22.12.2020

Best Free Vst Pads

This free synth comes packed with sounds – if you want. There are currently 27 free sound packs to accompany this. It’s up to you which ones you choose. We highly recommend them all. As a free VST for trap beats, this synth especially shines for leads and pads. You might want a fine selection of handbells or maybe a modular piano for your. Avatar Ambient VST is most suited for a large variety of pads, soundscapes, atmospheres or related FX sounds but can do other sounds like e.g. Certain kinds of basses too. Get the 200 best free VST plugins ever made. Dub Turbo DrumTroop is a big sounding drum VST with 16 individual outputs and 20 free kits. Each pad has options for.

Orchestral Companion is a string VST that has some great pads. This is an extremely affordable option and it can also be used for all styles of music. This comes with over 90 plus patches that are also pretty realistic. The sounds are lush and extremely dramatic.

Disclosure: When you buy through our links, we may get a commission at zero cost to you.

Best free synth VST plugins If you’re looking to make your audio tracks more appealing and interesting, then you really need to use the free synth VST plugins. Synths are offering you a cool way to make your music even better and more interesting. LABS – Free Virtual Instruments. The Spitfire Audio LABS program is an infinite series of software instruments — free and easy to use, and made by musicians in London for anyone, anywhere. Presented in their own plugin, they are compatible with any DAW. They release one new instrument every month, and in case you missed it, they are all FREE!

“My audio sample sounds dry” – I’ll add a reverb effect to make it wet (sound roomy) a little!

That was a joke, I can bet you have come across several effects in your software applications (DAW) such as reverb, delay, compression, distortion, and other various effects.

But! Why do we use audio effects in the first place?

To answer that question, I’ll ask you a simple question. How would your meal taste without any ingredients?

Tasteless right! Yh, sure, it’s still eatable but it lacks flavor. Let’s transition back to the old question, why do we use audio effects?

Audio effects are software devices (ingredients) that manipulates an audio signal to a specific taste, it can make a dry audio signal sound wet, it can help in controlling the gains of an uncompressed sound (proper leveling of peaks), it can make a dull audio sample sound lively, and it can also be misused (think of adding too many/too little salt to your meal).

Since we know the importance of using audio effects, I would be recommending some of the best free VST effects plugins.

It doesn’t make any sense to randomly list the effects, so I decided to categorize each and every effect, all compressor vst effect plugin would be under the Compressor Vst category, reverb vst effects plugin would be under Reverb Vst category, you get the idea.

Page Contents

Compressor Free VST/AU/AAX Plugin
Reverb Free VST/AU/AAX Plugin
Delay Free VST/AU/AAX Plugin
EQ Free VST/AU/AAX Plugin

Let’s get cracking…

Compressor Free VST/AU/AAX Plugin

Compression is an effect or an audio processing tool that is used to control the overall Dynamics of an audio signal or an audio portion.

Some of the best free compressor plugins are…

1.) Audiofb – SeteChave Compressor

SeteChave is the first compressor on our list and is designed with characteristics close to the “pumping” effect. It can be used for parallel compressing and it is really intuitive with minimal knobs, so, you will quickly get a hold of this one.

Features:

Input – Input signal gain control from -12db to + 12db
Att – Attack spanning from 1.2ms to 500ms
Rel – Release ranging from 20ms to 5s
Threshold – with decibel range from 0db to -36db
Ratio – Compression ratio, ranging from 1: 1 to 200: 1
Knee – Curve gives compression, which varies between values 1 and 5 Output – Output signal gain control from -12db to + 12db.

Specification Requirements:

Windows: Minimum of Win 8.1
Mac OSX: Minimum of 10.10
Supports Only 64bits of this format: VST/VST3/AAX/AU

Download (Requires Free Registration): SeteChave Compressor

2.) TDR Nova

Nova is a parallel equalizer and a multiband compressor that can tackle and fix a wide range of applications when processing. It can feel a little bit daunting when using TDR due to its various knobs, but you should easily get familiar after experimenting with its features and besides, it is free 😉

TDR NOVA is useful and works with all kinds of audio material, be it a drum bus asking for more crispiness, or a sibilance issue with your sounds, Nova got your back!

