- Best Free Eq Plugin Mac
- Free Parametric Eq Vst
- Best Free Mastering Vst Plugins
- Best Free Eq Plugin Macbook Pro
Blue Cat's Triple EQ is a free 3 bands semi-parametric equalizer that can be controlled like a single filter, with a customizable shape.This free EQ includes a low shelf filter, a high shelf filter and a boost/cut peak filter. Download the Best Free Audio Plugins. Synths, Reverbs, Compressors.and much more. Just click and download. VST-Mac Plugins. “The AMBEO Orbit is a Sennheiser’s free binaural panner plugin, designed to facilitate mixing immersive binaural. Next Page ». Compatible with Mac OS and Windows (VST/AU/AAX 32 and 64-bit). Download it here. Best free EQ VST: TDR Nova. The TDR Nova is a four-band dynamic Equalizer (EQ). A true workhorse. It allows you to make a drum track crisper or boost certain frequencies as needed. Any producer needs a bread and butter EQ VST. This is the one. Top 10 Free Eq Plugins in Detail. All of the plugins on this list are completely free and can be easily downloaded from their respective websites, or from VST4Free. Every plugin on this list is both windows and OSX compatible and can be downloaded in VST or AU component file formats.
Time to update your producer toolkit.
There’s no shortage of innovative VST plugins out there right now. The hardest part is picking from the thousands of available ones.
Don’t worry, we got your back. We’ve hand-picked a selection of plugins to make it easier for you. Oh, and they’re free!
The theme of this selection is effects – they’ll give your mix that extra crunch, oomph or whah.
Here are 10 free VST effects plugins that’ll add flavour to your sound:
1. Best free echo VST: Valhalla Freq Echo
The Freq Echo is a frequency shifter with analog echo emulation. My personal favourite.
It adds chorus, phasing and flanger effects. Go ahead and create some wild glissandos and runaway echos.
It’s great for dub and psychedelic effects. Use it for beefing up basslines.
If you’re a fan of electronic music pioneer Delia Derbyshire you’ll love it.
Compatible with Mac OS and Windows (VST/AU in 32 and 64-bit, AAX 64-bit, RTAS).
Download it here.
2. Best free fuzz VST: FuzzPlus3
Here’s the updated FuzzPlus distortion VST pedal emulation from Audio Damage.
The central knob is the fuzz distortion. There’s also a Korg MS-20 style low-pass filter. And you can feedback the signal for some extra juice.
Amazing on synths and drums for meaty, distorted effects.
Use the presets or save your own.
Compatible with Mac OS and Windows (VST/VST3/AU 32 and 64-bit).
Download it here.
3. Best free EQ VST: MH Thump
MH Thump adds low end to your track. It recreates that nice thump you get on a vintage TR-808 drum machine.
It’s an audio processor that analyzes an audio input – say your drum track. Then it synthesizes a low frequency signal to add some body.
There are two independent oscillators and many knobs for fine-tuned control.
Go ahead and beef up those beats!
Compatible with Mac OS and Windows (VST/AU/AAX 32 and 64-bit)
Download it here.
4. Best free bitcrusher VST: Krush
Krush is a very interesting bit crusher VST.
It creates that crunchy digital bit reduction effect. But it can also imitate a warmer analog effect with the drive and resonant filter.
If there can be such a thing: the Krush is a very elegant bit crusher.
The Dry and Wet faders allow you to play with how much of original signal and the effect you want.
The modulations can be free form or synced to a rate of your choice. Save and recall presets easily.
Compatible with Mac OS and Windows (VST/AU/AAX 32 and 64-bit)
Download it here.
5. Best free overdrive VST: Mercuriall Tube Screamer 808
Meet the Mercuriall Tube Screamer 808 – your new overdrive VST effect plugin.
It’s modeled after the holy grail of tube screamers: the Ibanez TS-808 pedal.
Make your guitar sounds grungier. Flip between the TS-808 and MOD modes with the metal switch.
MOD will give you a slightly darker sound.
Compatible with Mac OS and Windows (VST/AU/AAX 32 and 64-bit).
Download it here.
