Category: Free VST Plugins & Software

  • APU Software Releases Free Spectrum Analyzer Plugin

    APU Software Releases Free Spectrum Analyzer Plugin

    APU Software has released APU Spectrum Analyzer, a feature-rich and free spectrum analysis plugin tool designed for audio engineers, producers, and sound designers.

    This standalone and plugin-based analyzer gives users full control over FFT configurations, including window type selection (Rect, Hann, Hamming, Blackman, Kaiser) and window sizes ranging from 64 to 65536. Whether you’re doing quick metering or deep frequency analysis, this plugin adapts to your workflow.

    Customizable Analysis for Precision

    APU Spectrum Analyzer lets you toggle between multiple decibel ranges or enable auto-ranging for optimal viewing. Frequency displays can be viewed in logarithmic, linear, or even note-based scales, making it especially useful for musical applications. A histogram hold function is included for measuring long-term frequency response.

    The bucket size is adjustable independently of the FFT size, allowing you to take snapshots of the spectrum for side-by-side comparisons or referencing while mixing or mastering.

    Cross-Platform Compatibility

    This tool functions as a standalone application and also supports major plugin formats, including VST, AU, and AAX (Pro Tools 11 and later). It runs on macOS 10.14+ (x64 and Apple Silicon) and Windows 10+ (x86 and x64), and requires OpenGL 3.2 for visual rendering.

    Free Download

    APU Spectrum Analyzer plugin is available as a free download on the APU Software website.

  • Sottovoce DSP Releases Sotto Spindown Free Vinyl Slowdown Plugin

    Sottovoce DSP Releases Sotto Spindown Free Vinyl Slowdown Plugin

    Sottovoce DSP has released Sotto Spindown, a free audio plugin that emulates the nostalgic sound of a vinyl record winding down.

    Unlike typical slowdown effects with fixed settings, Sotto Spindown puts the control in your hands. You can draw your own spindown curve to shape how the slowdown unfolds – from a sudden stop to a smooth fade-out.

    Customize Your Vinyl Slowdown

    Sotto Spindown is perfect for creative transitions, sound design, or nostalgic breakdowns. Whether you want a slow, cinematic fade or a sharp, dramatic drop, the custom curve editor allows precise control over the time and intensity of the slowdown.

    Features

    • Vinyl-style spindown effect
    • Up to 10 seconds of smooth slowdown
    • Draw your own custom slowdown curves
    • Save and recall curve presets
    • Easy one-button activation

    Compatibility

    Sotto Spindown is compatible with:

    • Windows (VST3, AAX)
    • macOS (VST3, AU, AAX)

    Free Download

    Sotto Spindown is available as a free download on the Sottovoce DSP website.

  • Florian Mrugalla Releases Absorbiere Free Sidechain Ring Modulation Plugin

    Florian Mrugalla Releases Absorbiere Free Sidechain Ring Modulation Plugin

    Florian Mrugalla has introduced Absorbiere, a free and open-source sidechain ring modulation plugin designed to manage peak levels in your mixes without the typical artifacts of compression.

    A New Take on Peak Control

    Absorbiere provides an innovative alternative to traditional compressors and volume duckers. Instead of reducing gain directly, the plugin uses sidechain-driven ring modulation to absorb transients. This method can maintain transparency while effectively taming harsh peaks, preserving the original sound character.

    Ideal for taming kick or snare transients, Absorbiere analyzes the sidechain input and adjusts gain staging for optimal headroom using a “Capture” button. This makes it easier to prevent clipping without needing aggressive dynamic processing.

    Smart Workflow Features

    One standout feature is the use of track identifiers, which allow synced settings across multiple plugin instances. When you make adjustments or recapture sidechain input on one instance, those changes apply to all other tracks using the same identifier, helping streamline your workflow.

    The Mix knob provides precise control over the modulation depth, allowing you to fine-tune the amount of effect you want to apply, thereby balancing peak control and tonal transparency.

    Free Download

    Absorbiere is available for free as an open-source VST3 plugin for both Windows and macOS. You can download it directly from Florian Mrugalla’s GitHub page.

  • Joonas Ylänne Releases Buttons From Hell – Free Decent Sampler Percussion Instrument

    Joonas Ylänne Releases Buttons From Hell – Free Decent Sampler Percussion Instrument

    Joonas Ylänne has released Buttons From Hell, a free experimental percussion instrument for Decent Sampler users.

    What began as an idea to record an instrument through a cassette recorder evolved into a sound design journey focused on the raw clicks, clacks, and mechanical thuds of everyday buttons and switches.

    Mechanical Sounds Turned Industrial Percussion

    Rather than recording traditional instruments, Joonas became fascinated with the tactile noise of objects like guitar pedal switches, light switches, power strips, and computer keyboards. Microphones were placed so close to the buttons that sometimes his fingers barely fit between the mic and the switch. Once captured, these small mechanical sounds were transformed through saturation and effects into gritty industrial percussion, metallic hits, and thudding impacts.