A simple UI design, drag and drop display with a classic “Knob” interface given quick and smooth access to the various parameters driving NOVA’s powerful processing capabilities.

The most interesting thing about this tool is that it has a rare feature you would find in Nova is that it allow users to copy and paste presets, and a lot of more great feature.

Features:

Parametric equalization
Dynamic equalization
Frequency selective compression
Multi-band compression
Wideband compression.

Specification Requirement:

Compatible with Windows ( Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10 and later versions) and macOS X 10.7 and above
Win 32bit formats: VST2/AAX
Win 64bits formats: VST2/VST3/AAX
Mac OSx 64bits formats: VST2/VST3/AU/AAX

Download TDR NOVA

3.) T-Chain

I can’t even believe this is free (well, partially!)

T-Chain as it names sounds, it is a chain of different plugins or a channel strip plugin that is designed for modularity, users can arrange different sound modules within the signal path, you get the idea!.

For example, you might decide to use it as a single Eq or a compressor module and if you so wish, you can arrange different sound modules such as a free EQ, Compressor, Gate, and Splitter (for splitting the signal into two distinct paths), one of the most exciting features about this free plugin, is that the module can be rearranged, added, and deleted by drag-and-drop, this way, your life can be easier rearranging your signal chain.

I should mention some modules aren’t free but getting a free Eq, compressor, gate, and splitter is more than enough for so many use cases.

Features:

Free and Paid modules, with the ability to demo any module at any time
Customizable spectrum analyzer and waveform display
Full-featured preset management system with searchable filter and text-based importing/exporting
Multiple plugin interface size (compact, small, medium, and large)
A/B Comparison feature for the entire plugin, and for individual modules

Specification Requirement:

Available on Mac and PC; in VST, VST3, AU, and AAX formats; and 32- and 64-bit architecture

Download Mac: T-Chain for Mac

Download PC: T-Chain for Win

4.) TDR Kotelnikov

TDR Kotelnikov is a plugin by tokyodawn, the maker of TDR Nova.

Kotelnikov is a wideband dynamics compressor that is designed with high fidelity dynamic range control with deep musical flexibility. Their Nova plugin is a combo of Eq and Compressor while Kotelnikov is built solely for dynamic processing and has an on par features such as a proven control scheme, individual release control for peak and RMS content, an intuitive user interface, and powerful, state of the art, high-precision algorithms.

This plugin is suited when used as bus compression and or a master channel, if you try throwing many instances of Kotelnikov on your mixer inserts, you’ll eat your CPU up!

Features:

64bit multi-rate processing structure for highest accuracy
“Delta” oversampled signal path (bit transparent at 0dB gain reduction)
Super fast, yet natural sounding compression
Flexible sidechain highpass filter
Advanced stereo linking options optimized for the stereo bus
Delta preview mode previews the difference between the compressed and original signal
Latency compensated, click-free bypass (i.e. processing never interrupted)
Advance User interface rescaling (100%, 125%, 150%)

Specification Requirement:

Compatible with Windows ( Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10 and later versions) and macOS X 10.7 and above
Win 32bit formats: VST2/AAX
Win 64bits formats: VST2/VST3/AAX
Mac OSx 64bits formats: VST2/VST3/AU/AAX

Download Mac: TDR Kotelnikov

5.) Multiband Compressor – OTT

OTT is based on a popular Ableton compressor presets and are redesigned has a three-band compressor that can either be used as an Upward or Downward compressor.

Download OTT

6.) Beatskillz – Max1

I might be biased in this review but personally, this is one of the best auto-compressor plugins out there. Max 1 will automatically analyze the ratio depending on the audio source and compress accordingly.

If you feel itchy about using an auto compressor tool, you are as well covered, Max1 comes with the default compressor knobs (Threshold, Attack, Gain, and the likes). In addition to this, it also comes bundled with a soft clip switch so you can clip anything that goes past 0dB, this way, you can save extra effort using a Limiter.

Features:

Auto-Compressor with “intelligent” and variable release time and ratio settings.
Control your peaks very easily or increase the energy and levels of your track or mix effortlessly.
The Plugin has accurate metering for both L/R input and output channels as well as Gain Gain Reduction Metering.
Great Presets to get you started on all types of material and also save your own presets.
When compressing a lot, just use the “Attack” knob to dial back the punch easily. Use the soft limit to make your track loud effortlessly and transparently.
Never Lose “Bass” when maximizing your mix or sounds, retain the character of your sounds with this transparent dynamics processor.
Easy Effortless Compression and Energy Maximization.

Download: Win 32 VST / Win 64 VST / Mac OSX VST / Mac AU

Note: You might be asked to provide a serial key, just input your email and if you don’t get one by email, click not today

7.) Dead Duck Free Effects Bundle (25 VST audio effect plugins)

This is a bundled effect plugin by Dead duck. It contains 25 original VST audio effect plugins covering everything from essential mixing tools such as EQ, compression, and limiting to creative sound-shaping tools such as delays, modulation effects, and reverb:

AutoFilter: A resonant 4-pole low-pass filter with a built-in LFO modulator.
AutoPan: An auto-panning modulation effect with optional tempo-sync and width control.
BitCrusher: A bit-crusher effect for lo-fi distortion.
Channel: A multi-function channel-strip plugin featuring gate, compressor, equalizer, limiter, filters and gain controls with comprehensive input, output, and gain-reduction metering.
Chorus: A stereo chorus effect with optional tempo-sync.
Compressor: A peak compressor with optional external side-chain input.
DeEsser: A de-esser for reducing sibilance and other unwanted high-frequency sounds.
Delay: A stereo delay featuring independent left and right channels with optional stereo linking and tempo-sync.
DJEQ: A three-band ‘DJ-style’ equalizer.
DualFilter: A high-pass and low-pass filter combination with full-range cutoff frequencies and resonance.
Equalizer: A four-band parametric equalizer with switchable low- and high-shelf bands.
Expander: A downward expander with optional external side-chain input.
Filter: A multi-mode filter including low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and band-stop responses from 12 to 48 dB/octave.
Flanger: A stereo flanger with optional tempo-sync.
Gate: A noise-gate with optional external side-chain input.
Limiter: A ‘soft’ limiter with optional hard-clipper.
MonoDelay: A mono-delay with optional ‘ping-pong’ stereo output and tempo-sync.
Overdrive: An overdrive distortion effect.
Phaser: A stereo, multi-stage phaser with optional tempo-sync.
Reverb: An efficient algorithmic reverb with pre-delay and input filtering.
RingMod: A ring-modulation effect.
SigGen: A signal-generator with sine, pink noise, and white noise outputs.
TiltEQ: A tilt-equalizer for adjusting high/low-frequency balance.
Tremolo: A volume-modulation effect with optional tempo-sync.
Utility: A multi-function mixing utility.

Download: Dead Duck Free Effects Bundle

Reverb Free VST/AU/AAX Plugin

Reverb is the simulation of the sound of space. This space could be your bathroom, a small room, a concert hall, a chamber, and so on.

It can be used to create all sorts of effects but it can easily be misused too, basically reverb effects can be used to…

To create depth in a mix; pushing elements further back in a mix
To glue elements within a track together
and many more.

Let’s see some of the best free reverb plugins…

8.) Voxengo – OldSkoolVerb

Voxengo plugins have been my best and ready to go plugin for my music production toolbox.

OldSkoolVerbemulates the classic stereo verb algorithm and produces a crystal clear spatial image that blends well with an audio file.

This reverb tool comes bundled with various sets of parameters permitting a user to achieve different reverb styles ranging from room reverb to hall reverb to plate reverb.

“The Voxengo OldSkoolVerb is best used for a non-percussive and soft-attack sound like vocals, piano and pad sounds”.

