Vst Plugins Best Free
This article is about the Top 20 free VST plugins released in 2019. For more music production software, visit our Free VST Plugins page.
2019 was a good year for music producers on a budget. If you’re following our News section, you already know about all the free VST plugins that were introduced over the past twelve months. But if not, we created this list to help you find the best free VSTs of 2019.
If you want some FREE plugins, check out our list of the top 250 free plugins you can download right now! Previous article 12 Best Synth VST Plugins 2020/2021 – What Are The Best Synth Plugins? Next article Best Music Distribution (Updated 2021) The 12 Best Services About. Surge is an opensource Synth VST that sounds fantastic and is probably the best synthesizer plugin currently available. It is a hybrid subtractive synthesizer with a dual synthesis engine. Each patch contain two ‘scenes’ which are separate instances of the entire synthesis engine that can be used for layering or split patches. Plugin and Play. Free VST plugins can completely change the way you create music. The vast majority of DAW software supports VSTs, and while not all of them are cross-platform, most work on Windows, macOS, and even Linux. If you love your DAW but feel like you need some new sounds, VST plugins can be a great new source of inspiration.
This article is about the Top 20 free VST plugins released in 2019. For more music production software, visit our Free VST Plugins page. 2019 was a good year for music producers on a budget. If you’re following our News section, you already know about all the free VST plugins that were introduced over the past twelve months.
Top 20 Free VST Plugins Of 2019
Best Free Synth VST Plugins Dexed by Digital Sub Urban Dexed is a Free multi platform and multi format frequency modulation Synth which is based on, or closely modeled to, the Yamaha DX7. You can download it here. After exploring thousands of great plugins for hours, we bring you a minimized list of best vst plugins out there. It includes a little over 100 plugins. As the cherry on the top, the below list also mention the top 100 vst plugins that are entirely free of cost and paid. Modeled after Yamaha DX7, one of the best selling synths in history, this top 1 free FM-style VST synth is ready to get you cooking. Included are over a thousand classic DX7 presets, with sounds ranging from classic electronic pianos to powerful stabs and strings.
Here are the best free VSTs of the year:
- Lith by Soda Devices
- Defiant WT by Ocean Swift
- QRange by lkjb
- Frontier by D16 Group Audio Software
- HY-Delay 4 FREE by HY-Plugins
- TAL-Reverb-4 by Togu Audio Line
- Convology XT by Impulse Record
- RS-W2395c by FUSE Audio Labs
- Ozone Imager V2 by iZotope
- SN03-G Tape Recorder by Sender Spike
- FreeAMP by Klevgränd
- Flower Child Filter by Soundemote
- Vocal King Pro by JHudStudio
- Rare by Analog Obsession
- Finisher Micro by UJAM
- Crunck V2 by Nembrini Audio
- Vector by 2CAudio
- Blindfold EQ by AudioThing
- FBVC by Full Bucket Music
- Upright Piano by 99Sounds
Click the links for more info about each plugin. Click here to see the honorable mentions.
Lith
Lith is a freeware virtual hybrid synthesizer VST plugin for digital audio workstations on PC and Mac. The instrument uses wavetables that were sampled from a real analog oscillator to generate the sound. As a result, the plugin sounds warm and full but has the flexibility of a wavetable synthesizer. Lith is a must-have free VST plugin for users who like to experiment with new and unusual virtual synthesizers.
There’s a lot of potential in Lith, but this virtual synthesizer is still far from perfect. For starters, you will probably want to change the default light skin to the dark version. That said, Lith is one of the most promising new virtual instruments released in 2019 and one of our most-used free VST plugins of the year.
More info:Lith
Defiant WT
Defiant WT is another hybrid synthesizer VST plugin on the list. It combines three different types of synthesis (Wavetable, Subtractive, and Additive) in an intuitive interface. Defiant WT is simple enough to be used by beginner music producers, much more so that Lith and ModulAir. The instrument comes with 200 original factory wavetables for the oscillator. Another 100 wavetables are included in the LFO module.
More info:Defiant WT
QRange
QRange is a twelve-band linear-phase equalizer VST plugin for digital audio workstations on PC and Mac. It was developed by lkjb, the same programmer who crafted the Luftikus analog-modeled parametric equalizer. Unlike its analog-inspired counterpart, QRange is an entirely transparent linear-phase EQ designed for audio mastering purposes. The plugin provides twelve frequency band controls and a built-in real-time spectrum analyzer.
More info:QRange
Frontier
Frontier is a free limiter VST plugin with adjustable release time, soft-clipping, and auto-gain functionality. Note that this is not a brickwall limiter plugin. Think of it as a heavy compressor with a fixed attack time and an adjustable threshold. The plugin was released back in 2016, but it was only available for existing D16 Audio customers. It was re-released as “freeware for all” in February 2019.
