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· By Elvic Salic
20 of THE BEST Free VST Plugins of 2023 Effects & Instruments Combined
Introduction
Welcome to this definitive guide on the best free VST plugins of 2023. This comprehensive rundown is designed for producers of all levels—be you a seasoned pro or a hobbyist just starting out. From atmospheric effects to intricate synths, we're covering the top-notch plugins you'll want to include in your digital audio workstation (DAW). Let's delve into 20 of the best.
Effects Plugins
1. Ruina by Noise Engineering
What It Does:
This effects plugin specializes in harsh, granulated sound distortions. It's ideal for producers who want to create avant-garde and unorthodox soundscapes.
Unique Feature:
The "Doom" knob serves as the standout feature, enhancing the textural harshness of the sound to intense levels.
Recommended For:
Runa is particularly well-suited for producers working in experimental, industrial, and ambient music genres, providing them an innovative tool for sound design.
Download here:
As part of their Freequel bundle - LINK
2. Pocket Dimensions by Freak Show Industries
What It Does:
Pocket Dimensions is a unique sound manipulation plugin that specializes in creating ethereal, otherworldly audio environments. It's designed for producers who want to add a touch of the extraordinary to their tracks.
Unique Feature:
Its standout feature is the 'Dimension Warp' control that allows users to create complex, multi-layered soundscapes with just a few adjustments.
Recommended For:
This plugin is ideal for producers interested in ambient, electronic, and cinematic genres, offering a wide array of sonic possibilities to explore.
Download here:
LINK
3. Prisma
What It Does:
Prisma is a powerful plugin designed for layering and blending multiple instruments or effects. It enables producers to create unique, complex sounds by combining different sources.
Unique Feature:
Its 'Blend' function allows for seamless integration of multiple layers, providing an intuitive way to create rich textures and intricate soundscapes.
Recommended For:
Ideal for producers in genres like electronic, orchestral, and film scoring who are looking to enrich their sonic palette with intricate, layered sounds.
Download here:
LINK
4. Red Base
What It Does:
Red Base is a bass synthesizer plugin geared towards providing deep, powerful low-end tones. Its versatility makes it suitable for a range of musical genres, from electronic to hip-hop and beyond.
Unique Feature:
Comes with an onboard sequencer and modulation matrix, allowing for dynamic control over pitch, tone, and resonance.
Recommended For:
Producers looking for a robust, customizable bass sound that can adapt to various musical styles and production needs.
Download here:
LINK
5. APU Loudness Meter
What It Does:
APU Loudness Meter is a plugin designed to measure the loudness levels of audio signals in real-time. It conforms to industry-standard loudness measurement scales and provides detailed feedback on the dynamic range of your mix.
Unique Feature:
Includes multiple monitoring modes such as LUFS (Loudness Units Full Scale), dBFS (decibels relative to full scale), and RMS (Root Mean Square), enabling a comprehensive understanding of loudness levels.
Recommended For:
Producers, sound engineers, and mixers who want to maintain consistent audio levels across tracks or projects, ensuring compliance with broadcasting standards or streaming platform requirements.
Download here:
LINK
6. Dexed by Digital Suburban
What It Does:
Dexed is a multi-platform, multi-format plugin synthesizer that is modeled after the Yamaha DX7. It is ideal for creating a wide range of sounds, from classic 80s to modern electronic tones.
Unique Feature:
Full compatibility with a wide range of DX7 patch libraries.
Recommended For:
Great for producers across genres, particularly those looking to experiment with FM synthesis.
Download here:
LINK
7. Drum Pro by StudioLinked
What It Does:
Drum Pro is a drum machine plugin that comes loaded with a mix of drum kits, from vintage drum sounds to contemporary hip-hop kits.
Unique Feature:
A selection of 20 drum kits and 9 vintage drum machine sounds.
Recommended For:
Well-suited for producers focusing on beat-driven genres like hip-hop, R&B, and trap.
Download here:
LINK
8. TDR Nova by Tokyo Dawn Records
What It Does:
TDR Nova is a parallel dynamic equalizer. Appearing in the familiar layout of a parametric equalizer, the plugin also includes flexible dynamics processing options.
Unique Feature:
Parallel equalization for more natural adjustments.
Recommended For:
Versatile for many genres. It's useful for precise frequency adjustment and dynamics control.
Download here:
LINK
9. Tyrell N6 by u-he
What It Does:
Tyrell N6 is a versatile synthesizer plugin with a focus on 'classic' analog sounds. The design was inspired by a dual-oscillator layout, reminiscent of vintage synths from the '70s and '80s.
Unique Feature:
It comes with an extensive preset library, managed by a community of producers and sound designers.
Recommended For:
Great for producers across a variety of genres who want that classic analog feel.
Download here:
LINK
10. vk1 Viking Synthesizer
What It Does:
The vk1 Viking Synthesizer is an analog-modeled software synthesizer that replicates the characteristic sounds of vintage synths. Its comprehensive feature set makes it a versatile tool for creating a wide variety of electronic sounds.
Unique Feature:
Its analog emulation engine creates authentically warm and rich tones, capturing the essence of classic synthesizers.
