The Best 50 Free Audio Plugins 2024 for Music Production, Mixing & Mastering

Free Audio Plugins 2024: 50 Must-Have Tools for Music Producers

Digital Audio Workstation (DAW):

1. Pro Tools Intro

• Available for : Windows, Mac
• Description: Pro Tools Intro is a free version of the professional DAW Pro Tools. Perfect for beginners and still powerful.
• Download Pro Tools Intro

2. Universal Audio Luna

• Available for : Mac
• Description: Universal Audio Luna is a professional digital audio workstation (DAW) exclusively for Mac users. With premium recording, editing and mixing features, Luna offers a seamless music production experience.
• Download Universal Audio Luna

3. Cakewalk by BandLab

• Available for: Windows
• Description: Cakewalk by BandLab is a powerful Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) for Windows. It offers all the tools you need for professional music production.
• Download Cakewalk by BandLab

4. MPC Beats

• Available for : Windows, Mac
• Description: MPC Beats is free beatmaking software and is compatible with numerous pad controllers. Create beats with high-quality drum kits and instruments.
• Download MPC Beats

5. GarageBand

• Available for : Mac
• Description: GarageBand is an easy-to-use DAW exclusively for Mac. Ideal for beginners and still offers powerful features.
• Download GarageBand

6. Audacity

• Available for : Windows, Mac, Linux
• Description: Audacity is an open source audio recording and editing software. With basic functions for beginners and advanced users alike.
• Download Audacity

Equalizer:

7. TDR Nova

• Format: VST, AU, AAX
• Description: TDR Nova is a dynamic equalizer that gives you precise control over the sound of your audio tracks. With its versatile functions you can perfectly tune your sound.
• Download TDR Nova

• Format: VST, AU, AAX
• Description: TDR VOS SlickEQ is an analogue-sounding equalizer with various EQ curves. It gives your recordings warmth and character.
• Download TDR VOS SlickEQ

Compressor/limiter:

9. OTT by Xfer Records

• Format: VST, AU, AAX
• Description: OTT (Over The Top) is a multiband compressor with a unique character. It's perfect for pumping and saturating sounds.
• Download OTT by Xfer Records

• Format: VST, AU, AAX
• Description: TDR Kotelnikov is a versatile compressor/limiter that provides precise dynamic control. He can perform gentle adjustments or hard compressions.
• Download TDR Kotelnikov

• Format: VST, AU, AAX
• Description: Frontier is a limiter with a vintage flair. It can naturally amplify your tracks and give them an analog touch.
• Download Frontier by D16 Audio Group

Reverb/Delay:

12. Valhalla Supermassive

• Format: VST, AU
• Description: Valhalla Supermassive is an impressive reverb and delay effect that gives your sound a sublime width. It's perfect for atmospheric sounds.
• Download Valhalla Supermassive

13. Davisynth Spiral Delay

• Format: VST
• Description: Davisynth Spiral Delay is a creative delay effect with unique modulation options. Ideal for experimental sound effects.
• Download Davis Synth Spiral Delay

Distortion/Saturation:

14. Softube Saturation Knob

• Format: VST, AU, AAX
• Description: SaturionKnob is a simple but effective saturation plugin. It adds warmth and saturation to your signal.
• Download Softube Saturation Knob

15. Sound helmet IVGI

• Format: VST, AU, AAX
• Description: Klanghelm IVGI is a versatile saturation processor. From gentle warmth to aggressive distortion - perfect for coloring your sound.
• Download sound helmet IVGI

• Format: VST, AU, AAX
• Description: Ujam Drive is a free synthesizer that is extremely easy to use despite its numerous setting options.
• Download Ujam Drive

17. La Petite Excite

• Format: VST
• Description: La Petite Excite is a free exciter effect for treble boosting. Add brilliance and clarity to your tracks.
• Download La Petite Excite

18. CamelCrusher by Camel Audio

• Format: VST, AU (32bit)
• Description: CamelCrusher is a versatile distortion and compression plugin. It can create gentle distortion or merciless destruction.
• Download CamelCrusher by Camel Audio

Software collections:

19. PA FREE Plugins Bundle

• Format: VST, AU, AAX
• Description: Plugin Alliance's PA FREE Plugins Bundle offers a range of high-quality free audio effects. From EQs to compressors to modulation tools - a versatile collection for professional sound editing.
• Download PA FREE Plugins Bundle

20. Analog Obsession Free Plugins

• Format: VST, AU, AAX
• Description: Analog Obsession's digital emulations are really great. From vintage compressors to EQs, this collection will give your recordings authentic analog character. You can find all plugins and download links on Patreon.
• Download Analog Obsession Free Plugins

21. Airwindows Free Plugins

• Format: VST
• Description: Airwindows offers a variety of free audio effects. From EQs to compressors to unique creative tools - a comprehensive collection for sound designers and music producers.
• Download Airwindows plugins