6. Best free tremolo VST: Pecheneg Tremolo
The Pecheneg is a tremolo VST effect. It gives you the power to create rhythmic modulations with your sound.
The Tempo section allows you to play the frequency either by selecting a Note or a Frequency.
Just like when you use LFOs, the Pecheneg Tremolo allows you to change the wave shape.
This effect will improve the groove of your track. It’ll give life to your synth or bassline.
Compatible with Mac OS and Windows (VST/AU 32 and 64-bit)
Download it here.
7. Best free chorus VST: TAL Chorus -LX
TAL‘s stereo Chorus-LX is inspired by the Roland Juno-60 chorus. It’s a simple but powerful chorus VST.
It has two different modes (I and II) that you can use separately or together.
Select how much of the effect you want with the Wet/Dry knob.
Use it to give some grit and body to your bass or synth line.
Compatible with Mac OS and Windows (VST/AU/AAX 32 and 64-bit).
Download it here.
8. Best free EQ VST: TDR Nova
The TDR Nova is a four-band dynamic Equalizer (EQ). A true workhorse.
It allows you to make a drum track crisper or boost certain frequencies as needed.
Any producer needs a bread and butter EQ VST. This is the one.
It has a built-in spectrum analyzer for precise EQing.
It’s also got a preset manager, A/B comparison, undo/redo functions and more.
Compatible with Mac OS and Windows (VST/AU/AAX 32 and 64-bit).
Download it here.
9. Best free reverb VST: Protoverb 1.0
The Protoverb 1.0 by U-He is a different kind of reverb VST.
The coolest thing about the Protoverb is that you can generate random settings and save the ones you like.
The spirit of this plugin is trial and error – we like that. It encourages users to share their favourite settings from a button on the plugin.
Compatible with Mac OS, Windows and Linux (VST/VST2/AU/AAX 32 and 64-bit).
Download it here.
10. Best free panning VST: PanCake 2
Last but not least: the most flexible panning VST effect you’ll ever find.
PanCake 2 lets you manually draw the curves of your panning modulation. You can also generate one randomly.
It’s easy to use and very visual. The LFO in the PanCake 2 can be synced to your DAW.
Pan your sounds sharply for dramatic effects. Pan them smoothly for subtle variations.
Compatible with Mac OS or Windows (VST/AU in 32 and 64-bit).
Download it here.
Spice up your mix
A mix can go from bland to grand with the right effects.
The good news is that you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars for that.
We’ve selected 10 VST effects plugin that we know you’ll love.
Grab all ten and try them out. Tell us what you think of them in the comment section!
And check out other VST plugins we recommend:
Mixing vocals is one of the most important jobs in music production. To do it well you’ll need a handful of quality plugins.
But if you’re on a tight budget you’re probably looking for the best free vocal plugins that won’t break the bank.
Luckily there are plenty of vocal mixing plugins you can download at no cost from generous developers.
Vocal processing is a delicate task that requires a few different plugin types for a polished sound.
In this article I’ll walk through each one, explain why it’s important and recommend the best options to download for free.
Here is the essential guide to free plugins for vocals.
1. Vocal tuning plugins
Vocal pitch correction has become an important part of modern vocal production. Before you even start mixing you might need to use this plugin type to refine your vocals and get the right sound.
Whether you’re after subtle performance enhancement or dramatic T-Pain effects, it’s worth having a good vocal tuner in your plugin folder.
Here are some free options to consider:
Auburn Sounds Graillon
Auburn Sounds Graillon is a live vocal changer that can transform vocal timbre and create robotic hard tuning sounds.
The free tier gives you access to a stripped down version of the paid plugin with pitch shifting and pitch correction.
Melda MAutoPitch
Melda MAutoPitch is another automated pitch correction option with a simple interface. This one is capable of some more subtle effects as well as classic hard tuning.
Voloco
Voloco is probably the simplest vocal tuning plugin out there. Choose the key, scale and tuning type and adjust the intensity with the correction amount.
Hot tip: Vocal pitch correction is one of the few plugin types without a full-featured free alternative. If you can stretch your budget slightly, Auto-Tune Access is the cheapest version of Auto-Tune ever.