    Visual Interface Reflects the Sound

    To match the rugged and mechanical character of the instrument, Joonas avoided stock GUI layouts and instead designed a fully custom interface using vector graphics and photography. The unique visual design enhances the user experience and reflects the industrial aesthetic of the samples.

    Requires Decent Sampler

    Buttons From Hell runs in Decent Sampler, a free sampler plugin created by David Hilowitz. Decent Sampler is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux in VST, AU, and standalone formats. It offers an easy and accessible way to load custom sample-based instruments.

    Free Download

    Buttons From Hell percussion instrument for Decent Sampler is available now as a free download (donations welcomed) on the Joonas Ylänne Gumroad.

  • DiBiQuadro Audio Releases Mars800Free: Free Amp Head Plugin for Rock and Metal

    DiBiQuadro Audio Releases Mars800Free: Free Amp Head Plugin for Rock and Metal

    DiBiQuadro Audio has released Mars800Free, a free amp head simulation plugin that brings the raw, vintage tone of classic rock and metal to your DAW. Inspired by a legendary single-channel amplifier, Mars800Free delivers punchy, gritty, and bright tones ideal for lead guitars and heavy rhythm sections.

    Classic Tone with Modern Precision

    Mars800Free is modeled after an iconic rock amp with EL34 power tubes, known for its bold and aggressive character. With controls for Gain, Bass, Mid, Treble, Presence, and Master Volume, the plugin reacts dynamically to your playing and dialed-in settings. From thick crunch to searing leads, it maintains clarity and natural-sounding distortion.

    Non-Plus-Ultra Preamp Modeling

    Built on DiBiQuadro’s proprietary 64-bit audio engine, Mars800Free features advanced double-precision non-linear modeling. The Non-Plus-Ultra Preamp technology ensures highly realistic circuit emulation, giving users the flexibility to shape tone at the component level. Users can manage gain stages, tweak tone-stack behavior, and even modify tube characteristics.

    Power Amp, Cab, and Mic Simulation

    Mars800Free integrates DiBiQuadro’s Non-Linear Convolution (NLC) technology to accurately simulate the interaction between the power amp, cabinet, microphone, and studio preamp. The engine supports up to 40 harmonic kernels, allowing full control over clipping type, headroom, and feedback interactions via Presence and Depth.

    Free Download

    Mars800Free amp head plugin is available for free download in VST3, AU, and AAX formats for both Windows and macOS. You can get it now on the DiBiQuadro Audio website.

  • Witch Pig Releases Starscraper Micro Pitchshifter & Reverse Delay

    Witch Pig Releases Starscraper Micro Pitchshifter & Reverse Delay

    Witch Pig has released Starscraper, a unique VST3/AU effect plugin combining micro pitchshifting with reverse delay.

    Micro Pitchshifting for Depth and Dissonance

    Starscraper allows users to subtly detune pitch on one stereo channel while increasing it on the other, instantly adding width and character. More extreme detuning leads to chaotic, dissonant textures perfect for experimental or ambient music.

    Reverse Delay with Flexible Controls

    The plugin also features a reverse delay section with Delay, Feedback, and Mix controls. Longer delay times and higher feedback levels work best on sustained notes, while shorter delays (like 1/8 or 1/4 note values) combined with a lower Mix setting suit faster or chord-heavy sections.

    Interactive Interface

    Clicking the bottom row of the interface reveals or hides control sliders, keeping the UI clean and responsive.

    Starscraper is a creative tool for producers looking to add atmosphere and movement through unconventional delay and pitch modulation techniques.

    Free Download

    Starscraper by Witch Pig is available now as a free plugin. Visit the developer’s website to download.

  • Harrison Releases Harrison 3D Delay Free Stereo Delay Plugin

    Harrison Releases Harrison 3D Delay Free Stereo Delay Plugin

    Harrison Audio has released Harrison 3D Delay, a free stereo delay plugin designed to deliver mix-ready echo effects with intuitive controls. Whether you’re adding width to vocals or rhythmic depth to synths and guitars, this plugin offers professional-grade results with minimal setup.

    Free Plugin for Expansive Stereo Delay Effects

    Harrison 3D Delay provides three independent delay taps: Left, Center, and Right, each with adjustable timing and pan settings. This flexible setup allows you to create anything from quick slapback echoes to wide multi-tap ping-pong delays. Ideal for music producers and engineers seeking rapid access to high-quality stereo effects.

    Features

    Harrison 3D Delay includes:

    • Three adjustable delay taps (Left, Center, Right)
    • HP & LP filters for tonal shaping
    • Tap Tempo and BPM sync
    • Modulation and damping controls for vintage character
    • Independent feedback for each tap
    • Click-and-drag panning with Delay Tap Display Graph
    • Wet/dry mix control
    • 10 mix-ready presets

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIxcUwneuj4

    Vintage Character with Modern Control

    Alongside precise control of delay timing and stereo imaging, 3D Delay also lets you infuse your sounds with vintage digital charm. Use the modulation and damping options to recreate the feel of classic rackmount delays and shape your delay tails with filters and feedback for a refined, spacious sound.

    Free Download

    You can download the Harrison 3D Delay free stereo delay plugin by signing up on the Harrison Audio website.