22. MFreeFXBundle

• Format: VST, AU
• Description: The MFreeFXBundle is a collection of free audio effects, including an equalizer. It offers a wide range of sound editing tools.
• Download MFreeFX Bundle

23. ik Multimedia SampleTank 4 CS

• Format: VST, AU, AAX
• Description: SampleTank 4 CS is a free version of the renowned software instrument. An extensive collection of sounds for different genres.
• Download SampleTank 4 CS

24. Baby Audio Freebies

• Format: VST, AU, AAX
• Description: Baby Audio Freebies is a collection of free audio effects including reverb, delay and more. Beginner-friendly yet powerful.
• Download Baby Audio Freebies

Instruments:

25. Native Instruments Complete Start

• Format: VST, AU
• Description: Complete Start of Native Instruments contains a collection of instruments and effects for music production. It's perfect for getting started and producing beats and melodies.
• Download Native Instruments Complete Start

26. LABS by Spitfire Audio

• Format: VST, AU
• Description: LABS by Spitfire Audio is a collection of free virtual instruments. It includes pianos, strings and more.
• Download LABS by Spitfire Audio

27. DSK Guitars Acoustic

• Format: VST
• Description: DSK Guitars Acoustic offers realistic acoustic guitar sounds for your productions. Perfect for singer-songwriters and more.
• Download DSK Guitars Acoustic

28. Ample percussion cloud drum

• Format: VST, AU, AAX
• Description: Ample Percussion Clouddrum offers authentic percussive sounds for realistic rhythm design. With versatile possibilities, from traditional to experimental sounds.
• Download Ample Percussion Clouddrum

29. Ample Guitar Lite 2

• Format: VST, AU
• Description: Ample Guitar Lite 2 by Ample Sound is a free guitar simulation. It offers realistic guitar sounds for your productions.
• Download Ample Guitar Lite 2

Synthesizer:

30 . SynthMaster Player Free by KV331 Audio

• Format: VST, AU, AAX
• Description: SynthMaster Player Free is a versatile software synthesizer. It offers a wide range of sounds and styles.
• Download SynthMaster Player Free

31. Tyrell N6 by u-he

• Format: VST, AU
• Description: Tyrell N6 by u-he is a virtual synthesizer with an analogue character. It offers versatile sound generation options.
• Download Tyrell N6 by u-he

32. Zebralette Lite 2 by u-he

• Format: VST, AU
• Description: Zebralette Lite 2 by u-he is a free offshoot of the popular Zebra synthesizer. It enables the creation of complex and versatile sounds.
• Download Zebralette Lite 2 by u-he

33. Vital Audio Vital

• Format: VST, AU
• Description: Vital Audio Vital is a powerful wavetable synthesizer. It offers extensive modulation options and a wide range of sounds.
• Download Vital Audio Vital

34. Bass Line by Tone Project

• Format: VST, AU
• Description: Bass Line by Tone Projects is a simple but effective bass synthesizer. It is ideal for creating basslines.
• Download Bass Line by Tone Projects
  

35. Synth1 by Ichiro Toda

• Format: VST, AU
• Description: Synth1 by Ichiro Toda is a classic virtual analog synthesizer. It offers a wide range of sounds and modulation options.
• Download Synth1 by Ichiro Toda

Gate:

36. A1TriggerGate

• Format: VST
• Description: A1TriggerGate is a powerful gate plugin ideal for rhythmic gate effects, sidechain processing, and precise dynamics control.
• Download A1TriggerGate

Filter:

37. Elysia Level Filter

• Format: VST, AU, AAX
• Description: Elysia Level Filter is a versatile filter with various sound shaping options. It enables precise adjustment of the sound.
• Download Elysia level filter

Stereo panning:

38. FLUX Stereo Tool

• Format: VST, AU, AAX
• Description: FLUX Stereo Tool provides advanced stereo editing and optimization. Perfect for adding breadth and clarity to your mix.
• Download FLUX Stereo Tool

39. iZotope Ozone Imager

• Format: VST, AU, AAX
• Description: iZotope Ozone Imager is a stereo imaging tool that controls the spatial placement of your audio tracks. It creates a wide and spatial sound image.
• Download iZotope Imager

40. Polyverse Against 2

• Format: VST, AU, AAX
• Description: Polyverse Wider is a free stereo expansion plugin. It expands the stereo image of your audio signals and gives them more space.
• Download Polyverse Cons

41. A1StereoControl

• Format: VST, AU
• Description: A1StereoControl is a stereo enhancement and imaging tool. It creates spatial effects and expands the stereo width of your audio tracks.
• Download A1StereoControl

