The list is organized into three sections: Top 20 freeware effects, Top 20 freeware instruments and Top 10 freeware utilities and MIDI tools in VST plugin format. Use the menu below to quickly browse the article and please make sure to share this page with your friends if you find it useful. Thank you in advance and make some great music in 2016!

See also: The plugin’s biggest strength, though, is the way in which the user interface is intentionally streamlined so that it can be fully controlled with most MIDI keyboards. A standard MIDI controller nowadays features between eight and ten sliders and just as many knobs, along with several buttons and/or switches.

And this is exactly the amount of controls you’ll see on Kern’s user interface, which means that you can map all of the available parameters to your MIDI controller and use the plugin almost like a proper hardware synthesizer. Kern also features an alternative interface layout which resembles the look of a standard MIDI keyboard in order to simplify the MIDI mapping process. Video: More info: (870 KB download size, ZIP archive, 32-bit & 64-bit VSTi plugin format for Windows) #9 Aegis by Xenobioz (Windows) Inspired by an old AmigaOS virtual instrument called, Aegis is an interesting phase distortion synthesizer that can be used to create some surprisingly organic sounding pads, leads and bass patches. The feature that makes Aegis stand out is its phase distortion module, which adds a sense of movement and character to the timbre created by the freely-drawable oscillator waveform. With just two controls (speed and depth), the phase distortion module is very easy to use, even if you haven’t used such a feature in a synthesizer before. Other parts of the sound engine are pretty much what you’d expect to find in a standard subtractive synthesizer, with the addition of a harmonic distortion module that adds 2nd and 3rd harmonics to the signal on the output. The same developer has released another interesting freebie this year, a slightly more advanced phase distortion synthesizer called Lynx.

It features additional modulation options and a 7-voice unison mode, but lacks the simplicity and ease of use that make Aegis so much fun to experiment with. Both plugins were developed using SynthEdit and will only work in 32-bit host applications on Windows. Video: More info: (2.6 MB download size, ZIP archive, 32-bit VSTi plugin format for Windows, made with SynthEdit) #10 JuceOPLVSTi by Bruce Sutherland (Windows, Mac OS) The highest ranked FM synthesizer on this year’s list is JuceOPLVSTi (phew, should have copy/pasted that instead of typing!), a charming little virtual instrument that emulates the legendary Yamaha OPL sound chip. JuceOPLVSTi (also known as AdlibBlaster on Mac OS X) is actually based on the two popular MS DOS emulators, DOSBox and ZDoom, using their sound chip emulation algorithms as the core of its synthesis engine. Much like the original Yamaha OPL chip, JuceOPLVSTi is a simple 2-operator FM synthesizer which works best for creating those nostalgic lo-fi sounds you’d expect to hear in an 80s video game. Although programing new patches in JuceOPLVSTi is very easy, the coolest thing about it is that the plugin is distributed with a huge collection of retro preset sounds from old video games, adding up to over one thousand retro FM synth patches! Browsing through these old sounds is a blast and there are some true gems hidden in there, waiting to be discovered.

Video: click here More info: (1.6 MB download size, ZIP archive, contains 1,339 instrument patches in SBI file format, 1 virtual instrument in 32-bit & 64-bit VSTi/AUi plugin formats for Windows & Mac OS) #11 Quad Zamp by Zvon (Windows) Although it looks like some sort of weird contraption from a science fiction B movie, Quad Zamp is actually a rather capable little drum sampler with loads of sample mangling firepower under the hood. The plugin features four sampler modules with three WAV sample slots per module. Each module has its own audio output and an array of useful sound shaping tools like filters and pitch envelopes. Quad Zamp is optimized for a quick beat making workflow, allowing you to load up to twelve samples in WAV format and easily tweak and shape them so that they sound well together. It also offers an easy way to randomize various parameters of the sound engine, which can lead to some unexpectedly cool sounding results. Unfortunately, the GUI components are a bit smaller than what we’d like to see in a modern plugin, making Quad Zamp quite fiddly to use on higher resolution screens.

Video: More info: (2.5 MB download size, RAR archive, 32-bit VSTi plugin format for Windows, made with SynthEdit) #12 Drumper 1 by Syntler (Windows) Hey, if Marazmator and Quad Zamp weren’t weird enough for you, be prepared because Drumper 1 is on a whole new level of eccentricity. Advertised as a freeware groove box virtual instrument, Drumper 1 is a weird little sequencer-based drum synthesizer which you’ll either absolutely love or absolutely hate. User friendliness is out of the question here. There is no manual and the labels on the GUI don’t provide too much information about their functionality. You’ll feel totally lost the first time you fire up Drumper 1 in your DAW. You know how does this thing even work? But, if you enjoy experimenting with unusual groove boxes and weird sequencers, chances are you’ll have tons of fun with this one.

