Free plugins are one of the best things about being a producer in 2022. Quality music production tools have never been more accessible for the average musician. But with more freeware plugins showing up on the scene every day, knowing which ones are worth your time isn’t easy. That’s why we’re bringing you our top picks for the most useful and creative free music software every month.
In this edition—staple synths, analog EQ, lo-fi tape and more.
Time for an update to your plugin folder? Try scooping up a few of these freeware gems to get your creative juices flowing.
From tube distortion to psychedelic panning effects, there’s something in this months’ Plugin Picks for every producer.
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When it comes to learning synthesis, a full-featured free plugin with a great visual interface can be a huge help.
When it comes to learning synthesis, a full-featured free plugin with a great visual interface can be a huge help.
BLEASS Monolit fits the bill perfectly for those who need great synth sounds with an easy workflow.
And don’t let its straightforward front panel fool you, there’s powerful sound design possibilities available under the hood.
If that weren’t enough Monolit is extremely lightweight for your system and available on mobile devices too.
There are plenty of famous vintage EQs known for their flattering sonic effects.
But even within this small group of cherished processors the individual bands on certain units have an outsized reputation!
I’m talking about favorites like the 12 kHz high shelf of the famous Neve 1073, or the quirky simultaneous boost and cut on the Pultec EQP-1A.
But what if you could have the greatest hits in one single plugin?
That’s the idea behind Analog Obsession FRANK.
It combines the action of some of the best loved EQs into one unique processor.
You’ll find the two I mentioned above from the 1073 and Pultec along with an API-style 1.6 kHz mid-range band and a Helios-style high-pass at 50 Hz.
It’s a great introduction to these legendary EQ behaviors and a powerful tool for sculpting your sounds.
Autopanner is the classic psychedelic effect of a sound bouncing back and forth across the stereo field.
Autopanner is the classic psychedelic effect of a sound bouncing back and forth across the stereo field.
In the past you’d have to record the mixdown while twisting the pan pot by hand, but mix automation takes care of the job for most engineers today.
That said, you may want to get more creative with your panning. That’s where plugins like Audiomodern panflow come in.
Draw in custom pan curves, sync the rate to a tempo division on the grid, loop patterns and more with this creative approach to the stereo field.
Vacuum tubes are the high voltage glass electronics components that predated transistors in vintage audio gear.
While solid state technology provided cleaner signals with less noise, there’s still something magical about the sound of tube equipment.
For many engineers, it’s the gentle saturation that can bring a sound to life in your mix.
TonLib Tubewarmth gives you a convincing tube-style grit that adds harmonics and enhances the color and depth of your sounds.
Try it help bring sounds forward in the mix if other types of processing aren’t working.
Speaking of vintage audio gear, lo-fi tape simulation is still the biggest craze in beatmaker effects.
Vacuum tubes are the high voltage glass electronics components that predated transistors in vintage audio gear.
If you haven’t yet found your favorite way to add the nostalgic crackles, crinkles and wow and flutter of old school tape, Superfly DSP Lost-Tapes should be on your list.
With simple controls designed to give you easy access to classic lo-fi sounds, Lost-Tapes is an excellent free option when it comes to tape emulation.
Free is the best price
Keeping up with every single free plugin takes a lot of effort. Check back in with LANDR to get an easy digest of the best new releases you need in your plugin folder.
If you’ve made it through this article you’ll know about some great new plugins you can download for free to get inspired.