More info:Frontier
HY-Delay 4 Free
HY-Delay 4 Free is a freeware delay VST plugin by HY-Plugins. Its coolest feature is the built-in “ducker” effect. The ducker module lowers the volume of the delayed signal when the volume of the processed audio signal increases. As a result, the delay effect is more focused because the dry and the wet signal don’t overlap as much. HY-Delay 4 Free also features a three-band equalizer, cross-feedback, and a randomizer button for changing the values of all control parameters with a single click.
Another great feature in HY-Delay 4 FREE is the randomization tool. Experiment with it to randomize the parameters and come up with some crazy sounding echoes. The built-in limiter will come in handy to prevent excess volume peaks on the output. HY-Delay is one of the best free VST plugin effects of 2019.
More info:HY-Delay 4 Free
TAL-Reverb-4
TAL-Reverb-4 is a freeware plate reverb. It is the fourth iteration of Togu Audio Line’s free reverb VST plugin. The newly released TAL-Reverb-4 has an unmistakably 80s sound character and a freshly redesigned user interface. The source code improvements under the hood ensured that the reverb algorithm sounds better than ever while consuming fewer CPU resources. If you’re looking for a vintage-sounding reverb effect, TAL-Reverb-4 is worth a try.
More info:TAL-Reverb-4
Convology XT
Convology XT is a convolution reverb VST plugin. It is a zero-latency convolution reverb with a selection of 70 built-in impulse responses. Most of the included impulses were sampled from hardware reverb units, ranging from vintage studio reverb effects to guitar amp spring reverbs. The plugin can also load external impulse responses in WAV format. Thanks to Convology XT’s advanced interface, the user can adjust the attack and release times, decay, gain, and various other parameters of the loaded IR file.
If you want to dive into the world of convolution reverbs, Convology XT is a great place to start. Free to download and easy to use, it is also packed with a decent collection of reverb impulses. Another free VST plugin released in 2019 that we used a lot.
More info:Convology XT
RS-W2395c
RS-W2395C emulates a classic hardware Baxandall EQ unit from the 1950s. The development team at Fuse Audio Labs worked on RS-W2395C in collaboration with Roger Schult, the creator of the original hardware unit. The plugin features a pair of active Baxandall EQ tone controls for the high and low ends of the frequency spectrum. Also included is a semi-parametric mid-band filter that can be set to any target frequency between 155 Hz and 3.5 kHz. This free VST is useful for mastering and applying broad EQ adjustments while mixing.
More info:RS-W2395c
Ozone Imager V2
Ozone Imager V2 is the updated version of iZotope’s freeware stereo widening tool. Unlike most stereo processors, this free VST can convert mono audio signals to stereo without introducing phasing issues. Ozone Imager V2 works best as a subtle audio enhancement plugin for a transparent stereo widening effect. It also features a resizable interface and three stereo metering and analysis modes.
More info:Ozone Imager V2
SN03-G Tape Recorder
SN03-G Tape Recorder is a tape emulation VST plugin. The software features an innovative tape emulation concept that allows the user to create an entirely customized virtual tape recorder. Signal Noise SN03-G Tape Recorder’s simulated tape recording machine can operate in the range between 7.5 and 30 IPS while conforming to the NAB, IEC, and AES equalization standards. The plugin also features a VU meter for easy gain staging.
More info:SN03-G Tape Recorder
FreeAMP
FreeAMP is a freeware analog saturation effect developed by Klevgränd. This streamlined freeware VST features a simple interface with only three control parameters. It is based on the same saturation algorithms that were used in the REAMP analog modeling plugin from the same developer. FreeAMP delivers the complex analog saturation that is the result of using vintage tape recorders and tube preamps.
Fans of Softube’s excellent Saturation Knob plugin will feel right at home with FreeAMP. It follows a similar concept while providing a different flavor of analog saturation. FreeAMP is a great free VST for warming up audio mixes and individual tracks.
More info:FreeAMP
Flower Child Filter
Flower Child Filter is a boutique analog-style filter effect. It contains two filter algorithms from the forthcoming FMD filterbank plugin by the same developer. Flower Child Filter can switch between a clean resonant filter and a far more aggressive sounding filter module that is suitable for sound designers who like to experiment with heavy distortion. The filter can self-oscillate and simulate the behavior of analog filter modules. The implemented smoothing and oversampling controls are there to clean up the VST plugin’s output and prevent aliasing.
More info:Flower Child Filter
Vocal King Pro
Vocal King Pro is a dual compressor freeware VST plugin optimized for processing vocals. The plugin also features an EQ section for enhancing the vocal’s tone. Thanks to its combination of filtering and compression, Vocal King Pro is a powerful all-in-one solution for vocal processing similar to premium plugins like CLA Vocals and JST Bus Glue. The plugin was initially sold for $29 before being re-released as freeware on November 7th, 2019.
