Best Free Plugins
Free VST Plugins in 2024
There are numerous free VST plugins available in the market. In this article, we will explore some of the best Free VST Plugins of 2024, including Analog Lab, Mandala 2, Izotope Vinyl, and more.
It can be challenging to find a plugin that fits your needs, considering the vast number of options available in the market. Some plugins come with a hefty price tag, while many free VST plugins offer similar features to popular paid ones like Pultec EQ, Arturia’s Analog Lab, etc. When it comes to free plugins, producers often wonder if they can replace the high-end VSTs used by professionals. The answer is yes – nowadays, there are free plugins that can deliver comparable quality and sound. In fact, some professionals also use free plugins like Spitfire Audio Labs. In this article, we will discuss some of the best free Synths, Saturation as well and Eq plugins that will add a pro touch to your track. So, Here are our top 10 picks for the best free VST plugins of 2024. Let’s explore them!
Best Free VST Plugins of 2024 are:
- MNTRA Instruments – Mndala 2
- Arturia – Analog Lab Play
- Spitfire Audio – Labs
- Kive Audio – Warmy EP1A Tube EQ V2
- VZtec – Malibu
- Kilohertz Essential Plugin Bundle
- Polyverse – Wider 2
- Valhalla – Supermassive
- Softube – Saturation Knob
- Izotope – Vinyl
MNTRA Instruments – Mndala 2:
Mndala 2 is a free sample player similar to Native Instruments Kontakt. It allows you to load synths created by MNTRA instruments. The theme of Mndala is ritualistic and meditative soundscapes. The VST has a minimal UI interface that reacts when you change the effects settings. If you enjoy making ambient or orchestral music, this VST is for you. It offers a diverse library of sounds meticulously sampled from traditional instruments, unconventional sources, and field recordings such as Reson, Sur, and Rasa. Additionally, you can purchase more instruments from their official site.
Mndala 2 has different sections: Perform, which is the primary interface, Matrix where you can add more sounds and experiment with them, Sampler, Arpeggiator, and the Master section which offers powerful tools for manipulating and sculpting sounds. You can delve into granular synthesis, sample manipulation, and a host of modulation options to create entirely new sonic landscapes. This VST is a must-have for producers who make ambient and orchestral music. When you use it, you won’t believe you can get these sounds for free. However, the only drawback is that it is limited to atmospheric and ambient sounds. Nonetheless, don’t forget to check the huge pads and strings of Mndala 2 that will definitely inspire you to add emotions to your track.
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Arturia – Analog Lab Play:
Arturia Lab Play is a free version of Analog Lab V by Arturia. It includes a 4+GB library with 100 amazing and creative sounds, ranging from deep bass to keys and pads. It also supports all the functions and controls of Arturia gear such as MiniLab and Key Lab. Additionally, it offers browsing control similar to the pro version but with fewer features for experimenting, including controls such as brightness, timbre, Etc. You can also access sounds from instruments such as Arp 2600, Jun 6, and many synthesizer VST versions. For fans of artists like Tame Impala or Orbital, Analog Lab Play also includes presets of some legendary songs by these renowned artists. So, Overall, these features make this VST the best free plugin of 2024.
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Spitfire Audio – Labs:
Spitfire Audio Labs is known for providing high-quality VST instruments that are designed “by musicians, for musicians”. This VST package includes a variety of instruments such as Soft Piano, Strings, Drums, Amplified Cello Quartet, Electric Piano, Choir, Synth Pads, and more. Many renowned music producers use these sounds, and it offers up to 60 instruments, including Choir, Vintage Keys, Drums, Organic Texture, Tape Orchestra, etc. The only downside is that it lacks some effects, but the sounds are rich and ambient. If you are an orchestral music producer, the strings alone can replace many Kontakt libraries. Spitfire Audio Labs is the best free VST plugin for instruments and live sounds.
