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' we want free audio plugins ! , we want free effects like VST for Windows, is this so hard to understand ?... '
-one student-
Hi there,
It's been a long time I should have written an article about free audio plugins for ProTools.
My students have often this reaction about ProTools 'plugins are expensive !!! (angry face)'... It is absolutely true but...
'First you have now a very wide variety of free audio plugins included with your ProTools such as reverb, delay, compressor, limiter, eqs... even bundled with the smallest micro-nano-mini Mbox interface.
that's to start !... and you can expand it at a very reasonable price if you wish...'
'ok but that's not the point right now, we want free stuff, we want free audio plugins, we want free audio plugins, we want free audio plugins !!!... (ad lib), we want free effects like VST for Windows (still angry faces !)'
Well... hhhhhhh
That's why I decided to build a selective list of my favorite free audio plugins for ProTools.
I should mention that I use a ProTools 8 on a MacPro running Mac OS X.5.8, so the following information is related to RTAS free audio plugins on Mac OS X machines with Intel processors.
Having said that, I have not tested all configurations, & I can not assure you that all the free audio plugins will work for you, I don't know what you know about this & that, so don't blame me if something is wrong on your machine... free audio plugins are provided 'as is' and courtesily by their owner so you shouldn't expect much support for them and you should always refer to the digidesign support for compatibility versions etc...
I can't stress enough on that point, IMHO, free audio plugins are 'gifts' so be fair, be happy to receive gifts don't ask to have the full package for nothing, developping plugins is hard work...
I should also mention that my free audio plugins list is not the ultimate one, you will certainly find plenty of other free audio plugins elsewhere on the web with a little bit of research. Moreover I don't pretend to be a free audio plugins provider, neither than a warez & keygen provider, so please stop mailing me for that. All the free audio plugins listed here are subjectively selected on the only purpose to help my students. Period.
...we want free audio plugins, we want free audio plugins, we want free audio plugins !!!...
ok ok, here you are :
My students have often this reaction about ProTools 'plugins are expensive !!! (angry face)'... It is absolutely true but...
'First you have now a very wide variety of free audio plugins included with your ProTools such as reverb, delay, compressor, limiter, eqs... even bundled with the smallest micro-nano-mini Mbox interface.
that's to start !... and you can expand it at a very reasonable price if you wish...'
'ok but that's not the point right now, we want free stuff, we want free audio plugins, we want free audio plugins, we want free audio plugins !!!... (ad lib), we want free effects like VST for Windows (still angry faces !)'
Well... hhhhhhh
That's why I decided to build a selective list of my favorite free audio plugins for ProTools.
I should mention that I use a ProTools 8 on a MacPro running Mac OS X.5.8, so the following information is related to RTAS free audio plugins on Mac OS X machines with Intel processors.
Having said that, I have not tested all configurations, & I can not assure you that all the free audio plugins will work for you, I don't know what you know about this & that, so don't blame me if something is wrong on your machine... free audio plugins are provided 'as is' and courtesily by their owner so you shouldn't expect much support for them and you should always refer to the digidesign support for compatibility versions etc...
I can't stress enough on that point, IMHO, free audio plugins are 'gifts' so be fair, be happy to receive gifts don't ask to have the full package for nothing, developping plugins is hard work...
I should also mention that my free audio plugins list is not the ultimate one, you will certainly find plenty of other free audio plugins elsewhere on the web with a little bit of research. Moreover I don't pretend to be a free audio plugins provider, neither than a warez & keygen provider, so please stop mailing me for that. All the free audio plugins listed here are subjectively selected on the only purpose to help my students. Period.
...we want free audio plugins, we want free audio plugins, we want free audio plugins !!!...
ok ok, here you are :
EQS & FILTERS
bx_cleansweep Brainworx
bx_cleansweep is a new Hi-Pass filter and Lo-Pass filter plug-in from Brainworx, introducing the new 'Anti Crush Technology':
Analog style filter curves without the typical Nyquist problems, in a new great sounding filter design (taken from our pro mastering EQ bx_digital V2!)... Ffirst order filters (6dB) guarantee an extremely musically sounding filter set, and unique joystick control (taken from bx_hybrid) gives you fast and intuitive control.
bx_cleansweep is the plugin that should go into EVERY mix channel as the first plugin. This way you can filter out any unwanted hi-end and lo-end, and the result is a clean and tight mix. Ever thought about why there are Hi-Pass and Lo-Pass filter in EVERY channel of the most expensive analog consoles (SSL, NEVE, etc.), but why most EQs are missing this feature??
