and then plays it back after a period of time or after the time you specify.

Some of the free delay plugins are…

12.) Proximity

Proximity is easy to use delay plugin based on several psycho-acoustic models. The idea is to give mixing engineers a reliable tool for manipulating the depth of several sound sources in a straight forward and convincing manner.

It is available in both 32 and 64-bits versions for Windows and Mac OS X in VST & AU format.

Download: Windows / Mac

13.) Adam Monroe’s Delay

Adam Monroe’s Delay is a free delay VST/AU/ AAX plugin. It features traditional delay parameters such as time and feedback, as well as high/low-pass filtering and synchronized ping-pong panning.

It supports both 32 and 64-bit version:

Download: Win VST / Win AAX / Mac VST / Mac AU

EQ Free VST/AU/AAX Plugin

14.) TAL-USE

TAL-USE (Ultra Simple Eq) is especially designed after some tilt eq’s from the ’70s.

This type of eq allows adjusting the audio material without changing the character of a sound to much.

It’s an easy way, to make an audio signal sound darker or brighter with only one knob. The bass lift knob is a special addition that boosts or attenuates bass frequencies below 300Hz.

Requirements:

• Windows XP or higher (32 / 64 bit)
• OSX 10.6 and < 10.10 (32 bit Host).

Download: Win 32 VST / OSX 32 VST / OSX 32 AU

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