Over 80 Essential Free Plugins (AAX, AU, VST)
Whether you’ve been in the world of music production for a while or are just starting with your home studio, choosing the right palette of effect plugins is one of the most time-consuming, budget-draining, and headache-inducing tasks (but also rewarding, let’s not forget…XD). Nowadays, the range of free or freeware plugins is very broad, and at our online music studio, we want to offer you a carefully curated selection of what we consider the most interesting options.
Without a doubt, we recommend experimenting and spending some time trying out these plugins before investing in paid alternatives (or looking for options of dubious origin…). You’ll be surprised by the quality these companies offer as an entry point to their brand or simply in exchange for registering on their website or download system.
On the other hand, it’s true that nowadays any production software (DAW) comes with a remarkable selection of native effects, but we assure you that more than one of the free plugins listed below—sometimes trimmed-down versions of their paid counterparts—has become essential for any online music producer today.
Our list focuses on free effect plugins (dynamics, EQs, modulation, reverbs…) rather than virtual instruments. If you’re also interested in VSTis, our blog has a selection of the best free virtual instruments.
In this article, you’ll find free effect plugins organized into the following groups (you can click to jump to the sections):
Free Equalizer (EQ) Plugins
MEqualizer (MeldaProduction)
A comprehensive modern parametric equalizer that adds some very useful and unique features. 7 bands with a variety of shapes and harmonic control. Available in the free pack of 36 plugins from MeldaProduction (we’ll see several of them in this list).
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac, Linux, and Windows)
Download MEqualizer by MeldaProduction for free (Included in the MFreeFXBundle pack)
TDR VOS SlickEQ (Tokyo Dawn Records)
An intuitive and highly complete semi-parametric 3-band EQ with a high-pass filter, various operating modes/algorithms, and a rich palette of options—even in its free version.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download SlickEQ (Tokyo Dawn Records) for free
Blue Cat’s Triple EQ (Blue Cat Audio)
A free 3-band semi-parametric EQ plugin with mid-side features, very low latency, and the quality of Blue Cat Audio.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download Blue Cat’s Triple EQ for free
Marvel GEQ (Voxengo)
Marvel GEQ is a free 16-band linear-phase graphic equalizer. Transparent sound, perfect for mastering, and supports mid/side processing.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download Marvel GEQ by Voxengo for free
Luftikus (lkjb)
Luftikus is a digital adaptation of an analog equalizer with fixed half-octave bands and additional high-frequency boost. A free alternative to Mäag Audio EQ4.
Formats: VST, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download Luftikus by lkjb for free
PTEq-X (Ignite Amps)
A free digital emulation of three famous vintage passive equalizers (Pultec style). It has been developed to include all the features of the original hardware.
Formats: VST, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download PTEq-X (Ignite Amps) free Pultec-style EQ
Code Red Free (Shattered Glass Audio)
A vintage channel strip based on the design of the EMI REDD console, made famous by The Beatles and Abbey Road Studios. It’s a perfect tool to add extra color and saturation to clean sounds.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download Channel Strip Code Red Free
Krush (Tritik)
A free bitcrusher effect with clipping, downsampling, and filtering. The range of sounds produced by Krush spans from the dirtiest digital effects to all classic bit reduction effects.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download free bitcrusher Krush (Tritik)
Dirty Filter (BPB)
A standard filter with HPF and LPF options, mix control, and an included saturation/drive parameter.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download Dirty Filter BPB free VST filter
Fresh Air (Slate Digital)
An audio processing plugin based on vintage exciter circuits and dynamic processing. It allows us to add brightness to the mix or track with a simple interface.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download Fresh Air by Slate Digital for free
Free Plugins: Compressors and Dynamics
OTT (Xfer Records)
Undoubtedly one of the most popular freeware plugins. A recreation of a popular and aggressive multiband compressor used by many dubstep and electronic music producers.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download OTT by Xfer Records for free
MCompressor (MeldaProduction)
The compressor from MeldaProduction offers simple control but with an excellent range of features for tailoring it to your needs.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac, Linux, and Windows)
Download MCompressor by MeldaProduction for free (Included in the MFreeFXBundle pack)
SeteChave: Punch / Pump Compressor (AudioFC)
A free compressor plugin with features similar to the “pumping” effect.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download SeteChave: Punch / Pump Compressor (AudioFC) for free
Tan Free Compressor (Acustica Audio)
A free classic analog VCA compressor offering many sound-shaping options. Available for free through Acustica Audio’s Aquarius download manager.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download Tan Free Compressor (Acustica Audio)
MJUC JR (Klanghelm Audio Plugins)
A free version of a variable-MU compressor capable of smooth leveling but also intense pumping effects. With its two gain stages and transformer simulation between stages, it delivers high-quality sound reproduction.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download MJUC JR by Klanghelm for free
DC1A (Klanghelm Audio Plugins)
DC1A is the smaller sibling of DC8C. A smooth, faithful compressor offering everything from subtle, almost invisible leveling to heavy pumping with pleasant crunchy saturation. It’s powerful enough to handle drum processing.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download DC1A Klanghelm for free
Loudness (Goodhertz)
A free plugin designed to enhance volume control in mixes. Unlike standard volume controls in DAWs, Loudness delivers a cleaner sound without artifacts like clicks or distortion. It includes LUFS, RMS, Peak, and True Peak meters, and allows for adjustable fader glide times for smoother automation. Plus, it offers advanced tools like stereo control, auto-balance, and more. A top-notch free plugin from a brand we’re big fans of in our online recording studio.
