Who Wants Free Plugins? The Hottest New VST Freebies of the Month
Scoring great deals on music production gear isn’t just about saving money—it’s about maximizing your creative potential without breaking the bank. Every month, top plugin developers and hardware brands drop huge discounts, exclusive bundles, and even free plugins, making it the perfect time to upgrade your setup. Whether you’re looking for industry-standard mixing tools, creative effects, or must-have synths, keeping up with these deals ensures you get pro-level tools at a fraction of the cost. But with so many offers coming and going, it can be tough to keep track of the best ones before they disappear. That’s where this guide comes in. Each month, we round up the top VST plugin discounts, hardware sales, and newly released freebies, so you don’t have to spend hours searching. From limited-time UAD and iZotope sales to Plugin Boutique’s exclusive bundles and Native Instruments upgrades, we break down the biggest deals and why they’re worth grabbing. Whether you’re a seasoned producer or just starting out, keeping an eye on these sales can help you build a world-class toolkit without spending a fortune.
Who Wants Free Plugins? The Hottest New VST Freebies of the Month
UAD 1176 Compressor
Universal Audio’s 1176 Compressor is one of the most iconic dynamics processors ever, and for a limited time, you can grab its authentic FET compressor emulation for free. This legendary compressor is famous for its fast attack times and aggressive analog-style compression, making it a go-to on vocals, drums, and bass.
The plugin faithfully recreates the warmth and punch of the original hardware, offering that signature 1176 grit and presence. Whether you want smooth, transparent leveling or full-on, crushed compression, this is a rare chance to get a professional studio staple without spending a dime. But act fast—this freebie won’t last forever! Offer ends… (drum roll!) March 31.
Download here
Aether Moonwave
Aether’s Moonwave is a stereo width enhancer that instantly makes your mixes sound bigger. Using HAAS-based stereo imaging, it expands the stereo field by over 200%, creating a rich and immersive soundstage. Whether you’re working with pads, synths, or vocals, this plugin helps push your mix into larger-than-life territory.
The controls are intuitive, allowing you to tweak stereo depth and spatial characteristics without introducing unwanted phase issues. If your mixes feel flat and narrow, Moonwave offers a quick and effective way to add dimension without making things overly complicated. This one is free with a purchase over at ADSR.
Download here
Cableguys Pancake 2
Pancake 2 is a free auto-panning plugin that gives you precise control over stereo movement. Unlike basic pan automation, it lets you design custom panning curves, meaning you can create everything from subtle ear-pleasing motion to extreme, head-spinning effects. It’s an easy way to add life and movement to static sounds.
One of its coolest features is tempo-synced modulation, allowing panning to lock perfectly to your track’s rhythm. This makes it especially great for adding groove to hi-hats, synths, and even pads. If you want to make your mix feel wider and more dynamic, Pancake 2 is a must-have.
Download here
Unplugred Magic Carpet
Unplugred has released Magic Carpet, a quirky (in a good way) delay plugin that adds character and movement to any track. This isn’t your standard delay—its modulation options create everything from subtle tape-like wobble to wild, psychedelic echoes. Whether you’re working with synths, vocals, or guitars, the built-in pitch modulation adds an unpredictable, musical charm that makes this effect stand out.
Another highlight is its tempo-syncing capabilities, which allow for rhythmic delays that sit perfectly in a mix. The interface is playful yet intuitive, encouraging experimentation without overwhelming you with options. Whether you want to spice up a dry sound or dive into atmospheric sound design, Magic Carpet offers creative textures at no cost.
Download here
Process.Audio Protility
Process.Audio’s Protility is a must-have for anyone who wants cleaner, more balanced mixes. It’s a utility plugin, but don’t let that fool you—it’s packed with essential tools like phase correction and gain matching, making it easy to spot issues that could throw off your mix. If you’ve ever struggled with phase problems between layered kicks or stereo recordings, this plugin will save you time and frustration.
Another major perk is its mono compatibility checker, which ensures your mix translates well across different playback systems. These kinds of mix checks are often overlooked, but Protility simplifies the process, making it an effortless part of your workflow. If you want a professional-sounding mix with minimal fuss, this freebie is a no-brainer.
Download here
Chromatic Instruments Pistachiotone MR-65
tl;dr : if you’re a lofi beatmaker, you need this synth ASAP!
Chromatic Instruments just dropped Pistachiotone MR-65, a wonderfully nostalgic free emulation of the classic Casiotone MT-65 synthesizer, built exclusively for NI Kontakt. If you’ve ever been charmed by the lo-fi magic of vintage Casio keyboards, this plugin is an instant trip down memory lane. Its sound palette perfectly captures that iconic lo-fi warmth and charmingly simplistic textures, instantly transporting your productions back to the days of thrift-store keyboard finds and DIY bedroom jams.
What makes Pistachiotone MR-65 stand out even more is how creatively faithful it is to the original instrument, featuring all 20 original tone presets and uniquely quirky auto-chord modes, including the fun-to-use Pistachio Chord mode. It also includes seven vintage drum samples with flexible tuning and volume controls. Throw in over 100 presets, a handy randomize function, and effects like chorus, reverb, saturation, and digital delay, and you've got yourself a surprisingly powerful creative tool—especially impressive for a completely free plugin.
Keep in mind, you'll need the full version of Kontakt to use this one, but it's absolutely worth the download.
Download here
KiTiK Krush
KiTiK’s Krush is not your average bitcrusher—it’s a spectral crusher, meaning it breaks your sound apart in frequency bands rather than just reducing bit depth. The result? A unique blend of distortion and digital decay that can turn clean sounds into chaotic, glitched-out textures. It’s fantastic for adding bite to drums, grit to synths, or a lo-fi edge to vocals.