Download it here.
Free Ranger - Free Analog Code® SPL
Free EQ plug-in which offers 4 bands and 4 preset slots.
Free EQ plug-in which offers 4 bands and 4 preset slots.
An EQ processing straightly reveals the sound quality of a software – probably better than any other processing tool. Therefore, the Free Ranger ideally demonstrates the amazing qualities of our Analog Code plug-ins.
Features
Features
The Free Ranger is based upon the Full Ranger-EQ from our EQ Rangers series. It is limited to four – we think very useful – bands:
* 16 kHz center frequency – Boost: Glitter, brilliance, air.
* 1,8kHz center frequency – this is THE EQ test frequencies.
An EQ that sounds good here is a good EQ. Therefore it makes a lot of sense to compare EQs in that range.
Applications examples: Boost for more bass definition and presence, cut reduces metal for brass.
* 150 Hz center frequency – Boost: more warmth for everything, main impact of bass instruments, fuller, fatter snares. Cut for vocals: avoids collision with bass.
* 40 Hz center frequency – Boost: in general fuller sounds, deep bass punch (kick drum). Cut: reduces booming sounds and sub harmonic interferences.
* 1,8kHz center frequency – this is THE EQ test frequencies.
An EQ that sounds good here is a good EQ. Therefore it makes a lot of sense to compare EQs in that range.
Applications examples: Boost for more bass definition and presence, cut reduces metal for brass.
* 150 Hz center frequency – Boost: more warmth for everything, main impact of bass instruments, fuller, fatter snares. Cut for vocals: avoids collision with bass.
* 40 Hz center frequency – Boost: in general fuller sounds, deep bass punch (kick drum). Cut: reduces booming sounds and sub harmonic interferences.
Download it here
Frohmage - Ohm Force
Frohmage is a funny resonant low-pass filter.
Carateristics :
- Highly resonant low-pass filter
- Cutoff frequency unit selection : Hz or musical note
- Up to 15 additional bands, harmonically distributed
- Delay on each band for unique phaser effects
- Distortion stage, with two routing schemes
- Very fine MIDI control (PRN and NPRN sent or recorded by Frohmage are 14-bit accurate)
- Low CPU load
Download it here
- Highly resonant low-pass filter
- Cutoff frequency unit selection : Hz or musical note
- Up to 15 additional bands, harmonically distributed
- Delay on each band for unique phaser effects
- Distortion stage, with two routing schemes
- Very fine MIDI control (PRN and NPRN sent or recorded by Frohmage are 14-bit accurate)
- Low CPU load
Download it here
DELAY
Delay Trio SoundHack
SoundHack Delay Trio is a group of three plugins derived from the same basic delay algorithm: a hermite interpolated delay line with variable modulation, and a feedback loop with dc blocking and saturation. Pitch shifting is achieved with a dual head crossfading delay (ala Eltro Tempophon/Dennis Gabor/Pierre Schaeffer phonogene) and is decidedly low-fi. The saturating feedback also allows them to be great drone and noise generators.
SoundHack Delay Trio is a group of three plugins derived from the same basic delay algorithm: a hermite interpolated delay line with variable modulation, and a feedback loop with dc blocking and saturation. Pitch shifting is achieved with a dual head crossfading delay (ala Eltro Tempophon/Dennis Gabor/Pierre Schaeffer phonogene) and is decidedly low-fi. The saturating feedback also allows them to be great drone and noise generators.
The three plugins are +delay (classic delay effects), +pitchdelay, (essentially the same plugin with controls oriented toward pitch shifting), and finally +bubbler (a granular delay in which grains are pulled from the delay line with randomized start time, delay time and pitch shift value).
Download it here.
Squid Delays by Arvid Tomayko-Peters
A pair of simple, utilitarian delay plugins for use in Cycling '74's Pluggo environment - compatible with AudioUnit, VST and RTAS hosts.
Squid-Delay Mini is particularly suited to creating delay-based stereo positioning effects.