Formatos compatibles: VST3, VST2, AAX, AU para Windows, macOS y Linux.
RoughRider 3 (Audio Damage)
One of the most popular dynamic processors, with over half a million downloads. In version 3, the compressor includes a sidechain input and more accurate metering.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac, Linux, and Windows)
Download RoughRider 3 by Audio Damage for free
BitterSweet v3 Transient Designer (Flux Audio)
A free and efficient transient designer or controller with simple controls. Includes Mid/Side control. A perfect tool for emphasizing or attenuating the attack of your tracks.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac, Linux, and Windows)
Download Bittersweet 3 transient designer for free
LoudMax Plugin
A limiter and volume maximizer plugin with a clean and transparent sound. It is designed to preserve the original character of the audio as much as possible, even at high levels of compression.
Formats: VST, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download LoudMax (Free Limiter VST AU plugin)
Limiter (KiloHearts)
A free limiter plugin included in the KiloHearts free plugin pack (highly recommended). The limiter ensures the signal never gets louder than desired without distorting or destroying transients, even when the knob is cranked to 11.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download Limiter by KiloHearts for free
A1TriggerGate (AlexHilton.net / A1Audio)
A free ‘sequenced gate’ plugin. It allows you to cut and add effects to any audio input signal using rhythmic patterns. This type of effect is widely used in electronic music.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download A1TriggerGate by AlexHilton.net / A1Audio for free
Free Auto-tune, Pitch, and Tuning Plugins
MAutoPitch (MeldaProduction)
A pitch correction plugin (Auto-tune style) with excellent sound quality and features for formant shifting and stereo expansion. One of the best free alternatives to paid voice tuning plugins from Antares and Waves.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac, Linux, and Windows)
Download MAutoPitch by MeldaProduction for free (Included in the MFreeFXBundle pack)
Graillon (Auburn Sounds)
Another free alternative to the famous Auto-tune. A great free plugin for pitch correction, pitch shifting, formant adjustment, and robotic voice effects. This plugin has low latency, making it perfect for real-time use with your microphone for music production.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac, Linux, and Windows)
Download Graillon Free Pitch Correction Plugin
Voloco (Resonant Cavity)
Another Auto-tune-style effect available as a free AU and VST plugin (also for Android!) focused on the more creative and robotic aspects of this famous pitch correction effect for vocals.
Formats: VST, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download Voloco Free Auto-tune Plugin
Inner Pitch (Auburn Sounds)
Inner Pitch is a pitch-shifting plugin that offers high-quality, natural sound, designed to preserve the original audio’s intent while allowing you to manipulate or even destroy the sound when desired. It enables pitch adjustments, formant control, bass enhancement through signal blends, track doubling, soundscapes creation, and infinite rises or falls. The free version includes all these features, while the full edition unlocks higher quality options.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download Inner Pitch Plugin Here
Pitchproof (Aegean Music)
Pitchproof is a free audio plugin that allows altering the pitch of the input signal. Its primary function is to emulate the effects of guitar harmonizer pedals, maintaining the integrity of the sound. It offers control options such as blending the processed signal with the original, selecting harmonics, and scales for harmony effects. Pitchproof works best with monophonic signals, like guitar solos.