Once you spend some time figuring out the controls (and it’s not really that hard to figure it all out, after all!), you’ll be able to make some stunning percussive sequences with Drumper 1. To familiarize yourself with the plugin’s control scheme, program a percussive loop using the sequence editor and then tweak the various sound engine parameters during playback in order to create different variations of the same groove. Video: More info: (3.0 MB download size, ZIP archive, 32-bit VSTi plugin format for Windows, made with SynthEdit) #13 Anubis 2 by B.Serrano (Windows) Anubis 2 is pretty much your standard subtractive virtual synthesizer, apart from the fact that it features an interesting modulation envelope with up to 32 envelope stages. This fully customizable envelope can be used to modulate the pitch and pulse width of both oscillators, the FM amount for oscillator 2, filter cutoff and oscillator mix. Even though having a wider variety of possible modulation targets would be pretty cool, the mod envelope can still be used to create some pretty complex sounds that evolve over time.

It works equally well for making huge evolving pads, long risers and other FX sounds, as well as wobbly bases and unstable FM leads. More info: (2.6 MB download size, ZIP archive, 32-bit VSTi plugin format for Windows, made with SynthEdit) #14 Nero by MaxSynths (Windows) In November this year, plugin developer MaxSynths has announced that all of their commercial products have been re-released as freeware. The plugins can be downloaded completely free of charge from the developer’s website, although without any form of official support. The plugin which we liked the most is Nero, a cool little monophonic synthesizer for making bass and lead sounds. It features a pair of internally synced oscillators, zero-delay filters and an interesting sequencer with 64 preset sequences. Although it is not possible to create your own sequences from scratch, the included preset sequences can be tweaked and shaped to create new melodies and progressions.

More info: (5.3 MB download size, ZIP archive, 32-bit VSTi plugin format for Windows #15 Ample Guitar M Lite II by Ample Sound (Windows, Mac OS) Ample Guitar M Lite II is a sample-based acoustic guitar virtual instrument for Windows and Mac OS based VST/AU plugin hosts. It sounds very nice and uses a very low amount of available CPU resources, which is even more noticeable when loading multiple instances of the plugin in the same project. If you need a simple and easy to use virtual acoustic guitar for your DAW, look no further! More info: (265 MB download size, RAR archive, 32-bit & 64-bit VSTi/AUi/RTAS/AAX plugin format for Windows & Mac OS X) #16 XM2 by Music-Society (Windows) Quite possibly the simplest virtual FM synthesizer in existence, XM2 (developed by Music-Society forum member LazyDog) is a great starting point for users who would like to learn about frequency modulation synthesis and its basic principles. Providing all the basic features of a 2-operator FM synthesizer and pairing them up with a low-pass filter module, the plugin is very easy to operate and won’t make your head spin like most FM synths out there. On the negative side, XM2 comes with a very small number of factory presets and also requires you to be a registered Music-Society forum member in order to get the download link. The registration process is completely free, though, and totally worth the effort if you’re looking for a decent little FM synthesizer for Windows.

Video: More info: (1.01 MB download size, ZIP archive, 32-bit VSTi plugin format for Windows, made with SynthEdit) #17 4 Tune by Noizefield (Windows) Noizefield was very active this year, having released four interesting EDM oriented freeware synthesizers. Our favorite one is 4 Tune, a well-designed and nice sounding VA synthesizer featuring four oscillators, two multi-mode filter slots with over a dozen filter types, four LFOs, a built-in chorus effect and a handy 9-slot modulation matrix. The oscillator section features 58 different waveform types, with pulse-width modulation, ring modulation and frequency modulation controls for each oscillator. With so much firepower in the OSC section, generating those metallic sounding mid-range heavy leads and bass patches is a piece of cake for 4 Tune. Video: More info: (3.53 MB download size, ZIP archive, 32-bit VSTi plugin format for Windows, made with FlowStone) #18 SUPER-7 by CFA-Sound (Windows) SUPER-7 is a simple virtual instrument designed for emulating the legendary Supersaw waveform which was first introduced by Roland in their JP-8000 hardware synthesizer. CFA-Sound’s freebie instrument is as simple as a subtractive synthesizer can possibly be, featuring one (Supersaw) oscillator, one low-pass filter and a pair of envelopes.

The big question is, does the Supersaw waveform in SUPER-7 sound any good? Well, it does, especially when you turn on the “high quality” mode (which will also increase the CPU usage a bit). Of course, no one expects it to be a 1:1 recreation of the original oscillator, but the sound is reasonably close. The coolest thing about SUPER-7, though, is its simplicity. With such a lightweight feature set, you’re forced to think out of the box, so to speak. And this is very useful for developing one’s synth programming skills.

