In this article, we published a choice of our best free plugin picks to keep you within the loop of must-have effects.
1. Analog Obsession
If there was one developer that stole the show with free instruments in 2021, it was Analog Obsession.
Quality analog emulations are present in almost every professional engineer’s instrument kit. However, the industry favorites are often pricey.
That’s why usable, high quality analog-style processors are such an enormous deal on the free scene.
You’ll discover everything from workhorse compressors to vintage EQ and channel strips with traditional voicings in Analog Obsession catalogue.
Technically, the plugin suite is supported by a Patreon membership. However, there’s no barrier to the full experience in case you don’t subscribe.
With that in thoughts, give the plugins a try. You may discover them worth making a monthly donation.
2. VCV Rack 2.0
Modular synthesis is a bona fide musical movement at this point.
Within the years as the Eurorack format standardized module design, modular has taken over a unique corner of the gear world.
However, constructing out a capable modular rig is a project that may quickly turn into a black hole, swallowing your money and time.
What when you might have all the best modules in whatever configuration you wanted, completely free? Properly that’s what you get with VCV Rack 2.0.
It’s a virtual module system with limitless modules and patching modelled on the true behaviour of every unit.
{The catalogue} options tons of of modules from main producers.
3. LANDR Chromatic
Chromatic is LANDR’s first virtual instrument plugin. That made it essentially the most exciting VST of the year for us!
It’s a playable loop instrument that allows you to go hands-on with artist-approved sounds and samples. Utilizing a MIDI controller you possibly can play and modify loops on the fly to get inspired fast.
Each distinctive sound set is categorized by mood to get you thinking outside the box. Whereas the full library of Chromatic sound content requires a subscription, there are many free sounds available to get you began.
In fact, each mood contains a free set to provide you a style of what Chromatic has to supply. In case you’re looking for a different method to utilizing sampled loops or you just want a fast hit of inspiration, try Chromatic to experiment with its unique workflow.
4. Spitfire LABS
Spitfire LABS makes our year-end checklist yearly—because it’s actually that good.
It’s a developer that might not be known to every bedroom producer. They concentrate on libraries for composers and film score production.
However, don’t let that scare you away. Some of the most forward-thinking sound design comes from film and TV music. LABS shows how properly the method can crossover into pop genres in addition to experimental sound.
In case you’re not familiar with the format, LABS is a sampled instrument platform with regular content releases.
Whereas there are some enduring traditional LABS sound sets like Soft Piano, there were loads of standout releases in 2021.Here’s my best plugin picks:
- Autoharp
- Tape Orchestra
- Lap Steel
- Guitar Harmonics