More info:Vocal King Pro
Rare
Rare is a free VST emulation of the famous Pultec tube program equalizer. The plugin is a dual-band EQ effect with the Boost and Attenuate control knobs found in Pultec hardware units. Rare can perform the low-end EQ focusing trick, which consists of attenuating and boosting the bass frequencies at the same time. As a result, the low-end of the processed signal will sound more pronounced while avoiding muddiness.
More info:Rare
Finisher Micro
Finisher Micro is a multi-effect VST plugin with a single-knob user interface. This single knob is actually a macro control that connects to various FX parameters depending on the active preset. Ujam Finisher comes with a wide selection of multi-effect presets, from sweepable filters and distorted compressors to flangers and wild modulation effects. If you need a simple sound design tool with multiple FX types, this free VST plugin is worth adding to your mixing arsenal.
More info:Finisher Micro
Crunck V2
Crunck V2 is a freeware guitar amplifier VST by Nembrini Audio. Interestingly, Crunck V2 was created by the same programmer who worked for Brainworx to develop the company’s premium range of virtual guitar amplification software. Crunck V2 is a simple plugin with all the features you’d expect to find in a basic guitar amp sim. It features input and output gain controls, three tone controls, a presence control, and a built-in IR-based cabinet simulator with 30 integrated cabinet impulse responses.
More info:Crunck V2
Vector
Vector is a free stereo analysis VST plugin. It boasts an ultra-precise spatial image analysis algorithm that detects phasing issues without reporting false positives. It is the perfect audio utility to use in tandem with stereo enhancement VST plugins such as the Ozone Imager V2 featured above.
More info:Vector
Blindfold EQ
Blindfold EQ is an analog-style parametric equalizer free VST plugin with optional soft clipping distortion. The plugin was developed to help beginner mixing engineers improve their EQing skills by using their ears instead of looking at the dials on the GUI. The interface doesn’t show any numerical values, so you’re forced to concentrate and focus on listening while using the equalizer. It’s an interesting concept that is worth a try if you want to become better at mixing audio.
More info:Blindfold EQ
FBVC
FBVC is a freeware vocoder VST plugin released by Full Bucket Music. Based on the hardware analog vocoders of yesteryear, it is a great tool for adding a bit of that Daft Punk vibe to your songs. Easy to setup unlike most other freeware vocoders, FBVC is well worth checking out. One of our favorite free VST plugins of 2019.
More info:FBVC
Upright Piano
Upright Piano is a free acoustic piano VST plugin by 99Sounds. It features six velocity layers per sampled note and four samples per octave. The volume envelope, key release, and the output volume can be fine-tuned by the user. This free VST also features built-in tremolo, low-pass filter, modulation, and reverb effects. Upright Piano can sound both realistic and lo-fi. It is especially useful for lofi hip-hop music production.
The combination of pitch modulation and filtering make Upright Piano sound like it was sampled from an old tape. Add some reverb on top to complete the effect.
More info:Upright Piano
Best Free VST 2019 – Honorable Mentions
These free VSTs from 2019 are also very good. They aren’t included in our main list, but you should check them out.
- Airwindows released dozens of top-notch audio plugins in 2019, as expected. It is hard to pick a single plugin from this amazing developer’s seemingly endless portfolio of free VST plugins. That’s why we are featuring him as the #1 honorable mention on the list and letting you decide which Airwindows plugin you like best.
- Tape Cassette by Caelum Audio emulates the tone and saturation of old tape recorders. It is a fun little lo-fi effect to add to your VST plugin arsenal.
- 7Q is a free VST inspired by the old Kjaerhus Classic Equalizer plugin. It features a similar user interface and a feature set that can be equally useful for mixing and mastering purposes. Another benefit is that 7Q is well-optimized and consumes very few CPU resources.
- Emvoice One is a free vocal synthesizer VST plugin. The free version of the software is elementary but still fun to use (and potentially very useful). You will need to pay for an upgrade to unleash Emvoice One’s full vocal synthesis potential. Nevertheless, a free VST plugin that is worth checking out.
- Verberate Basic is a free VST plugin to download if you like your reverbs as simple as possible. Great reverb sound and simple controls make for a fantastic combo when you’re in a hurry during a mixing session.
- Kee Bass is a bass keyboard virtual instrument by Martinic. Being that it’s an emulation of an almost half-century-old electronic keyboard instrument, Kee Bass is not a very flexible synthesizer. But the sonic character is where this free VST truly shines. Analog goodness for days!
- Voloco is a fun free autotune VST plugin based on an iOS app. It’s not an in-depth pitch correction tool but more of a creative effect.
