Every few weeks we will let you know about the latest free audio plugins. Check those expiry dates because some won’t be free forever. Join the Plugin Deals and Freebies Facebook Group, or check out r/newplugindeals and r/freeaudioplugins on Reddit if you want to find out about the latest deals and freebies as they happen.
Astra Creative Audio releases free optical compressor plugin for Mac and Windows
Expiry: September 14th
Astra Creative Audio has released A-2A, an optical tube compressor plugin for macOS and Windows. It is available free from 7 to 14 September; after the introductory period it is priced at €35 + VAT. Licenses obtained during the free period remain valid and include updates.
The A-2A models the behavior of a classic opto cell, including program-dependent dynamics with a two-stage release. It is aimed at steadying sources such as vocals and mix buses with soft-knee compression and without automatic makeup gain.
- Latency: 0 samples (zero latency)
- Ratio: approximately 3.07:1
- Knee: soft, approximately 7.5 dB
- Attack: approximately 9.4 ms
- Makeup gain: none applied automatically
- Approximate CPU usage: 1.27% (developer’s test bench)
The interface provides Peak Reduction and Gain controls, along with Glow and Emphasis parameters, and a VU meter displaying gain reduction.
Formats and compatibility:
- macOS: VST3 and AU (Universal Binary for Intel and Apple Silicon)
- Windows: 64-bit VST3
Installation notes:
- macOS may display a warning that the developer cannot be verified; installation can be allowed via System Settings → Privacy & Security → Open Anyway.
- On Windows, the installer may require selecting More info → Run anyway.
Download requires an email address for license delivery.
Hollywood Audio Design makes Tronic free normally 29 dollars 95 cents requiring full Kontakt 7 7 3 for Mac and Windows
Expiry: September 18th
Hollywood Audio Design is offering Tronic as a free download for a limited time. The instrument is normally priced at $29.95. It requires the full retail version of Native Instruments Kontakt 7.7.3 or later (not the free Kontakt Player) on macOS or Windows, and 5.2 GB of available disk space. The download includes a 30% discount code for a future Hollywood Audio Design purchase.
Tronic is a cinematic electronic instrument for Kontakt that provides loops, rhythmic phrases, sequences, pads, basses, and synth textures for building cues and tracks quickly.
The library contains over 500 audio assets, including loops, pads, bass elements, synth phrases, and drum/percussion one-shots. All content is licensed as royalty-free for commercial use in music releases and media projects.
Alongside the Kontakt instrument, the package includes the raw WAV source files for drag-and-drop use. This allows editing, processing, and arrangement directly within a DAW without loading Kontakt.
Tronic’s custom Kontakt interface offers controls for sound adjustment and layering inside the sampler. The content is intended for film scoring, trailers, game soundtracks, and modern electronic production.
Technical notes: operates on macOS and Windows; requires the full version of Kontakt 7.7.3 or later; installation footprint is approximately 5.2 GB.
DJW Audio releases Pulseq Pultec inspired EQ plugin free for MacOS only
Expiry: November 1st
DJW Audio has released Pulseq, a Pultec-inspired equalizer plugin. The release is free and currently available only for macOS.
Pulseq operates as an EQ within digital audio workstations, intended for adjusting frequency balance on individual tracks, subgroup buses, or full mixes in music production and audio post workflows.
DJW Audio is based in the United Kingdom. The company’s product range also includes Shine Reverb, Laika, Liminal, and Liminal S.
Initial Audio releases Difro Melody AI free standalone MIDI generator for Windows and Mac
Expiry: None
Initial Audio has released Difro Melody AI, a standalone MIDI generator for Windows and macOS that runs locally on the user’s machine. Version 1.1.0 is now available as a free update.
Difro generates melodic variations in real time from live input or existing MIDI. Users can record directly into the built-in piano roll or drag in a MIDI file, then audition results bar by bar and export either MIDI clips or rendered WAV loops to their DAW. The app includes ten prompt models built from more than 140 MIDI files, with additional models planned.
The software supports both CPU and GPU modes. On Windows, NVIDIA GPUs are supported; on macOS, Apple silicon GPUs are supported. If no compatible GPU is available, Difro runs on CPU. Switching between CPU and GPU is available from within the app.