KVR Audio: News and info about Audio Plugins (Virtual Instruments and Virtual Effects) - VST Plugins. Top FREE Instrument Plugins. Free instrument VST Plugins. VST plugins directory, Download Free VST Instrument plugins, free plugin for cubase, fl studio, nuendo, etc. Bird By Bird Some Instructions On Writing And Life Pdf Files more. Listen to sound preview before downloading.

You’ll be surprised by how much fun one can actually have with a minimal synthesizer such as SUPER-7. Video: More info: (3.4 MB download size, 7ZIP archive, 32-bit VSTi plugin format for Windows, made with SynthEdit) #19 Genobazz R by Tek’it Audio (Windows) Genobazz R is a nifty little monophonic bass module by Tek’it Audio, featuring eight different waveforms, eight filter types and a set of 50 factory presets. It is mostly suitable for generating those classic Roland TB-303 style acid basslines, but you can also use it for a variety of other electronic bass patches. The instrument is easy to use and handy to have at your disposal if you don’t want to fire up a big synth every time you need a simple bass sound. More info: (6.1 MB download size, EXE installer, 32-bit VSTi plugin format for Windows, made with SynthEdit) #20 P/Nes 8-Bit Monster by JMT Musical Tools (Windows) P/Nes 8-Bit Monster is a powerful chiptune instrument inspired by the 8-bit sound of the Nintendo Entertainment System gaming console.

The oscillators sound quite authentic and the plugin is certainly capable of recreating those lovely old school video game sounds. Unfortunately, it is also a bit of a CPU hog and the user interface is absolutely huge. Nevertheless, P/Nes 8-Bit Monster is still one of our favorite freeware instruments released this year. More info: (12.8 MB download size, ZIP archive, 32-bit VSTi plugin format for Windows, made with SynthEdit) Free VST Utilities #1 4U Blind Test by HOFA (Windows, Mac OS) The coolest freeware utility plugin this year was 4U Blind Test, an incredibly useful tool to have around for when you can’t make up your mind about an important mixing and/or mastering decision. The free version of the plugin can be used to compare up to three tracks by playing them in random order, allowing the user to rate each track before revealing the track names.

The test can be repeated several times, in which case the average rating for each track will be calculated automatically. 4U Blind Test also includes a couple bonus features to make the test setup as easy and foolproof as possible.

The most useful of these additional features is the loudness analysis functionality which can be used to automatically adjust the volume of each track. Finally, the plugin features a fully resizable user interface, which is always a nice bonus. More info: (6.41 MB download size for online installer, EXE installer, 32-bit & 64-bit VST/VST3/AU/AAX/RTAS plugin format for Windows & Mac) #2 MiGiC by MiGiC Music (Windows, Mac OS) MiGiC basically turns your guitar into a polyphonic MIDI controller. Nuff said, right?

It gets even better, though. Technically a commercial plugin, MiGiC is currently in beta. Now, here’s the thing – everyone who tests the free beta and contacts the developer with some valuable info about the plugin’s performance and/or a bug will get the final version of the plugin (including future updates) for free. Video: More info: (1.17 MB download size, EXE installer, 32-bit & 64-bit VST/AU plugin format for Windows & Mac OS X) #3 Chordz by CodeFN42 (Windows) Chordz is a handy utility plugin that maps full chords to a single MIDI note. This can be useful in a variety of scenarios, for example as an aid for beginner keyboard players, or as a simple solution for playing chords on a small 25-key MIDI controller, or even a MIDI drum pad. The chords can be easily customized to create inversions and other custom voicings.

Also, a chord suggestion feature is included to help with the creation of chord progressions. More info: (4.9 MB download size, ZIP archive, 32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin format for Windows) #4 Pecheneg Tremolo by PechenegFX (Windows, Mac OS) Don’t let the name fool you, Pecheneg Tremolo is way more than just a simple tremolo effect. This great little freeware plugin by PechenegFX can also work as an auto pan utility, as well as a simple tool for faking the side-chain compression pumping effect. It is very user friendly thanks to the nicely laid out user interface, with easy to understand controls and a very helpful waveform display in the upper-right corner. Video: More info: (7.6 MB download size, RAR archive, 32-bit & 64-bit VST/AU plugin format for Windows & Mac OS) #5 dpMeter by TBProAudio (Windows, Mac OS) dpMeter is an excellent multi-channel audio level metering utility with support for RMS, EBU R128 and true peak measurement. It can also record the metering results and export them as automation data for use in the host application, which can be helpful for automatic gain riding. More info: (1.42 MB download size, EXE installer, 32-bit & 64-bit VST/AU/RTAS plugin format for Windows and Mac OS) #6 Muteomatic by Sound Radix (Windows, Mac OS) Although its main purpose is to auto-mute the talkback microphone channel in a DAW, Muteomatic is capable of handling several other useful automation tasks.