Includes plugins for both Pluggo 3.5 (PPC) and 3.6 (Universal Binary), as well as the Max/MSP source code.
Attention : it requires Cycling'74's Pluggo Runtime or Pluggo Jr. (recommended because it comes with some free C'74 Pluggo plugins along with the runtime environment) and an AU, VST or RTAS host.
Download it here.
GAIN, DISTORTION, AMP SIMULATOR
Studio Devil British Valve Custom
Guitar Amp Modeling Plug-In for Mac and Windows
Guitar Amp Modeling Plug-In for Mac and Windows
* British High-Gain Amp emulation based on Marshall® stack!
* Power Amp Drive Control to adjust natural power amp compression.
* Built In 4x12 Cabinet Emulation!
* Realistic Tone Controls: Bass, Mids, Treble, and Presence
* Professional Sampling Rates: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, and 192kHz support!
* 4X Up-Sampling Engine with 64-bit Floating-Point Internal Precision
* Compatible with Windows and Mac VST hosts!
* Power Amp Drive Control to adjust natural power amp compression.
* Built In 4x12 Cabinet Emulation!
* Realistic Tone Controls: Bass, Mids, Treble, and Presence
* Professional Sampling Rates: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, and 192kHz support!
* 4X Up-Sampling Engine with 64-bit Floating-Point Internal Precision
* Compatible with Windows and Mac VST hosts!
Download it here.
SamsAmp PSA-1
Tube Amp Simulator Plug-in
The preferred choice of touring artists and recording professionals worldwide, the SansAmp PSA-1 provides the widest range of amplifier, harmonic generation, cabinet simulation, and equalization tone shaping options available.
Tube Amp Simulator Plug-in
The preferred choice of touring artists and recording professionals worldwide, the SansAmp PSA-1 provides the widest range of amplifier, harmonic generation, cabinet simulation, and equalization tone shaping options available.
You've heard SansAmp on thousands of recordings, on everything from drums and bass to vocals and harmonica.
Add warmth and punch to existing tracks, or record bass and guitar direct into Pro Tools the right way with the SansAmp XDI direct recording interface (available separately). Capture guitar free of muddy sound degradation or excess noise — then go digital and dial up any tone imaginable.
Download it here.
THC distortion stompbox - Massey Plugins
THC is a highly accurate analog-modeled distortion pedal. THC delivers true analog-like sonic quality. THC can be used to dirty up any audio material -- try it on vocals, organ, drums, and, of course, guitar.
THC is a highly accurate analog-modeled distortion pedal. THC delivers true analog-like sonic quality. THC can be used to dirty up any audio material -- try it on vocals, organ, drums, and, of course, guitar.
Download it here.
SPECIAL EFFECTS
Cohmpost - Ohm Force
Funny plugin... Just Try it.
Funny plugin... Just Try it.
Download it here.
Vynil - Izotope
The ultimate lo-fi weapon, iZotope Vinyl uses 64-bit processing and advanced filtering, modeling and resampling to create authentic 'vinyl' simulation, as if the audio was a record being played on a record player.
The ultimate lo-fi weapon, iZotope Vinyl uses 64-bit processing and advanced filtering, modeling and resampling to create authentic 'vinyl' simulation, as if the audio was a record being played on a record player.
Download it here.
DYNAMIC TOOLS
Freesound bundle - SoundHack
5 small useful plugins
+chebyshev a distortion unit which uses various low-order chebyshev polynomials to add even or odd harmonic distortion.
5 small useful plugins
+chebyshev a distortion unit which uses various low-order chebyshev polynomials to add even or odd harmonic distortion.
+compand +compand is a combined compressor/expander plugin. It has a softknee control as well as a switchable rms/peak level detector.
+decimate bit depth and sample rate reduction for added aliasing and decimation noise. a very noisy plugin.
+matrix a mid-side to left-right encoder and decoder. for mid-side microphone arrays, but also useful when needing to apply effects to only the center or the sides of a stereo mix.
+phasescope the standard studio tool for seeing the phase relation between your left and right channels. also includes a bit meter.
Bitter Sweet - Flux
Audio transients dynamic processor.
Audio transients dynamic processor.
