DJ Equipment

It doesn’t matter whether you’re sampling, playing a real kit, or tapping beat patterns on a synth – drums are one of the most fundamental components when it comes to producing electronic music.

Of course melodies matter, as do the bass elements in your track. But, most seasoned producers will tell you that a good tune always starts with drums. This is why we’ve gathered a list of our top 10 free drum VSTs for spicing up your tunes which you can start using right now.

If you’re looking for other free plugins outside of drum kits, be sure to check out our list of the Top 10 Free VSTS which covers everything from synths and bass to effects plugins.

Drumatic

Drumatic is a highly-acclaimed plugin for its 100% synthesized bank of sounds. It features 6 stereo outputs which can be assigned to any of the 7 sounds included; Snare, Clap, Toms, Hats, Bassdrum and Rimshot.

Drumatic also comes complete with graphical envelopes to allow for variety and flexibility. Because there are no real-sounding drum elements in this VST, it’s better suited for electronic music producers rather than anyone looking for something more organic.

DrumMic’a!

DrumMic’a by Sennheiser is a drum sample software which works with the free Kontact Player created by Native Instruments. It allows you to alternate between both Nuemann and Sennheiser microphones for making better adjustments to the sounds.

This plugin also comes with a built-in mixer and individual controls for compression, EQ, and adding effects like reverb, pan, and delay.

Beat Factory

Beat Factory by Beatskillz is compatible with all operating systems. Each of the 10 kits included was created using top-shelf outboard gear including the famous MPC 2500 to make each sound punchy and gritty, making it a great addition to any hip-hop producers plugin collection.

There are 12 pads with individual faders, plus built-in reverb and ADSR envelope to give users the full ability to shape the sounds and drum samples how you want.

The MT Power DrumKit is packed with high-quality samples which simulate the sound of a real drum kit. Every individual sample has already been processed, meaning users will only need to make minor adjustments.

Included is a pre-programmed library of realistic grooves which can be dragged and dropped into your DAW or production software. All the levels in each component can be fully adjusted via the built-in mixer, which also allows full control over panning and compression.

Mini Spillage

AudioSpillage’s MiniSpillage is another Mac-only free virtual plugin synthesizer which features 64-bit DSP processing, along with 3 fully-editable drum pads and some great effects like distortion and resonant filters.

In addition, there is a 6 oscillator hi-hat generator, plus flexible wood synthesized toms and natural-sounding timbres. Plus a bass drum! You can also use the “Warp” function to modulate each sound within your mix.

DrumPro

With its simple MPC-style interface, DrumPro has been created with electronic producers in mind, and features 20 professional kits styled on the iconic Roland TR-808 AND TR-909.

Each individual kit comes with 12 unique sounds assignable to 12 different controller pads. There is also the option to add a touch of reverb for a more organic and spacious sound.

DrumTROOP

Another free MPC-style plugin is DrumTROOP by DubTurbo. It comes with 20 kits containing 16 individual pads. Every pad can be controlled for panning, volume monitoring, plus attack and release abilities. You can also adjust and fine-tune things like pitch and glide via another set of controls.

Even though the creators discontinued the brand the plugin is still available. It’s incredibly fun to use and provides plenty of flexibility for working the sounds into your projects.

The Drum Source

Complete with a built-in sequencer and browser, TheDrumSource by Witech is a clean and basic interface which features a variety of different samples.

The plugin sports separate output channels, resizable GUI, 24 unique patterns, pan, volume, pitch and length controls, step sequencer and more. It also supports most sample formats from 24-bit upwards.

EXD-80

EXD-80 by Third Harmonic Studios is a virtual analogue drum synth featuring everything from vintage drum machines to fragmented glitch samples. There are no samples, just pure synthesized drum and percussion sounds to work with.

This VST is only available for Windows, but it truly is ideal for deep electronic genres such as Drum and Bass, Dubstep, Hip-Hop and tracks with more ambient flavors.

Jamstix 4

A free plugin which emulates the sound of a real human drum kit. Jamstix doesn’t work with any MIDI patterns or grooves, instead you get a reenactment of a real drummers arms and their styles to produce realistic sounding performances.

If you’re not one for programming drums, this may not be the best VSTS for you, however, if you upgrade to the full version of Jamstix, you get loads more top-notch sounds which allow you to get much more creative.

Final Thought

There are some awesome free plugins out there which allow you to get really creative, even with the simplicity of the interface and controls, however, if you’re willing to spend a few bucks the full versions, you’re of course going to get much more to work with and use at your disposal.

More and more DJs are stepping away from traditional mixing and adopting the digital approach these days. And there’s some fantastic software applications and DJ controllers which allow you to mix in a way that still feels like the real deal.

In this article, we’re going to talk about the best mixing software for DJs which is affordable, reliable, and packed with lots of cool features you can use to liven up your sets.

What is DJ Software?

This doesn’t take a genius to figure this one out, but if you’re completely new to the world of digital DJing – let’s first discuss what the software is. And more importantly, what it enables you to do!

There are various computer programs out there which have been built to simulate the functions of a standalone mixer, turntables and a collection of effects all in one place. DJs are able to use these programs to blend tunes, scratch and create loops, etc. Instead of having to invest in this gear individually.

Most software is still connected to some sort of mixing console. However, unlike industry-standard CDJs or turntables which are big, heavy and sometimes a pain in the ass to set up – you can achieve exactly the same results with a basic DJ controller and software. This is why more and more people are choosing to mix this way because it’s more convenient, and less expensive than traditional mixing equipment.   

How to Choose

If you’re planning to go down the digital DJ route, there’s some good free programs out there to get you started. MixVibes, Zulu and YOU.DJ are great, and we’ll cover more of these free options in another article.

If you’re looking to play out often and are more serious about your investment, our recommendations for paid programs below will give you a broader scope possibilities.

Native Instruments Traktor Pro 2

When it comes to general music gear, Native Instruments are definitely up there with one of the best. As they have been for decades. They make some of the best VSTs, analogue synths, and controllers on the market, but they’re also the creators of the popular mixing software Traktor Pro.

Suitable for both beginners and veterans alike, the program allows you to mix up to 4 tracks at once, with each deck containing color-coded waveforms. It also features more than 30 custom built-in effects and beat grids for more precise mixing. You’ll have the ability to perform loops, cut and edit tracks and samples in a live setting. You can also navigate through your tunes quickly and easily according to BPM, key, energy and other attributes.

One thing that has put people off this software in the past is the fact that it’s only compatible with N.I products. This means any external or outboard gear you have already is unlikely to work, and you’ll probably need to invest in one of their controllers. Anything from the Kontrol range should suffice no problem, and you can pick them up for a highly affordable price these days too. If you’ve got the budget for it, we also recommend the Traktor Scratch Pro 2 software for those looking to expand more than just their mixing skills.

Serato DJ/Scratch Live

Possibly Traktor’s biggest adversary is Serato. It’s a program which includes both CDJ and vinyl modes for those who prefer more classic mixing styles. It also comes with several FX, loops and cue functions to play around with. The simplistic interface and minimal design makes it super easy to manage all your tracks and locate them easily.

Again, Serato allows you to mix using up to 4 decks at once, with BPM readouts and an “elapsed time remaining” indicator for each track. Color-coded waveforms allow you to monitor the progress of the songs and make smooth transitions using the numerous built-in features. Like Traktor, this program works with a controller. Only Serato is universally compatible with many different controllers. Some include Numark’s Mixtrack Pro, the Akai AMX, Denon DJ MC6000MK2 and Pioneer’s DDJ-SX3 among others.

Bare in mind that if you go for a specific Serato controller, it’s probably going to work a lot more coherently than a third party brand. Also note that the vinyl scratching emulation software for Serato is sold separately. However, it’s pretty inexpensive and worth buying if you want to master the art of scratching using any sound file or mp3 from your computer.

Pioneer DJ Rekordbox

Though Traktor and Serato are probably the top pioneers behind DJ software, Pioneer themselves are without a doubt one of the best manufacturers of DJ equipment. Especially in line with brands like Technics and Numark. The best application they’ve come up with to date is Rekordbox. This is a fantastic software used by DJs and producers all over the world as an ideal mixing and management tool.

Not only does it store all your cue points and track preferences to your computer’s database, it even remembers this information when you’re playing on industry-level equipment via USB. In addition, you can create multiple playlists, analyze, edit and mix your tracks, set key information, add FX, and use other features which make selecting your playlists simple and effortless.

The software is only compatible with Pioneer DJ controllers or products within their CDJ range. You can opt for a 30 day trial if you want to check out the platform before upgrading to the full version.

Ableton Live

We talked about the prestigious Ableton Live in our last blog about best music making software for producers. But, because Live is such a fluid and versatile software with tons of awesome mixing capabilities, we just had to include in this review as well.

From a producer’s standpoint, it’s truly endless as to what you can do for composition and mastering. And for a DJ, the program also has a good amount to offer. The interface allows you to create remixes using loops and various samples, but more importantly, you can perform flawless live sets thanks to the “warp” feature.

In production terms, this functions by warping an existing track so it falls exactly on the beat of Ableton’s built-in metronome. This means when you’re playing 2 tracks together, they’ll be perfectly synced and they can then be exported to use for mixing on CDJs or digital turntables. We’re yet to come across a DAW that accommodates DJs and producers to the same degree as Live. It’s a work of genuine craftsmanship in our eyes!  

VirtualDJ Pro

VirtualDJ is another software application that’s considered one of the best picks by DJs across the board. Not only is it compatible with both PC and Mac, it also works with most third party controllers, MIDI devices and USBs. It’s also highly affordable, and packed full of features to keep you and your audience entertained for hours.

You can play 2 or more tracks simultaneously and add a range of cool FX including a beat slicer, flanger, echo, filter and more. The software goes above and beyond the basics by incorporating the ability to scratch and sample tracks. Plus, you can add up to 99 different vocals! You’ll also be able to add cue points, set the BPM of each track, and refer to the color-coded waveform tables for anyone still getting to grips with mixing.

There’s a plethora of great online tutorials on how to use the software, and there’s even a free version for anyone who may not want it for commercial use. If you’re looking to use it with a controller however, you’ll need to pay for the full version. For what you get, and how user-friendly the software is, we think it’s worth every cent! It’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned DJs and can be purchased on a monthly or yearly subscription.

Conclusion

You’ll discover all of the mixing applications we’ve listed above are compatible with Mac and PC and are nice and easy to install. Each one is relatively inexpensive, and gives you all the tools you would ever need to organise your playlists and perform a killer DJ set.

Unfortunately, there is a downside to DJing through your computer or laptop…

If there is a crash or your comp just decides to shutdown halfway through a set, it’s going to be tough to recover. Not to mention a bit embarrassing! There’s no real solution to stop this from happening, so we can only advise to make sure you have a backup comp, USBs or another device at hand which you can quickly plug in while you sort the other issues out.

Other than that, DJ software is a great way to get used to the art of blending tracks without forking out for a fully-fledged set up. Just make sure your computer is powerful enough to handle the software (check out our review of the best laptops for production and DJing), and choose an application which is high-quality. That way there will be less risk of anything going wrong when you’re trying to record your sets or perform live.

Black Friday is coming up in a few days, and if you like a good bargain or two like us – there’s a few decent sites you can check to make sure you’re getting the best deals and most bang for your buck. Even if you’re not shopping specifically for audio gear, you can refer to these sites for any products you’re interested in buying and be able to see whether it’s actually worth the investment or not. We’re also going to throw a few useful tips your way to ensure your Black Friday explorations are a success.

Use Apps and Check Out the Adverts

While you’re bound to be bombarded with adverts and deals on the actual day [November 29], it doesn’t hurt to do an independant hunt for the products you want via apps as well. Below are some of the ones we use to closely monitor the product and price trends a week prior to Black Friday. This allows us to see certain metrics and then establish if the price drop for a product is actually legit.

Keepa – Keepa is a browser extension to chrome. It’s a fantastic tool because it helps you to see how online sellers are lowering their prices over the course of different time frames: daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, or lifetime. It also lets you see a product’s monetary history and sales rank to help you make better calculated buying decisions. The graphs may look intimidating at first, but once you get familiar with the colors – they’re straightforward and easy to understand.

Drop.com – Drop was originally designed as an app that targets millennials due to their spending habits on things like organic food products and Uber rides. The company learned that the younger generation aren’t particularly loyal to brands and just want to save as much as possible. Instead of individual loyalty cards, Drop lets you pick the brands you want to buy from, and then the points are credited to your account which you can later exchange for gift cards or other rewards. It’s convenient, free to use, and applies to just about anything.