Compatible formats: Windows 32/64-bit, Mac VST, and AU.
Free VST Modulation Plugins
Valhalla Space Modulator
A free flanger plugin from the fantastic company Valhalla. Eleven algorithms to create all kinds of effects that defy description. Noteworthy are the effects achievable by automating parameters in your DAW or through a MIDI controller keyboard.
Formats: AAX, AU, VST (Mac and Windows)
Download Valhalla Space Modulator Free
Dimension Expander (Xfer Records)
A chorus/spatial expander with a late ’80s sound. Essentially, it’s a four-voice chorus with extended delay times, with two voices phase-shifted relative to the other two.
Formats: VST, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download Dimension Expander by Xfer Records Free
Vocal Doubler (Izotope)
A free plugin designed to enhance your vocal tracks with a classic, natural doubling effect, adding richness and depth.
Formats: AAX, AU, VST (Mac and Windows)
Download Vocal Doubler by Izotope Free
TAL-Chorus-LX (Togu Audio Line)
A free, lightweight plugin that emulates the chorus effect of the Roland Juno-60 synthesizer. With its two preset buttons, it offers a classic vintage sound perfect for vocals, guitars, and synthesizers.
Formats: VST, AU (Mac, Linux, and Windows)
TAL Filter 2 (TAL Software)
Free plugin with various filter types synchronized with the host and modulation possibilities for volume, panorama, and automated stereo effects.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download TAL Filter 2 for free
MAutoPan (MeldaProduction)
Fully automatable autopan with many adjustable functions: waveform, stereo field, automatic gain compensation, and much more.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac, Linux, and Windows)
Download MAutoPan by MeldaProduction for free (Included in the MFreeFXBundle)
PanCake 2 (Cableguys)
Free plugin for most panorama modulations. Modulation curves can be tempo-synced and easily drawn using its graphical interface.
Formats: VST, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download PanCake 2 (Cableguys) for free
Adam Monroe’s Tremolo
Stereo tremolo effect plugin with a guitar pedal look and basic functions such as waveform selection, sample rate, and dry/wet.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download Adam Monroe’s Tremolo plugin for free
Blue Cat’s Chorus (Blue Cat Audio)
From smooth modulation to deeply destructive effects, Blue Cat’s Chorus can handle it all.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download Blue Cat’s Chorus for free
Blue Cat’s Flanger (Blue Cat Audio)
The free version of the famous modulation effect widely used in the ’70s and ’80s, provided by Blue Cat.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download Blue Cat’s Flanger for free
Blue Cat’s Phaser (Blue Cat Audio)
Modeled after old analog phaser circuits, this free Blue Cat plugin recreates the classic phase effect found in numerous recordings.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download Blue Cat’s Phaser for free
Free Stereo Image Plugins
MidSide Matrix (Goodhertz)
Plugin for processing the stereo field in M/S (mid/side) mode, with essential features like mid/side matrices, gain controls, monitoring, and metering.
Formats: AAX, VST, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download Midside Matrix for free
S Doubler (SoliderSound)
S Doubler is a free plugin emulating psychoacoustic effects to create a sense of dimension in mixes. It features four doubled voices that can be placed in a virtual sound stage, allowing you to shape the stereo image of your music. Ideal for adding presence and thickness to vocals, guitars, synths, and keyboards.
Formats: VST, VST3, AU, AAX (Windows and Mac)
MSED (Voxengo)
Another free Mid/Side processing plugin with complete independent signal processing functions and additional features like L/R flipping and a correlation meter.
Formats: AAX, VST, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download MSED Plugin by Voxengo for Free
bx_solo (Brainworx)
Mid/Side stereo field processing with key features such as exclusive Solo buttons to listen to individual components of a stereo signal. Perfect for final master tweaks before sending your track to one of the best music distributors.
Formats: AAX, VST, AU (Mac and Windows) – Requires Plugin Alliance account registration.
Download bx_solo Plugin for Free
Wider (Polyverse Music)
Another free plugin that creates an illusion of an expanded stereo image from a mono signal without phase issues.
Formats: AAX, VST, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download Wider Plugin for Free
A1StereoControl (AlexHilton.net / A1AUDIO)
Plugin to limit or expand the stereo field of a track or group of tracks. A free alternative to the legendary Waves S1 Stereo Enhancer. Perfect for checking the stereo panorama, even when working with the best studio headphones.
