Free music software: the best audio app and plug-in downloads on the net
Free music software
This is a constantly updated collection of free music software downloads - the best VST effects/instruments, other plug-ins and freeware apps on the net.
Assembled from three years of (almost) weekly round-ups, here you'll find everything from virtual synths, EQ, compression and distortion effects to playable desk fans and meowing instruments - all 100% free.
If you've got a new free music software release, make sure you let us know about it by emailing musicradar.pressreleases@futurenet.com with all the details. Or, if you spot any out-of-date links or lapsed freebies, just ask, and we’ll remove them.
Next: The latest round-up
The latest no-charge plugins
Saltline Liść Delay
Platform/format: PC/VST Download
A delay effect that features pre- and post-effect filters. Each of the three delays can have its own dedicated filters, enabling you to create everything from subtle spatial effects to twisted glitch sounds.
Prysm Audio Monosc
Platform/format: PC/VST Download
The brainboxes among you will probably be able to deduce from the name that this is a single oscillator monophonic synth. It has a Unison mode (1 to 16 voices), a filter that offers four different types and - from the look of it - a very simple interface.
Xenobioz Kruudster
Platform/format: PC/VST Download
A hybrid synth plugin that sports three oscillators, three LFOs, a Randomizer key, three ADSRs, a filter and more. Kruudster is said to be notable for its drawable low resolution waveforms.
NTS Audio Labs Scale Wizard
Platform/format: PC/VST Download
Ever wanted to have all your keyboard playing corrected so that it sounds 'right'? That's what Scale Wizard is designed to do - it's a MIDI filter/corrector that enables you to play in any key, mode or scale using just the white keys. It can also be used as a chord/chord scales generator.
KX77FREE Kx-PolyM-CSE
Platform/format: PC/VST Download
An emulation of a vintage analogue polyphonic synth that comes with a CV/gate sequencer. It takes some inspiration from Yamaha's CS-70M and sports a 20*12 matrix and six VCOs with five selectable waveforms each.
Bserrano zXYs
Platform/format: PC/VST Download
A simple X/Y pad controller plugin. You can assign up to eight parameters per axis using Control Change messages and then set the ranges for each.
Saltline/music-society.net CBW01
Platform/format: PC/VST Download
A drum machine that offers four hit editors and an effects section. There are independent MIDI controls for each, plus 16 modulation slots that promise to provide greater dynamics when playing. You'll have to register for music-society.net if you want to download CBW01.
Crunchy effects, synthetic beats and more
Juno Ju-X Gimmick Graph
Platform/format: Mac/AU Download
Appropriately enough, given its name, Gimmick Graph promises a new synthesis method. Its oscillator hits upon its waveform by setting how many times to twist it in a cycle, dividing it up by scanning up and down, before finally allowing the player to determine the positions of the turning points. There's a graph on the website to explain the process, but you might be better off just giving the thing a try.
Klanghelm IVGI
Platform/format: PC/VST Download
Put some "soft and subtle" saturation on your master buss or add "dense and dirty" distortion effects to individual tracks with this simple looking plugin. IVGI is said to react dynamically to the input signal and to deliver a lively, real and transparent sound.
Tek'it Audio Winkl
Platform/format: PC, Mac/VST, AU Download
A foldback distortion unit that's unashamedly unsubtle - use it to make your sounds (particularly those of the bass and lead variety) scream. Operation is simple, being based around just Drive and Output Gain controls.
Third Harmonic Studios EXD-80
Platform/format: PC/VST, Download
A subtractive synthesis-based drum and percussion instrument. Eight modules cover the main rhythmic bases (kick, snare, hi-hats etc), and are said to produce sounds that range from classic drum machine emulations to "crazy, mangled glitch sounds". There are four stereo outputs, each of which has its own effects section.
A synth, a reverb/delay processor and a pitch bender
SonicXTC Deep-Mono
Platform/format: PC/VST Download
Designed in the spirit of the classic '70s monosynths, this single-oscillator instrument promises to be easy to program - all of its parameters are displayed on the front panel. There are 70 presets, but the real fun may come in creating your own.
Saltline Drzewo Liść-verb
Platform/format: PC/VST Download
A reverb/delay effect that's designed with simplicity in mind. Use it for everything from creating pad ambiences to textured beats. You can also throw a state-variable filter into the mix for additional creative opportunities.
Sonic Emblem Sonic BND
Platform/format: PC, Mac/VST, AU Download
Sonic BND does realtime audio pitchbending with an LFO. There's a plus/minus 12 semitone range and six types of waveform, while the LFO rate can be synced to your current BPM.
Subtractive and additive synths and a free effects bundle
Creatorum Genius Lab Imago
Platform/format: PC/VST Download
Designed for creating rhythmic pads and basses, this 3-oscillator synth sports two filters, amp and filter envelopes, delay, EQ and a flanger. There's also a 32-step sequencer and, if you're feeling lucky, you can randomise all parameters with a single button press.
Mildon Studios HUE-X + M4GIQ Plugin Bundle
Platform/format: PC/VST Download
Two freebies in one bundle. HUE-X is an EQ that's designed for people who like to experiment with sound, giving you ten descriptively named faders to tweak. M4GIQ, meanwhile, is a multi-effect that enables you to apply gain, panning and delay to each frequency band, so you can spread frequencies across the stereo image.