Recommended For:
Music producers in genres like electronic, hip-hop, and pop who are looking for vintage analog sounds to add depth and texture to their mixes.
Download here:
LINK
11. Vital
What It Does:
Vital is a wavetable synthesizer that provides both high-quality sound and robust modulation capabilities. It's designed for modern electronic music production and offers a user-friendly interface.
Unique Feature:
It comes with a visual interface for its modulation system, allowing producers to easily visualize and control modulation in real-time. It also offers a free version with a generous set of presets and features.
Recommended For:
Producers across the spectrum from beginners to experts, particularly those focused on electronic genres such as EDM, techno, and ambient music, as well as educational tutorials on sound design.
Download here:
LINK
12. Ample Guitar Lite
What It Does:
This is a highly versatile guitar plugin that offers a realistic guitar sound, making it a solid choice for those looking to incorporate acoustic guitar elements into their projects.
Unique Feature:
The plugin features a variety of mic angles and built-in effects like chorus, overdrive, and phaser, allowing for extensive customization of the guitar sound. Additionally, it offers a "double" option to fatten up the sound.
Recommended For:
Producers looking to add authentic guitar sounds to their tracks, regardless of the genre they are working in. Ideal for both amateur and professional setups.
Download here:
LINK
13. BBC Symphony Orchestra by Spitfire
What It Does:
This plugin is an all-encompassing orchestral instrument that offers a range of orchestral sounds, including strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion. It aims to bring the grandeur and complexity of a real-life symphony orchestra to the digital domain.
Unique Feature:
One of its standout features is the sheer variety of instruments it includes. From individual strings and brass to woodwinds and full orchestral arrangements, the plugin offers a comprehensive suite of sounds.
Recommended For:
Producers and composers looking to integrate authentic orchestral elements into their work, whether for film scoring, classical compositions, or genre-blending in popular music. Ideal for both entry-level users and professionals.
Download here:
LINK
14. Labs by Spitfire Audio
What It Does:
Labs by Spitfire Audio offers a comprehensive suite of high-quality virtual instruments, ranging from strings and pianos to experimental soundscapes.
Unique Feature:
One standout aspect is its "Soft Piano" preset, renowned for its emotive, delicate tones. The plugin also regularly updates with new, curated sounds.
Recommended For:
Producers in virtually any genre looking to expand their sound libraries without compromising quality.
Download here:
LINK
15. B3 Organ by Collaboratory
What It Does:
Emulates the classic sound and functionality of the iconic Hammond B3 organ.
Unique Feature:
Straightforward user interface mimicking traditional B3 organ drawbars for real-time tonal adjustments.
Recommended For:
Producers in genres like gospel, jazz, rock, and hip-hop where the B3 organ is historically prominent.
Download here:
LINK
16. Project Sam: The Free Orchestra
What It Does:
Offers an extensive collection of orchestral samples, from strings and woodwinds to brass and percussion.
Unique Feature:
Compatible with the free Kontakt player, and comes with multi-instruments and single-instrument patches.
Recommended For:
Producers and composers in genres requiring cinematic and symphonic textures, including film scoring and classical music.
Download here:
LINK
17. Salamander Piano by Big Cat Instruments
What It Does: Salamander Piano by Big Cat Instruments offers a realistic emulation of a Yamaha C5 grand piano, complete with multiple velocity layers and built-in reverb.
Unique Feature:
The plugin uses high-quality samples to capture the nuances of an actual Yamaha C5 grand piano.5
Recommended For:
Ideal for musicians and producers seeking authentic, high-quality piano sounds for a variety of genres.
Download here: LINK
18. Dragonfly Room Reverb
What It Does:
Dragonfly Room Reverb is a plugin designed to simulate a variety of acoustic spaces, complete with adjustable parameters like room size, decay time, and high-frequency damping.
Unique Feature:
The plugin offers a wide range of emulated acoustic spaces, allowing for customization in achieving the desired reverb effect.
Recommended For:
This plugin is highly recommended for producers interested in adding depth and dimension to their mixes across multiple genres.
Download here: LINK
19. Soft String Spurs
What It Does:
Soft String Spurs is a virtual instrument that emulates a string orchestra, providing warm and lush orchestral string tones for your music production.
Unique Feature:
The plugin features an intuitive user interface with limited but essential parameters, making it easy to navigate while offering control over your sound.
Recommended For:
This plugin is most suitable for producers seeking rich orchestral string sounds, and it can be used in a variety of genres that require such textures.
Download here: LINK
20. Simple Flute by Fluffy Audio
What It Does:
Simple Flute by Fluffy Audio is a virtual instrument designed to provide authentic and expressive flute sounds for a diverse range of musical projects.
Unique Feature:
The plugin stands out for its straightforward user interface and low CPU usage, making it an efficient choice for producers.
Recommended For:
It is ideal for those who want to incorporate realistic flute sounds into their musical compositions, suitable for various genres and production styles.
Download here: LINK
Have You Tried These Plugins?
We hope you found this round-up of virtual instruments insightful and useful for your music production needs. Have you experimented with any of these plugins before? Or perhaps you've stumbled upon some hidden gems in the world of VST plugins that you'd like to share with our community? We'd love to hear your experiences and recommendations.