What makes Krush even more powerful is its selective frequency control, which allows you to apply crushing effects to specific parts of the spectrum while keeping others untouched. This opens up possibilities for subtle enhancement or complete sonic destruction, making it a great tool for sound designers and experimental producers alike.
Download here
Analog Obsession Attractor Dynamics
Attractor Dynamics by Analog Obsession is a free dynamic processor that combines compression, expansion, and transient shaping in one package. Unlike standard compressors, it gives you finer control over how your sounds react dynamically, making it ideal for both subtle leveling and extreme punch enhancement.
One of its standout features is its ability to shape transients, which means you can bring out the attack of drums or soften harsh elements in a mix with ease. It’s a fantastic option for producers who want to add controlled energy to their tracks without relying on multiple plugins.
As long as Analog Obsession keeps releasing awesome stuff, I’m gonna keep mentioning the in my best new free plugins posts!
Download here
Audio Assault Mix Locker
Audio Assault’s Mix Locker is a free mixing suite that packs a surprising punch. It includes 10 different mixing modules, covering everything from EQ and compression to saturation and reverb. These modules work seamlessly together, making it an all-in-one solution for polishing tracks without needing multiple plugins.
The standout feature is its one-knob saturation, which adds warmth and character to any sound with minimal effort. Whether you’re tightening up a drum bus, adding color to vocals, or subtly enhancing a full mix, Mix Locker offers professional-quality tools at zero cost. It’s an excellent choice for producers who want simple, effective processing without breaking the bank.
Download here
Dreamwave Tarantula
Tarantula by Dreamwave is a classic stereo chorus plugin that instantly brings lush, vintage-style movement to your sound. Inspired by classic ‘80s hardware, it thickens up synths, guitars, and even vocals with rich modulation. Whether you want a subtle shimmer or a full-on, warbling detune effect, Tarantula delivers with ease.
A major plus is its analog-inspired tone, which avoids the harshness of digital choruses and keeps things warm and smooth. The interface is refreshingly simple, with just a few knobs that let you dial in the perfect amount of width and depth. For anyone chasing that dreamy, nostalgic chorus sound, Tarantula is an essential freebie.
Download here
Audiomodern Freezr & Heavyocity MicroFX Refiner – Free with Purchase at Plugin Boutique
For March 2025, Plugin Boutique is offering two exclusive freebies with any eligible paid purchase: Freezr by Audiomodern and MicroFX Refiner by Heavyocity. You can claim one free plugin per transaction, but if you want both, you can make two separate purchases.
MicroFX Refiner is a multi-effect bus processor designed to enhance drum, instrument, and master busses. It offers EQ, compression, saturation, stereo imaging, and limiting, all in one plugin. Its intuitive XY pad lets you balance loudness and character effortlessly, while the preset system optimizes processing for different types of tracks.
Freezr is an advanced freeze and stutter sequencer, allowing you to capture, manipulate, and remix audio in real-time. It features dual sequencers, filter modulation, MIDI control, and an infinite variation generator, making it a powerful tool for rhythmic effects, glitchy textures, and performance-based sound design.
Download here
Plugin Boutique $29 & $49 Mixing Month Bundles Sale
For a limited time, Plugin Boutique is offering 15 pro-grade mixing tools and sound packs for just $49 (normally $550). Highlights include iZotope Neutron 5 Elements for AI-powered mixing, UJAM Finisher BOOST for smooth transitions, and Denise Audio Sub Generator for deep bass. Also included: Brainworx bx_boom V3 for punchy kicks and Excite Audio Lifeline Width for stereo enhancement. An unbeatable deal for producers at any level.
iZotope Mix & Master Month Sale
iZotope Ozone 11 Standard is on sale for just $75 (down from $149) with a crossgrade from any iZotope product, including Elements. With AI-assisted mastering, dynamic EQs, and precise loudness control, it’s a must-have for achieving polished mixes. Other iZotope tools, like RX 10 and Neutron 4, are also deeply discounted, making this a great time to upgrade.
Native Instruments KOMPLETE & Friends Sale
Native Instruments is offering 20% off Komplete 15 bundles, with select versions including bonus instruments. Purchasing Komplete 15 Standard or higher grants access to Teletone Audio Electro, a vintage drum machine-inspired sequencer. Komplete 15 Ultimate also includes Slower by e-Instruments, a tape-saturated sound design engine, while the Collector’s Edition adds 80 by Sonokinetic, a cinematic 80s-inspired scoring toolkit. Not all versions qualify for the free instruments, so be sure to check before purchasing. This is a great opportunity to expand your production toolkit at a discount.
Universal Audio UAD Monsters of Compression & Vintage Studio Bundle Sale
Save up to 94% on UAD’s legendary compressors, including 1176, LA-2A, Fairchild, and Distressor. The Vintage Studio Bundle adds Hitsville Reverb, Helios Type 69, Oxide Tape, and Fairchild limiters, delivering classic analog warmth. Whether you need tight compression or vintage textures, these UAD deals are a steal this month.
UJAM Manufacturer Focus Sale
From March 1st to March 16th, UJAM is offering up to 93% off a selection of their virtual instruments and effects. Their lineup includes Beatmaker series drum plugins, cinematic scoring tools, and Finisher multi-effects, all designed to speed up your workflow while delivering pro-level results. While not every UJAM product is included in the sale, this is one of the biggest discounts they’ve offered, making it a great time to grab high-quality production tools at a fraction of the price.
Cover credit: Troy T
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