Vital is a visual synthesizer. See what’s happening behind the scenes with animated controls, filter responses, waveforms, smooth LFOs, oscilloscopes, spectrograms, and more.

All animations run at 60 frames per second and are GPU optimized, leaving your CPU to do its real job: audio processing.

Komplete Start offers 2000 sounds for free. There are over 6 GB of sounds, effects, loops, and samples available with the free download, and it is a must-have for musicians, producers, and composers in 2023.

There are of course many add-ons and packs to be purchased, but the base free version offers an impressive amount of content on its own. It is an excellent starting point for beginners in music production and a valuable addition for more experienced producers. 

The package includes six virtual synthesizers, nine sampled instruments, two effects, and over 1,500 audio loops. It also comes with the freeware Player editions of Kontakt and Reaktor, which are powerful platforms for running a wide range of synths and effects.

The synths come with over 500 professionally designed presets for any genre, and the sampled instruments include vintage synths, acoustic instruments, and drums.

The effects include a tube compressor and 13 versatile effects that are great for guitars, drums, vocals, synths, or anything you like.

Komplete Start also includes almost 1,500 loops and samples from the popular Expansions range, suitable for use in any DAW. The package is designed to be a set of taster products to tempt you to invest in more comprehensive packages from Native Instruments.

Despite being a free package, Komplete Start does not compromise on quality. The sounds it offers are professional-grade, and the variety of instruments and effects included means that it can be used to produce a wide range of music styles.

Orchestral Tools offers a unique service called SINEfactory, which is a free instrument subscription service. By subscribing to SINEfactory, users receive a steady stream of exclusive free instruments delivered straight to their inboxes.

SINEfactory is powered by SINE Player, a virtual instrument audio plugin and standalone application that is compatible with macOS and Windows. The SINE Player functions as a VST Plugin, an Audio Units Plugin, a VST 3 Plugin, an AAX Plugin, and a Standalone Application.

The service offers a variety of instruments, including Ratio, a Steinway B grand piano ideal for soundtracks, pop, rock, and ballads; Gearbox, a versatile collection of studio percussion instruments; and Helix, an inspiring string ensemble with a full, expressive sound.

One of the recent additions to the SINEfactory library is Spindle, a Rösler upright piano with soft felt hammers. Spindle is described as having warm and round low-end tones with a detailed high-end, making it well-suited for ostinatos and sparse arrangements.

It is particularly useful in media composition and film scoring, where simple but emotive chords often form the foundation of a good score. Overall, Orchestral Tools is another example of a vast library of useful sounds and samples for musicians and producers. 

The VladG Limiter No.6 is a comprehensive tool for audio mastering, offering a combination of five different dynamic processors.

These include an RMS compressor, peak limiter, high-frequency limiter, clipper, and a true peak limiter. This free limiter plugin is available for both Windows and Mac.

The D16 Frontier is a versatile limiter plugin that can be used in a multitude of applications, whether on a single track, bus, or master output.

It is a self-adaptive tool, meaning it automatically adjusts the gain to achieve the desired result. This feature contributes to the efficiency of setting up the plugin.

One of the key updates to the Frontier limiter is the ability to resize the GUI, a feature that addresses one of the few complaints users had about the plugin.

The plugin is also praised for its versatility, with the ability to be as discrete or indiscrete as the user prefers. This versatility is further enhanced by its simple and easy-to-use GUI.

The Frontier limiter is not just a simple limiter. It has selectable Control Input and optional Soft Clipping features, making it a versatile and creativity-releasing tool.

It can be used as a very transparent mixing/mastering limiter or can be utilized more creatively as a sound shaper when more extreme settings are at stake.

The D16 Frontier plugin can make sounds thicker, warmer, and more upfront. It can be used on almost anything, but it is particularly effective on bass, drums, keys, and vocals.

The plugin is available for free, making it a valuable addition to any audio engineer’s toolkit.

Variety of Sound is a well-regarded platform in the audio production community, known for its high-quality plugins that often rival paid alternatives.