Turning the central button to the sweet side decreases the transients amplitude. To the bitter side, the transients amplitude is magnified. BitterSweet also features a control for processing the signal. When the main position is selected, the process affects the stereo signal. If Center is selected, only the M signal of the internal MS matrix is processed. If stereo is selected, only the S signal from the MS matrix is processed. Three transient detection modes can be selected. Varying periods of integration for transients can be accessed. A Link function is available to compensate the output gain with respect to the transient processing setting.
Like all Flux:: plug-ins, it features 64 bit floating point processing, up to 8 channels and up to 8 FS (384 KHz). Center and Stereo Modes are only available in stereo processing (2 channels).
We hope you will enjoy this new toy and make your Mix Sweeter or Bitterer.
BitterSweet II is only available in native version for AU, RTAS and VST.
Neither Flux or iLok dongle, nor registration are required.
Download it here.
STEREO TOOLS
bx_solo - Brainworx
bx_solo is a nice little tool that we have designed to get you STARTED with and used to the way we approach the M/S technique - be it for recording-, mixing- or mastering purposes. The 'heart' of our M/S tools are our unique SOLO BUTTONS that allow you to actually LISTEN to all components of a stereo mix / stereo signal individually:
bx_solo is a nice little tool that we have designed to get you STARTED with and used to the way we approach the M/S technique - be it for recording-, mixing- or mastering purposes. The 'heart' of our M/S tools are our unique SOLO BUTTONS that allow you to actually LISTEN to all components of a stereo mix / stereo signal individually:
L(left channel), R(ight channel), M(ono sum) & S(tereo difference signal) - and all this PHASE CORRECTED (when needed) and mono-ed out on BOTH SPEAKERS of your system. This is very helpful when working in M/S modes (because especially listening to only the S-signal of a stereo mix is not so easy to do with modern DAW stations) and to check your signals / mixes for errors, noises, clicks, whatever...
bx_solo also contains a STEPPED M/S STEREO WIDTH CONTROL, so you can get an impression about what you can actually do with ist. Do try it out on subgroups (makes ROCK GUITAR subgroups jump out of your speakers at about 150% !!!), FX returns, keyboards / samplers, etc.
>>> Using the STEREO WIDTH CONTROL too heavily may lead to phase problems. bx_control & bx_digital both have the MONO MAKER on board - this tool will be able to get rid off these phase problems with its UNIQUE way of mono-ing out your stereo signals / mixes ONLY IN THE BASS FREQUENCIES - MONO MAKER is the solution - unless you really over-do the settings...
Download it here
Download it here
Stereo Tool - Flux
Stereo Tool features ultra precise control of input gain and individual pan for left and right channels. A phase inverter is available on each channel. Global stereo pan and stereo width settings are also implemented to complete the management of the stereo signal.
Stereo Tool features ultra precise control of input gain and individual pan for left and right channels. A phase inverter is available on each channel. Global stereo pan and stereo width settings are also implemented to complete the management of the stereo signal.
Stereo Tool also offers accurate visual feedback reflecting the signal content. A vector scope display, PPM meters for both inputs and outputs, and a phase correlation meter permanently monitor the signal.
Inserting our Stereo Tool after a BitterSweet II, will open your mind to new ways of controlling the stereo stage.
Like all Flux:: plug-ins it features 64 bit floating point processing, up to 8 FS (384 KHz).
Stereo Tool is only available in native version for AU, RTAS and VST.
Neither Flux or iLok dongle, nor registration are required.
Download it here.
METERING & CONTROL TOOLS
FreeG - Sonalksis
The Sonalksis FreeG is an intuitive tool that can be used for a variety of applications to increase the control and flexibility of the signal flow in the insert chain of the host.
To make the workflow and the overview of the signal processing easier, FreeG provides extended, customizable metering features and settings.
Applications :
When working with digital audio, lack of fine metering and extended signal flow control in the host is a common issue. The intentions with FreeG is to improve the workflow in the host by providing these features in the insert chain.
By providing the possibilites of extended control of amplitude, phase and pan (stereo version) in the insert chain as well as fine metering, with user configurable industry standard parameter options, the range of applications for FreeG is almost only limited to the context of the actual usage and of course, the insert chain.
Download it here.
