Cardinal
DISTRHO
Cardinal packages a virtual modular environment for use in supported plug-in and standalone contexts.
View details →THE AUDIO MAGAZINE / RESOURCES
VST2 – Free Music Software & Plug-ins
Find permanently free recording tools, instruments, effects and audio utilities for desktop, mobile and the browser. Each listing explains its purpose, compatibility and important free-edition restrictions, with links to the official source.
These are researched directory entries, not hands-on reviews. Optional purchases, account requirements and limited editions are identified on product pages. Format availability can differ by operating system.
146 listings
Carla
DISTRHO
Carla is a plug-in host with routing and patchbay facilities.
View details →Chorus WS-1
Mercuriall Audio
Chorus WS-1 supplies a guitar-oriented chorus effect for adding ensemble movement.
View details →Chow Centaur
ChowDSP
Chow Centaur models a guitar overdrive circuit and offers several approaches to the modeled processing.
View details →Chow Kick
ChowDSP
Chow Kick synthesizes kick-drum sounds through a model-oriented signal path.
View details →Chow Matrix
ChowDSP
Chow Matrix is a delay processor organized around interconnected delay nodes.
View details →Chow Phaser
ChowDSP
Chow Phaser applies phase-based modulation inspired by analog circuitry.
View details →Chow Tape Model
ChowDSP
Chow Tape Model explores the behavior of magnetic tape through a collection of modeled processes.
View details →CollaB3
Sampleson
CollaB3 is a free tonewheel-organ instrument created through a collaborative development effort.
View details →Couture Free
Auburn Sounds
Couture Free shapes transients, helping alter the apparent attack and sustain of recorded material.
View details →DC1A
Klanghelm
DC1A is a streamlined compressor built around input and output controls, with switches that alter its response.
View details →Decent Sampler
Decent Samples
Decent Sampler is a sample-instrument player used by a wide range of independent sound-library makers.
View details →Deverb (legacy)
Audio Damage
Deverb is an abstract reverb from Audio Damage's legacy collection.
View details →Dimension Expander
Xfer Records
Dimension Expander adds stereo spaciousness using a compact modulation-based approach.
View details →Discord 3 (legacy)
Audio Damage
Discord 3 is an older pitch-shifting effect available through Audio Damage's official free archive.
View details →DJMFilter
Xfer Records
DJMFilter is a DJ-style filter effect with a direct interface for moving between low- and high-frequency filtering.
View details →DPF-Plugins
DISTRHO
DPF-Plugins is a collection of open-source audio instruments and effects built with the DISTRHO framework.
View details →dpMeter
TBProAudio
dpMeter provides digital audio metering for level and loudness-related tasks.
View details →DrumTraqs
Full Bucket Music
DrumTraqs recreates the sample-based character of a classic Drumtraks-style drum machine.
View details →Dubstation (legacy)
Audio Damage
The original Dubstation is a bucket-brigade-style delay offered in Audio Damage's free legacy archive.
View details →Emissary
Ignite Amps
Emissary is a guitar-amplifier simulator focused on a modern high-gain amplifier design.
View details →epicPLATE mkII
Variety Of Sound
epicPLATE mkII provides plate-style reverberation for vocals, instruments and effects.
View details →epicVerb mkII
Variety Of Sound
epicVerb is an algorithmic reverb from Variety Of Sound's freeware collection.
View details →FB-7999
Full Bucket Music
FB-7999 models the hybrid digital-waveform approach of Korg's DW-series instruments.
View details →Availability, licensing and system requirements can change. Verification refers to official documentation and download availability, not installation or hands-on testing. Check the developer's current terms before installing.