Version 1.1.0 introduces several workflow additions:
- Multiple generations per click: Free generates two at once; Pro generates four.
- SourceLab Player UI: a simple browser with macro controls, with existing preset access retained.
- Bookmarks: save selected generations to categorized folders on disk.
- Open model folder: right-click a prompt model card to access and manage its MIDI files.
- Updated prompt model creation wizard for faster setup.
SourceLab Light, a bundled instrument, is integrated for immediate auditioning. It includes more than 80 presets and a new player interface. External instrument hosting is also supported: VST3 plugins on Windows and Audio Units on macOS. Users can preview generations with their own presets before export.
Difro offers WAV rendering alongside MIDI export. A Render to WAV function creates an audio loop that can be dragged to the desktop, a folder, or directly into a DAW. The corresponding MIDI clip can be dragged out from within the interface as needed.
User feedback is built into the generation process. Each output can be rated positively or negatively, and the system maintains a user-specific model that adapts to those ratings. Edits made in the piano roll can be applied before rating to steer future results toward the edited version. Users can toggle between the original factory model and their user model or delete the user model from the app menu.
Custom prompt models are available in the Pro tier. Users can create a model by placing any number of MIDI files into a folder; Difro then uses those files as prompts to guide generation toward the user’s style. Model folders can be shared, and specific SourceLab presets can be assigned to custom models. All processing and file handling occur locally.
Difro includes multiple interface skins. The application is designed as a standalone tool but is intended to fit into existing workflows by allowing quick drag-and-drop of MIDI and audio to DAWs such as Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, and Cubase.
Under the hood, Difro combines a Variational Autoencoder with a Transformer-based architecture. The system encodes incoming MIDI into a latent representation of rhythm, contour, and harmonic movement, then predicts subsequent notes to generate new phrases. Inference runs locally in real time on CPU by default, with optional GPU acceleration where supported.
Pricing is available in two tiers. Difro Free provides 50 generations per month, ten prompt models, ReImagine and Transform modes, and plugin hosting. Difro Pro is a one-time purchase at $49 and includes unlimited generations, custom model creation, ten prompt models, ReImagine and Transform modes, royalty-free use of outputs, and lifetime updates.
Difro is available now for Windows and macOS as a standalone application. The free tier does not require a subscription or credit card to start.
t4 Digital Studio launches AlterVerb 53 free or pay what you want reverb plugin for Windows
Expiry: None
t4 Digital Studio has released AlterVerb 53, a reverb audio effect plugin for Windows. The download is offered on a free or pay-what-you-want basis.
The initial announcement did not include technical specifications, plugin format details, or system requirements. Information on installation, presets, and documentation was not provided.
Reverb plugins are used to simulate acoustic spaces and add depth or ambience within a mix. They are commonly applied across music production, sound design, and post-production.
- Vocals: establishing space and blend within a mix
- Drums and percussion: adding room character or tail for sustain
- Guitars and synthesizers: creating width and atmosphere
- Sound design: shaping transitions, swells, and texture
- Post-production: matching or enhancing scene ambience
While specific controls for AlterVerb 53 were not listed, reverb processors typically include parameters such as:
- Decay (reverb time/RT60)
- Pre-delay
- Early/late reflections balance
- Damping or tone shaping
- Modulation depth/rate
- Stereo width or imaging
- Input/output level and dry/wet mix
Platform: Windows. Pricing: free or pay-what-you-want. Additional details on compatibility (e.g., specific plugin formats), CPU requirements, and included content were not available at the time of release.
Gazillion Industries offers DRUGS drum compressor free for macOS and Windows
Expiry: None
Gazillion Industries has released DRUGS, a free drum bus compressor for macOS and Windows. The software is available as AU and VST3 plug-ins, as well as a standalone application. It is offered as free or name-your-price.
The interface centers on a single macro control called DOSE, accompanied by a MIX control for dry/wet balance and a gain-reduction display. A LIMIT function provides a soft ceiling at −0.3 dBFS with a clip indicator.
DRUGS is designed for drum bus processing. Increasing DOSE aims to increase density rather than loudness, keeping peak levels relatively stable across the control range. The processing emphasizes reshaping drum breaks and raising room ambience under transients.
The developer describes the target as a “vinyl sim” style of compression: a compact, slightly crushed character with room information brought forward, similar to material processed through a sampler.