SignalTools - Digidesign
SignalTools is a suite of multi-channel metering and analysis tools included in the free DigiRack™ plug-in collection. Compatible with all Pro Tools® systems and VENUE, SignalTools includes the redesigned SurroundScope plug-in and introduces the new PhaseScope plug-in. With a comprehensive set of features, an easy-to-use interface, and capabilities for hands-on operation, SignalTools plug-ins give you the tools you need for precise level control and phase coherence—live or in the studio.
SurroundScope and PhaseScope include support for different meter types (RMS, Peak, VU, and more), peak hold preferences, and Leq(A) metering. Ideal for surround mixing, the SurroundScope plug-in shows a graphical representation of signal levels for each audio channel in the multi-channel sound field. PhaseScope, on the other hand, is invaluable when comparing the output phase of a stereo track or any two streams of a multi-channel output where perceptual coding might take place.
SignalTools are invaluable for achieving more accurate mixes. The simplified user interface makes it easy to select channels for Leq(A) or phase comparison—just click on the channel buttons surrounding the display to focus the meters. The scales and other parameters can be addressed from a mixing worksurface such as Digidesign’s ICON, Control|24™, or Command|8® for maximum convenience.
Download it here.
BUNDLED PLUGINS
Blue Cat's Freeware Plugins Pack
Blue Cat's Freeware Plugins is a 9 plugins pack including :
- Blue Cat's Chorus
- Blue Cat's Flanger
- Blue Cat's FreqAnalyst
- Blue Cat's Gain Suite
- Blue Cat's Phaser
- Blue Cat's Stereo Chorus
- Blue Cat's Stereo Flanger
- Blue Cat's Triple EQ
Blue Cat's Freeware Plugins is a 9 plugins pack including :
- Blue Cat's Chorus
- Blue Cat's Flanger
- Blue Cat's FreqAnalyst
- Blue Cat's Gain Suite
- Blue Cat's Phaser
- Blue Cat's Stereo Chorus
- Blue Cat's Stereo Flanger
- Blue Cat's Triple EQ
Download it here.
I will update this page with more interesting & useful free audio plugins for ProTools as my list grows, but for the moment
That's all for today...
That's all for today...
Peace.
Sam.
PS : TO DEVELOPPERS
If, for any reason, you don't to appear in my favorite free audio plugins list, please send me a mail & I'll remove your products.
Sam.
PS : TO DEVELOPPERS
If, for any reason, you don't to appear in my favorite free audio plugins list, please send me a mail & I'll remove your products.
Go from Free Audio Plugins to Free virtual instruments ?
Go from Free audio plugins to Music Production ?
Return to Home ?
Go from Free audio plugins to Music Production ?
Return to Home ?
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What Other Visitors Have Said
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x-over
x-over for active loudspeaker systems, with Bessel, LR and Butterworth characteristics, using 1st to 8th order. would be great Best, Ruud
x-over for active loudspeaker systems, with Bessel, LR and Butterworth characteristics, using 1st to 8th order. would be great Best, Ruud
Recording DAW & VST plug-in for free (or a small price)
As a recording DAW you can try REAPER (http://www.reaper.fm). Reaper is a professional recoding DAW with anything in it and supports both MAC & PC. It's …
As a recording DAW you can try REAPER (http://www.reaper.fm). Reaper is a professional recoding DAW with anything in it and supports both MAC & PC. It's …
FXpansion VST2RTAS another great way to get more and more audio plugins
Hi ! This is a cheap trick but... when I was student (me too...) I bought the FXpansion plugin converter VST2RTAS. I think it's a valuable tool to have …
Hi ! This is a cheap trick but... when I was student (me too...) I bought the FXpansion plugin converter VST2RTAS. I think it's a valuable tool to have …
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.High-quality audio equipment can really hollow out your pockets. It makes sense, then, that musicians, engineers, and producers of all skill levels constantly seek ways to save a buck here or there. Fortunately, many modern DAWs feature hundreds of built-in plugins and sounds that can be used to your heart’s content at no extra charge. Still, while most of these tools function well and exhibit versatility, you might find yourself wanting more. The good news is that there is no shortage of unique, well-designed, Mac free plugins available for download this very instant.