- Element Modular is a fully modular free VST plugin host. Worth a look if you like experimenting with building custom plugin chains in a way that isn’t possible in a digital audio workstation. It is also great as a VST plugin host for live performance setups.
- NanoHost is a simple VST plugin host for Windows. It loads the VST plugin, displays the interface, handles MIDI input, and is also capable of recording your performances as audio files. NanoHost is the perfect tool for testing free VST plugins before loading them in your main DAW.
- KOMPLETE START Bundle is a collection of free music production software by Native Instruments. Nothing substantially new here, but it is nice to find all Native Instruments freebies in one place.
- Loopcloud 5.0 is a free sample manager by Loopmasters. The software gets better with every new iteration. Loopcloud now works as a VST plugin and is one step closer to becoming a powerful cloud-powered sample-based musical instrument that it aims to be.
- T-Force Alpha Plus 2 is a powerful synthesizer VST plugin designed for trance music production. It was released in 2019, but, unfortunately, it can’t be downloaded right now. Hopefully, the developer will provide a download link soon.
Limited-Time Free VST Plugins
These are premium VST plugins that you can freely download for a limited time only. These offers are ending soon!
- Raum is a reverb VST plugin by Native Instruments.
- Celestial is a psychoacoustic mastering tool from Acoustica Audio.
You can also download the BPB Christmas Bundle 2019, a 2 GB collection of royalty-free samples from ten premium sound design labels.
That’s all BPB had in store for you in 2019. We’re taking a short break, and we’ll see you in 2020! Until then, have fun and make some great music!
For more freeware plugins and instruments, return to our Free VST Plugins page.
You may face several scenarios while mixing and mastering which may include the use of an equalizer, having a transparent display to analyze what you are adding or subtracting with the EQ, multiple EQ bands, and proper CPU usage is what to look for in an EQ.
But with that said every piece of software and hardware alike creates and outputs a slightly different sound meaning they all have unique timbres and uses. Alongside that, there are some rather expensive plugins we may see online, which aren’t out of our reaches but we don’t know what we need until we need it right? Well, this is why its best to try some free EQ’s first to see what it is you like within an EQ and what it maybe you are looking for.
We become ever so comfortable with our stock plugins, they do the simple tasks for us (sometimes), they don’t run our computer into the ground, and they for sure are pretty basic. Well, this is the issue most people come to, they want a better EQ, or they want a change of visuals.
EQ History – ‘The first EQ was first used by John Volkman working at RCA in the 1920s”
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- DDMF Colour EQ info & download
- SPL Free Ranger info & download
- Analog Obsession STEQ v2 info & download
- TDR Nova Parallel Dynamic Equalizer info & download
- Cockos ReaEQ info & download
- Blue Cat’s Triple EQ info & download
- Analog Obsession Merica info & download
- TinyQ lkjb info & download
- Sonimus SonEQ info & download
- Ignite Amps PTEq-X info & download
- Leftover Lasagne Pushtec 5+1A EQ info & download
- lkjb QRange info & download
- TDR Slick EQ info & download
- Manda Audio 7Q info & download
- Mellowmuse EQ1A info & download
- Voxengo Marvel GEQ info & download
- Kuassa BASIQ info & download
1. DDMF Colour EQ Review
More Info & Download
Specifications:
- 64-bit processing
- Low-CPU Usage
- Customizable GUI
- Great warm sound
- 5 Bands
- Resizable Window
Features & When To Use:
Colour EQ is a 64-bit EQ plugin that offers 5 ”super parametric” bands to manipulate the frequency range. This is exceedingly handy when wanting to use more than one band in one instance; the intuitive gain knobs on the five bands allow for perfect mixing of these bands when mixing and mastering.
Using the two different types of curves, Colour EQ offers a warm sound that you just wouldn’t get from your stock EQ.
Having a bright visual display helps you to craft and mould your bands to preference.
A great way to use this plugin is when you are not getting enough warmth in your low, mid/mids, Colour EQ will add a great sense of warmth throughout the selected bands. Another cool way to use this plugin is to use two different setups with two different curve types; you can use modified versions of the EQ for selected times in your mixdowns to add the feeling of a change in energy in a breakdown or drop.
Colour EQ is a great tool to have in your arsenal for mixing and mastering, plus you may find many uses in your day-to-day production.
Compatibility:
Windows VST (32/64 bit), Windows/Mac RTAS, and Mac VST/AU format (Intel, OSX 10.5 and higher)
2. SPL Free Ranger Review
More Info & Download
Specifications:
- Four useful bands
- Volume knob
- Great sound
- Four buttons to switch between EQ settings
Features & When To Use:
With a sleek, minimalistic design Free Ranger is a powerful EQ.
With a mid-band (150Hz – 7kHz), fixed high (10kHz), low shelf (80Hz) SPL have kept things very simple so anyone can EQ with ease.