Formats: AAX, VST, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download A1StereoControl Plugin for Free
Proximity (Tokyo Dawn Records)
A tool based on several psychoacoustic models that allows you to manipulate the sense of depth in audio sources easily and convincingly.
Formats: VST, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download Proximity Plugin for Free
Wizard – Stereo Widener (AudioFB)
Plugin that expands the stereo image of any mono or stereo signal. It is generally mono-compatible, avoiding phase problems when processing a mono signal.
Formats: VST, AAX, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download Wizard – Stereo Widener Plugin
Free Distortion and Harmonic Exciter Plugins
CamelCrusher (Camelaudio)
Although discontinued, it remains one of the best free distortion plugins ever made. In addition to two types of distortion, it also offers a low-pass filter and compressor.
Formats: VST, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download CamelCrusher for Free (Direct Download)
Camelcrusher (TBProaudio)
GSat+ is a saturation plugin derived from the saturation module of the TBProAudio CS5501V2. It offers multiple saturation modes, high customization capabilities, oversampling, and cross-platform compatibility. It also features classic-style VU meters.
Formatos: AAX, VST, AU (Mac y Windows)
Saturation Knob (Softube)
One of the most widely used free plugins. It offers three saturation modes and a single control. Ideal for thickening drums and bass, adding harmonics to vocals, and much more.
Formats: VST, AAX, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download Saturation Knob Plugin for Free
Trash Lite (Izotope)
Trash Lite is the free version of iZotope’s Trash distortion plugin. It features Trash’s signature distortion module, offering over 60 types of distortion to explore. With its XY pad, you can blend different distortions and adjust intensity using the Drive control, while the autogain and limiter handle output levels. Perfect for producing, creating, and composing songs while experimenting with dynamic sounds.
Supported formats: VST, VST3, AU, AAX, AUv3 for iPad.
Download for free on Windows, Mac, and iPad
Color Bundle (Analog Obsession)
The Color Bundle by Analog Obsession is a free package that includes a series of plugins designed to add analog saturation and coloration to tracks. It features emulations of preamps, equalizers, and compressors that replicate classic analog gear. Analog Obsession is an independent project offering free plugins with the option to support the developer via Patreon, but no subscription is required to download and use the plugins.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download Color Bundle by Analog Obsession for Free
Boogex (Voxengo)
A free guitar amplifier and impulse-response cabinet simulator. It offers a variety of modes, options, and even stereo reverb.
Formats: VST, AAX, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download the Boogex amp simulator by Voxengo for free.
IVGI (Klanghelm Audio Plugins)
From subtle saturation on a bus channel to drastic distortion effects, Klanghelm’s plugin provides a wide range of tones to add drive to your signals. Perfect for vocal tracks or adding that extra color to your home studio mic mix.
Formats: VST, AAX, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download the free IVGI compressor by Klanghelm.
Blue Cat’s Free Amp (Blue Cat Audio)
A free amp simulator from Blue Cat with three models derived from their paid plugin, Destructor. It delivers amplifier sounds, distortion or overdrive pedals, and other effects for electric guitars.
Formats: VST, AAX, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download Blue Cat’s Free Amp for free.
FreeAMP (Klevgrand)
A plugin combining tape and tube saturation sounds. It’s versatile and works well on anything from individual tracks to entire mixes in need of revitalization.
Formats: VST, AAX, AU (Mac and Windows) – Requires registration on klevgrand.se
Tape Cassette 2 (Caelum audio)
A plugin that emulates the warmth, noise, and character of vintage cassette tapes.
Formats: VST, AAX, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download Tape Cassette 2 by Caelum Audio for free.
8-Bit Shaper (Xfer Records)
Processes incoming audio signals and reduces them to 8 bits. It also includes a wave-shaping stage with optional pre- and post-filtering for additional signal coloration.
Formats: VST, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download 8-Bit Shaper by Xfer Records for free.
Delta Modulator (Xfer Records)
A distortion/bitcrusher effect that uses delta modulation, creating a sound reminiscent of the sampling channel from the Nintendo NES console.
Formats: VST, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download Delta Modulator by Xfer Records for free.
Vinyl (iZotope)
One of the best vinyl distortion and effect emulators. Features 5 types of noise, 4 different warp models, and 6 EQ profiles.