The only downside to this renaissance of digital audio software is that there’s simply too much to comb through all by yourself. The number of brilliant coders and designers grows every day, and along with it vast swaths of new Mac free plugins and other hardware. But don’t get too overwhelmed. We’re here to make it easy for you by laying out 25 of the best Mac free plugins out there right now. We can’t name them all, of course, but this list has something for everyone, so take a good look!
EQ Mac free plugins
Getting those frequencies just right presents one of the greatest challenges for any producer. Whether you’re mixing or mastering, EQ plays a major role. These Mac free plugins make mixing with EQ a bit easier.
HOFA 4U + DynamicTiltEQ
You won’t find another free tilt EQ plugin out there right now. This works out because the DynamicTiltEQ does the job well. This sleek equalizer makes the process enjoyable. A single control allows you to visually EQ in real time by placing a single point and rotating a straight line on its axis to filter out certain frequencies. The line can also be curved tangentially on either side of the point, allowing for more nuanced EQ control. As the name suggests, this tool also features dynamic EQ, meaning it can add compressed high or low frequencies. Overall, this tool makes EQing easy to grasp and fun to perform.
Code Red by Shattered Glass Audio
For a great, free 60s EQ emulation, check out Code Red. This EQ mimics the classic Abbey Road Studios REDD console used by The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and countless other legends. Unlike the original version, Code Red also adds control for the middle frequencies. This plugin sounds great, looks cool, and works wonders.
TDR VOS SlickEQ
Unsurprisingly, the SlickEQ by Tokyo Dawn Records is indeed pretty slick, and great for both mixing and mastering. This free EQ plugin provides smooth transitions with minimal phase interference. It even allows for five output stages: Linear, Silky, Mellow, Deep, or Toasted. These settings slightly change the harmonic and dynamic responses. You’ll also find four different EQ models: American, British, German, and Soviet. For a free EQ, this one boasts several features.
Voxengo Marvel GEQ
![Mac Plugins For Pro Tools Mac Plugins For Pro Tools](/uploads/1/1/8/5/118549574/675709368.jpg)
Marvel Graphic Equalizer by Voxengo is particularly useful for linear phase EQ. This tool supports all sample rates, allows for freehand drawing, and compensates for latency. This one is worth a download for its level of control and ease of use.
Compression
Anyone who’s serious about mixing knows the importance of proper compression. This tool helps regulate dynamic range and maintain consistency between mix elements. Some brilliant designers have been gracious enough to share their digital compressors online at no charge. Take a look at these Compressor Mac free plugins.
TDR Kotelnikov
Here’s a compressor with an elegant, intuitive interface and the ability to remarkably alter the dynamic range of a song. As an added perk, the TDR Kotelnikov doesn’t aim to emulate any pre-existing compression hardware. Rather, it’s been built from the ground up as an original entity. With plenty of control, this free compressor competes with hardware compressors on the market.
MJUCjr by Klanghelm
Airing more on the simple side, the MJUCjr only features two knobs (compress and make-up) and a three-tiered switch at the bottom (slow, fast, and auto). Simplicity aside, this compressor works well, and its central display accurately represents an analog compressor’s output meter.
Xfer Records OTT
This multi-band compressor has a unique layout and is optimized for electronic genres. The first knob on the plugin, “depth” controls how deep you want the compression effect to go. The “time” knob controls attack/release time. Standard input and output gain options are here as well. Xfer Records OTT also includes upward and downward ratio knobs at the bottom, controlling the directionality of the compression.
GMulti by GVST
Another multi-band compressor, the GMulti offers three separate bands. Each band has its own knobs for threshold, ratio, attack, and release, as well as gain reduction. There is also an overall mix knob that controls the combined wet and dry signals. This tool allows you to maintain the dynamics of the original dry signal while reaping the benefits of compression, sort of like with parallel compression. One caveat here for Mac users: the Mac version of this plugin is still in beta.
Reverb
Reverb is that subtle effect that can make a song feel much bigger than before. While Logic Pro X features reverb controls, it never hurts to explore other options for added versatility and different types of reverb. Here are some Mac free plugins for all your reverb needs.