Free Ranger gives the feel of the world-renowned API 560 EQ but offers this all for free!
Free Ranger is a bodybuilder for your sounds while mixing and a gentle touch when mastering, this plugin makes EQing fun, quick and easy.
You may find yourself using the four different EQ settings and incorporate them into your mixdowns. Using them to create different feels and vibes can give your masters that final touch you’ve been looking for.
This is a must-have!
Compatibility:
macOS 10.9 through 10.15, Windows 7-10
3. Analog Obsession STEQ v2 Review
More Info & Download
Specifications:
- mid-band (150Hz – 7kHz)
- fixed high (10kHz)
- low shelf (80Hz)
- Optical compressor knob
- Added preamp
Features & When To Use:
Simplicity is key with EQ work in the mix or master, and this plugin keeps that in mind through and through.
With a very easy to use GUI STEQ 2 has a powerful but simple way of delivering a small form factor EQ to your DAW.
This EQ gives off old school retro vibe, precise, clean, and adds a lot of detail to the mid-range.
STEQ 2 is excellent for tonal rebalancing due to the broadness of the three bands creating a pure blend between the frequency ranges.
Using this to add punch to claps and snares is also a good use. But be careful when adding to full bus groups.
This EQ from Analog Obsession is an excellent tool to keep at your disposal when thinking about doing some tasks during your mix, or why not change up those stock plugins for free.
Compatibility
WiN, OSX AU VST, VST3
4. TDR Nova Parallel Dynamic Equalizer Review
More Info & Download
Specifications:
Great for:
Features & When To Use:
Nova is a parallel dynamic EQ; each band has a dedicated, dynamic section giving the user full flexibility.
Giving the option to drag and move bands in the visual GUI individually or group, this provides a natural form factor way to get results.
Using the multiband compression built into Nova your be able to manipulate your EQ even further, this will be displayed in the visual GUI with real-time feedback of the compression process. (subtly decrease the threshold to hear the difference)
In mix and mastering, you can use Nova to visually see where you may have audio issues to fix and makes it very easy to apply these changes with the drag and change feature.
The dynamic EQ is a handy tool to have in practice when mixing down full compositions – use it to bring down or up frequencies only when they reach a specific volume.
Nova is a heavyweight EQ with a lot under the hood all for free!
Compatibility:
Win XP SP2 or above, Mac OS X 10.7 or above.
5. Cockos ReaEQ Review
More Info & Download
Specifications:
- Low CPU & RAM
- Fast and highly configurable
- Portable – copy & run
- Resizeable GUI
Features & When To Use:
ReaEQ may look basic, but under the hood, there is a lot to offer.
Being able to have as many bands as you wish is a massive bonus, you also have the ability to change all of these bands to one of the following (shelves, bands, LPF, HPF, notch, bandpass, allpass).
With a stripped-back GUI, it keeps you focused on the task at hand, not over complicating things but giving you the power of an audio god at your fingertips.
With a tremendous real-time visual display, this gives you the eyes and ear focus that you need when EQ in the mix.
Phasing is a big issue when mixing, ReaEQ gives you a ‘Show Phase’ button which will show you in your display what frequencies are being affected by the band.
When mastering you may wish to keep all bands in one EQ patch, with ReaEQ you can do this.
Stripped back and powerful ReaEQ is a favorite among many producers across a wide range of genres.
Compatibility:
WIN 32, WIN 64
6. Blue Cat’s Triple EQ Review
More Info & Download
Specifications:
- Semi-parametric EQ
- +/- 40dB Range per band
- MIDI control and automation support
- Real-time display
- All sample rates supported
Features & When To Use:
The Triple EQ is a three-band semi-parametric equaliser.
With a simple and easy to read visual display of the frequencies in real-time, you will have a clear display of the EQ in front of your eyes.
Alongside the huge +/- 40 dB range, Triple EQ has a bandwidth of .01 to 5 Octaves!
An exciting feature with Triple EQ is that you can link two bands together using the ‘Link Channels’ feature. This will allow you to use them in unison; combine this with the automaton support to create quick and easy modulation. This is a great way to change an EQ while in the mix with complex automation.
Using the linking feature to create movement and progression within your mixdowns makes Triple EQ a threat.
Fully customisable shapes make this a different tool when deep in the mix or master, you will find many uses for the dynamic bands you can create—having dynamic bands that you are able to manipulate helps when visually your EQ and how it may affect the whole frequency range.
Check this one out for a small form factor powerful EQ!
Compatibility:
Windows 7 to 10, Mac OS 10.7 or newer.
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7. Analog Obsession Merica Review
More Info & Download
Specifications:
- Low & High Band – Shelf
- Mid Band – Proportional Q Peak
- HP & LP Filter – Constant
- Low CPU usage
Features & When To Use:
We have another FREE plugin from Analog Obsession!
