Ozone Imager V2 is probably one of the best free VST plugins as it allows a music composer to have full control over the width of the sounds. The tool has three different vectorscope meters that instantly show the stereo width and help you widen or narrow the sounds precisely as per the project requirements. Here’s our list of the top 50 best VST plugins (2021): It’s a table with a search function, so search for what you’re looking for, & it’ll come up! ‘delay’, ‘mastering’, ‘compressor’ (if you want more in-depth info, use the table of contents to navigate past the table).
- Top Best Free Vst Plugins
- Top Free Best Vst Software
- Best Free Vst Instruments
- Top 5 Best Free Guitar Vsts In 2019
By Michael Pierce & Giulio Chiarenza
While some might be able to afford top of the line plugins, the rest of us, who are on a budget, need to be careful where we put our money.
Thankfully, there is a ton of free software available for our music production needs. From a range of great synths to a go-to compressor, as long as you have the software to host it, there is sure to be something for you.
What’s So Great About Free Plugins?
While some would argue that achieving particular sounds can only be done with the right effects processing units, others suggest that as long as you know how to properly use and manipulate an effect, you can create almost any sound that you want.
While some plugins might make this a little difficult, the idea remains. Now, it’s important to note that there really is only some truth to this. It’s true that certain effects processors and units have their own sound. However it’s also true that if you’re on a budget and don’t need the “LA-2A sound,” then getting a range of free VST plugins might be the right option for you.
It’s important to note that not all DAWs will support VST plugins. Pro Tools, for example, does not (Pro Tools supports RTAS and/or AAX plugin formats).
How Were The Winners Determined?
Of course, while these plugins are the most popular, the best is objective. The important thing is to use your ears. Having said that, some are easier to use and serve a wider range of purposes than others.
To find the winners we looked at Reddit communities like /r/edmproduction, and tallied up the results based on first hand experience. For example, if someone said something like “my friend said…” or “I once heard that…” then they were not counted.
Here are our results!
1. Synth1 by Ichiro Toda Software Synthesizer
Total votes: 20
It’s really no surprise that Synth1 is at the top spot of the free VST list. If Sylenth1 is the most ubiquitous non-free synth plugin, Ichiro Toda's Synth1 is it's free counterpart. The Clavia Nord Lead 2 Synthesizer was the inspiration for this extremely comprehensive synthesizer. And while it may look a little basic when it comes to the user interface, it’s anything but basic. In fact, many suggest that this is one of the most versatile plugins out there for synths, and it’s a wonder that it’s free.
- “My main synth for almost everything.”
- “I use Synth1 very heavily in my tracks because I make a lot of retro synthwave material.”
- “I use this for almost everything. I think it’s my favorite synth.”
- “Synth1 is awesome because it is so powerful and is not that hard on the CPU.”
Features:
![Best Best](https://blog.landr.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Best_Free_VST_Synth_2GetherAudio_CheeseMachine2.jpg)
- 2 Oscillators, FM modulation, ring modulation, sync, modulation envelope.
- 4 types of filters, distortion.
- 2 LFOs (synchronized with host).
- Arpeggiator (synchronized with host).
- Tempo delay (synchronized with host), stereo chorus/flanger.
- Legato mode, portamento.
- 16 notes polyphony.
- 128 presets.
- Thoroughly optimized for light CPU load using SSE instructions, etc.
- Automation.
Available for Windows and Mac OS X. It functions as a VST Plugin and an Audio Units Plugin.
2. Audio Damage Rough Rider Software Compressor Plugin
Total votes: 13
Rough Rider is a compressor that certainly lives up to its name. It is not the compressor to go to for subtle compression. For things like parallel drum compression and getting a real pump going to your compression, Rough Rider is great. Not only that, but it’s very easy to use, and the user interface makes a lot of sense.
- “I'm a fan of Audio Damage's free Rough Rider compressor - it's a not-subtle-at-all compression effect that I like a lot for electronic drums.”
- “I can't use any other compressors since I started using this.”
- “Rough Rider is a go to for me. I freakin LOVE Rough Rider on drums, I usually over do it and then dial it back after listening for a while.”
- “Rough Rider is the cluster bomb of compressors.”
Controls
- Ratio: The ratio knob is logarithmic in operation. Completely anti-clockwise is 1:1, and completely clockwise is 1:1000. The 12 o'clock position is 1:10, so everything to the left of center is single digits, and everything to the right is 'atom bomb squish,' essentially.
- Attack and Release: They've left off the actual time values, so you're gonna have to use your ears, like the he-men did it in times of myth.
- Meter: That honking big dial in the middle of the UI is the gain reduction meter. It basically shows how much compression is occurring.
- Sensitivity: Usually called 'threshold' now, but they think 'sensitivity' makes more sense. Turn to the right, you get more compression, essentially. Turn it all the way to the right, and you've got a distortion box, the sound of which is tuned by Ratio, Attack, and Release.
- Makeup: 30 dB of gain to compensate for the attenuation caused by the compressor.
- Active: From the front panel, this is simply an off/on switch, but if you automate it, strange things happen..