Ambience by Magnus
You can’t ask for much more than a fully-featured reverb plugin that costs nothing to download. Ambience holds its own against some of the best paid-for reverb plugins, all while showing off an elegant display. Unfortunately, this presentation gets lost with Mac hardware, but all of the functionality of Ambience remains. This functionality includes gating, decay (with a “hold” feature), shape, EQ, and damping. The wetness or dryness of the signal can also be tweaked in small increments. If you’re looking for a great free reverb plug-in, this fits the bill.
TAL Reverb II
This simple reverb plugin doesn’t overwhelm the senses with too many knobs, numbers, or jargon. The TAL Reverb II still gives you plenty to work with, however. Six EQ knobs line the left of the interface. In the center lie three more knobs, one for room size, pre-delay, and stereo width. Then on the very right, you’ll find the wet and dry signal faders.
Acon Digital Reverb Solo
If the TAL Reverb II is simple, then the Acon Digital Reverb Solo is downright minimalist. With just one knob and one slider, the Reverb Solo makes adding space to your track fiendishly easy. The central knob controls how small and bright or large and dark the sound will be, while the slider at the bottom dictates how dry or wet the signal is. No numbers, no specific frequencies–this plugin is all about ease of use and feel. If you rely less on technical details and more on the way a track sounds, this one’s for you.
Voxengo Oldskoolverb
As its name suggests, this free reverb plugin from Voxengo offers a more classic reverb sound. Oldskoolverb features several parameters, making it as versatile as other high-end reverbs. This reverb is optimized for gentle attack, meaning it works best with vocals, piano, etc. For a classic reverb sound with the ability to achieve plate, room, and hall reverbs, you can’t do much better than this.
Delay
There are so many types of delay out there. The best delay plugins can achieve multiple delay types with relative ease. Lucky for you, we rounded up a few of the best Mac free plugins. Don’t delay!
Voxengo Sound Delay
Voxengo not only makes a great reverb, their delay leaves an impression, too. The free Sound Delay plugin allows for precision control (to the millisecond), sample delay, A/B comparison, mid/side channel processing, stereo and multi-channel processing, preset control, a maximum of three seconds of delay, and more. Due to its precision control, it’s fairly easy to achieve a chorus effect with the proper parameter setup as well.
Valhalla FreqEcho
On the surface, this delay doesn’t look as versatile as the Sound Delay, but it does offer some unique qualities that make it worthwhile. In particular, the Valhalla FreqEcho can do wonders with its feedback knob. When cranked, the knob allows audio to feedback into itself, creating an infinite, ever-building signal. This signal can be manipulated in real time, resulting in some trance-like, perhaps nightmarish loops. The plugin also features delay sync, meaning the signal will repeat at different note lengths. There’s a lot to discover and mess with here.
KR-Delay FS
Admittedly, the KR-Delay FS might not be the flashiest plugin of the bunch, but that doesn’t negate its functionality. In addition to standard delay time and feedback controls, this tool is complete with panning, EQ, resonance, low- and high-pass filters, dry/wet signal control, and output gain. The simple visual display makes it easy to see how these parameters play out in real time. The KR-Delay is surprisingly useful and versatile. Plus, it’s free.Voxengo Latency Delay
Sometimes you don’t want delay. In fact, when recording, delay (latency) can be a great adversary. Latency is often caused by a lack of processing power. When too many plugins are running at once, latency enters the equation, making recording difficult at times. Voxengo has another trick up its sleeve with this Latency Delay plugin. Without getting too technical, it allows you to trick the DAW into compensating for its own latency, by either milliseconds or samples. In other words, it artificially eliminates any potential lag while recording. This comes in handy for most producers.
Guitar Effects/Amp modelers
Most guitarists love their effects pedals and various tones. While it’s fun to collect physical pedals and heads, tinker with their functions, and build the perfect board, stomp boxes and amps can get pricey. Logic Pro X already comes packed with different amp simulations and effects, but if you’re looking for some free alternatives, check out these guitar effects and amp modeler plugins.
Guitar Rig 5 Player by Native Instruments
The Guitar Rig 5 Player might be a free bite-sized version of its bigger brother, Guitar Rig 5 Pro, but that doesn’t mean it lacks in features or functionality. This free amp modeler offers 17 different cabinets to play with, along with 13 effects. If you want to plug and play, the plugin also comes equipped with 50 effects presets. For a free version, the Guitar Rig 5 Player has a lot to offer.