Their offerings are particularly appreciated for their ability to emulate the warmth and richness of analog hardware, providing a distinctive edge to digital audio production.

One of the standout offerings from Variety of Sound is the Tube Vitalizer. This device, while complex in its operation, offers a unique approach to audio processing.

It is essentially a parallel dynamic equalizer, with an EQ curve behavior designed to mimic equal loudness contours as specified in ISO226.

This means it can be seen as a high and low-frequency shelving EQ that takes into account psychoacoustic loudness effects. The Vitalizer also adds harmonic content, enhancing the richness and depth of the sound.

The Tube Vitalizer’s operation is not immediately intuitive but once understood, it offers a great deal of flexibility and control over the sound.

It allows for the adjustment of the main equalizer’s center frequency, which can be set anywhere between 1kHz and 20kHz.

This adjustment defines a cross-over point, with frequencies below this point being attenuated and higher frequencies being boosted.

The LF EQ curve can be further altered, and the EQ path can be compressed, providing a wide range of tonal possibilities.

In addition to the main EQ path, the Tube Vitalizer offers an additional HF boost and compression option. These can be dialed in to complement the LF behavior, providing a balanced and harmonically rich sound.

Proper gain-staging is key to getting the most out of the Tube Vitalizer, and the Drive knob is the main control for this. The device also creates additional harmonic content, adding to the richness and depth of the sound.

Variety of Sound also offers a range of plugins, such as the FlavourMTC Passive Equalizer Plugin.

This plugin is praised for its analog-like sound and is recommended for those looking for mixing and mastering software with a taste of analog hardware.

It has been described as having a “big fat lump of ‘Ashish dissolved in a bucket filled with two parts honey and one part roasted sesame on a warm Himalayan afternoon.”

Dexed is a popular free VST instrument plugin that emulates the classic Yamaha DX7 synthesizer. The interface is user-friendly, and it has 144 DAW automatable DX7 parameters available from one single panel.

Dexed is compatible with Windows, MacOS (M1 chip compatible), and Linux.

This project aims to be a tool/companion for the original DX7. A sound engine with ‘float’ value parameters, and a different waveform à la TX81z would be great but anything that goes beyond the DX7 should and will be a fork of this project.

This is to keep the compatibility with the original machine.’

Features:

Tyrell N6 is a virtual analog synthesizer that offers a classic sound reminiscent of analog synths of the past. It includes over 500 presets and features two oscillators, a filter, and an effects section, making it one of the best free VST plugins available!

The Tyrell synthesizer is a product of a collaborative effort that has been well-received by the music community. It was initially conceived as a hardware synthesizer, inspired by the idea of creating an affordable, polyphonic, analog synthesizer.

The name “Tyrell” was borrowed from the cult film “Blade Runner,” where Tyrell was the corporation responsible for the production of human duplicates known as Nexus. The “N6” in Tyrell N6 stands for Nexus 6, which represented the pinnacle of evolution in the film’s universe.

The Tyrell N6 has evolved into a software synthesizer that has been praised for its capabilities and versatility.

It is compatible with various digital audio workstation (DAW) setups and is available for Linux, Mac, and Windows platforms. However, it does not yet exist as a standalone version.

The Tyrell N6 is a freeware synthesizer, meaning it is available for free download and use. It has been updated to be compatible with the Catalina operating system, demonstrating its adaptability to evolving technology.

The Tyrell N6 has been so successful that it has inspired the development of a successor, the Babylon synthesizer, which aims to unify the global synth community. The Babylon synth is $69 to buy, but a free demo is available. 

Synth1 is a classic VST instrument plugin that emulates the classic Nord Lead 2 synthesizer. It has been around for over a decade and has been used by many well-known musicians. Synth1 has a vast library of presets available online.

Its enduring popularity is a testament to its quality and versatility, and it continues to be a go-to choice for both beginners and seasoned professionals.

