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Although we have all the tools we need to produce extremely clean and precise music without any unwanted artefacts there’s something about the imperfections of analog recording equipment that triggers certain emotions in us.

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If you have already build your home recording studio, it's time to look in the market for the best free VST plugins to start. Buy Vst Plugins and get. With our eight picks for 2020’s most incredible VST plugins, you’re sure to find something phenomenal that works with your budget and pushes your chosen genre forward. Native Instruments Massive X continues to evolve, with top-of-the-line components and exquisite sound-crafting potential.

So if you want to produce lofi music it’s important to pick the right sounds and samples from the start. You could, for example, sample old vinyl records or buy an old drum machine. It would however be easier to just get your hands on a decent LoFi House or Hip Hop sample pack.

Once you have a selection of cool sounds & samples you can further refine your music to sound like it was recorded a few decades ago. Luckily there are plenty of cool lofi plugins available so you don’t have to actually own an old tape machine. Here are some of the best options:

Free LoFi Plugins

I want to start this list with a bunch of free lofi VSTs, because I know that a lot of producers are one a budget, especially when they’re still going to school (or music is their only income lol). That said, you don’t always have to spend money to get some quality software. The freeware in this list can easily compete with some of the paid stuff I’ll mention later on.

BVKER LoFi Rack

The “LoFi Rack” is a free Ableton Rack based on Live’s stock plugins. It comes with 8 macros allowing you to decrease the band width, add vinyl crackles, detune and distort the source sound. Unfortunately it’s only available for Ableton Live users, so if you’re using another DAW you have to pick some of the other options in this list. If you’re using Ableton however, hop on my newsletter and I’ll send you a free download link.

iZotope Vinyl

As the name suggests, iZotope’s “Vinyl” is a plugin emulating the characteristic imperfections of vinyl records. Since the freeware only comes with a handful of parameters it’s easy to use and setting it up won’t take much time. What I love the most is that you can adjust the year of your “recording”. A must have for every lofi producer if you ask me.

Spitfire Audio Labs

Labs is a free software instrument made by the London based sound design company Spitfire Audio. There are several extensions available, including pianos, brass, choirs and synths. Most of these instruments are rather unique and therefore a nice addition to the basic instruments libraries you probably already own. The cool part about Labs is that it comes with only a handful of parameters so you won’t spend 10 years trying to get everything perfect. The sound either fits your production or not.

Tritik Krush

Tritik’s Krush is an effect plugin with 3 different distortion types. A bitcrusher , a downsampler and an analog drive knob. It further comes with 2 filters and an LFO that can be used to modulate every parameter. It’s available for both Windows and Mac in VST, AU and AAX format so really everyone can get their hands on this.

HY-Lofi2

This one is a free bit quantizer, waveshaper & filter plugin made by Tadashi Suginomori from HY-Plugins. It’s meant to process “audio to give it a low fidelity sound”. Just like Krush it combines different distortion modes with high and low-pass filters. More precisely it has one drive knob and a quantizer, which can run in different modes and qualities.

Legowelt Ableton Racks

Legowelt is a dutch producer known for releasing samples from analog hardware units, but you’ll also find some Ableton Racks on his website, including the Smackos Tape Station, the Smackos Lemuria Vintage Sampler Simulator, the Smackos 808 Simulator and the Smackos Amiga 909.

Sound-Base Audio Retro Boy

The Retro Boy is a Windows only VST synth. It comes with one oscillator, 7 waveforms and controls for ADSR, vibrato and decimation, which makes it perfect for Chiptune or 8-bit music. Since there isn’t much processing going on, the synth is quite CPU-friendly.

Best LoFi Plugins

Although you can definitely do some cool stuff with the freeware I mentioned so far there are some paid options no lofi producer should miss out on. A lot of them do more or less the same thing so in the end it’s up to personal preference (and budget), which ones you should get. Luckily most of these plugins aren’t that expensive compared to some of the stuff by other brands.

XLN Audio RC-20 Retro Color

Probably the most hyped plugin of this list is the R-c20 Retro Color by XLN Audio. It combines 6 different effect units, including noise, wobble, distort, digital, space and magnetic. Combining these options basically allows you to recreate any lofi characteristic you could possibly think of. If I could only pick one plugin of this list I’d probably go for this one, since it comes with the most features.