Specification Requirement:

Compatible with Windows ( Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 and later versions) and macOS (10.7 and later releases, Intel processor-based)
VST/AAX supports
Compatible with 32 and 64 bit on Windows and Mac Os
Supports 2 GHz dual-core or faster processor
2GB RAM or higher

Download OldSkoolVerb

8.) Smart Electronix – Ambience

A friend recommended Ambience too me a few years back, and the moment I tested it, I was literally blown away.

One of my favorite features of Ambience is the hold parameter which smartly freezes the reverb tail until the button is released. You can use this for creating a reverse reverb effect, special effect and you can even automate the knobs.

Ambience is a donationware plugin. You get a nag screen with no limitation, and if you love the plugin, you can donate to the developer.’

Download: Win 32 VST / Mac OSX VST

9.) Anwida Soft – DX Reverb Light

This is the light version of the original DX Reverb. The light version contains only one simplified algorithm of the 11 available algorithms in the full version, even with the limitation, DX Reverb Light can be handy for a quick reverb effect.

Download: Win 32 VST / Win 64 VST / Mac OSX VST / Mac AU

10.) Signaldust – Abstract Chamber

I don’t know if you ever notice undesirable reverb effect when used for longer reverb sounds, it sounds frustrating some times, with Abstract Chamber you can create a longer modulated reverbs whole also maintaining a natural yet abstract spatial impression.

It only supports VST

Download Abstract Chamber

11.) TAL-Reverb III

TAL-Reverb 3 is designed to be used as a stereo plate plug-in, which is the replacement of its predecessor (TAL-Reverb-II). This new edition has several improvements such as an optimized GUI and some changes in the reverb algorithm.

Additionally, TAL-Reverb 3 has a simple EQ section, a meter display and shows actual slider values.

Features:

Plate reverb sound.
One simple room size control.
Pre-delay up to one second.
EQ section (12dB cut, low shelf filter at 1000Hz, high shelf filter at 200Hz).
Stereo width control (from full stereo to mono).
Stereo input mode (mono or stereo input).
Displays the slider value of the active fader.
A meter shows the output volume.
10 factory presets.

Specification Requirements:

Windows: Windows XP or higher (32 / 64 bit)
OSX: OSX 10.7 or higher (32 / 64 bit).
AAX: Pro Tools 10.3.6 or higher

Download: Windows / Mac

Delay Free VST/AU/AAX Plugin

Best Vst For Pads

Delay is an audio effect that records an input audio signal to a medium and then plays it back after a period of time or after the time you specify.

Some of the free delay plugins are…

12.) Proximity

Proximity is easy to use delay plugin based on several psycho-acoustic models. The idea is to give mixing engineers a reliable tool for manipulating the depth of several sound sources in a straight forward and convincing manner.

It is available in both 32 and 64-bits versions for Windows and Mac OS X in VST & AU format.

Download: Windows / Mac

13.) Adam Monroe’s Delay

Adam Monroe’s Delay is a free delay VST/AU/ AAX plugin. It features traditional delay parameters such as time and feedback, as well as high/low-pass filtering and synchronized ping-pong panning.

It supports both 32 and 64-bit version:

Download: Win VST / Win AAX / Mac VST / Mac AU

EQ Free VST/AU/AAX Plugin

14.) TAL-USE

TAL-USE (Ultra Simple Eq) is especially designed after some tilt eq’s from the ’70s.

This type of eq allows adjusting the audio material without changing the character of a sound to much.

It’s an easy way, to make an audio signal sound darker or brighter with only one knob. The bass lift knob is a special addition that boosts or attenuates bass frequencies below 300Hz.

Requirements:

Windows XP or higher (32 / 64 bit)
OSX 10.6 and < 10.10 (32 bit Host).

Download: Win 32 VST / OSX 32 VST / OSX 32 AU

I Would Keep Updating This Page…

Useful Related posts:

Synth VSTs are one of the most exciting things about being a producer today.

Pad Vst Plugins

Powerful synthesis tools that used to cost thousands are now available in your DAW anytime, anywhere.

And the best part? Many of them are available as completely free plugins.