Under the hood, DOSE simultaneously adjusts the transfer curve, knee, attack, and release, functioning like a single hardware-style macro. There is no traditional threshold or ratio parameter; instead, the gain law is implemented via a lookup table, so the effective ratio varies continuously with input level.
Release timing is adaptive and not user-adjustable. Transient hits receive a shorter release so gain recovers within gaps, while sustained material receives longer release times to avoid audible breathing.
Auto-makeup gain is applied after the gain cell so setting output level does not alter the dynamics. The MIX control blends dry and processed signals with zero latency, keeping them sample-aligned to prevent comb filtering in parallel compression setups.
The LIMIT stage is zero-latency and attenuates only; it is designed to leave material below approximately −0.9 dBFS unaffected.
DRUGS installs as an Audio Unit on macOS and as a VST3 on both macOS and Windows, and it also runs standalone. Reported host compatibility includes Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Reaper, Cubase, Studio One, Bitwig, FL Studio, and GarageBand.
System requirements are macOS 10.13 or later (universal binary for Apple Silicon and Intel) and Windows 10 or later (64‑bit VST3). The plug-in reports zero samples of latency and operates without requiring an internet connection.
Intended uses include drum bus compression, parallel compression via the MIX control, and standalone processing of drum breaks where quick setup and consistent peak level are desired.
Riverflux Audio Releases Phixer Free Stereo Phase Repair Plugin
Expiry: None
Riverflux Audio has released Phixer, a free stereo phase repair plugin for use in digital audio workstations.
The plugin is intended to address phase discrepancies between the left and right channels of stereo signals and to improve mono compatibility. It is positioned for corrective tasks where phase relationships can affect clarity, imaging, or low‑frequency focus.
Typical applications include aligning stereo microphone captures, managing multi‑mic sources such as drum overheads and room mics, correcting layered or sampled material with inconsistent timing, and checking phase behavior on buses or the master output.
Phixer is offered at no cost. Specific format and system details were not provided in the announcement.
Full Bucket Music releases free FB3 synth plugin for Windows and Mac emulating classic Kawai K3 and K3m
Expiry: None
On September 5, 2026, Full Bucket Music released FB3, a free software instrument for Windows and macOS that emulates the Kawai K3 and K3m synthesizers introduced in 1986. The plug-in is written in native C++ and is available in multiple formats for both platforms.
Supported formats include:
- Windows: VST2, VST3, CLAP, AAX
- macOS: VST2, VST3, CLAP, Audio Unit, AAX
FB3 simulates the original K3/K3m wave generator and includes the factory sound set. It offers up to 64 voices of polyphony and provides a user interface that can also function as an editor for original K3/K3m hardware.
The instrument supports SysEx and user wave import and export, enabling exchange of data and custom waveforms. It is compatible with MTS-ESP dynamic microtuning and includes MIDI Learn, allowing all parameters to be mapped to MIDI CC.
The interface is resizable on standard builds. Separate “N” variants are provided for older systems; these use a fixed-size interface. macOS installers are supplied as Universal Binary 2 for Intel and Apple silicon machines. Both 32-bit and 64-bit systems are supported.
Version 1.0.0 is available now. Documentation includes a PDF manual and release notes. Packages are provided as ZIP files for Windows and PKG installers for macOS.
AngelicVibes releases Vanity Lite free mixing and mastering plugin for Mac and Windows
Expiry: None
AngelicVibes has released Vanity Lite, a free mixing and mastering plugin for macOS and Windows. The plugin is available in AU and VST3 formats and has a download size of approximately 10 MB.
Vanity Lite analyzes an audio track and generates a custom master for the full song. During playback, it examines tone, dynamics, loudness, transients, and stereo image, then presents four master options for comparison.
- A: Full Body
- B: Punch and Energy
- C: Loud & Open
- D: Clean & Balanced
The plugin can be used on full mixes as well as individual sources such as vocals, drums, and instruments. Because it naturally increases loudness, users may need to lower the channel fader or adjust the plugin’s mix control.
Suggested workflow:
- Place Vanity Lite at the end of the master chain.
- Start the song from the beginning and press Learn.
- After enough of the track has played, press Finish to generate the four masters.
The developer notes that results are dependent on the input mix. Vanity Lite is not intended to repair problematic mixes and performs best with balanced material. A headroom target around −10 dB is recommended to allow for processing. If a track has large inconsistencies, loudness and tonal results may vary.
Compatibility includes most DAWs that support AU or VST3. Pro Tools is not supported.
Version history:
- 1.0.0 — 4 September 2026: Initial release.
- 1.0.1 — 9 September 2026: Added light mode; improved sound across all four mastering profiles; updated Reduce/Enhance behavior; improved input and output meters; removed Color Exposure setting; window size now saved per instance; added in‑plugin update notices.
Key details:
- Formats: AU / VST3
- Platforms: macOS / Windows
- Size: ~10 MB
- Current version: 1.0.1
A manual and overview are available. The plugin is free to download; an account is required to access the installer.
Muse Group launches Audacity 4 free cross platform audio editor for Mac Windows and Linux
Expiry: None
Muse Group has released Audacity 4, a free, open-source audio editor for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Version 4.0.0 is available in 2026 with a download size of up to 51 MB. Distribution, installation, and updates are handled through the MuseHub desktop client.
Audacity 4 is designed for recording, editing, restoring, and producing audio. Typical uses include music production, podcasting, voiceovers, and audio for video.
This release introduces a redesigned interface and a new clip-editing workflow. Users can select, move, trim, stretch, and group multiple clips. Editing tools now include gain envelopes, trim and stretch handles, direct sample editing, markers, and loop regions. Playback, recording, looping, and device controls have been updated, and per-track metering is available.
The interface is customizable, with options for workspaces, themes, accent and clip colors, and configurable toolbar layouts.
Effects have been rebuilt, and the application supports LV2, VST3, Audio Unit, and Nyquist plugins. Audacity 4 integrates with MuseHub for managing and obtaining effects, instruments, and sound libraries.
A new .aup4 project format is introduced in this version. Projects created in Audacity 3 can be opened and converted within Audacity 4.
Cloud integration with audio.com enables saving, managing, and publishing projects online.
Some features from Audacity 3 are not yet available in Audacity 4.0.0. These include Time Tracks, MIDI tracks, the Mixer, macros, scripting, Vamp analyzers, LADSPA plugins, and play-at-speed.
Roland releases Melody Flip a free melody generation plugin for Windows and Mac
Expiry: None
Roland has released Melody Flip, a free melody-generation plug-in for macOS and Windows. It is available in VST3 and AU formats and is distributed through Roland Cloud Manager (version 3.1.23 or later). The plug-in is included with all Roland Cloud membership levels, including the free tier.
Melody Flip is designed to create melodic phrases and can also generate coordinated chord, bass, and drum parts as musical starting points. Users can export results as audio or MIDI files for further editing and arrangement in a DAW.
The software supports two primary workflows. Users can import a track, loop, beat, or song idea to trigger algorithmic analysis of the audio. The analysis examines structure, tempo, beat positions, key, chord progression, genre, and mood. Based on this information, Melody Flip recommends Palettes that align with the musical characteristics of the source. The tool does not copy the original melody; instead, it provides new material informed by the analysis.
Alternatively, users can start without audio by selecting a Palette from the built-in library. A Palette in Melody Flip comprises four connected parts—melody, chords, bass, and drums—and serves as a template for generating related musical ideas. The library includes more than 250 Palettes spanning a range of genres and styles.
After choosing or receiving a Palette recommendation, users can generate a melody, audition variations, and refine the output. The generated melody and its supporting parts can then be exported as audio or MIDI to continue production in a DAW.
Melody Flip is intended for tasks such as building beats, writing songs, or developing tracks, and aims to help users move from idea generation to arrangement while maintaining control over the final result.
The project was developed in collaboration with Sony Computer Science Laboratories, combining music analysis research with instrument and software development to create context-aware generation of musical material.
System support includes macOS and Windows 11, with plug-in formats VST3 and AU. Access is provided via Roland Cloud Manager version 3.1.23 or later.
Dystopian Waves releases Noesis Lite free chord generator plugin for Mac and Windows
Expiry: None
Dystopian Waves has released Noesis Lite, a free chord generator plugin for macOS and Windows.