Baby Audio Super VHS

Considering that Baby Audio is a rather new plugin company, their products already gained quite much attention. Super VHS again combines multiple effects, including a distortion unit, a retro sounding VST reverb and detune knob labeled “drift”. All knobs sound surprisingly good and I really dig the design.

D16 Group Decimort 2

Decimort 2 is a bitcrusher on steroids. It offers two optional anti-alias filters, adjustable jitter, two quantization methods and controllable dithering. If you’re looking for a cool bitcrusher, this is definitely the one you should get your hands on. With less than 50 bucks it’s also pretty affordable.

AudioThing Vinyl Strip

The Vinyl Strip is just like RC-20 a multi-effect plugin consisting of 6 different modules: Distortion, Compressor, Bit Crusher, Tilt EQ, Vintage Reverb, and something they call Vinylizer. In contrast to most plugins mentioned in this list, you can change the signal flow simply via drag-n-drop. On their website is stated that you can activate your license without an internet connection, which is pretty cool if you still live in a cave 😉

Devious Machines Texture

Texture is a plugin I just recently found out about watching Virtual Riot’s production workshop he did for Cymatics. It allows you to add noise to any kind of source sound. The cool part is that unlike similar effects you can even load your own noise samples and can adjust the exact frequency range, amount, ADSR and stuff like that.

Cableguys ShaperBox

When it comes to beat making, there’s one plugin every FL Studio user slaps on their melodies: Gross Beat (you’ll find plenty of memes about this). The problem is that it can’t be used in other DAWs (at least on Mac). This is where the Cableguys come into play. Their ShaperBox combines different effects that can all be modulated. The Time one is especially interesting for lofi producers, because it allows you to play back your melodies in halftime, add cool pitching effects and mix everything in with the dry signal.

Initial Audio Analog Pro

Analog Pro is once again a plugin meant to bring your digital audio tracks to live by simulating analog hardware. It comes with a variety of adjustable controls, including Noise Level, Noise Type, Impulse Type, Impulse Mix, Emphasis, Stereo, Lowcut, Highcut, Wow, Flutter and Amount. While I’m writing this the plugin is on sale for €26.10 (which is 64% off) so feel free to check out if this offer is still available.

Aberrant DSP SketchCassette

SketchCassette is a VST inspired by 4-track cassette recorders. It comes with most features the other plugins in this list have. Since it’s however available for only $20 it’s particularly interesting for producers on a tight budget.

Goodhertz Wow Control

Wow Control focuses on the weird and random modulations of analog playback devices. According to their website Goodhertz has carefully studied the essence of three different tape machines to make sure their plugin is the most comprehensive tape model they ever heard. I haven’t tried it out to be honest, but there are some videos about it on YouTube so feel free to check them out if you’d like to learn more about it.

PSPaudioware VintageWarmer2

The PSP Vintage Warmer is a tool simulating the saturation of analog compression / limiting. It comes with classic compression controls, such as knee or release time, and since it can run in multiband mode you can further control the individual bands a bit. In contrast to most usual compressors it comes with a big drive knob. Since it also comes with a mix knob you can drive the compression / saturation quite hard and mix it in just a bit to make your drums or vocals or whatever a bit fatter.

Wavesfactory Cassette

According to Wavesfactory’s website “Cassette is an audio plugin that imparts the unique character and sonic imprint of an often maligned recording medium”. You can also get your hands on their free Cassette Transport plugin, which “simulates the sound of tape speeding up and slowing down”. Or with other words: it’s a pretty cool tape stop plugin.

Psychic Modulation EchoMelt

Echomelt is “designed for adding character, texture and warmth to your sounds”. It doesn’t look that stunning, but it comes with an echo and chorus unit, which sets it apart from the other options in this list.

Aphex Vintage Exciter

The Aphex Vintage Aural Exciter by Waves is modeled on a tube-powered hardware unit. It allows you to increase high frequencies without raising the level too much.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are plenty of lofi plugins available that make your productions sound like they were recorded with a toaster (or something like that). The free offers, especially Vinyl and Labs are no brainers, since . well, they’re free, so make sure to download them straight away if you haven’t done so yet 😉

By Michael Pierce & Giulio Chiarenza


While some might be able to afford top of the line plugins, the rest of us, who are on a budget, need to be careful where we put our money.

