Virtual Studio Technology also called as VST is an audio plug-in software interface with the major function of integrating software synthesizer and effects in digital audio workstations. VST and various other similar technologies use the digital signal processing to enhance the traditional recording studio hardware in software. There is a number of plugins in the world, both include commercial and freeware, and a huge number of audio apps which in turn supports the plugin under license from its creator. Who is the creator of VST? Yes! You guessed it correct. It is Steinberg. It came into existence in the year 1996. The best thing about VST instruments is that they can standalone software synthesizers, samplers, or drum machines.
Types of VST Plugins
So we have seen a brief introduction about VST Plugins. The technology and the music lover won’t be surprised by hearing that VST Plugins are of three types. But the ones who are new infield will be surely amazed to read it. Now, Let us see them in microscopic view.
- VST instruments: usually produce audio. They are classified into Virtual Synthesizers and Virtual samplers. Many reproduce the physical looks and sound of popular hardware synthesizers. Some of the renown VST instruments include Nexus, Sylenth1, Massive, Omnisphere, FM8, Absynth, Reaktor, Gladiator, Serum, and Vanguard.
- VST effects: process the audio. So It is different from instruments and performs the same activities as hardware audio processors such as reverbs and phasers. Other evaluating effects gives visual feedback of the input signal without processing the audio. Most VST plugins allow variety of effects to be chained. Audio monitoring devices such as spectrum analyzers and meters shows audio specifications (frequency distribution, amplitude, etc.) visually.
- VST MIDI effects: process MIDI which is called as Music Instrument Digital Interface messages (for example, transpose or arpeggiate) and locate the MIDI data to different instruments.
1. Dexed – FM Plugin Synth
Dexed is a multi-format best free VST plugin synth available in the market. It is closely modeled on Yamaha DX7. Dexed is a plugin which supports DX7 input and output Sysex messages and it also includes controller change. What does it mean? It simply means that you can properly utilize this with a DX7/TX7 as a fix editorial manager and sysex supervisor. A VU meter which is used to determine the active VST plugin with the operator. You can very conveniently save DX7/TX7 sysex programs. The engine of sound made for android closely modeled on the original DX7 characteristics. Thus, it can be considered as excellent frequency modulation synth. There are 6 operators which all are easily modded to follow interface.
2. Helix
Helix is a one of a kind synthesizer-module with a sonic clearness past the challenge. Taking off leads, strong basses, gleaming cushions… Helix does everything. The preliminary variant is for all intents and purposes completely practical. It will in some cases create clamor and will leave tune incidentally. Helix will stack in any DAW that underpins VST or AU modules, 32-bit or 64-bit. The oscillators present in Helix will allow you to choose from various waveforms included in it, or else you can load your own. The plugin will allow you to make a choice among the three distortion process available per voice. There are basically three filters which include traditional low/band/high pass, EQ, and comb, less usual dynamics, to the exotic String Model and PM Delay, a delay where the delay time is modulated in audio-rate.
3. TAL-NoiseMaker
Coming to the third and the popular plugin available in the market which is TAL-NoiseMaker. It is actually an enhanced form of TAL-Elek7ro and has a totally new synth motor and a great deal of upgrades in sound and ease of use. The plugin has the presence of 3 oscillators. There is also the presence of an adjustable master tune and transpose. Not only this but also 6 voices are included in the small package of Plugin. The functions associated with ADSR includes filtering ADSR (negative and positive), changing the volume of ADSR, modulates Filter, Osc 1, Osc 2, PW, FM (negative and positive). The best thing about ADSR is that it is routable. TAL-NoiseMaker detunes notes randomly on its own if needed. 256 great presets makes it one of the best plugin for VST.
4. Spitfire Audio: Labs
Spitfire Audio has been consistently building up their biggest examining venture to date: a complete, secluded accumulation of symphonic strings, metal, and woodwinds, recorded in London’s AIR Studios from various listening points of view making it best free vst plugin. The plugin has a very basic and focussed interface which attracts the majority of the population. The Soft Piano and Strings are also currently available. The best thing is that it is compatible with VST2, VST3, AAX & AU. The extremely generous folks at Spitfire Audio – in addition to their more epic-sized stockpile and have provided their users with a series of small but perfectly formed sample libraries, which have been made under the name of their LABS series. This is completely free of cost and anyone can easily opt for this plugin.