2. Vocal EQ plugins
Once you start working on balancing the vocal in your mix you’ll need a good equalizer plugin.
This is the plugin type you’ll use to clean up issues and sculpt the frequency balance so your vocal sounds more pleasing in the mix.
But pro vocal chains often include more than one EQ. That’s why I’ve listed a few options that each play different roles in a mix:
TDR Nova
TDR Nova is a sophisticated digital-style EQ for surgical sculpting and problem solving.
This type of EQ might appear first in your vocal effects chain if there are any frequency issues that need to be resolved before other mixing tasks.
If you need to clean up excessive low end, reduce resonances or soften clicks and artifacts, TDR Nova is a perfect choice.
Ignite Amps PTeq-X
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Ignite Amps PTeq-x is an analog style EQ based on the analog Pultec EQP-1A hardware.
This legendary vintage equalizer is many engineer’s first choice for vocal sculpting. Its gentle and musical curves are perfect for adding character, sparkle, or midrange cut.
Hot tip: Vocal EQ plugins are often used in different positions in the signal chain. Character EQ like the PT-EQx should go after any dynamics processing you choose to do—more on that in the next section!
Analog Obsession Britchannel
Another classic processor many pro engineers use on vocals is the legendary EQ found in Neve mixing consoles.
Analog Obsession Britchannel brings a 1073-style channel to your DAW, complete with preamp gain modelling for extra sweet character.
3. Vocal compressor plugins
Compression is the next essential task in vocal mixing.
It means controlling the dynamics of the vocal so it sits nicely in the mix even during quiet passages.
It’s a big subject in music production so head over to our in-depth guide if you don’t have a handle on it yet.
Every compressor plugin has a unique character. Trying to list them all would take too long.
But to get you started, here are some favorites for vocal duties you can download for free:
Hot tip: Vocal compression is often done in stages in a process called serial compression. This means using one compressor after another to act on different parts of the signal or introduce different qualities. The compressors listed here can work on their own or together in series.
Analog Obsession FETish
You can never go wrong with the classic sound of an 1176 FET compressor. One of the most popular dynamics processors of all time, the 1176 is fast, punchy and perfect for controlling the aggressive transients in an active vocal performance.
You can never go wrong with the classic sound of an 1176 FET compressor.
Analog Obsession FETish is another great plugin take on this sound that’s available for free.
Analog Obsession LA-LA
If there’s one compressor style that’s most known for vocals, it’s the optical LA-2A compressor.
This is the buttery smooth vintage compressor powered by photocell and tube gain stages. It’s known for its gradual attack time and gentle release that beautifully compliment a great vocal.
Once again, Analog Obsession offers a compelling take on the LA-2A that you can download for free. But with so many excellent plugins in their bundle, consider supporting them if you download them all!
Hot tip:Subscribe to the LANDR Newsletter to get all the best free plugins updates in your inbox.
4. Vocal saturation plugins
Sometimes a vocal needs something a little extra to sit properly in a mix. In those cases, saturation is another tool in your vocal mixing toolbox to consider.
This plugin type adds gentle harmonic distortion that can wake up midrange frequencies and make a sound pop in the mix.
Hot tip: Saturation is a strong effect that many producers blend in gently on a bus. Try this if you need another layer of control over your vocal saturation
Sometimes a vocal needs something a little extra to sit properly in a mix. In those cases, saturation is another tool in your vocal mixing toolbox to consider.
Here are some great free saturation plugins to consider:
Klanghelm IVGI
Klanghelm is a respected plugin manufacturer that offers stripped-down versions of their flagship plugins for free.
IVGI is a single mode from their SDRR multi-saturator.
It adds a satisfying layer of harmonic distortion that can bring a dull vocal forward in the mix
Softube Saturation Knob
Sometimes a plugin doesn’t need to be complicated to be helpful in a mix.
That’s the case with the single parameter Softube Saturation Knob. Simply crank it up to add smooth saturation and punch.
5. Vocal de-esser plugins
De-essers are a plugin type with a very specific job in vocal mixing. They reduce the distracting effect of the ‘S’ syllable in a singer’s performance.