Thankfully, there is a ton of free software available for our music production needs. From a range of great synths to a go-to compressor, as long as you have the software to host it, there is sure to be something for you.

What’s So Great About Free Plugins?

While some would argue that achieving particular sounds can only be done with the right effects processing units, others suggest that as long as you know how to properly use and manipulate an effect, you can create almost any sound that you want.

While some plugins might make this a little difficult, the idea remains. Now, it’s important to note that there really is only some truth to this. It’s true that certain effects processors and units have their own sound. However it’s also true that if you’re on a budget and don’t need the “LA-2A sound,” then getting a range of free VST plugins might be the right option for you.

It’s important to note that not all DAWs will support VST plugins. Pro Tools, for example, does not (Pro Tools supports RTAS and/or AAX plugin formats).

How Were The Winners Determined?

Of course, while these plugins are the most popular, the best is objective. The important thing is to use your ears. Having said that, some are easier to use and serve a wider range of purposes than others.

To find the winners we looked at Reddit communities like /r/edmproduction, and tallied up the results based on first hand experience. For example, if someone said something like “my friend said…” or “I once heard that…” then they were not counted.

Here are our results!

1. Synth1 by Ichiro Toda Software Synthesizer

Total votes: 20

It’s really no surprise that Synth1 is at the top spot of the free VST list. If Sylenth1 is the most ubiquitous non-free synth plugin, Ichiro Toda's Synth1 is it's free counterpart. The Clavia Nord Lead 2 Synthesizer was the inspiration for this extremely comprehensive synthesizer. And while it may look a little basic when it comes to the user interface, it’s anything but basic. In fact, many suggest that this is one of the most versatile plugins out there for synths, and it’s a wonder that it’s free.

  • “My main synth for almost everything.”
  • “I use Synth1 very heavily in my tracks because I make a lot of retro synthwave material.”
  • “I use this for almost everything. I think it’s my favorite synth.”
  • “Synth1 is awesome because it is so powerful and is not that hard on the CPU.”

Features:

  • 2 Oscillators, FM modulation, ring modulation, sync, modulation envelope.
  • 4 types of filters, distortion.
  • 2 LFOs (synchronized with host).
  • Arpeggiator (synchronized with host).
  • Tempo delay (synchronized with host), stereo chorus/flanger.
  • Legato mode, portamento.
  • 16 notes polyphony.
  • 128 presets.
  • Thoroughly optimized for light CPU load using SSE instructions, etc.
  • Automation.

Available for Windows and Mac OS X. It functions as a VST Plugin and an Audio Units Plugin.

2. Audio Damage Rough Rider Software Compressor Plugin

Total votes: 13

Rough Rider is a compressor that certainly lives up to its name. It is not the compressor to go to for subtle compression. For things like parallel drum compression and getting a real pump going to your compression, Rough Rider is great. Not only that, but it’s very easy to use, and the user interface makes a lot of sense.

  • “I'm a fan of Audio Damage's free Rough Rider compressor - it's a not-subtle-at-all compression effect that I like a lot for electronic drums.”
  • “I can't use any other compressors since I started using this.”
  • “Rough Rider is a go to for me. I freakin LOVE Rough Rider on drums, I usually over do it and then dial it back after listening for a while.”
  • “Rough Rider is the cluster bomb of compressors.”

Controls

  • Ratio: The ratio knob is logarithmic in operation. Completely anti-clockwise is 1:1, and completely clockwise is 1:1000. The 12 o'clock position is 1:10, so everything to the left of center is single digits, and everything to the right is 'atom bomb squish,' essentially.
  • Attack and Release: They've left off the actual time values, so you're gonna have to use your ears, like the he-men did it in times of myth.
  • Meter: That honking big dial in the middle of the UI is the gain reduction meter. It basically shows how much compression is occurring.
  • Sensitivity: Usually called 'threshold' now, but they think 'sensitivity' makes more sense. Turn to the right, you get more compression, essentially. Turn it all the way to the right, and you've got a distortion box, the sound of which is tuned by Ratio, Attack, and Release.
  • Makeup: 30 dB of gain to compensate for the attenuation caused by the compressor.
  • Active: From the front panel, this is simply an off/on switch, but if you automate it, strange things happen..
  • MIDI Learn: Like all of their products, the VST version has MIDI Learn. Download any manual from the current product line for an explanation of how this works, as it is common among all their VST products.