5. Combo Model F
Coming to the next popular plugin which is none other than Combo Model F. There is the presence of 4-octave C-to-C keyboard. Not only this but the plugin also offers Harmonic range 6 polyphonic octaves. The 3 treble voice tabs like Dolce, Principale, and strings are the thing which makes this Plugin different. Don’t you require a multi-tone booster voice in your single VST plugin? If yes then you don’t need to worry. This plugin is really a collection of booster voice. The features of this plugin won’t ever end. Knee lever control, Bass voice, Volume Pedal, Velocity-sensitive key contact with attack and release function were some of the authentic designs made in the Combo Model F. If your note is different, still, you can adjust the tuning. Lastly, it is fully automatable and fully modeled. Thus, it is considered one of the best free vst plugins.
6. Acoustica Nightlife
Acoustica Nightlife is fun and rousing virtual synthesizer instrument, stuffed with bone-rattling basses, powerful cushions, beat– synchronized arpeggiated examples and tons more, settling on it the perfect decision for current move, EDM, or daze styles. This were only a few features. What if I list and explain them all? There are total 3 oscillators present in the plugin along with the sync, ring mod, and FM feature. Five totally free i.e independent, beat-synced sequencers, and each of them containing up to 32 steps are available. Nightlife’s Vowel Filter lets the user make unique and different vocal-like timbres with a simple and amazing “bouncing ball” graphic interface. Nine mod sources are also included in the plugin along with 36 destinations.
7. Tal – Bassline
The next and the important plugin renowned as best free VST plugins available in the market. Acid-twinged basslines make you active and you love listening to them. Isn’t it? So, this plugin will give those basslines without any complications. They are absolutely made for Trap, EDM or any other big bass requirements if you might have. The bandlimited oscillators (saw, pulse) are present in the Tal- Bassline. Coming to the next physical aspect of the plugin, it also has the presence of a button known as the Panic button. 2x Unisono Mode makes it work differently. The Tal- Bassline has asymmetric and random components. The function of this is to introduce a warm and analog sound. The Sub-oscillator like a square -1 Oct., square -2 Oct., pulse -1 Oct, pulse -2 Oct are components of the same.
8. La Petite Excite
The name is much different from other plugins available all around the VST plugins available. This one is regarded as the best plugin in the list of best free vst plugins for vocals. La Petite Exciter plugins make an addition of subtle harmonics to your actual vocal track for some extra sonic-excitement in the large range. Changing the frequencies of various notes is the main feature of this plugin. One can easily go from lowest frequency to highest frequency. La Petite Excite will definitely hold it’s placed in your daily goto plugins for sound design and manufacturing of the same. Your heart will not only fall for this software but you will also fall in love with the same. The feature of “Noise Floor” – as the name speaks – it will add some subtle noise to your music.
9. Tunefish
The last best free VST plugin available on our list is Tunefish. It is a free synth that can produce anything you wish for within a few seconds. Let the thing be pads, leads, bass or any other tasty sound your track needs, it will surely produce it. It also has an attractive user interface and uses the amazing Juce framework for C++. Flanger, Chorus, Distortion, Delay, Reverb, EQ, and Formant are some of the supported effects of the renown plugin Tunefish. The fantastic thing about the effects is that the stack of the same will permit you for any permutation of up to 10 effects. What else can you be wishing for? The cost is absolutely free with some creativity and music love. Lowpass, Highpass, Bandpass and an enhanced Notch filter are also present.
Final Words!
So, unfortunately, we have come to an end! The VST plugins can completely make your ways of producing music vary that too without any charge. Every free music production software supports using them. We know making a piece of music is not at all a cup of tea. But thanks to these handy plugin tools as because of it the task doesn’t have to be so tough as it is in reality. The best plugin available is now to be judged by you as per your requirement criteria. You can do it without any worry and just match them with the features of plugins. So keep producing music in the same way.