All the VST Plugins You Need to Make Chill Lofi Hip Hop Beats
Love 'em or hate 'em, lofi beats are more popular than ever. Populating Spotify playlists and YouTube channels, they've probably become a part of your life if you work in an office, or you like to study once a semester, or if you're just a stone-cold chiller who likes to chill. If you were thinking of getting in the lofi game, or if you've been at it and you're thinking to yourself "Baby needs some new toys", I have some suggestions for you. And you don't even have to break the piggy bank to take your sound to the next level, as those plugins are either free or relatively cheap. Also, I don’t want to tell you how to live your life, but you should take your cash out of the piggy bank and put it in some sort of savings account, just sayin'. Here are a few of my favorite plugins and VST at the moment.
All the VST Plugins You Need to Make Chill Lofi Hip Hop Beats
Lifeline Expanse | Excite Audio
RC-20 Retro Color | XLN Audio
Arcade | Output
ShaperBox 3 | Cableguys
BA-1 | Baby Audio
Crystalline | Baby Audio
ElastiquePitch | zplane
Decapitator | SoundToys
LoFi Flux Machine | Yum Audio
Mello-Fi | Arturia
Origin | Cymatics [FREE]
Vinyl | iZotope [FREE]
Tape Cassette 2 | Caelum Audio
Magic Switch + Magic Dice | Baby Audio [FREE]
Comeback Kid | Baby Audio
1. Lifeline Expanse | Excite Audio
Lofi is all about breaking the rules, and I'm going to break the rules straight up right now. Before I give you a bunch of awesome free plugins (you're welcome, by the way) I'll talk about a paid VST (albeit a VERY affordable one).
When I first heard about Lifeline Expanse, I thought it was just another one of those RC-20 Retro Color knock-offs. I was like: "Hey buddy, another multi-effect? Are you jerkin' my gherkin?" And yes, I said this out loud even though I was alone... ;(
Anyways, Lifeline Expanse has become my favorite - and only - friend in the whole world! This thing ROCKS. It's super versatile, and basically what it does is it adds a tone of flavor to your sound, and it can "spatialize" your elements in a weird way.
I’m not sure I understand everything that’s going on under the hood, but the results speak for themselves. So if you'd like your drums to sound like they were recorded in a musty cupboard, or if you'd like your guitar to sound like it's coming from another room through a haunted amp, this does that.
If you like artists such as Jai Paul and J Dilla, just people that have a different approach to mixing and producing, this is for you.
Seriously, just get it. I've been dreaming of a VST that sounds like this since I started making music, ages ago. My dreams are now a reality, thanks to Excite Audio. Thank you Excite Audio xx 😘
Download Lifeline Expanse here
2. RC-20 Retro Color | XLN Audio
If after all this, you're still jonesing for that sweet RC-20 sound you heard on your favorite records of the past couple of years (and I do mean it's on every freakin' track!) then... Go ahead.
Treat yourself, bro. (And in case you’re wondering, I am using the word “bro” in a non-gender specific way.)
Bro, look at me… Bro, get RC-20, there's no shame in that. It's a great plugin. That tape hiss generator, that flutter that gives your synth the wow factor (pun intended), the distortion, that magnetic module that I'm not sure what it does but who cares because: LOOOO-FI!
It's all in there. Go get it.
Download RC-20 Retro Color here
3. Arcade | Output
Ok, so I was skeptical when this came out. To catch you up, Arcade is a sampler loaded with kits and all the functionality you need to get the creative ideas flowing in an instant.
I'm one of those guys who has a million samples organized in myriad sub-folders, and a therapist would probably say I have problems, but I like to collect samples and keep them organized. If that's a crime, lock me up.
So the idea of having a VST preloaded with samples was destabilizing to me, just because that's not what I'm used to.
But turns out, Arcade is really fun to use. It's really well-made, especially when you compare it with other software on the market (yup, I am looking at you Loopcloud). The sound selection is simply gargantuesque, and the fact that you don't need to sort through endless sub-folders (this time I'm looking at you, Splice) is frankly super refreshing. (And I was just kidding Splice, don't be mad ok?)
When I feel a track needs a little I-don't-know-what just to switch things up, I pull up Arcade. I can settle on a weird vocal hook or a sexy guitar riff, or maybe some funky percussion. Or all of the above, because you only live once and no one can tell you what to do!
Arcade has a free one-month trial. Please check it out, your life won't ever be the same.
Download Arcade here
4. ShaperBox 3 | Cableguys
This is me at a party: "Yo, are you docking your tracks? You gotta dock everything except your kick drum bruh!" As you can imagine, I'm quite a sensation at every event I'm invited to. A true "party animal."