Software synthesizer plugins are great for everything from ambient pads to massive sub bass.

In this article I’ll break down the top 8 free synth VSTs for producing music in your DAW.

Let’s get started.

1. Digital Suburban Dexed

Dexed is a freeware FM synthesizer based on the legendary Yamaha DX7. It puts all the classic sounds and functions of the original synth in a modern package. Vst for fl studio 12 free.

But Dexed makes classic 6 operator FM synthesis much easier to understand and program than it ever was with hardware.

This great free synth VST is perfect for percussive sounds like tines and mallets as well as icy pads or aggressive distorted basses.

2. Matt Tytel Helm

Synthesis is hard to understand even when you have real hardware synthesizer in front of you. It can be even more difficult when you’re working with an abstract software plugin.

That’s why Matt Tytel’s Helm is such a great synth VST.

Helm is a great sounding, two oscillator subtractive synth that’s dead easy for beginners to use.

It’s well laid out with a logical interface and helpful graphics that let you understand every aspect of basic subtractive synthesis.

Helm is perfect If you’re just getting started and need an easy synth to learn on.

3. u-He Tyrell N6

u-He Tyrell N6 is a stylish synth with bold analog sound and simple workflow.

It features a great preset library and modulation matrix as well as handy extras like unison mode, loopable envelopes and built in overdrive.

Overall, Tyrell N6 is a quality freeware synth that any producer can use to make great sounds.

4. DiscoDSP OB-Xd

Speaking of analog sound, DiscoDSP’s OB-Xd models one of the most sought-after instruments in analog synth history—the Oberheim OB-X.

This completely free plugin gives you access to the lush sound of the OB-X in your DAW.

From enveloping analog pads to deep basses and searing leads, the OB-Xd is an inspiring free synth to add to your plugin folder.

5. TAL Noisemaker

TAL’s excellent Noisemaker synth proves that VSTs don’t need to be complicated to work well in a track.

This straightforward synth has a powerful sound and compact, lightweight interface.

It contains a unique visual envelope editor and handy onboard effects including bitcrusher and TAL’s emulation of the Juno 60/106 chorus effect.

6. Vember Audio Surge

Vember Audio Surge is probably the most powerful free VST synth on this list.

Surge is open source which means you’re free to download the code and do whatever you want with it.

It’s fantastic sounding digital synth that can cover all kinds of different sonic territory.

Its highly flexible architecture includes wavetable oscillators, two filters with eight different modes each and routing options for frequency modulation.

If you’re looking to get lost in the possibilities of sound design, Surge is the best way to do it for free.

7. VCV Rack

This next one is a little different, but it’s so exciting that it had to make it to this list.

VCV Rack is a standalone synth program that models nearly every module available for the Eurorack format.

Pad Sampler Vst

That’s right—those enormous racks of modular gear that creative producers spend thousands of dollars collecting.

VCV Rack lets you create your own dream modular rig right on your desktop. You can even create patches authentically with virtual cables to get the real modular experience.

Integrating it with your DAW is a bit trickier—but using the plugin in standalone mode is just as fun for creating inspiring patches.

Every musician should try using VCV Rack to see what modular is all about.

8. ML PG8X

The 80s are a popular decade for free synth plugin builders. This retro-leaning synth from developer Martin Lüders models the classic Roland JX-8p.

The JX-8p polysynth was one of the most popular keyboards of the time for a reason. It’s classic presets made it onto hundreds of recordings from the golden age of synth pop.

The ML PG-8X plugin version gives you all the vintage mojo of the original for free. It’s a nice analog-style polysynth with a unique retro character.

Pair it up with Dexed for authentic 80s stacked synth textures!

Free to play

You don’t need tons of expensive gear to make a great track. Free synth plugins prove that there’s plenty of capable tools out there to make music that sounds good on a shoestring budget.

Whether you’re looking for classic vintage tones, deep sound design tools or you just want to choose a good synth to get started, there’s a VST on this list to inspire you.

Now that you have some great new synths in your plugin folder, get back to your DAW and keep creating.