This time is bringing you Merica an emulation of the API 550A console equaliser.
A simple three-band EQ delivers a lot of power to your mixes and masters. Selectively choose which frequency your band boosts or cuts with the option to the right of the knobs.
All bands kept simple and easy to get to grips with.
Meica also has a nifty and very much needed output knob, there will be no issues with clipping in the digital domain when mastering with this plugin.
A larger than appearing sound Merica is an excellent EQ plugin to use when in the mixdowns and masters.
Given that the EQ it emulates is an industry-standard plugin this small form, powerful, easy to use, and was coded by one man! Merica is a must grab for all audio creatives looking to upgrade their stock EQ plugins.
Compatibility:
VST Win, VST3 Win, VST Mac, VST3 Mac, AU Mac
8. TinyQ lkjb Review
More Info & Download
Specifications:
- Four bands (20 Hz to 20 kHz)
- Small form factor (ability to make larger if wanted)
- High & Low cuts range is 6 and 48 dB/octave
- Included frequency analyser
Features & When To Use:
TinyQ is a small form factor EQ.
Giving the user a stripped-back interface TinyQ offers a solution to a simple job.
Having too many settings can become overwhelming; TinyQ does what it says on the tin and doesn’t make your job any harder.
Keeping things simple when mixing down whole groups is essential – finding yourself using CPU heavy EQ, or a stock plugin just might not cut it for you. TinyEQ is excellent for doing those necessary but straightforward EQ tasks!
With the recent addition of built-in frequency analyzer, it makes EQ even easier when getting stuck into your mixes or masters.
Create awesome sounding band curves.
Great emphasis on keeping things simple goes a long way with TinyQ; the team has made a great EQ that does everything it needs to in one small package. With four bands plus high pass/low pass filters, you won’t be looking any further for your day to day EQ needs.
Compatibility:
Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.7 or later (both 64 bit)
9. Sonimus SonEQ Review
More Info & Download
- Three-band Equalizer, Low, Mid, High.
- 2 Musical Filters, High-Pass Low-Pass.
- Preamp stage with a bass booster.
- 64-bit floating-point precision.
- Up to 192kHz sample rates supported.
Features & When To Use:
SonEQ has 3 bands, low (20 Hz – 100 Hz), mid (150 Hz – 4 kHz), high (6 kHz – 15 kHz). Combined with a high pass and low pass filter, plus a ‘Mid-high Q’ this means when it’s on your band its narrow and when deactivated will cause it to be wider. This indicated by the red light.
Giving the user a lot of ways to EQ but keeping things user-friendly is what SonEQ does best.
Having the volume meter is very hand when mixing with any EQ, it gives the visual display of when things are getting a bit heated for your output.
SonEQ also gives you the full control of your input and output levels. This comes in handy when you are mixing your tracks with heavy effects, causing the overall levels to become louder than 0.0dB; this is where adjusting both the input and output parameters will solve the issue.
With this plugin being free for all to use we don’t see any reason why this shouldn’t be ready to deploy at the click of a finger, whether it’s beefing up the mix with the built-in bass boost preamp staging or adding a touch of colour to the highs this plugin has you covered.
Compatibility:
Mac OSX 10.6 or newer – Windows XP or newer
10. Ignite Amps PTEq-X Review
More Info & Download
Specifications:
- Three equalisation modules
- Stereo/Mono switching
- Four different tube types
- Global input/output level control
Features & When To Use:
PTEq-X is a digital emulation of three famous vintage EQ.
Equipped with three EQ modules comprised of mid-range (2kHZ – 7 kHz), low-frequency (20Hz – 150Hz), high-frequency (3kHz – 16kHz). best chrome adblock software for mac os
Using the mid-range module, you can use the low, mid parameter (top left) to effect the lower mid frequencies. Alternatively use the high mid setting (top right) to cause-effect to these frequencies.
Moving down the EQ, we have our second module, which is PEQ1A EQ (Low & High). This comes with a bunch of parameters to mould your EQ patches perfectly to your source.
Finally, this is all topped off with the HL3C module; this is a low-cut accompanied by a high-cut.
You can also use the ‘Oversampling’ feature to reduce aliasing.
Use the “Tube” switch to apply or deactivate the tube amp.
Using the input and output levels will give you the ability to control any nasty peaks brought in or out of the EQ.
PTEq-X is a combination of some of the best analogue EQ’s to exist, plus its FREE!! We recommend this one for a great addition to your EQ arsenal.
Compatibility:
Windows 7 – 10 32 and 64 bit. OS X 10.7 64 bit
11. Leftover Lasagne Pushtec 5+1A EQ Review
More Info & Download
Specifications:
- 6 Band mid-range EQ
- Presets built-in
- Algorithms based on famous analogue gear
- Designed for mixing and mastering
Features & When To Use:
Pushtec 5+1A is a versatile mid-range program EQ that has mixing and mastering at its heart.
