Free plugins are one of the best things about being a producer in 2022. Quality music production tools have never been extra accessible for the typical musician. However with more freeware plugins showing up on the scene every day, finding the suitable one isn’t easy. That’s why we’re bringing you the top picks for the most helpful and creative free music software. In this edition—vintage EQs, minimalist reverb, vintage synths, and more. Today’s roundup of free plugins comes with a variety of inspiring tools. These free plugins will allow you to both make tracks and mix them in May.
Let’s dive in.
1. MAXBAX
It’s no secret that we’re followers of Analog Obsession, we frequently cover them and many of their plugins have discovered their way onto our mega list of 248 free VSTs.
However, they’re always releasing new plugins to download for free—and considering how good Analog Obsession’s releases are. I’m sure we’ll keep talking about them for the long haul.
MAXBAX is the brand new newest EQ from the plugin maker, it contains a vintage interface with two bands with boost and cut at low, mid, and high frequencies.
The EQ is based on a basic Baxandall EQ that was pioneered by the legendary engineer Pieter Baxandall in the 1950s.
The Baxandall EQ was one of the first EQs to receive wide adoption everywhere from studios to guitar amps to home stereos.
So for those who’re searching for a classic, tried and true EQ, take a look at MAXBAX.
And if you love Analog Obsession, consider supporting their Patreon too!
2. Easy Verb
Here’s a minimalist reverb that actually does what it says on the tin.
It comes with two knobs—one for reverb level and one for a dry/wet mix.
Unsurprisingly the reverb level knob sweeps from a small room sounding reverb to an enormous hall sound at its extremities.
Each reverb sounds a bit different, so there’s a good reason to have a few in your plugins folder. If you’re searching for a brand new reverb to freshen up your tracks, give this one a try!
3. Orange Dreams Lite
Orange Dreams Lite is a curated VST Instrument that’s impressed by lo-fi, vaporware, and chill hop styles of production.
The plugin manufacturer claims that the instrument is impressed by the colors and feelings you may get during a warm summer sunset.
The instrument seems to be a sample library with quite a lot of keys, basses, synths, pads, orchestras, and more. It also comes with options to modify the sounds with filters, modulation ADSR and more.
If you’re looking to add some warm ethereal, psychedelic vibes to your next track give Orange Dreams a spin.
4. Overtone GEQ
Here’s one other super useful EQ that you should think about having in your arsenal of mixing EQs.
This graphic EQ from Overtone makes use of a well-known interface to many classic graphic EQs, giving the users visually informed control of the sound.
The GEQ features seven sliders with controls for boosting and reducing starting at 65 Hz to 12k Hz.
With a wide range of settings to control your sound, you may want this great free plugin from Voxengo in your folder.
5. FB-3300
The FB-3300 is an excellent fun plugin version of a classic vintage synth that’s based on Korg’s legendary polyphonic synthesizer, the PS-3300.
This emulation of the well-known 1970s synth comes with a similar interface to the original synth and many of its famous patches.
The modular design leaves room for plenty of sound design capabilities—the plugin appears to come with a handful of presets, but a simple tutorial for the original Korg synth will also work to get you up and running.
For a free synth that emulates a {hardware} synth from a legendary era and manufacturer—you can’t go wrong by including this in your plugins folder.