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THE AUDIO MAGAZINE / RESOURCES

macOS – 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.

336 listings

Dexed

Digital Suburban

Dexed is a six-operator FM synthesizer associated with Yamaha DX7-compatible patch editing and playback.

LinuxmacOSWindowsSynthesizers
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Discord 3 (legacy)

Audio Damage

Discord 3 is an older pitch-shifting effect available through Audio Damage's official free archive.

macOSWindowsSound Design
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DJMFilter

Xfer Records

DJMFilter is a DJ-style filter effect with a direct interface for moving between low- and high-frequency filtering.

macOSWindowsEqualizersModulation Effects
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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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dpMeter

TBProAudio

dpMeter provides digital audio metering for level and loudness-related tasks.

macOSWindowsMetering & Analysis
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Dragonfly Reverb

Michael Willis

Dragonfly Reverb is an open-source collection of reverberation plug-ins covering different room and space characters.

LinuxmacOSWindowsReverbs
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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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DrumTraqs

Full Bucket Music

DrumTraqs recreates the sample-based character of a classic Drumtraks-style drum machine.

macOSWindowsDrum Instruments
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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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Ecasound

Ecasound / Kai Vehmanen

Ecasound is a command-line audio-processing environment for recording, playback and multitrack signal chains.

LinuxmacOSWindowsAudio EditingRecording Utilities
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Emissary

Ignite Amps

Emissary is a guitar-amplifier simulator focused on a modern high-gain amplifier design.

macOSWindowsDistortion & SaturationGuitar & Bass
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EQ Curve Analyzer

Bertom Audio

EQ Curve Analyzer measures the frequency response of an audio path or processor.

LinuxmacOSWindowsMetering & Analysis
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Evil Otto

Audio Damage

Evil Otto applies multiband upward and downward compression for an intentionally assertive dynamics effect.

iOSiPadOSLinuxmacOSCompressors & Dynamics
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EXOVERB

Sennheiser / Dear Reality

EXOVERB is a stereo reverb built around a collection of acoustic scenes and control over early and late energy.

macOSWindowsReverbs
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EXOVERB MICRO

Sennheiser / Dear Reality

EXOVERB MICRO is a compact reverb with a smaller selection of acoustic scenes than EXOVERB.

macOSWindowsReverbs
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FamiStudio

FamiStudio Contributors

FamiStudio is a composition environment for Nintendo Entertainment System style music and homebrew soundtracks.

AndroidLinuxmacOSWindowsDAW & Multitrack RecordingMIDI ToolsSynthesizers
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Faust

Faust Community

Faust is a functional programming language for designing audio signal processors and instruments.

LinuxmacOSWeb browserWindowsSound DesignSynthesizers
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FB-7999

Full Bucket Music

FB-7999 models the hybrid digital-waveform approach of Korg's DW-series instruments.

macOSWindowsSynthesizers
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FB3

Full Bucket Music

FB3 recreates the hybrid synthesis approach of the Kawai K3 and K3m, with waveform generation, factory sounds and expanded polyphony.

macOSWindowsMIDI ToolsSynthesizers
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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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