Formats: VST, AAX, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download iZotope Vinyl Plugin for Free
MComb (meldaproduction)
A highly useful comb filter plugin for creating creative, distorted sounds and dramatic changes in your audio signal. Another gem included in the free pack by meldaproduction.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac, Linux, and Windows)
Download MComb by MeldaProduction for free (Included in the MFreeFXBundle pack)
Deckwrecka (Air Windows)
Air Windows, developed by musician Chris Johnson, provides free plugins (thanks to his Patreon) without graphical interfaces, using the DAW’s default graphics. Deckwrecka simulates audio passed through the distorted PA system of a club. Awesome.
Formats: VST, AU (Mac, Linux, and Windows)
Download Deckwrecka by Air Windows for free
Channel7 (Air Windows)
Three mixing console gain simulation algorithms (Neve, SSL, API) with drive control. It’s worth trying and being impressed by the results of this free plugin (and others from Air Windows).
Formats: VST, AU (Mac, Linux, and Windows)
Download Channel7 by Air Windows
Tube2 (Air Windows)
Tube2 is the second version of Air Windows’ tube simulator. It adds thickness and harmonics to the signal. Two controls: input and tube.
Formats: VST, AU (Mac, Linux, and Windows)
MSaturator (meldaproduction)
A plugin that can be adjusted quickly and easily or with more specificity and precision. The harmonics section is a very useful tool. A great free plugin for subtle or extreme distortions.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac, Linux, and Windows)
Download MSaturator by MeldaProduction for free (Included in the MFreeFXBundle pack)
Free Delay Plugins
Valhalla Freq Echo
An analog echo emulation plugin with a frequency shifter that will satisfy all your psychedelic needs. Any free or paid Valhalla plugin is a must-have in a pro music producer’s arsenal.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download Freq Echo by Valhalla for free
Valhalla Super Massive
Massive delays and reverbs. Delicious reverb clouds, otherworldly delays, and waves of feedback in one of the fantastic free plugins from Valhalla. Undoubtedly one of the best free plugins out there.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download Super Massive by Valhalla for free
Magic Dice (Baby Audio)
Magic Dice is an original free plugin offering delay, reverb, and modulation textures with just one click. Each time you use it, it generates a unique effect configuration, guaranteeing different results every time. Based on the Spaced Out engine, it combines over 50 individual effects while keeping the interface simple and user-friendly.
Formats: VST, VST3, AU, AAX
Explore the other 3 free plugins offered by BABY Audio:
- Beat Slammer (Compression): An aggressive compressor designed to crush and add intensity to your drum tracks or mixes. Based on IHNY-2, it allows you to mix the compressed signal while keeping the original dynamics.
- Pitch Drift (Pitch Modulation): Adds subtle or intense pitch fluctuations to your tracks for a more organic and less static sound.
- Magic Switch (Chorus): Inspired by the one-button choruses of the ’80s, this plugin adds vintage color and depth to your tracks.
Adam Monroe’s Delay
A free delay plugin with classic functions like sync panning, high-pass, and low-pass filtering.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download Adam Monroe’s Delay for free
TapeDelay2 (Air Windows)
An emulation of a tape delay. Like all Air Windows plugins, it has no graphic design but includes controls for filter, flutter, reso, regen, and delivers spectacular sound.
Formats: VST, AU (Mac, Linux, and Windows)
Download TapeDelay2 by Air Windows for free
Spread Delay Lite (audec-music)
A multi-tap/ping-pong style delay with a graphical interface useful for visualizing the panorama and timing of repetitions.
Formats: VST, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download Spread Delay Lite plugin for free
VariSpeed (GSI)
A simulation of the WEM Copicat IC-400 Belt Drive VariSpeed model, the first tape echo machine made by WEM (Charly Watkins) with a motor capable of changing speed, thereby varying delay time.
Formats: VST, AU, Standalone (Mac, Linux, and Windows)
Download VariSpeed (Copycat) plugin for free
VariSpeed (GSI)
A free VST delay plugin designed to offer a wide range of effects, from warm analog tape echoes to complex modulated ping-pongs. Notable features include realistic tape saturation and tape head emulation.
Formats: VST, VST3, AAX, AudioUnit for Windows and macOS (Intel and Silicon)
Voxengo Sound Delay
Designed with a technical purpose for signal delay without feedback or modulation. It also features internal mid/side encoding and decoding for independent delays.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download Voxengo Sound Delay for free
faSampleDelay (Forward Audio)
A simple free phase alignment plugin. A versatile and reliable tool for small phase adjustment tasks in guitars or drum recordings. Reminder: watch out for phase issues when producing music!