Ben’s Bargains – We use this one a lot, even when it’s not Black Friday. Ben’s is a great app because all the bargains are hand-picked by their deal editors. They only post the “best of web” pricing, meaning at the time of posting, they were unable to find any cheaper offerings for the product elsewhere. Even on sites like Amazon and Google Shopping. They also look for coupon opportunities which can further save you money on an item, and you’re also able to set up alerts if an item is sold out or not available at the time you want to buy it.

Slickdeals.net – Another online deal-sharing community is Slickdeals. They see over 10m users on the site every month, and again, work with specialist deal editors to ensure you’re getting the best-of-the-best offers while you shop. What sets this app apart from the rest is the fact that they base the deals they display on community votes and feedback. The deal is posted, rated, then reviewed by the editors team to guarantee the best prices.

Amazon – If all else fails, or you simply run out of time to do any research before Black Friday, Amazon are always the default option for us. They start advertising deals about a week in advance, so one of the best possible things you can do at this point is to open up a Prime membership and take advantage of the 2-day free shipping. Not only will you save a considerable amount on postage, you also get 30 minutes early access to the deal before anyone who doesn’t have a prime account. Timing really is of the essence with Amazon’s Black Friday bonanza, but you can truly bag some bargains if you’re on the ball and quick to act.

A Few Black Friday Tips

While using these kind of apps are great ways to find the best prices on certain items, there are some other things you can do to manage your shopping better as well.

• Make a shopping list – It’s good to have an idea on the kind of things you want to buy before the chaos begins. Write down a list so you don’t have to waste any time thinking about it or trying to remember what you want/need.
• Research and review – You might have a product in mind, but if you haven’t read up about it properly it could end up being a cheap piece of crap. Check out customer reviews and research it first to avoid any disappointment.
• Check returns policies – This one’s important because many people fail to check the small print for an item they’ve just purchased. Return timeframes are becoming less and less these days, so make sure you check out the supplier’s terms, and always keep your receipts!
• Look out for doorbusters – Doorbusters were only available in stores, but now they apply to the online markets too. These can be early bird specials or midnight-madness sales, but they only last for a limited time, or until the product sells out. Be prepared to hit the refresh key a few times!
• Wake up early – Sales can begin at pre-dawn hours on Black Friday, even for online shoppers. If you want to beat the crowds and crazy site traffic, be sure to get up a bit earlier so you’re more likely to get served first. “Web Only” deals can start as early as Thanksgiving day too.

What About Black Friday Deals in Store?

We pity anyone willing to put themselves through such an ordeal, but if you truly are more inclined to shop among the stampede of ruthless Black Friday consumers, there’s plenty of stores offering deals and discounts in the lead up to the big day.

You’ll find all the major retailers like Walmart, Dell, JCPenney, Samsung, Lowe’s, and hundreds of commercial brands with their doors wide open next week. You might not be able to find exactly what you’re looking for, so it’s probably worth locating the store online first, and seeing if the item is in stock before you make the perilous journey there in person.

Am I Likely to Save Much Money?

We can’t really answer that because it depends what you’re buying. But, in theory, you probably will save money because product prices are usually the lowest all year around. The problem is, many retailers or distributors make it look like consumers are getting a great deal by putting the price up considerably a month or two before, then drastically lowering them just for Black Friday. This is a tactic that makes you think you’ve saved money when you’ve clearly not. That’s also why we always advise to research prices beforehand.

Is It Worth It?

Again, this one really depends on who’s asking. For some people, Black Friday proves to be a cost effective way of saving money on items that would usually cost you double. On the flip side, some people fall into the trap of mindlessly buying stuff they don’t need just because it’s on offer. This is the reverse psychology aspect associated with mass jumbo sales, and the stores are simply feeding off our naïveté as a result…

Saying that, if you’re anything like our friend Carlos who last year bought 4 pairs of bacon socks just because they were 15% off – Black Friday may well be up your street. Or should we say highstreet 🙂 Happy hunting!

If you’re looking to produce music electronically you’re going to need a software program to construct your compositions, record audio and hook up any devices or instruments you want to work with. There are several different brands and types of software out there for making music. Maybe you want something good for drums, synths, individual mastering or, if you’re like us – an all in one package that lets you do everything in one place!

In this article, we’re going to look at 10 of the best DAWs which are ideal for music making and production. We’ve put together our favorites based on efficiency, affordability, functionality, and a few other points which are key to being able to create high-quality tracks and compositions.

What is a DAW?