While it may seem outdated to some, the interface is actually one of its strengths. It provides a good representation of working with an actual piece of hardware, allowing users to quickly become comfortable with the product.

The simplicity of the GUI, coupled with its unique sound, makes it a favorite among many users.

Synth1’s features, such as its two oscillators, FM modulation, ring modulation, and modulation envelopes, make it a versatile tool for sound design. Its built-in arpeggiator and filter are robust and allow for automation in all DAW platforms.

One of the most impressive aspects of Synth1 is its extensive community support.

Thousands of presets are available for download, created by the large and active user base. This wealth of resources makes it an even more valuable tool for producers.

While some argue that Synth1 is just one of many generic subtractive plugins, its enduring popularity and the high regard in which it is held by its users suggest otherwise.

Despite some criticisms about its GUI and the perceived lack of updates, Synth1 remains a reliable and efficient tool for music production and one of the best free VST plugins. Synth1 is a testament to the adage that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Plugin Boutique is a renowned platform where top music software companies sell their VST Plugins, Virtual Instruments, Synth Presets, and Music Plugins to Producers, Musicians, and DJs worldwide.

The website offers a wide range of free virtual instruments and plugins, which are highly appreciated by users for their quality and versatility.

One of the free virtual instruments available on Plugin Boutique is the Xpand!2 by AIR Music Technology.

It is a highly-rated virtual instrument that offers a broad range of sound generation capabilities, making it a versatile tool for music production. The Xpand!2 has received positive reviews for its quality and functionality. 

In addition to the free virtual instruments, Plugin Boutique also offers free plugins. Also, it is worth checking out their website when they are having flash sales on virtual instruments and plugins.

For instance, during their Black Friday sale, they offered free software like Audiolens, CA2600, deCoda LE, and MReverbMB with any purchase.

Audiolens is a track referencing and comparison app, CA2600 is a powerful duophonic synth inspired by the ARP 2600, deCoda LE is a song analysis software, and MReverbMB is a reverb plugin.

It’s worth noting that to download the free plugins and trial versions from Plugin Boutique, you will need to create an account on their website.

Plugin Boutique is a great website for those looking for the best free VST plugins. They are offering various packs for purchase, but they also have some excellent free plugins. Check out the complete collection by Melda Production and the Free instrument page.

Keyzone is a layered sample-based piano and accordion plugin available for free on Plugins4Free.

It offers a variety of presets including Grand piano (wet and dry), Sad pad, Pitched grand (1 and 2), Grand small, Grand medium, Rhodes piano (1 and 2), Accordion, Hammond B3, and My Good Angel.

The plugin also provides several options for customization such as Reverb, ADSR, Vibrato, Detuner, Octave, Semitone, Velocity Curve, and Filter of Velocity.

The reviews for Keyzone are mixed, with many users praising its sound quality. One user described it as the best free VST piano on the market, noting its deep and rich sound.

Another user appreciated the variety of pianos and the two finely pitched models, stating that it’s the best-sounding free piano for general use. Some users have also praised the “Grand piano wet” preset.

However, some users reported issues with the plugin. A common complaint is the lack of a sustain-pedal function, which some users found limiting.

There are also some reports of the plugin crashing or not working with certain DAWs. Despite these issues, many users still recommend Keyzone for its sound quality and variety of presets.

Considering that Keyzone is completely free to use, at BetweenThe-Keys we believe it to be one of the best options for new musicians and producers who want to get composing without splashing the cash. 

PIANO S is a sampled Yamaha C5 Grand piano. It is free to download, but only available for Windows.

The Piano S is a sampled Yamaha C5 Grand piano VST plugin that offers a rich and immersive sound experience.

This three-layer rompler module comes with Grand piano samples and an advanced editor packed with tools and functionalities, allowing users to create unique sounds tailored to their needs and tastes.

The plugin provides a compressor, EQ, and convolution reverb, which can be used to tweak the instrument to your needs and taste. The ability to save and load presets from the library browser adds to the convenience and flexibility of the plugin.