But seriously, docking (or side-chaining) is a really good way to make some room in your mixes and give that pumping groove to your beats. ShaperBox 3 is great for that because you can just select a curve and modulate your volume without having to route it to your kick. (Although you can do that too, if that's your thing.)
The volume docking is a go-to, but you can also mess with filters, or even time stretching. It's a really creative tool that makes your tracks weird and interesting in an instant. This is also a great substitute for a tool like Gross Beat if you're not an FL Studio user.
Download ShaperBox 3 here
5. BA-1 | Baby Audio
In a world where digital precision often reigns supreme, Baby Audio's BA-1 brings back the warm, imperfect charm of 1980s synths with a modern twist. This little beast is tailor-made for those into lofi hip hop, synthwave, or anything that craves that thick, slightly off-kilter retro sound.
The BA-1 isn’t just another vintage emulation—it’s got some cool modern features. You can bend circuits, drain the battery, use docking on patches, and even re-amp your sounds through its virtual built-in speaker. Whether you're crafting nostalgic basslines or dreamy pads, this synth's raw, analog-inspired tones will give your tracks that unmistakable vintage nostalgia.
The BA-1 enhances its appeal with top-notch onboard effects like chorus, delay, and reverb, all designed to add depth and dimension to your sound. If you’re familiar with Baby Audio's innovative plugins like Super VHS and Comeback Kid, you already know you're in for a treat. The effects section here isn’t just an afterthought—it’s a crucial part of what makes this synth special.
What’s even cooler is that you can use BA-1's effects as a standalone multi-effect plugin in your DAW. The BA-1 Retro FX Strip offers a well-curated selection, making it a solid alternative to popular VSTs like RC-20 Retro Color and Lifeline Expanse—and the best part? It’s completely free when you grab the BA-1. How sweet is that?
Download BA-1 here
6. Crystalline | Baby Audio
I'll be honest, I'm not a huge fan of reverb. A little goes a long way, but too much reverb can really muddy up your mix and make everything sound distant and "too big". That's really a matter of opinion, of course, but it's just not my jam.
That being said, I've been really excited about Crystalline, which should tell you how awesome it is. It's a really modern reverb plugin that addresses all the needs of a contemporary producer. From docking to stereo imaging, this VST makes sure that reverb won't be stepping on your mix's toes anytime soon. And it's really fun and intuitive to use!
This is another Baby Audio gem, btw. Baby Audio, I love you. Hit me up, I think we could go the distance.
Download Crystalline here
7. ElastiquePitch | zplane
If you're using a modern DAW, you're probably pitch-shifting samples all day every day. Gotta hit that “complex” tab, right? My Ableton users know what I'm talking about. You guys are crazy for this one…
That being said, maybe you're, like, producing tracks on a Commodore 64 and it doesn't support pitch-shifting. Or maybe you just like a dedicated plugin to mess with your plugin and give you more creative options.
For me, ElastiquePitch was a bit of a splurge, but I think I deserve it, you know? It's really simple and fun to use, plus the pitch algorithm is super creamy and basically, it's exactly what you need. Pitch-shifting really gives you that lofi oompf, and I’m not saying ElastiquePitch is the most essential tool, but it has helped me get creative with pitch modulation in unexpected ways.
So put this one in your maybe pile for when you win the lottery.
Download ElastiquePitch here
8. Decapitator | SoundToys
If you want to make your sound pop, Decapitator is the saturation plugin to rule them all. You can get all that beautiful distortion of vintage consoles at a fraction of the price. If you can afford it, I'd suggest getting the whole SoundToys bundle. It's honestly all you need in a way.
Like, seriously, whenever I think my mix is top-notch, I slam a decapitator on a couple but it just takes it to the next level.
Other great SoundToys VST include Little AlterBoy (for those weird pitched vocals), PanMan (for panning effects, duh), and FilterFreak (to get extra freaky in the filter department).
Seriously, it's good.
Download Decapitator here
9. LoFi Flux Machine | Yum Audio
Yum Audio is a new player in the lofi game. To be quite honest, I haven't been completely blown away by anything they've done yet, but I've enjoyed using their plugins, especially when I'm tired of using stuff like RC-20 all day every day and I need to reconnect with myself and take a look at the man in the miror.
LoFi Flux Machine has many great qualities. First, it has LoFi in the name, so you know it "gets it."
The functionalities have their own flavor, the UI is cute and fun to use, and the presets are really useful. For all those reasons, I'm in.
Flux Machine is basically a tape emulator, while LoFi Tapestop and LoFi Pitch Dropout are pretty self-explanatory and do what it says on the tin. LoFi Playtime is their most unique offering so far, it offers some pretty out-there modulation I’ll have to explore in a dedicated post someday.