DAW is short for Digital Audio Workstation. It’s a computer program that is specifically designed for composing, recording, editing, mixing and mastering. Most professional electronic producers use a DAW to work with these days, as there’s so much flexibility and options to get creative. Plus, you don’t have to spend a fortune on individual gear.

How Should You Choose?

Choosing a decent DAW doesn’t have to be a complicated affair, but here’s some things you’ll need to think about in advance:

Operating System: Not all DAWs work with all computers. Decide whether you want something specifically for PC or Mac, or something that’s compatible with both.

Budget: There’s some great DAWs out there which are completely free. The only problem is, they are limited to what you can do with them after a while. Obviously the more you’re willing to spend, the better features you’ll get and more proficient it will be.  

Experience: There’s no point in spending 100s of dollars on something like Pro Tools if you don’t even know what 2 thirds of it does. Start small, build confidence and knowledge, then you can safely make the transition to something more complex.

Finally, if you’re going to be doing a lot of live performances, you’ll probably want something which allows you to easily integrate things like DJ controllers, synthesizers, mics and live plugins or VSTs.

Ableton

Ableton Live is a long-standing favorite in the production marketplace and is an ideal DAW for both Mac and PC users. It lets you do everything from multi-track audio recording, sequencing, time stretching and is essentially the only thing you’ll ever need to create, mix and master music. It comes with tons of built-in presets, instruments and samples to play with, and you can even conduct all your own live studio performances within the suite (hence the name “live”).

The long-awaited version 10 was released back in Feb. It now has an improved arrangement view, new synth and echo wavetables and built-in drum and bass pedal effect. The most notable upgrades however, are in the MIDI editing, automation and zooming capabilities. Users will also discover Nested Groups, a Push 2 function and improved tweaks to the power for optimal workflow.

FL Studio

FL Studio aka Fruity Loops was once a free DAW, but as it gained popularity and developed more useful and exciting features, it’s now a paid program. Luckily, it’s well worth the investment and the latest version homes everything you need to compose, edit, record, mix and master tracks. It also allows you to hook up a guitar, a microphone and even a full-blown orchestra!  

What we like most about FL is the fact you can arrange unlimited audio channels, and perform everything from beat slicing, cropping, pitch shifting, time stretching and a myriad of other exciting capabilities with a few clicks of your mouse. Another great feature is the fact it configures to all the inputs on your interface and comes with Lifetime Free Updates.

Cubase

Musicians and producers have been using Cubase for years, albeit it’s come a long way since the early versions and it now comes with a lot more functions than before. The mixing console has a refreshed look and feel, and some of the biggest perks for us are the chord track mapping and chord assistance included.

In addition, Cubase is considered one of the DAWs to have the largest library of sounds: inclusive of synths, 30 unique drum kits, construction kits, LoopMash FX and a haven of plugins to toy with. Then there are the built-in presets and unlimited audio tracks. Though the functions with this one are fantastic, we would say it’s probably not the best if you’re starting out and don’t want to be too overwhelmed by all the different features available.  

Logic Pro

Logic was created especially for Mac users. Even though it’s jam-packed full of different features and gives you a wide scope of production possibilities – beginners might find it takes a while to get used to the platform. Even professionals are constantly figuring out new tricks with this software, and it’s one you’ll get many years of use out of.

You’ll find instrument layering, analogue and synthetic drum kits to play with, arpeggiator, synths plugins, built-in presets, plug-in control mixer plus intuitive “score editor” which allows you to create your own MIDI sounds, and manipulate them with scale, velocity editing, etc. It might take you a few months to even grasp the basics, but once there – you’re going to have hours of fun with this software.   

Propellerhead Reason

Propellerhead’s Reason series is another popular choice among audiophiles and producers. It features a top-of-the-class mixing console designed to give the user more maneuverability when it comes to writing and creating tracks. With the addition of its built-in sequencer, you can build your projects from the ground up using a wide variety of tools like synths, drum machines, samplers, loop players and more.

You’ll also have the means to record any MIDI keyboard, device or live instruments such as guitars, vocals, or an entire band if you want to. The great thing is that the software already comes with multiple instruments and effects you can use to layer your tracks, so there isn’t even a need to use outboard gear. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for something with more advanced features – Reason will easily meet your musical demands.