Tonebytes Harmonaut
Platform/format: PC/VST Download
This ad-supported instrument is based on additive synthesis technology and comes with four waveform types and 32 harmonics that can be drawn with your mouse. You can also adjust the attack, decay, sustain and release for each harmonic, while a low-pass/high-pass filter, an LFO and chorus can be called into play, too.
TA Programming SubSonic
Platform/format: PC/VST Download
Billed as "the synth that takes you back," SubSonic is a subtractive instrument that promises to give you a vintage sound. Among its tools are three oscillators, a graphical ADSR envelope, a multimode filter and reverb, delay, chorus, flanger and warper modules.
De-esser, filter, stereo expander and synth plugins
Sleepy-Time DSP Lisp
Platform/format: PC/VST Download
This level-independent sibilance processor is said to be a new type of de-esser that offers automatic sibilance detection. It does this by tracking the amplitude and pitch of its input in real time - set the reduction amount and Lisp will work on eliminating those unwanted 'ss', 'the', and 'ch' sounds.
Saltline Drzewo Liść-step
Platform/format: PC/VST Download
A simple state-variable filter (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, band reject) that enables you to control the cutoff frequency via either the 16-step sequencer or the LFO. Modulated filter patterns are easy to create, so we're told.
HASound Spring 212
Platform/format: PC, Mac/VST Download
If you're mixing music for systems that have stereo speakers in close proximity - boomboxes, for example - HASound thinks that this stereo expander plugin will help you to add a bit of width.
Xenobioz Funxion
Platform/format: PC/VST Download
A hybrid 3-oscillator synth that comes with user-definable functions for waveforms and distortion. Other features include three LFOs, three ADSRs, a randomizer, a multimode filter and two delay units.
11 new releases to get your teeth into
Nikolozi Easy MIDI Free
Platform/format: Mac Download
Ever wanted to turn your Mac's QWERTY keyboard into a MIDI controller? This enables you to do precisely that - we imagine that it could be particularly useful for mobile musicians using laptops. With an appropriate MIDI interface you can even use it to control iOS apps.
Rob Papen RP Dock
Platform/format: Mac Download
If you own several Rob Papen synths and want to use them outside of your DAW (as part of a live performance, for example) this standalone Mac-only host could be what you're looking for. It can host RP effects as well, and also boasts audio recording/playback and a MIDI In.
TDR Feedback Compressor II
Platform/format: PC, Mac/VST, AU Download
Designed specifically for bus compression but suitable for mixing tasks as well, this plugin analyses the output signal and promises highly musical compression and the ability to handle complex signals with ease. Rather than attempting to emulate any classic hardware, it's proudly digital.
Nick Crow Lab Wagner Sharp
Platform/format: PC, Mac/VST, AU Download
This tube guitar preamp emulation certainly looks like a real piece of hardware, and it may well sound like one, too. There are two channels and a stereo mode to handle double tracking, with each channel only being activated when a signal is present in order to preserve CPU power.
Qirex Audio Qirex Player 2.0
Platform/format: PC/VST Download
This free SFZ player has been given a bit of a revamp - it now sports a nifty new interface. There's also an automatic volume limiter, improved audio processing and several bug fixes.
Mzuther traKmeter
Platform/format: PC, Linux/VST Download
A loudness meter that helps you to correctly set your tracking and mixing levels. Specifically, it's designed for gain staging, and so gives you both average and peak level meters. If you're unsure what all of this means, you'll be pleased to know that traKmeter comes with plenty of documentation.
B. Serrano Dionysos
Platform/format: PC/VST Download
A 16-voice polyphonic synth that utilises subtractive, FM and additive techniques. It may be free, but it's certainly feature-packed, offering filters, envelopes, LFOs, a 32-step sequencer and plenty of modulation possibilities.
TSE Audio TSE808
Platform/format: PC, Mac/VST, AU Download
This appears to be an emulation of Ibanez's Tube Screamer, and is designed to be used before your amp simulation to give you a tighter low end and add a bit of boost to lead parts.
Guitar Amp 2 Free Edition
Platform/format: PC/VST Download
Get yourself a free rack of guitar gear: this plugin includes two amplifiers for guitar and bass plus effects and a tuner. This second version promises improved performance and various other fixes.
Ignite Amps TSB-1 Tyrant Screamer
Platform/format: PC, Mac/VST, AU Download
Another overdrive plugin that's inspired by a particular green hardware model from yesteryear, this one promises additional features that make it suitable for use on extremely down-tuned guitars.
Torn Sub Behemoth
Platform/format: PC/VST Download
A free bassline synth based on additive synthesis. There are four oscillators, and it's designed to create a powerful and punchy bass sound that can be used straight away.
PanCake 2, Flan-W and Filta Crunch 2
CableGuys PanCake 2
Platform/format: PC, Mac/VST, AU, RTAS Download
This creative tool enables you to create complex pan modulations and gives you the ability to draw your own waveforms. The LFO can be set to free-run or sync to host, and version 2 adds a precise left/right channel volume display, LFO triggering via MIDI, a dry/wet control and a redesigned interface.
Wok Flan-W
Platform/format: PC/VST Download
This classic flanger effect has a stomp-style interface but is suitable for use on more than guitar parts. You can adjust the speed, depth and feedback of the effect.