Rough Rider is available as a VST effect for Windows, and an AU or VST for OSX. The OSX versions are Universal Binaries, and require OSX 10.4.0 or later.

3. Dblue Glitch VST Plugin

Total votes: 13

Illformed’s dBlue Glitch was one of the crowd favorites for “glitching,” or adding short effects, to things like drum beats and progressions. The software offers users a range of possibilities, including things like a tapestop effect, modulation, sequencing, and more. Not only that, but the plugin is also very easy to use. Best free synth vst plugins fl studio 2019.

  • “The effects in dblue glitch are quite useful, and are easy to figure out by arranging the knobs to your liking.”
  • “Glitch is so useful. You can set the tape stop so it sounds like a kick drum. Bam. All the percussion you could want from one VST and no messy samples.”
  • “Glitch is an awesome product.”

Sequencer

  • Each program consists of 128 scenes that can be triggered via MIDI notes. Each scene has its own unique sequencer pattern, timing, and effect settings, allowing you to create tons of unique variations for every moment in your song, all ready to go at the press of a key!
  • Multi-lane sequencer allows many effects to be played simultaneously, to create interesting layered sounds.
  • Improved sequencer timing controls to better match your groove and song structure.
  • Intuitive pattern editor with drag'n'drop. Draw, erase, resize, split and join blocks with ease.

Effects

  • 9 cheeky little effect modules designed to slice, dice, chop, screw, twist, turn and mangle your sounds into radical new forms.
  • Tempo-synced effects can easily be dialled in to precise musical timings such as 16th notes, 8th note triplets, and so on.
  • Filter, mix, pan and volume controls on each module, to help shape and fine-tune the output.

Juno 8 vst free. Randomize, Mutate, Glitch!

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  • Randomize and Mutate functions can be found at almost every level. Mutate a single effect to get slightly different parameter variations, or instantly Randomize everything in the entire scene to create unexpected, chaotic and inspiring results!

Now available as a Windows VST plugin, Mac VST or Audio Units plugin, or Linux VST plugin.

4. VladgSound Molot

Total votes: 11

The Molot Compressor is another compressor that is hailed as one with a lot of character. That is to say that it’s not a very subtle one. In fact, many use it as a limiter rather than a compressor. This is great for controlling spikes on single tracks, and also helps it work well on drum compression and to give a more colorful sound.

  • “It really makes plucks punch and breathe, and adds warmth.”
  • “Molot sounds so musical, and is amazing on drums.”
  • “It's not just a limiter, it has a great compressor and clipper too. And limiters can be very useful in controlling peaks on individual tracks so your master limiter won't have to work as hard.”

Available for Windows and Mac OS X.

5. TAL-Togu Audio Line TAL-NoiseMaker

Total votes: 11

Plugins

The second synth on the list, TAL’s Noisemaker might not be as versatile to some as Synth1, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t sound great when applied well. Having said that, it still is an extremely versatile plugin, offering three oscillators, a built in reverb and delay, and dozens of other controls. The user interface is user-friendly, and is a great addition to any musicians plugin list.

  • “If you use a DAW and don't have TAL-Noisemaker, get it! It is an incredible free VST that I couldn't go without now.”
  • “TAL noisemaker is a great free synth.”
  • “Its free, uncomplicated, and can pump out a nice spread of really dark sounds.”

Available for Windows and Mac OS X.

Honorable Mentions

These plugins were mentioned quite a bit, but were inched out by the top five. Click on the name for more info!

6. Variety Of Sound FerricTDS (11 Votes)

7. Camel Audio CamelCrusher Distortion Plugin (10 Votes)

Available via Splice

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8. Variety Of Sound ThrillseekerLA (10 Votes)

9. Variety Of Sound Boot EQ MKII (10 Votes)

10. Smartelectronix Ambience (9 Votes)

What's your vote for the must-have free VST plugins? Let us know in the comments below!

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