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Kive Audio – Warmy EP1A Tube EQ V2:
We are all familiar with the Pultec EQ’s legacy. There are various versions of this legendary EQ by companies such as Waves, Universal Audio, T Rack, etc. However, there is also a free alternative version available in the market by Kive Audio. The Warmy EP1A Tube EQ contains all the essential functions, including boost and attenuation, along with a frequency knob. This is an excellent VST for beginners and anyone looking to explore tube EQ. While Warmy EP1A may not be as powerful as Waves PuigTec or UAD Pultec, it can be used on your kick, bass, and master channels to achieve warmth and an analog vibe. Additionally, you can learn Waves PuiqTec eq tips and tricks here.
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VZtec – Malibu:
Malibu is a multi-effect plugin developed by VZtec, digitally replicating the iconic Reverb-Tremolo pedal from the Singletone brand. This user-friendly plugin offers two modes of operation: Original mode for analog audio characteristics and Extended mode for additional digital functions such as stereo input and output, zero noise floor, zero harmonic distortion, presets, and more. It provides two types of reverb, Bright and Dark, making it suitable for use with guitars and lead instruments. Malibu is a hidden gem worth exploring, and somehow you find its sound similar to The Secret Sauce by Dripplugin which is surprising for a free plugin.
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Kilohertz Essential Plugin Bundle:
Kilohertz Essential might be the best and most recommended free plugin bundle. You can get almost all the effects from delays and reverb to Tape Stop and Gates. The interface is very minimal easy to use and yet interesting. When it comes to output it will blow your mind, You can do a professional mix and master with this Kilohearts essential bundle. Some other benefits are you can get a lifetime free update without any cost. They also keep adding new plugins to this collection. Some of the recommended and top picks from this bundle are Essemble, Delay, Formant Filter, Haas, Dual Delay, and Trance Gate. So, if you are a beginner and looking for a mix and master plugin. Here you go, This can add a professional touch to your mix without any heavy CPU usage.
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Polyverse – Wider 2:
Wider 2 is a stereo-width plugin from Polyverse. It is a manipulator that creates the illusion of an expanded stereo image of a mono signal, adding a significant amount of width. Adding width to your track creates more space for other instruments, and this free plugin does just that. It can make any mono signal stereo with up to 200%, making it better than many paid plugins available. The plugin has a phasing effect in its sound, providing an analog vibe, but it can be challenging to mix with the phase at times. Apart from that, it is great for all types of atmospheric sounds as well as instruments.
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Valhalla – Supermassive:
Reverbs are essential to music production, and Valhalla is well-known for its reverb and delays. The Supermassive plugin is available for free download and offers rich clouds of reverb, ethereal delays, and expansive feedback. Supermassive includes 20 reverb/delay modes such as Gemini, Hydra, Centaurus, and Sagittarius, each with different controls. For example, Gemini has a fast attack, shorter decay, and high echo density, while Sagittarius has a slower attack, longer decay, and high echo density. This free Valhalla plugin comes with several other features to explore. Valhalla Supermassive is the best reverb & delay vst plugin.
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Softube – Saturation Knob:
Saturation Knob is a modeled output distortion that can be used wherever you need some grit. It can fatten up bass lines, add harmonics and shimmer to vocals, or simply saturate your drum loop. Artists such as Disclosure also use this plugin on their tracks. Saturation Knob is a very basic plugin that includes three modes—Keep High, Neutral, and Keep Low—that give you three different types of distortion characters. For example, if you want to compress a drum loop but keep the bass drum fairly intact, you can use the Keep Low mode, while Keep High distorts the low end more, keeping the high frequencies relatively clean. You can also use it as a distortion plugin with an amp and record the instruments that will provide you with a fat and gritty sound.
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Izotope – Vinyl:
Vinyl is a Multi-Effect plugin by Izotope. This plugin is focused on LoFi sound and lets you simulate the dust, scratches, and warp of a worn record and the electrical and mechanical noise of the turntable. You can make any instrument or sample sound like an old vintage recording. The UI interface is easy to use with low CPU usage. What’s interesting is that you can choose different decades using filter responses. Izotope is famous for its ozone series, and it’s sometimes unbelievable that this Lofi weapon Is available for free. So, you can try this and make your track sound vintage and nostalgic.
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Also Read:
- Waves Saturation Plugins – The Top 5 Picks for Your Next Mix
- LP-UNF: Kali Audio’s Light Weight Powerhouse
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