- MIDI Learn: Like all of their products, the VST version has MIDI Learn. Download any manual from the current product line for an explanation of how this works, as it is common among all their VST products.
Rough Rider is available as a VST effect for Windows, and an AU or VST for OSX. The OSX versions are Universal Binaries, and require OSX 10.4.0 or later.
3. Dblue Glitch VST Plugin
Total votes: 13
Illformed’s dBlue Glitch was one of the crowd favorites for “glitching,” or adding short effects, to things like drum beats and progressions. The software offers users a range of possibilities, including things like a tapestop effect, modulation, sequencing, and more. Not only that, but the plugin is also very easy to use.
- “The effects in dblue glitch are quite useful, and are easy to figure out by arranging the knobs to your liking.”
- “Glitch is so useful. You can set the tape stop so it sounds like a kick drum. Bam. All the percussion you could want from one VST and no messy samples.”
- “Glitch is an awesome product.”
Sequencer
- Each program consists of 128 scenes that can be triggered via MIDI notes. Each scene has its own unique sequencer pattern, timing, and effect settings, allowing you to create tons of unique variations for every moment in your song, all ready to go at the press of a key!
- Multi-lane sequencer allows many effects to be played simultaneously, to create interesting layered sounds.
- Improved sequencer timing controls to better match your groove and song structure.
- Intuitive pattern editor with drag'n'drop. Draw, erase, resize, split and join blocks with ease.
Effects
- 9 cheeky little effect modules designed to slice, dice, chop, screw, twist, turn and mangle your sounds into radical new forms.
- Tempo-synced effects can easily be dialled in to precise musical timings such as 16th notes, 8th note triplets, and so on.
- Filter, mix, pan and volume controls on each module, to help shape and fine-tune the output.
Randomize, Mutate, Glitch! Vst plugin izotope ozone 6 equalizer.
- Randomize and Mutate functions can be found at almost every level. Mutate a single effect to get slightly different parameter variations, or instantly Randomize everything in the entire scene to create unexpected, chaotic and inspiring results!
Now available as a Windows VST plugin, Mac VST or Audio Units plugin, or Linux VST plugin.
4. VladgSound Molot
Total votes: 11
The Molot Compressor is another compressor that is hailed as one with a lot of character. That is to say that it’s not a very subtle one. In fact, many use it as a limiter rather than a compressor. This is great for controlling spikes on single tracks, and also helps it work well on drum compression and to give a more colorful sound.
- “It really makes plucks punch and breathe, and adds warmth.”
- “Molot sounds so musical, and is amazing on drums.”
- “It's not just a limiter, it has a great compressor and clipper too. And limiters can be very useful in controlling peaks on individual tracks so your master limiter won't have to work as hard.”
Available for Windows and Mac OS X.
5. TAL-Togu Audio Line TAL-NoiseMaker
Total votes: 11
The second synth on the list, TAL’s Noisemaker might not be as versatile to some as Synth1, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t sound great when applied well. Having said that, it still is an extremely versatile plugin, offering three oscillators, a built in reverb and delay, and dozens of other controls. The user interface is user-friendly, and is a great addition to any musicians plugin list.
- “If you use a DAW and don't have TAL-Noisemaker, get it! It is an incredible free VST that I couldn't go without now.”
- “TAL noisemaker is a great free synth.”
- “Its free, uncomplicated, and can pump out a nice spread of really dark sounds.”
Available for Windows and Mac OS X.
Honorable Mentions
These plugins were mentioned quite a bit, but were inched out by the top five. Click on the name for more info!
6. Variety Of Sound FerricTDS (11 Votes) Free vst weird peaking filters.
7. Camel Audio CamelCrusher Distortion Plugin (10 Votes)
Available via Splice
8. Variety Of Sound ThrillseekerLA (10 Votes)
9. Variety Of Sound Boot EQ MKII (10 Votes)
10. Smartelectronix Ambience (9 Votes)
What's your vote for the must-have free VST plugins? Let us know in the comments below!
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Comments 2
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Piano VSTs are a songwriter’s best friend. The piano is one of the best instruments to use for writing, arranging and producing music.
That’s why a great sounding piano plugin is a helpful and inspiring tool in almost every genre.
Those inspiring sounds lead to creating better music.
There are tons of piano plugins out there, but most of them are expensive. The top picks can cost a fortune.
But you don’t have to spend big money to get a great sound.
That’s why I’m rounding up the 10 best free piano VSTs that will give you an inspiring acoustic piano tone in your DAW.
1. Spitfire Audio LABS Soft Piano
Spitfire LABS contains some of the best free plugin instruments available.
LABS is an ongoing series of free software instruments made by musicians and sampling experts in London. It’s updated with new sounds constantly and sports an easy to use user interface.
Their soft piano plugin is still a go-to piano sound for many professional composers. Some musicians have actually used this free VST plugin to write entire albums of solo piano music
Soft piano delivers a warm, solemn tone. This sampled instrument was recorded with a thin strip of felt between the hammers and the strings for an evocative sound.
