The Coolest New Free Plugins - July 2024
Even the best VSTs in the world get a little boring after a while. And there it is, the urge to buy a new plugin. It gnaws at you, that refreshing novelty. You suddenly imagine yourself on stage at the Grammys, thanking yourself for buying that elusive synth emulation with the preset that sparked the inspiration for a beat that changed the game. Or the multi-effects processor that wow-ed the academy. But in a snap, you’re back to reality, a broke musician who already has all the plugins he could ever justify buying out of their own pocket. What if you didn’t have to compromise? What if the VST that would make your life complete was actually… [gasp] What if it was free? Does that sound like you? If so, I have something for you. Every month there are some pretty cool plugins that come out, and they’re entirely free. I keep an eye on the best of them and I report back to you with my personal picks. Here’s a fresh batch.
1. X-Stream | Steinberg
Sometimes, when you think you’ve seen everything under the sun, a developper comes up with something that both feels weird and fresh. That’s the case with X-Stream, a VST with a drag-and-drop design that lets you input any sound sample to create stretched-out textures.
In a process that’s not too far from playing spinning a vinyl as slowly as possible, what you get is perfect for outlandish ambient styles of music and droning soundtracks. It could also be a cool sound design tool!
Give it a go and see if it works in your workflow. Why not, it’s free.
2. Oi, Grandad 2
Another synth that would be perfect for ambient music is Oi, Grandad 2. The four-voice granular synth has now been updated, fixing some bugs of the first version and adding some cool features that allow you to go deeper.
Depending on the genre of music you make, the granular might be a little too out there for your needs, but it’s worth experimenting with on at least one track. If you don’t like the results, you can just delete the plugin from your laptop and move on with your life.
For more free granular goodness, check out the beautiful gRainbow, by Strange Loops Audio.
3. HY-MPS3 | HY-Plugins
If you’re looking for a dedicated sequencer/arpeggiator VST, HY-Plugins just released one that seems pretty promising. HY-MPS3 let’s you trigger different “blocks” of sequences and arps, as well as MIDI fx.
It’s also available in a paid version that let’s you use more blocks and functions. Start with the free version, see if this one is right for you, and if it is… Pull the trigger on that sweet paid v.
4. Six-Traq | Full Bucket
A few things are certain in life… Like for instance, the fact that every new year brings us more emulations of classic synths.
You might have all the Minimoogs and the Prophet-5s you need in life, but do you have a Six-Trak VST?
That’s right, the Prophet’s little brother is often forgotten, but it’s one of Sequential Circuits classics, and if you’re looking to expand your 80s synth collection, you’re gonna need this bad larry. So give Six-Traq a chance!
Full Bucket always does some good work by bringing back to life some lesser known vintage synths from big companies, and this one is no different. Check out their entire roster if you haven’t already.
5. Heat | Audec
Often overlooked, saturation is one of those simple effects that can make the whole differences in a mix. There are many flavors of distortion out there, but not all of them are exactly affordable…
Heat by Audec is free though, so you can’t get more affordable than that. This plugin does it all, from subtly underlining some aspects of your sound to completely destroying what you put through it.
This deceptively simple plugin does what it does well, and offers some forward-thinking features too. It’s definitely worth a download.
6. Analog Drums | Abletunes
If you’re anything like me, the words “analog-style drum machine experience” are more soothing than a day at the spa. What can I say, I am after all a fancy guy.
Well, if such an experience is what you’re seeking, the company Abletunes has you covered with Ableton drum racks filled with over a thousand one-shots sampled (with love, I’m assuming) from some of the world’s best analog gear.
Made with the techno producer in mind, this translates into 40+ snapshots, as well as the possibility to generate new kits and tweak every sound to your heart’s desire.
If you love them drums, download this thing now!
7. Cite | Analog Obsession
It wouldn’t be a blog post about free plugins that blow my mind without another little gem from Analog Obsession.
You know ‘em, you love ‘em… Analog Obsession is a company that creates some truly kick-ass plugins emulating the best hardware tools, and they let you download them for free. It’s so cool that many people actually choose to support them on Patreon just because they appreciate them so damn much. It warms my heart.