• Format: VST, AU
• Description: Cableguys PanCake is a versatile panning and modulation plugin. You can create automated panning effects and more.
• Download Cableguys PanCake

Effects:

43. iZotope Vinyl

• Format: VST, AU, AAX
• Description: iZotope Vinyl is a plugin that adds vinyl record effects. You can create crackling, scratching, and other vintage effects.
• Download iZotope Vinyl

44. Freakshow Industries Backmask

• Format: VST, AU, AAX
• Description: Freakshow Industries Backmask is a creative effects plugin for unusual sound effects. It changes and twists audio material in unique ways.
• Download Freakshow Industries Backmask

45. neuton Qosmo

• Format: VST, AU
• Description: neutone Qosmo is an AI-powered audio effects plugin for sound modulation with sound shaping and enhancement features.
• Download neutone Qosmo

Analyzers:

46. ​​SPAN by Voxengo

• Format: VST, AU, AAX
• Description: SPAN by Voxengo is a versatile spectral analysis tool. It helps you visualize the frequency distribution of your audio tracks.
• Download SPAN by Voxengo

• Format: VST, AU, AAX
• Description: Youlean Loudness Meter is a loudness measurement tool that measures the loudness of your music. It helps you prepare your tracks for streaming services.
• Download Youlean Loudness Meter

48. MAAT 2BusControl

• Format: VST, AU, AAX
• Description: MAAT 2BusControl is a tool for controlling and monitoring the stereo bus. You can tweak stereo width, phase response, and more.
• Download MAAT 2BusControl

• Format: VST, AU, AAX
• Description: MAAT GÖN is a plugin for optimizing the phase position in audio production. It helps solve phase problems and improve sound.
• Download MAAT GOEN

Auto tune:

50. GSnap by Graham Yeadon

• Format: VST
• Description: GSnap by Graham Yeadon is a free Auto-Tune plugin. It helps in automatic pitch correction of your singing.
• Download GSnap by Graham Yeadon

There you have it, the 50 best free audio plugins for 2024. Whether you're working on your next hit or just want to improve your productions, these plugins are an absolute must.

Utilitiy Tools (Bonus):

1. Pace iLok

• Available for: Windows, Mac
• Description: Pace's digital and free license manager iLok is used by many software manufacturers such as Avid for licensing.
• Download Pace iLok

2. VideoLan - VLC Player

• Available for: Windows, Mac
• Description: The multimedia player developed by VideoLan supports numerous audio and video formats and is a good alternative to the standard audio player.
• Download VideoLan - VLC Player

3. Free FileSync

• Available for: Windows, Mac, Linux
• Description: Free FileSync is a powerful file synchronization tool. Ideal for organizing and securing music projects.
• Download FreeFileSync

4. MP3TAG

• Available for: Windows, Mac
• Description: MP3TAG is free software for editing MP3 tags of audio files.
• Download MP3TAG

5. Day Editor Lite

• Available for : Mac
• Description: Tag Editor Lite is an easy-to-use tool for editing metadata in audio files. Optimize the organization of your music library.
• Download Tag Editor Lite

6. KeyFinder

• Available for : Mac
• Description: KeyFinder analyzes audio files and detects the key. A useful tool for harmonizing samples and more.
• Download KeyFinder

7. Tunebat

• Format: online
• Description: Tunebat is a free online tool that automatically determines the key and tempo (BPM) of your song. Just upload the file and wait!
• To Tunebat

8. Song BPM

• Format: online
• Description: If you want to easily find out the tempo (BPM) of a well-known song, simply search the name for free in the Song BPM database.
• To song BPM

9. Loudness Penalty Analyzer

• Format: online
• Description: The Loudness Penalty Analyzer is a practical and free online tool that determines the average loudness of your mix.
• About Loudness Penalty: Analyzer​

10. WhoSampled

• Format: online
• Description: The online platform WhoSampled is legendary! Here you can find out which samples were used in which songs and lots of other useful background information!
• To WhoSampled

FAQs about free audio plugins:

Are these plugins really free?

Yes, all plugins listed here are available to download for free. However, some also offer advanced paid versions with additional features.

What formats are these plugins available in?

Most of these plugins are available in VST, AU and AAX formats, making them compatible with most popular DAWs .

Are these plugins suitable for beginners?

Yes, many of these plugins are user-friendly and good for beginners . However, they can also be used by experienced music producers .

Is there technical support for these free plugins?

Technical support varies depending on the plugin developer. Some offer limited support for their free versions, while others may only offer paid support.

Can I use these plugins on Mac and Windows?

Yes, most of these plugins are available for both Mac and Windows. Make sure you download the correct version for your operating system.

Now you have found the ultimate guide with free audio plugins for 2024 - many of these plugins appear in well-known and high-quality productions. Download them yourself, experiment and find out which plugins suit your sound. Have fun producing!

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