
Psychic Modulation Cerebrum
Platform/format: PC/VST Download
Now at version 3.5, Cerebrum is a groovebox-style drum machine that comes equipped with five drum synth modules, 150 drum sounds and a bassline synth. Each module has two 16-step pattern sequencers. The intention is that the software will be used in a live situation to create beats on the fly. The freeware version is the same as the full one except for the fact that multiple outputs are disabled.

Alterex ViSynth
Platform/format: PC/VST Download
ViSynth is another of those 'inspired by but not a copy of' virtual instruments – it's a monophonic synth based on MFB's Synth Lite. There are a couple of oscillators and a sub oscillator: we trust the sound is appropriately vintage.

AZ Audio PolyGrid
Platform/format: PC/VST Download
Your DAW probably has its own built-in MIDI editor, but that hasn't stopped AZ Audio from releasing this plug-in version. It's also a pattern sequencer – you can use up to 64 patterns of variable lengths.

NoiseSoft Hard Line Industrial Distortion
Platform/format: PC/VST Download
Lots of developers claim that their plug-ins are easy to use, but few processors can be quite so simple as this distortion unit. It features just one knob: dial it fully to the left and the effect is bypassed; turn it fully to the right and you've got extreme distortion on a white noise level.