Spice Up Your Plugin Collection: Free Plugins

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AU, benztown, benztownblog, benztownbranding, benztownradio, free, PlugINs, pro tools, radio imaging, radio production, RTAS, VST

There are thousands of plugins out there. And for the well known versions, you have to dig deep into your wallet. But there is an alternative: some manufacturers offer plugins for free. However, the word ‘free’ says nothing about the quality. I went online to look for free versions, which are worth checking out!

Either you can’t see your eq anymore, or you just want to give something new a try: free plugins are a nice way to discover treasures. I was looking for different categories: EQs, Dynamics/Compressors, Reverbs and Delays.

EQs

nova4

• TDR Nova (Windows, Mac OS | VST/AU/AAX)

I’m sure you know the dynamic eq from Ozone 6. The concept behind TDR Nova works the same way. It is a dynamic eq, which means that it lifts or reduces frequency ranges dependent on a threshold. The free version comes with 4 bands and hi/lo filters. If you need more, you can upgrade the version to two additional bands and filter options.

• Sonismus SonEQ (Windows, Mac OS | VST/AU/RTAS)

If you like vintage sound, check this one. Remodeled from a Pultec EQ Sonismus created this 3 band eq including a saturation section.

soneq1.1_mTB2HqV

eq1a-screen

• Mellowmuse EQ1A (Windows, Mac OS | VST/AU/RTAS)

Another analogue style eq, but with really basic interface and settings. I love the minimalistic style of the plugin which will make it easy to adjust settings.

• lkjb Luftikus (Windows, Mac OS | VST/AU) luftikus_screenshot

Analogue modelled eq which really reminds me of Maags EQ4. Also has a air band with switchable center frequency up to 40kHz

Dynamics

• Audio Damage Rough Rider
(Windows: VST | Mac OS: AU/VST)

This plugin really makes its name! I did not use many plugins yet, which acted so aggressive like this one (ratio lvls up to 1:1000!!). Perfect when used to add a pumping effect to rhythmic tracks.

2015-09-14-08_15_26-Start

• LVC-Audio Limited-Z (Windows: VST, RTAS, AAX | Mac OS: VST, RTAS, AAX, AU)

Lookahead brickwall limiter for mastering and mixing. Comes with different limiting algorithms, a waveform display! Nice! I love when audio is visualized and you can actually see what its doing. But don’t push it too hard: due to the lack of oversampling, artifacts can occur. Paid version offers this feature.

compressorOriginal

• TDR Feeback Compressor
(Windows, Mac OS | VST)

Modern bus compressor.

Reverb

sanford-reverb-vst

• Sanford Reverb (Windows | VST)

Algorithmic reverb with a special extra: freeze. Great for sound design and creative settings. Unfortunately it’s just available for Windows.

Smartelectronix-Ambience-reverb-470x313

• Magnus Ambience (Windows: VST | Mac OS: VST/AU

I’ve heard a lot good stuff about this plugin, but never tried it. I wanted to mention it, though.

Delays

ValhallaFreqEcho_1_5_0

• Valhalla FreqEcho
(Windows, Mac OS | VST/RTAS/AU)

Valhalla has some nice reverbs in their catalogue, but also this little delay. Comes with basic settings which allow fast results.

hy-delay

• Hy-Delay

Emulates oldschool digital delay, which automatically adds a sense of distortion to the audio.

Misc

bittersweet-v3

• Flux Bittersweet (Windows, Mac OS | VST/AU/AAX)

Bittersweet is a Transient Designer with simple interface and some extras: choosable stereo/mono options, different transient and detection modes. If’ve used it a lot in the past and it really does its job.

satknob_screenshot

• Softube Saturation Knob (Windows, Mac OS | VST/AU/AAX)

A simple but effective tool for controlled distortion. Straight design with a big knob and switchable saturation modes. And maybe one of the most used free saturation tools.

span-voxengo