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download faSampleDelay by Forward Audio
Free Reverb VST Plugins
TAL Reverb 4 (Tal Software)
TAL-Reverb-4 is a high-quality plate reverb with a classic ’80s character.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac, Linux, and Windows)
Download TAL Reverb 4 for free
MCharmVerb (meldaproduction)
An algorithmic reverb plugin with great sound, based on the MTurboReverb engine.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac, Linux, and Windows)
Download MCharmVerb by MeldaProduction for free (Included in the MFreeFXBundle pack)
MConvolutionEZ (meldaproduction)
A highly optimized convolution reverb that’s easy to use. It comes with a wide variety of impulse responses: halls, plates, rooms, guitar cabinets, and effects.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac, Linux, and Windows)
Download MConvolutionEZ by MeldaProduction for free (Included in the MFreeFXBundle pack)
VREV-666 Free Spring Reverb (Fuse Audio Labs)
VREV-666 is a free spring reverb plugin from Fuse Audio Labs, based on a rare device from the 1960s originally designed to alter acoustics in listening environments. This digital version captures the authentic sound and character of the original unit.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac, Linux, and Windows)
Download VREV-666 Spring Reverb plugin for free
TENSjr (Klanghelm)
TENS jr. is the lightweight version of the TENS spring reverb, a free VST featuring Model 5 – Tank A. Unlike the classic spring reverb units from the ’70s and ’80s, TENS jr. offers stereo reverb with adjustable decay times between 0.5 and 20 seconds. It has high reverb density, fast build-up, and minimal “boing” distortions, making it sound almost like a plate reverb.
Compatible formats: AU, VST, and AAX (Windows and Mac)
OldSkoolVerb (Voxengo)
An algorithmic reverb with various classic modes, optimized for non-percussive instruments. Perfect for vocals, pianos, and pads.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download OldSkoolVerb plugin for free
Flex Reverb (Platone Studio)
A simple free phase alignment plugin. A versatile and reliable tool for small phase adjustment tasks in guitars or drum recordings. Reminder: watch out for phase issues when producing music!
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download faSampleDelay by Forward Audio
Free Reverb VST Plugins
TAL Reverb 4 (Tal Software)
TAL-Reverb-4 is a high-quality plate reverb with a classic ’80s character.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac, Linux, and Windows)
Download TAL Reverb 4 for free
MCharmVerb (meldaproduction)
An algorithmic reverb plugin with great sound, based on the MTurboReverb engine.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac, Linux, and Windows)
Download MCharmVerb by MeldaProduction for free (Included in the MFreeFXBundle pack)
MConvolutionEZ (meldaproduction)
A highly optimized convolution reverb that’s easy to use. It comes with a wide variety of impulse responses: halls, plates, rooms, guitar cabinets, and effects.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac, Linux, and Windows)
Download MConvolutionEZ by MeldaProduction for free (Included in the MFreeFXBundle pack)
VREV-666 Free Spring Reverb (Fuse Audio Labs)
VREV-666 is a free spring reverb plugin from Fuse Audio Labs, based on a rare device from the 1960s originally designed to alter acoustics in listening environments. This digital version captures the authentic sound and character of the original unit.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac, Linux, and Windows)
Download VREV-666 Spring Reverb plugin for free
TENSjr (Klanghelm)
TENS jr. is the lightweight version of the TENS spring reverb, a free VST featuring Model 5 – Tank A. Unlike the classic spring reverb units from the ’70s and ’80s, TENS jr. offers stereo reverb with adjustable decay times between 0.5 and 20 seconds. It has high reverb density, fast build-up, and minimal “boing” distortions, making it sound almost like a plate reverb.