Studio One

PreSonus are one of the best brands when it comes to audio gear, but their Studio One software is one that continues to leave a mark on producers due to the user-friendly interface. Unlike some DAWs which take a long time to get your head around – each version of the Studio One series is easy to use and provides all the essentials you would ever need to create industry-standard tracks and compositions.

The simple navigation and drag-and-drop functionality makes it ideal for beginners, and you can play around with everything from MIDI, VSTs and FX channels with some great reverb capabilities. It also comes with some useful mastering tools to make your workflow smoother and give your projects definition. Good for both Mac & PC users.

Avid Pro Tools

Studio professionals and sound engineers have been praising Pro Tools to the high heavens for years. It’s expensive but once you have it, it’s highly unlikely you’ll want to switch to any other DAW once you become fully accustomed to how it works. Many just use it for its mixing and mastering features, however, it has 100s of different uses when it comes to post-production ideas and constructing beats from scratch.

It’s got everything you could ever need for composing, recording, editing plus more. And includes its own built-in metering, time-stretching, elastic pitch bending, EQs, compressors, autotune, more than 70 different plug-ins, channel stripping and practically anything else you can think of. It also gives you an ultra fast processor, 64-bit memory capacity and latency buffer input to eliminate delays.  

Garage Band

Another popular option ideal for those just getting into music production is Apple’s Garageband. Not only is it simple and easy-to-use, it’s also incredibly affordable compared to most DAWs, but it doesn’t lack quality by any means. The  interface helps you to understand the basic principles of music theory, while presenting you with a collection of different presets to play around with and put your new found knowledge where it matters.

Garageband maps out the different chord progressions, and lets you record guitars, synths, MIDI-powered devices and microphones. You’ll also find a huge bank of built-in sounds to choose from, where you can add interesting effects and simply drop them into the active channels. Oh, and did we mention that this is one of the rare DAWs that doesn’t have a price tag? If that’s not a good enough reason to grab it, we don’t know what is!

Reaper

Since Logic and Ableton cemented themselves into the top list of music making software, there isn’t a high demand for Reaper like there used to be. However, it’s still one of the best DAWs for us in terms of flexibility and what it comes with. You’ll find all the basics needed to create solid audio tracks, complete with MIDI mapping functions that allow you to split, edit, cut and paste individual tracks and samples effortlessly.

It works with most audio interfaces, plus external VSTS and plug-ins. It’s probably worth mentioning that it comes with a 60-day trial period when you first download it, and this is something worth making use of if you’re not sure whether you want to commit to the full package yet. Although, we’re pretty sure once you’ve explored it in all its glory, this will be a no-brainer.

Conclusion

When it comes to making music, it’s simply not worth going for cracked copies of these software applications if you want to make high quality beats. You don’t need to splash out thousands on a good DAW to achieve that these days, and there are older and cheaper versions of them available to keep costs to a minimum anyway. But, the more you’re willing to spend, the more options and years you can expect to get out of your DAW.

Know any others worth a mention? Tell us in the comments! 🙂

It doesn’t matter whether you’re new to the world of music production or not, VSTs are fantastic tools that can seriously enhance your beat making projects.

Though many of the best ones require you to spend a lot, there are some highly professional sounding plugins which you can download to your Mac or PC entirely for free!

So, if you’re looking for some extra ways of injecting life into your compositions, check our list of the best free VSTs in 2019 that will suit a variety of different needs, sounds and ideas.

Camel Crusher

The highly-acclaimed Camel Audio have been providers of some of the best VSTs for a number of years. Some of which include CamelPhat, CamelSpace and Alchemy. We always love it when they chuck out a freebie every once in a while. And despite the non-existent price tag, Crusher is one of the top multi-effect ‘color’ plugins out there.

Assign it to your MIDI controller and you’re ready to add distortion, saturation and beef up anything from drums, guitars, and other bassy instruments. The low-pass filter has a warm, analogue feel with plenty of resonance, while the parallel effects and on-board compressor is a quick and effortless way to fatten up individual sounds.

Rough Rider

Rough Rider by Audio Damage is a compressor plugin designed to give both warmth and transparency to your tracks. Saying that, it’s not a pussy plugin by any means, and sure packs a punch when it comes to making drums and rhythmic synth sounds.

Suitable for both Mac and Windows, Rough Rider let’s you take control and adjust everything from the sensitivity and makeup of your gain knobs to more precise attack and release times. It’s by no means as functional as something like FabFiler Pro or anything from the iZotope collection, but it serves as a decent quality compressor to say the least.