This plugin offers six bands, all offering a fantastic sounding boost through all parameters.
A vast selection of plugins makes it easy for users to start with something super effective and tweak to their liking.
“B/W” stands for bandwidth, this allows you to tweak the selected band and adjust to your preference.
A friendly and straightforward GUI keeps this EQ a smaller form factor but with a lot of power. Being designed for mixing and mastering be assured that this plugin delivers best when applied to a whole group or a master channel.
Giving instant sparkle to a mix or a very much needed bass boost this FREE plugin has you covered!
Compatibility:
Win 7 or higher only
12. lkjb QRange Review
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Specifications:
- 12 bands
- peak, shelf and cut filter
- Cut filters (12, 24 and 48 dB/oct steepness)
- Stereo/Left/Right/Mid/Side routing for each band
- A global gain for loudness adjustments
- Resizable GUI
Features & When To Use:
QRange is a very straight forward, user friendly, and effective EQ for mixing and mastering.
Giving the user an intuitive click and drag feature makes EQ work easy and more controllable.
With a choice of twelve bands, there is excellent room for doing additive plus subtractive EQ all in one plugin patch. Each band has. Selection of up to five different types (peak, low-shelf, high-shelf, low cut, and high cut).
Built into the frequency spectrum, you have the power to change it to pre or post. ‘Pre’ will let you see what the frequency range looks likes before the EQ is applied, whereas ‘Post’ will allow you to see it after the EQ has taken effect.
Offering the ability to users to save and load their own presets makes it easy to bring back some of your favourite patches while working on a mix or master.
It has to be said lkjb QRange is a must-have FREE EQ plugin.
Compatibility:
Win 7 or higher, macOS 10.7 or higher
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13. TDR Slick EQ Review
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Specifications:
- Semiparametric EQ layout
- Three bands combined with 18dB/Oct high-pass filter
- Four EQ models: “American”, “British”, “German” and “Soviet” with optional non-linearity
- Five output stages: “Linear”, “Silky”, “Mellow”, “Deep” and “Toasted”
- Saturation algorithms by VoS (“Stateful saturation”)
Features & When To Use:
TDR’s Slick EQ provides a recognizable analogue sound.
Using three bands that bring together four different EQ models.
Both low and high bands are coupled with a cut and bell feature allowing for comfortable band changing.
Auto gain estimates the gain change caused by the current EQ settings; this makes it great to compare your EQ setting during the mix. There is also an ‘EQ Sat’ button; this will activate the saturator which is very intelligently paired to your EQ bands. This will add harmonics when boosting and remain passive when cutting.
Being able to save your favourite EQ settings for a later mix or master can be done within the plugin. Coupled with a undo/redo button you never miss that sweet spot for your bands, alternatively set up two different EQs with the A/B switch.
Slick EQ gives a very stripped back interface meaning you don’t get caught up with the visuals when doing equalising, providing a focus on what your hearing. This EQ shouldn’t be overlooked, with great coding, algorithms, settings, and excellent sounding types SlickEQ delivers more than you would expect from a FREE plugin.
Compatibility:
Win 32 bit VST2, VST3, Win 64bit VST2, VST3, AAX
Mac VST2, VST3, AU, AAX 64 bit
14. Manda Audio 7Q Review
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Specifications:
- Seven band EQ
- Highpass/lowpass
- Stereo/mono options
- Left/right options
- Output level
Features & When To Use:
Manda Audio brings us 7Q.
7Q is an emulation of the beloved ‘Classic EQ’ which became discontinued, the team came together and brought the community back a redesigned version.
7Q takes off all the fancy parts and gives you the bare basics; this is what gives this a place on our list. With 7Q giving you the ability to apply your EQ to the left or right or both channels, you can independently EQ both sides of the stereo field.
Each band can be additive or subtractive. Keeping easy to use format is what this plugin does best; it doesn’t over-complicate the task at hand but assists your needs along the way wether mix or master.
Low memory and CPU usage make it easy to have multiple instances in your projects without having your computer meltdown.
7Q is a nifty EQ that is awesome for giving your sounds a little crisp boost before running into your other plugins within the chain.
Compatibility:
Win VST 32/64 bit, AAX 32/64 bit
Mac VST, AU, AAX
15. Mellowmuse EQ1A Review
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Specifications:
- HP: 10hz – 1khz / sweepable Q
- Low Shelf: 30hz – 500hz
- Low Mid: 70hz – 2khz / sweepable Q
- High Mid: 500hz – 6k / sweepable Q
- High Shelf: 1.5k – 18k
- Phase switch
- Output level
- 64-bit internal processing
- Formats: 64bit VST, VST3, AU and AAX
- Version: 3.2
- Legacy 32bit installers
Features & When To Use:
EQ1A is a FREE analog-style EQ with a clever algorithm giving you minimal phase coloration.
