PandaFX wanted to share some fantastic free VST plugins and libraries. Whether you’re looking to spice up your tracks or add some fresh sounds to your toolkit, there’s something here for everyone.
Let’s dive into the best Free VST/AU Plugins and Libraries:
1. Gentle Brass
- Type: Brass Library Features: Ensemble of Euphonium, Tenor Horn, Flugelhorn, Cornet, and Soprano Cornet. Atmosphere Layer from raw samples. Three mic positions (Close, Mid, Far). Dynamic, attack, and release controls. User-friendly interface, NKS support.
- Size: 900MB (compressed)
- Platform: Kontakt Player 7+ Cost: Free
Get It Here: https://fracturesounds.com/product/blueprint-gentle-brass
2. Shine Reverb
- Features: Eight sound-shaping controls to create soundscapes from lush to gritty.
- Platform: macOS, Windows (VST2, VST3) Price: Free
Get It Here: https://dnxdonotcross.com/en-worldwide/collections/vst-plugins/products/shine-reverb-vst-plugin
3. Vocal Menace
- All-in-one vocal processor Vocal Menace by Chris Liepe
- Features: Heat, Drive, Sheen, Girth, Cup, Wash, Call, and Pain controls for quick vocal processing.
- Platform: Windows, macOS (VST, VST3) Price: Free
Get It Here: https://www.mymusicalvoice.com/p/vocal-menace-by-chris-liepe
4. Destruqtor
- Type: Distortion Plugin
- Features: Companding distortion, X/Y pad for harmonics. Frequency distortion filter.
- Platforms: macOS, Windows, Linux (CLAP, VST3) Cost: Free
Get It Here- https://fx.amee.ee/plugin/destruqtor/
5. BassTR
- Features: Drive, Level, Bass, Mid, Treble, Master controls; versatile when paired with Bass Locker.
- Platform: macOS, Windows, Linux (VST, VST3, AU, AAX) Price: Free
Get It Here: https://audioassault.mx/product/BassTR
6. Fusion Core
- Features: Four analog saturation algorithms:
- Tube Heat, Tape Warmth, Wave Designer, and Console Character Functionality
- Emulates hardware units, adding warmth and texture; preserves low-end punch.
- Platform: Windows, macOS (VST3) Price: Free
Get It Here- https://www.prototype.audio/products/fusion-core
7. Primer
- Genius Simple synth with subtractive synthesis, 3 oscillators, FM knob
- Platforms: Windows and Mac (VST) Free
Get It Here- https://www.syntorial.com/primer/
8. LABS Intimate Grand Piano
- Piano Sound Library Features: Seven presets, Hammer, Tightness, Pedal controls.
- Platform: LABS Cost: Free
Get It Here: https://labs.spitfireaudio.com/packs/intimate-grand-piano
9. ToneKnob Saturator
- One-Knob Saturation Plugin Features: Simple interface, versatile saturation for vocals, guitars, bass, drums.
- Platforms: Windows, Mac (VST3, AAX, AU) Cost: Free
Get It Here: https://audified.com/products/toneknob-saturator/
10. Exakt Lite
- FM synthesizer with 4 operators, modulation matrix, creamy chorus
- Platforms: Windows and Mac (AU, VST2, VST3) Free
Get It Here: https://www.sonicbits.com/plugins/exakt-lite
11. Tokyo Scoring Strings
- Type: Sample Library for Kontakt Player
- Features: Violins and Cellos sections with dynamic layers.
- Platform: Kontakt Player 7.8.1+ Cost: Free
Get It Here: https://impactsoundworks.com/product/tokyo-scoring-strings-free/
12. DoubleLoopCymbal
- Hi-hat and triangle hybrid sound, metallic texture via all-pass loops
- Platforms: macOS (experimental), Windows, and Linux (VST3) Free (Open-Source)
Get It Here: https://ryukau.github.io/VSTPlugins/manual/DoubleLoopCymbal/DoubleLoopCymbal_en.html
13. Spooky Scary Skelesynth
- Vibraphone/Xylophone Emulation Features: Saturation, oscillators, pluck, decay, and release controls.
- Platforms: macOS, Windows (VST3) Cost: Free
Get It Here: https://zayne.xyz/free-product/spooky-scary-skelesynth
14. Auto Wah
- Wah-Wah Effect
- Platforms: macOS, Windows (AU, VST3) Cost: Free
Get It Here: https://github.com/JuqaSolutions/FreeAutoWah_Installers
15. Terrain
- Wave terrain synth with 2D trajectory scanning over 3D terrain
- Platforms: macOS, Windows, and Linux (VST3, AU) Free (requires compiling from source)
Get It Here: https://github.com/aaronaanderson/Terrain
16. Love-Fi 4 Lite
- Lo-Fi Virtual Instrument Features: 19 presets, 10 MIDI files, effects, ASDR, LFO.
- Platforms: Windows, Mac (VST, VST3, AU) Cost: Free
Get It Here: https://quietmusic.eu/love-fi-4-lite