Yum Audio, can I call you Yum for short? Yum, I know you're reading this. I'm rooting for you, baby. I know you'll come up with more great plugins in the years to come, and I can't wait. You might even change the game soon, and I'll be in the first row with a giant foam finger.
Download LoFi Flux Machine here
10. Mello-Fi | Arturia
If you don't know Arturia, this French company has made a name for itself by offering really faithful (and frankly, straight-up mind-blowing) emulations of priceless vintage synths. (Those synths are great for lofi btw, but that's a subject for another post!)
Alright, so you'd think the guys that can make a perfect emulation of the CS-80 also know a thing or two about tape emulation... And they do.
Mello-Fi has all the character and behavior of the Mellotron, but it's in your DAW, and it's cool, so maybe you should get it and stop asking so many damn questions.
I'm sorry I snapped at you.
Download Mello-Fi here
11. Origin | Cymatics
Cymatics has done its fair share to help the producer community. Seriously, these guys are the real deal. They changed the loop game, they've been sampled by some of the biggest producers out there, and now they're dipping their toe in the VST pool.
If you're looking for a solid multi-effect (or just an alternative for XLN's famous RC-20) look no further than Origin, a fine plugin that will manipulate your frequencies, tweak your mids and add some movement to your vibes. Chorus, saturation, resampling, this little guy does 'em all.
Download Origin here
12. Vinyl | iZotope
Classics never go out of style. If you're craving that vinyl feel, look no further than this freebie by the amazing company iZotope. You'll get all the vinyl flavor you need without pressing anything on actual plastic. Your music is gonna sound dope and you won't have to pay duty fees. Isn't that wonderful?
Even if you have all the money in the world, pick up Vinyl. You won’t regret it.
Download Vinyl here
13. Tape Cassette 2 | Caelum Audio
Maybe you don't give a shit about vinyl, but you're jonesing for that sweet flutter. Maybe, just like me, you're a million years old and you feel nostalgic for that time when you used to compile songs on mixtapes and give them to your crush. (My mixtapes were mostly the Weezer album Pinkerton out of sequence, but still...)
Caelum Audio has you covered for all your impulse response and your tape saturation needs. Download Tape Cassette 2, put it in your pipe, and smoke it.
And if you’d like to take your tape sauce to the next level, upgrade to Tape Pro, and your crush will be super impressed (at the condition that you’re crushing hard on some tape nerd…)
Download Tape Cassette 2 here
14. Magic Switch + Magic Dice | Baby Audio
Another great company, another bunch of top-shelf freebies. Magic Switch and Magic Dice are both “baby” versions of great Baby Audio products. Super VHS and Spaced Out to be more precise. If you can't afford the real deal just yet, pick them up. And even if you have cash, they’re worth picking up because everyone needs great effects with a small footprint.
Switch is a funky chorus that can take any ol' boring sound and make it feel like it's just been cast in the Stranger Things reboot (you know it's coming.) Dice is a randomized reverb, which means you can just hit the dice and get some cool, exclusive reverb generated just for you.
And lofi is all about embracing chaos and imperfection, man, so why not randomize your reverb? 'Know what I'm sayin'?
Download Baby Audio freebies here
15. Comeback Kid | Baby Audio
There are a lot of great delays out there, but when it comes to nailing that perfect blend of modern flair and vintage vibe, I always reach for Comeback Kid, also by Baby Audio. This delay plugin is a true powerhouse, offering everything from lush, analog-style echoes to creative, modulated delays that bring a unique character to your tracks.
Comeback Kid excels at creating those magical, aqueous repetitions and echoes that can transform a simple sound into something otherworldly. The interface is sleek and intuitive, making it easy to dial in just the right amount of delay, whether you’re after subtle warmth or mind-bending effects. And with its built-in ducker and wide array of controls, you can really get creative, tweaking the sound in real-time to produce some truly funky gleeps and gloops.
One of my favorite tricks with Comeback Kid is to slap it on a track and send the output to another track while recording the audio. This way, you can play the delay like an instrument, capturing spontaneous moments that add life and unpredictability to your music. Afterward, you can edit that "performance" and pick out the best parts to elevate your track.
If you’re looking for a delay VST that combines versatility with a modern touch, Comeback Kid is definitely worth considering.
Download Comeback Kid here
As always, if you'd like to hear the plugins in action, make sure to check out my tracks. 👇
(And just in case you think this is a *shameless plug*, you should know that, while this is a plug, it is very shameful. I’m living my life in a constant state of shame, so… Nice try.)
Cover credit: Vance A.
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