Synth1

Modeled on the popular Nord Lead 2, Synth1 is a free VST which is well up there with the paid varieties. Not only is it suitable for a wide range of electronic music genres, it’s capable of creating some exciting and truly unique sounds.

You’ll discover everything from oscillators (sine, triangle, square), ring and FM modulation envelopes, 2 x LFOs, Tempo Delay plus flanger and chorus, 16 note polyphony with portamento and legato modes, arpeggiator, 4 different filters and more than 100 presets to spice up your tracks. A fantastic bundle which hardly takes up any CPU and a perfect addition to any beginner’s collection.

TAL-Reverb III

A 7-dial plate reverb plugin with high and low-cut dials to simulate realistic environments and easy reverb mixing. We’ve tried many free reverb VSTs in the past, and though TAL’s reverb 2 has an equally compelling quality as this one, we found it to be much more intuitive and smoother than its predecessor.

Reverb-III comes with stereo to mono width control, unique pre delay effects, high and low shelf filters on the EQ section and 10 factory presets to play with. It’s not so much good for replicating sounds, but it sure does enhance percussive and orchestral elements in tracks with full and natural effects.

Drumatic

Drumatic have come up with this little drum kit that’s ideal for making electronic music. Whether you’re a hardcore, DnB, house or techno producer, we’re sure you’ll appreciate the soft hi hats and punchy bassdrums in here. Every individual sound is 100% synthetic and you can save all your drum modules without having to note all the synth parameters, etc.

In addition, you’ll find plenty FX filters, Tone and Noise sections, glitch FX and built-in presets to mess with. The flexibility with the modulation envelopes are fantastic and the GUI allows you to dial in your own samples so you can create the exact sound you want.

Blockfish

A compressor plugin courtesy of DigitalFishphones.com (the guys behind the notorious fish filets bundle). If you’re a vocalist or use vocals a lot in your compositions, you can give them a very smooth and transparent edge using the ‘opto’ mode with Blockfish.

It’s by no means limited to vocals either! The presets cover everything from guitars, bass to drums and other instruments. It’s one of the best dynamic FX ad compressor plugins for us, and has some of the best mastering capabilities we’ve ever seen for a free VST.  

Hysteresis

If you’re into glitches and weird effects, Glitchmachine’s Hysteresis has got some nice editions in here for you to tweak and twist to your desire. You’ll find easy ways to create classic delays with tempo sync, reversible stutters, rate division and modulation capabilities, plus some great low-pass filters inside this all-in-one useful kit.

Experiment with warping echoes, and layer your sounds with some mutated textures that will give your audience the chills and thrills! Good for both PC and Mac users.

AmpliTube Custom Shop

The Amplitube Custom Shop plugin from IK Multimedia is another freebie worthy of any guitarist’s collection. It homes a simple but excellent quality FX rack containing 3 amps, cab, tuner, delay, compressor, overdrive, EQ, tremolo, flanger, wah-wah and multiple others.

If you are prepared to upgrade to AmpliTube 3, you get a far more generous package that’s essentially Guitar Rig. Nevertheless, this one’s incredibly easy to use and sports a lot of cool features considering you’re getting it for nothing.

Dexed

Dexed is a multi system FM synthesizer plugin inspired by Yamaha’s DX7. It’s packed full of retro-style and classic 80s presets that let you compose all kinds of electro-based genres like sythnwave, downtempo, funky house and old school techno. But it really is good for many modern styles too.

 As it’s designed to look and feel exactly like the original DX7, you can conveniently refer to the user manual if you can’t get your head around some functions. Overall, a very straight-forward and nifty bit of software.

TAL-Chorus-LX

TAL are back with their standalone chorus plugin that contains both dry and wet modes, volume control, and 2 other unique modes to spice up your projects. It’s designed on Toga Audio’s TAL-U-NO-LX, but the original inspiration comes from the Juno-60. We ran it with a guitar and it sounded heavenly!

Whatever you apply it to we’re sure you’ll be producing a variety of fat and smooth sounds which are highly pleasing regardless.  

Conclusion

These are some of the best free VSTs circulating plugin cyberspace at the moment. Although some of them are a few years old and not as fresh off the block, we still think each one works a treat considering they don’t cost a dime. We hope they make a difference to your projects and you find them as useful as we did.