Free music software round-up: Week 103

free music software

free music software

We haven't seen a great deal of non-Apple music software on the Mac App Store yet, but there's an intriguing little freebie for you to try here. Plus, we've got drum, audio analysis and dynamics plug-ins.

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.

Oli larkin pmix

Oli larkin pmix

Oli Larkin pMix

Platform/format: Mac Download

An interesting VST plug-in chainer (pMix is a host) that enables you to morph between presets on a graphical interface. Each preset is represented by a coloured ball, and morphing can lead to the creation of new, hybrid sounds. You can use up to four plug-ins at a time and a selection comes included.

Toscanalyser

Toscanalyser

Toscanalyser

Platform/format: PC, Linux Download

Designed to help you mix and master better, Toscanlyser's job is to compare - audibly and visually - your tracks to commercial recordings. There's a range of analysis options on offer, and at the end of the process you're given a detailed report that you can act on to resolve problems.

JME-Audio chip rhythm

JME-Audio chip rhythm

JME-Audio Chip Rhythm

Platform/format: PC/VST Download

A programmable drum machine that gives you kick, snare, clap, hi-hat and tom sounds. Each of these has its own Volume, Filter and Tone sections, and you can program patterns of up to eight steps in length.

Voxengo anspec

Voxengo anspec

Voxengo AnSpec

Platform/format: PC, Mac/VST, AU Download

Another freebie from the generous chaps at Voxengo - this one is an analogue-style third-octave spectrum analyser. It's basically a visual tool that gives you graphical feedback (including peak level indication). There are no adjustable parameters, though you can change the level meter ballistics and resize the plug-in's window.

Direct approach limitx and boostx

Direct approach limitx and boostx

Direct Approach LimitX and BoostX

Platform/format: PC/VST Download

These two plug-ins were previously available for $29.99 each but are now free. LimitX is billed as a transparent limiter with 64-bit internal precision, while BoostX is an 'upward' compressor.

Ben Rogerson
Deputy Editor

I’m the Deputy Editor of MusicRadar, having worked on the site since its launch in 2007. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 24 of which I’ve also spent writing about music and the ever-changing technology used to make it.