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THE AUDIO MAGAZINE / RESOURCES

LV2 – 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.

38 listings

Arty FX

OpenAV Productions

Arty FX is a coordinated collection of audio effects for Linux production systems.

LinuxCompressors & DynamicsDelaysDistortion & SaturationModulation Effects
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AURORA

13x Audio

AURORA combines a parametric equalizer with per-band dynamics, spectrum analysis and selectable stereo routing.

LinuxmacOSWindowsCompressors & DynamicsEqualizersMastering
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B.Choppr

B.Shapr / B.Oops Project

B.Choppr creates rhythmic chopping and level patterns in a compatible LV2 host.

LinuxModulation EffectsSound Design
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B.Jumblr

B.Shapr / B.Oops Project

B.Jumblr rearranges buffered audio through a pattern-oriented interface.

LinuxModulation EffectsSound Design
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B.Oops

B.Shapr / B.Oops Project

B.Oops is a pattern-oriented glitch effect for rearranging and processing audio.

LinuxModulation EffectsSound Design
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B.Shapr

B.Shapr / B.Oops Project

B.Shapr is an LV2 effect that uses editable shapes for modulation-oriented processing.

LinuxModulation EffectsSound Design
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BYOD

ChowDSP

BYOD is a modular guitar-processing environment for connecting different distortion and supporting stages.

LinuxmacOSWindowsDistortion & SaturationGuitar & Bass
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Calf Studio Gear

Calf Studio Gear

Calf Studio Gear is a Linux collection of instruments and effects for use in compatible audio hosts.

LinuxCompressors & DynamicsEqualizersMetering & AnalysisModulation Effects
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Cardinal

DISTRHO

Cardinal packages a virtual modular environment for use in supported plug-in and standalone contexts.

LinuxmacOSWindowsSound Design
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Carla

DISTRHO

Carla is a plug-in host with routing and patchbay facilities.

LinuxmacOSWindowsDAW & Multitrack RecordingLive PerformanceRecording Utilities
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Chow Centaur

ChowDSP

Chow Centaur models a guitar overdrive circuit and offers several approaches to the modeled processing.

LinuxmacOSWindowsDistortion & SaturationGuitar & Bass
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Chow Kick

ChowDSP

Chow Kick synthesizes kick-drum sounds through a model-oriented signal path.

LinuxmacOSWindowsDrum InstrumentsSynthesizers
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Chow Matrix

ChowDSP

Chow Matrix is a delay processor organized around interconnected delay nodes.

LinuxmacOSWindowsDelaysSound Design
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Chow Phaser

ChowDSP

Chow Phaser applies phase-based modulation inspired by analog circuitry.

LinuxmacOSWindowsModulation Effects
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Chow Tape Model

ChowDSP

Chow Tape Model explores the behavior of magnetic tape through a collection of modeled processes.

LinuxmacOSWindowsDistortion & Saturation
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DPF-Plugins

DISTRHO

DPF-Plugins is a collection of open-source audio instruments and effects built with the DISTRHO framework.

LinuxmacOSWindowsCompressors & DynamicsEqualizersSynthesizers
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DrumGizmo

DrumGizmo Team

DrumGizmo is an open-source drum sampler designed around multi-channel acoustic drum recordings.

LinuxmacOSWindowsDrum Instruments
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drumkv1

rncbc / Rui Nuno Capela

drumkv1 is a sample-based drum instrument organized for programming and performing percussion.

LinuxDrum InstrumentsSamplers
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DuckTool

DsgDnB

DuckTool provides sidechain-controlled level ducking with a visible envelope and controls for its shape.

LinuxmacOSWindowsCompressors & DynamicsRecording Utilities
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DuskVerb

Dusk Audio

DuskVerb is an algorithmic reverb with controls for building an acoustic tail around a source.

LinuxmacOSWindowsReverbs
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Fabla

OpenAV Productions

Fabla is a sample-based drum instrument for compatible Linux hosts.

LinuxDrum InstrumentsSamplers
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Guitarix

Guitarix Project

Guitarix is a virtual guitar amplifier and effects environment for Linux.

LinuxGuitar & BassLive Performance
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Helm

Matt Tytel

Helm is a polyphonic synthesizer with a visual modulation system, step sequencing and integrated effects.

LinuxmacOSWindowsSynthesizers
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IEM Plug-in Suite

IEM / University of Music and Performing Arts Graz

The IEM Plug-in Suite supplies Ambisonic and spatial-audio tools for encoding, decoding and processing sound fields.

LinuxmacOSWindowsMetering & AnalysisSpatial & Surround Audio
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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.

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