Cite is pretty straightforward. It lets you process your high-end frequencies with 4 simple controls.
In so many words": Another slam-dunk.
8. Mesa Mark III | IK Multimedia
If someone showed up at your door and gave you a brand new Mesa Boogie amp, you’d probably think the poor guy was going boinkos! Well, that’s pretty much what IK Multimedia is doing during the month of July.
Oh, sure, the amp in question is a virtual one, but it honestly sounds just as good as the real thing. The amp can be used within the interface of Amplitube 5 CS, itself a pretty essential freebie.
In my opinion, IK Multimedia is an often overlooked VST company, so you should definitely check them out!
9. Pultec Passive EQ Collection | UAD
If you didn’t know that UAD plugins can now be used without an Apollo interface, first of all I’d like to welcome you back from the coma you been in for the past year. But, after you brush your teeth and maaaybe call your loved ones, I’m gonna need you to check out their Pultec EQ giveaway.
That’s right, UAD is giving a Pultec Passive EQ Collection to anyone who subscribe to Loopcloud. So it’s not entirely free, because technically I guess you need to do something to get it, but here’s the clinker: Loopcloud has a 14-day trial.
So you could get a bunch of Pultecs, some cool sample, say “Thanks, but no thanks” to Loopcloud and moonwalk out the door.
Is this to good to be true? Are you still in a beautiful comatose dream? No baby, it’s all too real.
10. BONUS: Crazy Deals
As a bonus, here are some crazy deals going on this month. You’ll need to shell out some money to pick up these plugins, but they’re actually so cheap that they might as well be free! Am I right, folks?
Softube Summer Sale
Great mix & mastering tools, awesome instruments, cool effects… Softube is low-key one of the best VST companies on the market right now.
There doing a summer sale with discounts going up to 75% off right now. It’s time to discover a great plugin like Monoment Bass, OTO Biscuit, or Drawmer S73.
If you want to dig deeper, you can also look into their Volume 6 bundle. You won’t be dissapointed.
IK Multimedia Sale
IK Multimedia offers great sampled instruments and mix plugins, as well as some orchestral stuff.
Among their VSTs I use the most, there’s Amplitube 5, the guitar amp studio I’ve already mentionned in this post. I also love MODO BASS 2, which can give you some very authentic electric bass tones.
Finally, Syntronik 2 MAX is a cool vintage synth collection with a few odd-ball emulations you won’t find easily elsewhere.
If you’re considering buying more than one of their products, you might as well get one of their affordable Total Studio 4 MAX bundle, which is currently 66% off. That’s 2 thirds to you and me.
Baby Audio Manufacturer Focus Sale
Baby Audio makes some pretty slick plugins with the modern beatmaker in mind. They’ve quickly become one of the leaders in innovative VSTs, and for a reason! Effects like Super VHS, Spaced Out and Andrew Huang’s Transit are a joy to use, while their Essential Bundle is, well… Essential. (Duh.)
Some of their paid plugins are currently discounted up to 72%, but if you don’t feel like paying anything, they also have some of the best freebies in the game.
D16 Group Summer Sale
If you’re a fan of Roland’s X0X line, you might already know D16 Group’s plugin. Their emulation of hardware such as the TB-303, the TR-909 and the TR-808 could very well be considered the definitive emulations of those machines.
Tons of flexibility, tons of presets, tons of patterns… It’s a must for anyone who makes beats or dance music. The company also offers some really great analog-style effects.
All their plugins are currently 40% off.
Waves Bundles Sale
Waves was one of the first companies to offer really great and reliable analog emulations of classic hardware.
Their stuff is still widely used to this day, and some of their more forward-thinking tools are essentials. If you want to get started, they have bundles focused on specific needs, like the Vocal Production Bundle that includes some pretty essential stuff.
They also have various Signature bundles designed by studio legends, such as Tony Maserati and Eddie Kramer.
Finally, they have some exhaustive bundles that are heavily discounted, such as the Horizon Bundle.
If you’re looking for good deals on some groundbreaking plugins, give Waves a sniff.
Cover credit: Josh Sorenson
All products featured in this post are independently selected by myself. However, when you buy something through my retail links, I may earn an affiliate commission.