  • Kilohearts Releases Compactor Free Sidechain Limiting Plugin

    Kilohearts Releases Compactor Free Sidechain Limiting Plugin

    Kilohearts has released Compactor, a free sidechain limiting plugin that brings powerful ducking and peak control to your mixes. Compact, intuitive, and surgical, Compactor helps you control dynamics with precision while maintaining sonic quality.

    Free Plugin for Powerful Sidechain Limiting

    Compactor allows you to apply sample-accurate sidechain limiting to any signal. Whether you’re using it to duck bass when a kick hits or experimenting with distorted rhythmic effects, this plugin delivers tight, transparent results. It’s a great solution for EDM, trap, pop, or any genre that benefits from clean low-end separation.

    Key Features and Controls

    With its simple interface, Compactor offers in-depth control over your sidechain compression behavior:

    • Attack: Sets how early the ducking begins.
    • Hold: Defines how long the ducking is sustained after the trigger stops.
    • Release: Controls how fast the signal returns to normal volume.
    • Threshold: Sets the level at which ducking or limiting is triggered.
    • Mode: Choose between RMS, Peak, or ISP (inter-sample peak) detection.
    • Range: Defines the amount of gain reduction. Go beyond 100% for extreme effects.
    • Stereo: Control whether left and right channels are ducked independently.
    • Sidechain Input: Enable external sidechain input for advanced routing setups.

    Versatile Integration and Ecosystem Support

    Compactor works as a standalone VST, AU, or AAX plugin and also integrates with Kilohearts’ modular Snapin Hosts like Phase Plant, Multipass, and Snap Heap. It’s part of the free Kilohearts Essentials collection, which provides a full toolkit for sound design and mixing.

    Whether you’re aiming for subtle dynamic control or punchy rhythmic ducking, Compactor offers a professional solution without costing a cent.

    Free Download

    You can download the Kilohearts Compactor free sidechain limiting plugin directly from the Kilohearts website.

  • Audiolatry Updates the Free LoQuest Plugin: Now With 33 Presets!

    Audiolatry Updates the Free LoQuest Plugin: Now With 33 Presets!

    We are excited to announce an update to LoQuest, our free lofi virtual instrument plugin. This new version adds 11 fresh presets, bringing the total number of sounds to 33 and giving you even more inspiration for your music.

    Expanded Preset Collection

    LoQuest started with 22 presets and now includes 33 sounds covering keys, pads, flutes, guitars, strings, organs, and more. With this expanded selection, you can easily create lo-fi, ambient, cinematic, and retro-inspired tracks.

    Built-In Sound Shaping Tools

    LoQuest features an ADSR envelope, filter controls, and a modulation section with LFO routing options. You’ll also find built-in effects such as chorus, distortion, delay, and reverb to shape and personalize your sounds.

    Features

    • Free lofi instrument plugin
    • 33 presets (keys, pads, guitars, flutes, strings, organs, and more)
    • ADSR envelope and filter section
    • Modulation with LFO routing
    • Built-in effects: chorus, distortion, delay, reverb
    • Royalty-free sounds for personal and commercial use

    Compatibility and Availability

    LoQuest is available in VST3 format for Windows and VST3/AU for macOS. It works with most major DAWs, including Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro X, and Cubase. Pro Tools AAX is not supported.

    Free Download

    You can download LoQuest for free at Audiolatry.

  • Reilly Spitzfaden Releases RSAlgorithmicVerb Free Algorithmic Reverb Plugin

    Reilly Spitzfaden Releases RSAlgorithmicVerb Free Algorithmic Reverb Plugin

    Reilly Spitzfaden has introduced RSAlgorithmicVerb, a free multi-algorithm reverb plugin available for macOS, Windows, and Linux. This versatile plugin is designed for producers and sound designers seeking a range of classic and experimental reverbs.

    Multiple Reverb Models in One Plugin

    RSAlgorithmicVerb comes equipped with a wide array of reverb algorithms. These include:

    • Plate and hall reverbs based on Dattorro’s classic designs
    • Room reverbs based on Gardner’s 1992 models
    • Four feedback delay network (FDN) reverbs powered by the FDN Toolbox
    • Two unique experimental reverbs for creative sound design

    Users can expect additional algorithms to be added in future updates.

    Visual Interface and Parameter Control

    The plugin offers a clean, intuitive interface featuring rotary controls for in-depth shaping. Key parameters include:

    • Room Size, Decay Time, Damping
    • Early Size, Early Decay, Early Reflections Mix
    • Modulation Rate and Depth
    • High Cut, Low Cut, Diffusion, Pre-Delay
    • Dry/Wet Mix and Reverb Type selector

    This range of options allows for subtle spatial effects or bold, dramatic reverbs.

    Cross-Platform and Format Compatibility

    RSAlgorithmicVerb is available as a free download in the following formats:

    • macOS: VST3 and AU
    • Windows: VST3
    • Linux: VST3

    The plugin is suitable for a wide range of digital audio workstations.

    Free Download

    RSAlgorithmicVerb algorithmic reverb plugin can be downloaded for free at Reilly Spitzfaden’s GitHub page.