Noesis Lite is presented as a chord generator intended for use in music production workflows to create and organize chords and progressions within a DAW environment.
The announcement specifies availability for both Mac and Windows at no cost. Technical details such as plugin formats, system requirements, version information, and host compatibility were not included.
A product page or documentation was not provided with the announcement (“[]”). Feature descriptions, setup instructions, and operational guidance were not available at the time of writing.
- Use cases may include creating and organizing chords and progressions during composition.
- Exploring harmonic options within a DAW workflow.
- Assisting with arrangement and songwriting tasks that involve chord structures.
DAWJunkie launches VinylSynth Jr free synth plugin for Mac and Windows
Expiry: None
DAWJunkie has released VinylSynth Jr, a free software synthesizer plugin for macOS and Windows.
The instrument features three sound generators created from recordings of actual vinyl sources. A filter section and ADSR envelope provide core tone shaping, while unison settings enable stacked voices. An onboard arpeggiator and an effects section are included for additional rhythmic and spatial processing.
- Three vinyl-based sound generators
- Filter section
- ADSR envelope
- Unison settings
- Arpeggiator
- Built-in effects section
VinylSynth Jr is available in VST, AU, and AAX formats and works on both Mac and PC. It can be loaded in any compatible digital audio workstation that supports these plugin standards.
Typical uses include creating layered leads or pads with unison, programming arpeggiated patterns, and shaping tones with the filter and envelope. The effects section can be used to refine sounds within the instrument rather than relying solely on external processors.
The plugin is offered as a free download.
E instruments releases Velvet Guitars Fragment free library for Kontakt Player
Expiry: None
e-instruments has released Velvet Guitars Fragment, a free Kontakt instrument featuring a single curated baritone guitar preset for Kontakt 8.5.1 or the free Kontakt Player, with NKS 2 integration.
The instrument centers on a baritone guitar tuned a fifth below standard tuning. Its extended scale captures a deep register while maintaining definition. Available articulations include sustains, mutes, and a dedicated legato mode for natural hammer-on and pull-off phrasing. Dedicated dead-note samples are mapped between C0 and C1 for added rhythmic detail.
Velvet Guitars Fragment provides two recorded amplifier paths that can be blended. Each sample exists in four versions: dry, and with spring reverb through each of the two amps. The spring reverb is captured from physical hardware rather than modeled, preserving the behavior of a real tank as playing dynamics change.
The instrument also includes a tremolo effect modeled after 1960s hardware, with adjustable depth and rate and host-sync options. A macro reverb effect chain is available for quick, mix-ready ambience.
Typical uses range from low-register lines and midrange chord work to upper-register melodies. The preset is geared toward mellow and atmospheric contexts where a baritone voice is needed without additional sound design.
Downloading and activation follow a standard process. Add the product to the cart, sign in or create an account, and complete the free order. A confirmation email provides a serial number and a link to the installation guide. Installation is handled through Native Access (version 3): open the app, choose “Add serial,” paste the code, then download and install. Kontakt or the free Kontakt Player must be installed beforehand.
Key features:
- Baritone guitar preset tuned a fifth below standard guitar
- Two blendable recorded amplifier chains
- Captured hardware spring reverb per-sample (not modeled)
- Sustain, mute, and legato articulations
- Dedicated dead-note samples (C0–C1)
- 1960s-style tremolo with depth, rate, and host sync
- Reverb macro FX chain
- NKS 2 compatible; works with Kontakt 8.5.1 or free Kontakt Player
Technical specifications:
- Download size: approximately 5.82 GB
- Sample format: 24-bit, 48 kHz
- NKS and NKS 2 compatible
System requirements:
- Software: Kontakt 8.5.1 or higher, or the free Kontakt Player
- macOS: Intel i5 or higher, or Apple Silicon (native in standalone and in supported hosts, or via Rosetta 2); macOS 13 or higher
- Windows: Windows 10 or 11 (latest Service Pack), Intel Core i5 or equivalent
- Graphics: Direct3D 11.1 (Feature Level 11_0) or higher
- RAM: 4 GB minimum (8 GB recommended for large Kontakt instruments)
- Formats: Stand-alone, VST3, AU, AAX (64-bit)
Price: €0
Thanks for reading. We hope you found some cool and useful new tools!
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