the logo for icon collective is yellow on a white background .

5 Free VST Plugins: March 2019


This free VST plugins roundup features a modular synth, distortion effect, multi-modulation effect, a virtual instrument library, and a Juno-60 inspired chorus.

Free VST Plugins

Each month we search the web for some of the music industry’s most essential freeware instrument and effect plugins. This list of  free VST plugin  downloads offers five modern tools for your arsenal. No need to spend a dime or waste time trawling the internet.

1. VCV Rack | Virtual Modular Synthesizer

Dip your toes into the world of modular syntheses for free. VCV Rack gives you an entire simulated Eurorack on your computer. This open-source virtual modular synthesizer also has a growing library of free modules. However, VCV Rack is a standalone instrument. You’ll also need the free VeeSeeVSTRack software to use VCV Rack as a VST plugin.

2. Temper | Digital Distortion

Temper is a modern digital distortion plugin featuring a rich saturation stage and unique phase distortion. Use the variable saturation curve to add warmth and edge to your sound. The phase distortion brings character and clarity to your mix. Temper also features a simple resonant lowpass filter and a feedback path to drive the intensity of the tone.

3. Flutterbird | Volume and Pitch Modulation

Flutterbird is a free modulation VST plugin for adding pitch and volume fluctuation to incoming audio. Use it for traditional wow/flutter effects or for more chaotic, extreme modulation. Flutterbird features four separate oscillators with adjustable speeds that can be mapped to either pitch or volume.

4. LABS | Virtual Instrument Libraries

The LABS series of instrument plugins offer a line of free sound libraries. They all feature simplified controls such as sliders for expression and dynamics, and a big knob you can customize to your workflow. The growing list of expansion libraries includes Peel Guitar, Frozen Strings, Synth Pads, Choir, Electric Piano, and several others.

5. TAL-Chorus-LX | Chorus Effect

TAL-Chorus-LX is a free chorus VST plugin. It models the chorus circuit on Roland’s iconic Juno-60 synthesizer. This simple effect features two modes, Dry/Wet control, and a Volume knob. Use it to add rich chorus and stereo width to your sounds.

Join the ICON Collective Newsletter:

MORE ARTICLES FROM THE ICON BLOG

By Florian Radke 06 Dec, 2023
Mastering is the final stage of the music production process, and it can make all the difference between an amateur sounding mix and a professional, radio-ready track. As the last creative step before distribution, mastering polishes a mix and prepares it for the listener's experience across various playback systems. While mixing involves balancing and processing individual tracks, mastering takes a holistic approach. Mastering engineers use specialized tools and global adjustments to enhance the overall sound quality, consistency, and perceived loudness of a song. Their expertise and fresh ears provide an objective perspective on giving mixes the final touches they need. This guide breaks down the art of mastering into "4 C's" - clarity, consistency, color, and clipping/loudness. Understanding these concepts is key to elevating mixes and achieving professional masters. Whether you're a producer looking to DIY master your own tracks or better communicate with mastering engineers, the 4 C's provide a framework for success. I. Clarity Clarity refers to how clearly the listener can hear all the individual elements and details in a mix. It enables the message and emotion of the music to shine through. Mastering should enhance clarity by ensuring nothing obscures the core instruments and vocals. Equalization (EQ) is essential for boosting clarity during mastering. Strategic EQ can attenuate problem frequencies that clutter or mask other elements. For example, a dip at 400-600Hz could tame muddy bass buildup, while a boost at 2-4kHz could increase vocal presence. Subtle EQ moves of 1-2dB can make a notable difference. Multiband compression also helps increase clarity on specific frequency ranges. Compressing the low mids around 300-500Hz can tighten and control muddy resonances, cleaning up the low end. Gentle compression on highs above 10kHz can add sizzle and detail. The key is to compress transparently, avoiding pumping artifacts. Modern mastering tools like iZotope’s Ozone provide dedicated modules for honing clarity. The “Spectral Shaper” applies smoothing EQ to suppress resonances and masking. The “Vintage Tape” module smooths out peaks and enhances punch. Used subtly, these processing tools can work wonders for opening up a dense mix.  A case study in exemplary clarity is the mastering on Daft Punk’s 2013 album “Random Access Memories.” Despite the record’s density of instruments and arrangements, every element shines through in a clean, polished way. The mastering perfectly complements the pristine production quality.
By Florian Radke 01 Dec, 2023
Explore Rick Rubin's minimalist music production ethos, highlighting his work with Johnny Cash and Adele, and how his "less is more" approach revolutionizes music’s emotional impact.
LL Cool J
By Rory PQ 18 May, 2023
Hip hop is one of the world's most prominent musical genres and cultural influences. Explore significant events in hip hop history and its explosive evolution.

FIND YOUR SOUND, HONE YOUR CRAFT:


Are you ready to turn music into a career? ICON prepares students to become music producers, composers, performers, recording artists, professional DJs, and entrepreneurs in the entertainment industry. Click below to get information about our award-winning programs:

LEARN MORE
Share by: