Free music software round-up: Week 23

Free music software 23

Free music software 23

Just the one instrument for you this week, but we're fairly sure that you won't already have a bar chimes emulator in your plug-in rack, so give it a shot.

Other than that, we've got three effects processors for you, one of which looks like it's been beamed down from another planet.

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.

Ourafilmes sonic transformer

Ourafilmes sonic transformer

Ourafilmes Sonic Transformer

Platform/format: PC/VST Download

This other-wordly multi-effects processor features five 'alien eye' knobs that enable you to control several parameters simultaneously. In use, it's described as enigmatic and chaotic - the idea, it seems is just to tweak away and see what happens. However, we are assured that reverbs, filters, chorus and delays are all in here somewhere.

QuikQuak barchimes

QuikQuak barchimes

QuikQuak BarChimes

Platform/format: PC/VST Download

If your music needs an injection of tinkly melodic percussion, look no further than this bar chime emulator. 36 bars are presented in the photo-realistic interface, and the developer says that "collisions, gravity and audio are accurately portrayed". There are no parameter controls as yet (this is a beta release) but these and a Mac version are among the things promised for the future.

RobRokkenAudio roktion 808

RobRokkenAudio roktion 808

RobRokkenAudio Roktion 808

Platform/format: PC/VST Download

Whether you want "subtle mellow overdrive" or "face peeling distortion", Roktion 808's developer reckons that this plug-in has you covered. There are three gain stages (you can use the input buffer to clean the sound and prepare it for these) and a 4-band parametric EQ. You can download the plug-in for free, but its donationware status means you should make a financial contribution if you keep using it.

LePou hybrit series

LePou hybrit series

LePou HyBrit Series

Platform/format: PC/VST Download

The name alludes to the fact that these guitar amp plug-ins are based on not one British model but two (we're not told which). You get preamp, head and FullStack versions for maximum flexibility

Ben Rogerson

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.