This plugin has initially been paid to use the plugin, but the developers have decided to give it to us all for FREE!
EQ1A allows you to use broad bands to shape your sounds or outputs in a clean, crisp and phase-corrected way.
Being able to save you presets within the plugin makes it very easy to pull back that EQ you made on the last mix. 4-band parametric equalizer with an additional HP filter with variable resonance gives a wide range of settings to play with while keeping everything simple and user friendly.
EQ1A does what it says on the tin for FREE!
Using this within mixing or mastering may help you when wanting to add a hefty highpass or when looking to give some warmth to your mid ranges.
It has to be said with a great look, and low CPU usage EQ1A is an excellent addition to your plugins.
Compatibility:
Win, Mac
16. Voxengo Marvel GEQ Review
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Specifications:
- 16-band graphic equalizing
- +/- 12 dB gain range per band
- Channel grouping
- Preset manager
- Contextual hint messages
- Freehand drawing mode
- Stereo and multi-channel processing
- Mid/side processing
- Undo/redo history
- All sample rates support
- Linear-phase equalizing
- Internal channel routing
- 64-bit floating-point processing
Features & When To Use:
Voxengo is notorious for doing some excellent free plugins.
This addition is the Marvel GEQ, which is a fifteen band linear phase EQ.
There is a routing tab that allows you to affect the signals mid/sides independently. (orange slides)
Also giving full independence to the mid/side output level, becoming very useful when mixing and mastering.
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Bypass feature makes it simple to hear what your EQ is doing to your sound source. Alternatively, decide between two EQ setups with the A/B mode.
For quick EQ drawing, you can hold ‘Ctrl or Cmd’ and click across the EQ drawing in your fader settings with the click of a mouse.
Having a stripped back form factor with enough controls to complement your mixing tasks this plugin has to be our list today.
Compatibility:
VST Win, VST3 Win, VST Mac, VST3 Mac, AU Mac
17. Kuassa BASIQ Review
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Specifications:
- Three-band EQ
- High, mid, low
- Presets tab
- Output level
- Very simple to use
Features & When To Use:
BASIQ is a three-band EQ.
It keeps in mind that EQ work for mixing and mastering doesn’t have to be a headache or over complicated.
BASIQ is a design similar to the classic ‘Baxandall Equalizer’ which is knowns for its natural-sounding shelves and HiFi quality responses.
Adding a smooth, gradual shimmer or warmth instead of a surgical sharpness is what BASIQ does best. Use on groups or a master chain to subtly but significantly add character with the turn of a knob.
With some added presets you be able to get a quick change in tone with the click of a button.
The small form factor makes this BASIQ a powerful tool to be used within the mix or master.
Compatibility:
Win, Mac, VST, AU, 64 bit
Our Picks For Top 3 Free EQ VST Plugins
With all of that said, grabbing all 17 plugins wouldn’t do you any harm, but we want to break down our top 3 picks!
1. DDMF Colour EQ Review
In our top spot, we have Colour EQ by DDMF.
This plugin brings so many features that you would expect from pay to use plugins but all for FREE! Another fresh point is that the curves you can create with this cannot be done on other EQ plugins, giving Colour EQ a versatile approach.
Low-CPU – Usage Customisable GUI – Great warm sound – 5 Bands
2. TDR Nova Parallel Dynamic Equalizer
Coming in second is Nova by TDR.
Parametric, dynamic EQ, and multiband compression are all built into an excellent looking FREE plugin.
Nova has a built-in dynamic EQ parameter when mixing, and mastering using a dynamic EQ is crucial sometimes. Having this all in one plugin for free is hugely commendable to the team who developed this plugin!
Parametric equalization – Dynamic equalization – Frequency selective compression – Multi-band compression – Wideband compression
3. Blue Cat’s Triple
And finally, our last top pick is ‘Triple’ by Blue Cat.
This awesome plugin has so many features you just wouldn’t expect a FREE plugin to have.
With a fresh interface and drag and click feature to make EQing even more natural Triple is a powerful EQ.
Semi-parametric EQ – +/- 40dB Range per band – MIDI control and automation support – Real-time display
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Today we have covered a lot of great FREE EQs for mixing and mastering. Amazingly, we have developers putting out all of these plugins for producers/sound engineers to level out the playing field. As we have all seen these ‘not to name’ brands releasing rather expensive EQs that we just can’t fork out for, but with the way, music has progressed today in the digital domain it has become much more accessible for creatives to share their ideas and effects for free.
With that said, they all have their benefits and downsides, but with them all being free, there is no reason you can’t pick them up and use these in your mixes or masters today!