2. Ivy Audio Piano in 162
Piano in 162 is a sample library of a Steinway Model B grand piano made with a comprehensive sampling approach. The library includes two round robins, five dynamic levels, and separate pedal on/off samples.
Top Best Free Vst Plugins
Round robins are the number of different samples per note. The plugin will select a random sample each time the note is played, contributing to the realism of the sound.
Round robins are the number of different samples per note. The plugin will select a random sample each time the note is played, contributing to the realism of the sound.
Piano in 162 was recorded at 96kHz through two pairs of Rode NT5 cardioid microphones—an ambient pair in the hall and a close pair inside the piano.
You’ll need a sampler to run this library. Piano in 162 is compatible with the full version of Kontakt, or on Plogue Sforzando which runs .sfz files. Sfz files are text files that store instrument data for software synthesizers.
3. Prism Audio Atmos Piano
Atmos Piano is a perfect piano plugin if you’re looking for that dreamy, distant sound. It’s perfect for intimate ambiences, or a cinematic bed.
Atmos is a robust 2.4 GB library with 241 different samples. There are two separate microphone sources that can blend together with decay and release parameters.
If you’re looking to create an atmospheric, ambient piano soundscape, then this piano plugin is a perfect choice.
4. Keyzone Classic
Top Free Best Vst Software
Keyzone Classic is an all-round piano plugin. This sample based plugin is capable of replicating some of the most sought after piano brands.
The presets include Yamaha and Steinway grand pianos, as well as electric piano and Rhodes.
Keyzone Classic also sports common parameters you would find on a synthesizer. ADSR, and an LFO able to affect pitch, expression, and pan can allow you to shape a unique piano sound.
Best Free Vst Instruments
With its incredible sound shaping parameters, there’s no question why Keyzone Classic is often recommended as a go-to free piano VST.
5. Versilian Studios Upright No. 1
Versilian Upright No. 1 is billed as a lightweight sketching plugin, but definitely sells itself short. It’s an excellent representation of a classic upright piano.
This upright piano VST was sampled using wide and close mics. Like Keyzone Classic, Versilian Upright offers ADSR controls as well as built in reverb and panning.
The intensive sampling of this plugin includes 3 velocity layers with 2 round robins; sampled in tritones with a pair of wide, close mics. The samples include full decays of up to 30 seconds, which allow for great versatility when you use a sustain pedal.
Versilian Upright No. 1 is a go-to upright piano vst that will bring authenticity to your music.
6. Soundmagic Piano One
Soundmagic Piano One comes from the sampling of a Yamaha C7 concert grand. It uses its own hybrid modelling engine to capture the well known sound of the C7.
This engine combines the realistic sound of sampling and the playability of modelling. The playability is responsive due to the modelling while the sampling makes the sound crisp and realistic.
Top 5 Best Free Guitar Vsts In 2019
The user interface includes an absurd amount of controls for a piano VST. It allows you to customize just about anything. Interesting features include piano noises, audience and player perspective, and tuning systems.
7. 99Sounds Upright Piano
99Sounds Upright Piano is an upright piano plugin recorded by Italian pianist and engineer Rudi Fiasco. It features four sampled notes per octave and six dynamic layers per sampled note.
99Sounda Upright piano features a simple interface with ADSR, volume, and reverb controls.
What makes this VST a bit different is that it includes filter and tremolo control. If you’re looking to create a vintage lofi sound inside of a plugin, this one’s for you.
8. 4Front R-Piano
4Front R-Piano is a bit different then most of the sample based plugins on this list. R-Piano is inspired by RSP73 pianos, a popular discontinued electric piano plugin.
R-piano generates 127 different layers continuously, under a vintage overdrive. You won’t have worry about common sample library issues like CPU load or stuck notes with R-piano.
While this piano VST doesn’t exactly emulate a realistic piano, it can work well as an alternative to the Rhodes electric pianos
9. DSK The Grand
DSK The Grand is a lightweight plugin at just 51 MB in size. If you’re low on space and need a piano plugin to finish your track, then this piano VST is for you.
It contains 4 velocity layers, with 4-6 samples per note. The user interface is simply laid out containing ADSR controls, and a reverb.
By tweaking the release parameter and using the on-board reverb, you can get this small plugin sounding huge.
10. Bigcat Instruments Iowa Grand Piano
Bigcat Instruments Iowa Grand Piano is the free piano plugin you want if you’re looking for absolute realism. Iowa Grand Piano is a Steinway & Sons Grand recorded with a pair of Neumann KM 84 microphones. It’s hard to believe that this one is free.
Most piano VST’s are sampled every third note to save space for round robins and velocity layers. Iowa Grand Piano includes virtually every note of the piano with three velocity layers.
The individual samples are available for download, and exist in the public domain. This means you can use them in your music on the sampler of your choice. The plugin interface features standard ADSR controls, volume, and pan.
Free-an-issimo
You don’t have to empty your wallet for a professional piano sound.
Download these plugins and layer them on top of one another.
![Top Free Best Vst Top Free Best Vst](https://images.equipboard.com/blog_content/best-daws-steinberg-cubase.jpg)
Split them by left and right hand to get a unique sound.