Compatible formats: AU, VST, and AAX (Windows and Mac)
OldSkoolVerb (Voxengo)
An algorithmic reverb with various classic modes, optimized for non-percussive instruments. Perfect for vocals, pianos, and pads.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download OldSkoolVerb plugin for free
Flex Reverb (Platone Studio)
The Flex Reverb plugin by Platone Studio is a versatile tool that combines the transparency of hall reverbs with the character of plate reverbs, ideal for adding depth to any mix. Its simple design allows for quick sound adjustments without complications. Platone Studio also offers two other free plugins: a delay and a DJ-style filter, perfect for breaks or other parts of an electronic song’s structure.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download Platone Studio plugins for free
Protoverb (U-he)
An experimental room simulation reverb. While most algorithmic reverbs try to avoid resonances, Protoverb generates as many room resonances as possible.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX* (Mac and *Windows)
Download Protoverb Reverb Plugin by U-he for Free
Other Free Plugins (Analyzers, Tools, and Suites)
Voxengo SPAN
One of the most famous spectrum analyzer plugins. Always useful in the studio to complement what you hear through your studio monitors. Very complete in terms of functions (even in its free version), while being simple and practical.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download Voxengo SPAN Free Spectrum Analyzer Plugin
Deja Vu (Cymatics)
Deja Vu is a time-warping FX plugin that transforms any sound using time-stretching and pitch-shifting to create atmospheric effects. Inspired by sounds popular in modern pop and hip-hop, this plugin allows for creative manipulation of time and rhythm, either offline or in real-time by connecting an instrument or microphone through any of the best audio interfaces for home studio. Compatible only with 64-bit systems.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download Deja Vu by Cymatics for Free
Loudness Meter (Youlean)
One of the best loudness meter plugins. It helps you determine the true perceived volume of your audio and prepare it for release on TV or streaming platforms.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download Youlean Loudness Meter Plugin for Free
Blue Cat’s FreqAnalyst (Blue Cat Audio)
FreqAnalyst by Blue Cat is a free spectrum analyzer plugin that allows you to monitor the spectral content of an audio signal in real-time.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download Blue Cat’s FreqAnalyst Plugin for Free
Track Control (DMG Audio)
A free plugin from the prestigious DMG Audio company offering complete track control. It allows you to adjust gain, M/S, delay compensation, HP filter, channel swap, phase, and more.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows) – Activation via the brand’s license management software.
Download Track Control Plugin by DMG Audio for Free
Tal Vocoder Free (TAL Software)
A free plugin emulating a vintage 11-band vocoder with the classic sound of the early ’80s.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac, Linux, and Windows)
Download Tal Vocoder Plugin for Free
Finisher Micro (Ujam)
An original multi-effect plugin concept with a single knob that allows you to creatively modify a sound using predefined effect chain presets, easily taking it “somewhere else.”
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows)
Download Finisher Micro Plugin by Ujam for Free
Tune It! (Free.fr)
A free tuner plugin. It allows you to control the level of precision, reducing latency when used in real-time.
Formats: VST, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download Tune It! Tuner Plugin for Free
ProjectTime (HOFA plugins)
ProjectTime tracks how much time you spend on each project in your DAW. It installs as a plugin, saving the time when the project closes and resuming when it reopens.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Mac and Windows) – Requires activation via HOFA’s download manager.
Download ProjectTime Plugin by HOFA for Free
s(M)exoscope (Smart Electronix)
A free oscilloscope VST plugin. You can use it to visualize audio waveforms in real-time.
Formats: VST, AU (Mac and Windows)
Download s(M)exoscope Plugin by Smart Electronix for Free
Distance2 (Air Windows)
One of the most interesting plugins by developer Chris Johnson. It uniquely simulates audio distance from the source, adding distortion. No graphical interface like the rest of Air Windows’ plugins.
Formats: VST, AU (Mac, Linux, and Windows)
Download Distance2 Plugin by Air Windows for Free
Trigger 2 Free (Steven Slate Drums)
Trigger 2 Free is the free version of the acclaimed drum sound replacement plugin. It allows you to replace and enhance drum recordings with high-quality samples. Featuring an advanced engine, you can combine up to six samples, including ambient mics, overheads, and more, ensuring precise phase alignment for natural sound replacement.
Formats: VST, AU, AAX (Windows and Mac)
Download Trigger 2 Free by Steven Slate Drums
Free Suite (Venn Audio)
The Free Suite is a lightweight, high-performance, and fully resizable collection of audio plugins. Designed to provide all the tools needed to mix a track to professional standards. No registration required for download. Free Suite is compatible with multiple platforms, supporting Windows, Mac (including native support for Mac M1), and Linux, in VST3, AU, and AAX formats.
Download Free Suite by Venn Audio
(Thanks to the blog entry from madervmusic.com for contributing several plugins from our list).