Certain vocalists and singing styles can create a sharp sibilance sound in combination with certain microphones.
De-esser plugins are how you reduce it. In essence, a de-esser is a compressor that only acts on a narrow range of the frequency spectrum where the sibilance occurs.
De-essers should be placed after any gain reduction or frequency boosting processors that add to the negative effects of sibilance.
Techivation T-De-Esser
Techivation is T-De-Esser is a straightforward free de-esser plugin that gets the job done.
Simply select a frequency range, set sharpness and intensity and dial in the amount of effect you need to smooth out your vocals.
Hot tip: Most DAWs come bundled with a perfectly good de-esser for cleaning up vocals. Try your native plugin bundle before rushing to download a free de-esser.
6. Vocal widener plugins
Once you’ve gotten your vocals to sit in your mix, you’ll want to start working with creative effects to make them stand out.
These vocal effects are typically used in parallel on an aux return channel for a subtle blend.
One of the most satisfying send effects on vocals is chorusing, detuning or doubling.
These plugins thicken the vocal sound and make them seem wider in the stereo field.
Here some nice free options:
Acon Digital Multiply
Acon Digital Multiply is a great free chorus plugin that’s perfect for adding swirling stereo modulation to a vocal track.
Add up to 6 voices of chorus and shape the sound with the onboard EQ to get the ideal vocal modulation.
Izotope Vocal Doubler
Vocal doubling has a long history in music production. It’s a natural way of thickening the vocal sound by recording additional takes on top of a lead vocal.
The modulation comes from the natural imperfections in the singer’s overdubs, but you can get a similar effect with plugins like Izotope Vocal Doubler.
Plus, it’s faster than singing your parts again!
7. Vocal delay plugins
Next up are your ambience effects. These are the processors that give your vocals a sense of space and dimension in the mix.
Delay is a type of spatial effect you’ll hear in most vocal mixes. It’s the echoing repeats that fade into the background behind the main vocal.
Hot tip: Even if you can’t distinctly hear the effect of a vocal delay plugin in the mix, subtle repeats contribute nicely to the ambience and often make the vocal blend better into the texture.
ValhallaDSP FreqEcho
ValhallaDSP FreqEcho is a simple but powerful delay plugin that can do more than you might think from it’s simple UI.
The frequency control lets you take it from pristine digital repeats to lo-fi filtered madness at the touch of a dial.
TAL Dub-II
Best Free Eq Plugin Mac
TAL Dub-2 is a retro-style delay that models the stylish dirty delays from old-school dub reggae.
With powerful controls for saturation and modulation, you can build any analog-style delay you can imagine.
8. Vocal reverb plugins
Finally, reverb is essential in any vocal mix. This is the effect that simulates the reflections from rigid surfaces that situate a sound in its physical environment.
The quality of the reverberation gives your brain clues about where the sound takes place.
For example, a long diffuse reverb might evoke a large concert hall while a short, ringy decay could be a tiled bathroom.
That’s why producers take pains to choose the perfect vocal reverb plugin for the mix.
Here are a few plugins to help you do it for free:
Dragonfly Reverbs
Toyota type regular. The Dragonfly bundle of free reverb plugins covers all the important styles of reverb for your mix.
From rooms and early reflections to sumptuous plates and halls, the Dragonfly suite has a smooth, sophisticated sound that’s quite impressive for a free plugin.
OrilRiver
OrilRiver is another favorite when it comes to free reverb effects.
The latest version is updated to work on Mac and PC and delivers great sound with minimal CPU load.
TAL Reverb-2
TAL Reverb-2 is a classic reverb with a dreamy, enveloping sound.
If you need a larger than life reverb with lush diffusion, this is a great free option.
Free Parametric Eq Vst
Freedom of choice
There are plenty of different approaches when it comes to mixing vocals. But most of them require plugins from a handful of these categories.
Best Free Mastering Vst Plugins
Whether you’re looking to build an entire vocal chain or just try something new, there’s a plugin on this list to help you get the sound you need.
Best Free Eq Plugin Macbook Pro
Now that you’ve downloaded a few great free plugins, get back to your DAW and keep mixing.