Users have praised the Piano S for its beautiful and natural sound, with very few artifacts that might alert a listener to artificiality. The brightness of the Yamaha Grands is well captured in this plugin, and it still manages to sound natural.

The presets offer good variety, and users have found it easy to create presets for different applications, such as brighter “song” type applications and richer sound for “classical” type compositions.

Overall, the Piano S is highly appreciated by users, especially considering it’s offered for free.

It’s a fantastic virtual piano that is ideal for musicians looking to incorporate the sound of a Yamaha C5 Grand piano into their compositions, with the flexibility to tweak and tailor the sound to their liking.

This plugin is only available for Windows, but if that is your operating system, don’t delay in downloading this free plugin.

VSC02 is a VST plugin that is described as having a solid upright and dynamic sound. The sound is characterized as quite rich, deep, and warm, which is impressive considering the relatively small file size.

Some users have noted that the mid-range is rather subdued and feels like it needs to be brightened using an EQ, whereas the top and lower octaves are much brighter.

If you play higher notes, you may need to EQ out the lower frequencies. The piano is very quiet/soft, so compression is sometimes needed for more aggressive playing.

For softer playing, it is perfect without EQ or compression. Users can hear the hammer action, which adds to its authenticity, and the velocity range is pretty good. The controls are simple, including A.D.S.R, volume, and reverb.

4Front is a small single-timbre upright piano module. This virtual Piano is a simple yet effective virtual instrument that emulates the timbre of an upright home piano.

It is a small single-sound instrument with no settings, making it a plug-and-play module that does not require any configuration or adjustment. This makes it highly user-friendly, especially for those who may not be familiar with such technology.

The instrument is light on memory and CPU usage, a significant advantage for users and software developers who need to conserve system resources.

It is available as a VSTi for Windows, and as an AudioUnit, VSTi, and RTAS for Mac, making it versatile and compatible with various operating systems, and one of the best free VST plugins available!

To use this plugin, a plugin hosting software is necessary, such as Topten Cantabile software. It is also recommended to use a MIDI keyboard for creating computer music with this instrument.

4Front Piano also has a big brother, 4Front TruePianos, a professional-grade virtual piano instrument. It is based on state-of-the-art technology and produces a much improved and cleaner sound compared to 4Front Piano.

Several other 4Front virtual instruments and plugins are available including:

1. 4Front E-piano 

2. R-piano

3. 4Front bass

4. 4Front Headphones – Room simulation with speakers

You will need software to run VST instruments, and 4Front recommends using Cantabile, which is stable software aimed at live performance, though it is equally useful for producers. 

In conclusion, 4Front Piano is a straightforward, easy-to-use virtual instrument that provides a decent emulation of an upright home piano. It is a good choice for users who need a simple, plug-and-play piano module that is light on system resources.

The Salamander Piano is a meticulously sampled Yamaha C5 grand piano, offering a rich and authentic sound that can stand alone in a mix or serve as a solid foundation in a track. It is one of the best free VST plugins available now!

With 16 velocity layers sampled by Alexander HolmFeel, the Salamander Piano provides a wide dynamic range that can cater to various musical styles and applications.

The piano is noted for its ability to cut through mixes, making it an excellent choice for rock or pop music.

However, it also retains a realistic and smooth sound that allows it to shine in solo performances. This versatility makes it a valuable addition to any musician’s toolkit.

The Salamander Piano is a substantial instrument, with a file size of around 832 MB to 840 MB depending on the version. Despite its size, the quality of the sound it produces justifies the space it occupies.

The piano is available in 32 and 64-bit versions, as well as in component and VST formats, making it compatible with various music production software.

Good sound, a relatively small download size, and it’s free to use. Ideal!

In conclusion, many high-quality free VST instrument plugins are available today that can provide a wide range of sounds and functionality.

So much is available for free in 2023 that new musicians have plenty to keep them occupied and inspired. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced producer, VST plugins can help you create professional-quality tracks.