FuzzPlus 3 AAX by AUDIODAMAGE
The FuzzPlus 3 is a nifty little digital fuzz pedal with tons of control options. Its interface allows you to tweak frequency, response time, distortion, feedback, and level. Additionally, the screen shows you the waveform output in real time, so you can clearly see the level of distortion. This is an impressive free plugin that can hold its own compared to physical fuzz and distortion pedals on the market.
LePou Plugins
Few software developers are more skilled or generous than Poulin Amplification. The LePou Plugins are a series of amp simulators that run the gamut of rock and metal tones. You’ll find simulations of Marshall, Mesa, Orange, EVH, and much more. Every single one is free, though you can donate if you want to return the love. You might be compelled to after seeing how much Poulin has to offer.
Limiters
While a limiter is a type of compressor, compression and limiting are not to be conflated. Limiters are defined by their high ratio and attack time. In other words, limiters completely block a signal from exceeding a certain threshold. They’re more akin to walls while compressors are more like sponges. Limiting can be a useful tool for mastering and when dealing with extremely hot signals that risk clipping or distorting. There are quite a few Mac free plugins out there for limiting purposes. Take a look.
Limiter No6 by Vladislav Goncharov
This might be the most popular free limiter plugin out there, and for good reason. The No6 by Vladislav Goncharov can compete with any paid for limiter on the market. With both brickwall and soft limiting options, an analog looking display, mid/side and multi-band modes, and five modules, this free limiter has it all. The interface might overwhelm those new to limiting, but fortunately a free manual is available too.Thomas Mundt’s LoudMax
For a simpler interface, check out LoudMax by Thomas Mundt. This limiter is mainly for mastering, though it serves standard limiting purposes for mixing as well. The plugin only features two faders, one for threshold and the other for output level. There isn’t much to this one, but that’s part of its charm. For some quick and easy limiting, this fits the bill.Pro Tools 12 Mac Torrent
ClipShifter by LVC Audio
The LVC ClipShifter plugin doesn’t only look cool, it functions in a unique way, too. This limiter sort of works backwards. In other words, its goal is to distort the audio rather than prevent distortion. In some ways the ClipShifter is effectively a distortion plugin, but with more versatility. The plugin can produce both clipping distortion as well as transparent compression. The paid version of this plugin offers even more features, but the free version already boasts quite a bit. For a different kind of limiting and distortion, ClipShifter has you covered.
Stereo Effects
There is more than one way to widen your mix across the stereo field. That said, plugins can come in handy in this process. Whether you want to make a mono track stereo, vice versa, or just control the overall spaciousness of your track, check out these stereo effects and control Mac free plugins.
Voxengo Stereo Touch
Voxengo makes the list yet again with another great free plugin. Their stereo touch plugin allows you to artificially create spacious stereo sounding tracks with ease. On the technical end, this plugin utilizes a mid/side coding technique. The plugin also features built-in high-pass and low-pass filters, A/B comparison, two delay lines, and supports all sample rates.STC-3 by RAZ Audio
The Spatial Expander STC-3 by RAZ Audio simplifies things a bit further. This stereo expander takes an existing stereophonic track and can widen it even further. The bold visual display makes it easy to see how wide and at what angles the left and right sides are going. The STC-3 can even turn a stereo track into a mon track, if desired. This free plugin is yet another useful tool in your mixing arsenal.A1StereoControl by A1 Audio
Like the STC-3, the A1StereoControl plugin offers a central visual display that makes tinkering with a track’s panning simple and fun. Additionally, it features a large knob for the amount of stereo width, as well as a smaller knob above indicating pan control. A unique feature, the safe bass button, allows for full stereo modification without affecting the low end. In other words, this plugin will keep the bass tones in the center of the mix while widening the field for the rest of the track. For a free plugin, this stereo controller offers great versatility and functionality.
Conclusion
And there you have it! These are 25 of the best Mac free plugins, and we haven’t even mentioned all the free instrument plugins for Mac yet. Still, this list should keep you Mac users busy for a while. Remember that most of these are also compatible with PC. Let us know of any other Mac free plugins or other devices worth our while. Happy downloading! And don’t be afraid to throw a donation or two at those hardworking developers who make this all possible.
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