OB-Xf
Surge Synth Team
OB-Xf continues the last open-source OB-Xd codebase within the Surge Synth Team’s current development infrastructure.
View details →THE AUDIO MAGAZINE / RESOURCES
Audio Units (AU) – 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.
201 listings
Odin 2
TheWaveWarden
Odin 2 combines several oscillator approaches with filters, modulation and effects in a semi-modular instrument.
View details →OTT
Xfer Records
OTT is a multiband upward-and-downward compression effect associated with a pronounced, highly detailed electronic-production sound.
View details →Overtonium
Benjamin Dehli
Overtonium presents additive synthesis as a mixer of 32 harmonic sine oscillators plus a noise channel.
View details →Ozone Imager
iZotope
Ozone Imager combines stereo-width control with a display of the signal's spatial behavior.
View details →Panagement Free
Auburn Sounds
Panagement Free offers a focused selection of spatial-positioning tools.
View details →PanCake 2
Cableguys
PanCake 2 uses editable modulation curves to automate stereo panning.
View details →PartialString
Different Instruments
PartialString synthesizes a plucked string through a finite-difference physical model.
View details →PaulXStretch
Sonosaurus
PaulXStretch stretches recorded audio into long, evolving textures using spectral processing.
View details →Phantom Center
Bertom Audio
Phantom Center provides a way to inspect and manipulate center-related stereo information.
View details →Phosphor (legacy)
Audio Damage
The original Phosphor is an additive-style synthesizer distributed through Audio Damage's free legacy archive.
View details →plugdata
plugdata Team
plugdata brings a graphical patching environment into standalone and plug-in workflows.
View details →Podolski
u-he
Podolski is a streamlined synthesizer with arpeggiation and a focused set of sound-shaping controls.
View details →Primer 2
Audible Genius
Primer is a subtractive synthesizer also used in the Syntorial teaching environment.
View details →Proteus
GuitarML
Proteus is a guitar-oriented neural-model player from GuitarML.
View details →Reaktor Player
Native Instruments
Reaktor Player runs a licensed selection of instruments and effects built for the Reaktor environment.
View details →Renegate Free
Auburn Sounds
Renegate Free is a gate designed to control unwanted low-level material between intended events.
View details →Ricochet (legacy)
Audio Damage
Ricochet is a legacy multi-tap delay for building repeating patterns and spatial echoes.
View details →RoughRider3
Audio Damage
RoughRider3 is a characterful compressor intended for pronounced dynamics shaping.
View details →Saturation Knob
Softube
Saturation Knob supplies a compact harmonic-coloration effect with a simple drive control and selectable behavior.
View details →sfizz
sfizz Contributors
sfizz is an open-source SFZ instrument engine and plug-in.
View details →sforzando
Plogue
sforzando plays instruments defined in the SFZ sample-mapping format.
View details →ShinRonin
Audio Damage
ShinRonin revives Audio Damage's original filter-and-delay design for current systems.
View details →Sitala 1
Sitala / Decomposer
Sitala is a streamlined drum sampler for arranging one-shot sounds into a playable kit.
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.