For instance, it can be used to automatically mute long-tail reverbs and delays as soon as you stop the playback. The setup process could hardly be more straightforward than it already is: load Muteomatic on your master channel and you’re pretty much good to go! A simple life hack such as this can really help with delaying ear fatigue during long mixing sessions. Video: More info: (2.8 MB download size, EXE installer, 32-bit & 64-bit VST/AU/RTAS/AAX plugin formats for Windows & Mac OS) #7 Haa5 by Apex Audio Technologies (Windows, Mac OS) By taking advantage of the Haas effect, Haa5 by Apex Audio Technologies can turn mono audio signals into stereo, as well as widen the stereo width of signals that are already stereo.The effect sounds really nice on guitars, backing vocals and keyboards. The plugin is offered on a pay what you want basis, meaning that you can enter $0 as the price if you want to download it for free from the developer’s website.

More info: (5.4 MB download size, ZIP archive, 32-bit & 64-bit VST/AU plugin format for Windows & Mac OS X) #8 DeHarsh by Terry West (Windows) Deharsh is a simple utility designed for smoothing out the top end of the frequency spectrum in a mix. The plugin combines EQ processing and subtle tube saturation to warm up the audio signal on the input and remove any unpleasant and harsh frequencies. The single-knob user interface makes Deharsh very easy to use, but also not very flexible, which is why the results will vary greatly depending on the audio material at hand. The plugin can operate in stereo and mid/side modes. More info: (3.1 MB download size, ZIP archive, 32-bit VST plugin format for Windows, made with SynthEdit) #9 fx_cutter by Tor-Helge Skei (Windows) We love experimenting with beat slicer effects and fx_cutter is among the cooler ones we’ve tried.

This is a probability-based slicer, in the sense that you can not re-arrange the slices manually. Instead, the user sets a probability value based on which fx_cutter will re-arrange the processed loop.

In practice, the plugin works really well and you can get some really cool variations of the same loop if you let the effect run for a while (of course, you should record the playback in order to use the beat sliced versions of the loop later on). Video: More info: (332 KB download size, DLL file, 32-bit VST plugin format for Windows, 64-bit version could be released soon) #10 Doppler Dome by Aegean Music (Windows) As the final entry in this year’s list, we’ve decided to include this interesting sound design tool which emulates the Doppler effect. Although this kind of effect could be emulated in most digital audio workstations with a bit of cleverly applied automation, Doppler Dome makes the whole procedure a lot less complicated. You get to control the volume, pitch and panning of the processed signal, which is more than enough for creating all sorts of transition and riser SFX, as well as simple tremolo and auto-pan effects. More info: (1.45 MB download size, ZIP archive, 32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin format for Windows, a Mac version is announced for release in near future) Honorable Mentions As a little bonus, here are several plugins that almost made it into our Top 50 selection. These are all really neat plugins, which is why we simply couldn’t resist including them in the article anyway. Is a freeware exciter effect by Fine Cut Bodies.

It is useful for adding clarity and focus in the higher frequencies, but do keep in mind that you will need to be very careful when using it on more than a few elements in a mix. The overall effect can sound very harsh if you overdo it. Is an analog style equalizer based on Acustica-Audio’s dynamic impulse response capturing technique. This is their most polished freeware plugin so far and it sounds very nice and warm, especially if you use broad and subtle boosts to enhance the audio signal on the input. Is a simple but useful filter effect which is mostly suitable for use in live performances and for DJing.

Rusuli Serialebi Drama. The plugin is designed for quick and easy removal of a certain frequency range. Final Thoughts This year’s list was the hardest one to create so far, since we’ve seen so many new freeware VST plugins that were equally worthy of praise, especially on the FX front. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to decide which plugin is “the best” in a certain category while remaining entirely objective.

With that in mind, please understand the list above as a roundup of high quality VST plugins from 2015, and not a competitive comparison that intends to say which plugin is better, or “the best”. Our #1 ranked plugin could easily be your #10 and vice versa. It’s all down to the user’s personal preference and workflow habits. While compiling the list, an interesting thing we’ve noticed is how a different category of VST plugins seems to be popular among the developers each year. Last year there were so many freeware amp sims that we had to make a separate list just for them. This year, we’ve seen an unusually large amount of distortion and bitcrusher effects. It will be interesting to see which type of effect will be the most popular in 2016.

And that’s all we had for you this year! We hope you liked our selection and that you’ll put some of these instruments and effects to good use in your studio, or on stage. If you have any suggestions and tips on how we could improve this year’s list, you’re more than welcome to leave your comments below. Also, please share this page with your friends if you find it useful! Before you go, take a look at our main freeware VST plugins directory and the previous two yearly roundups below if you haven’t done so already: • (Main Directory) • • Enjoy using this year’s freebies, have fun making music and always keep your VST plugins folder nicely organized and tidy. Thanks for reading BPB!:).