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Old 02-21-2010, 03:25 AM   #1
technogremlin
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Default Going all freeware (well... almost)

Note: I ran into the post-size limit so the actual list has been broken up over a few posts below.

I have collected a lot of free plugins over the last few years and because of that I made almost no real music. Back in the days when I had only a few (hardware) synths and fx-gear (a long time ago) I was composing and tracking almost daily. I really want to (need to) get back to that state of productivity.

So I started cleaning out my plugin folders. I have hundreds of instruments and the same amount of FX-plugs. I want to bring it back to just a few for each category. I also made the decision to go for freeware as much as possible as I try to get rid of copy protected stuff. I like to have my whole studio on a portable drive without the need to reinstall key-files and such to get things working on another or a new computer.

I have a fair amount of commercial plugins, stuff I bought and things I got for keeps for writing online reviews. There is some real good stuff in there, hard to let go of it. But as there is a lot of very impressive free stuff available it is also fun to try and match these commercial plugs with free alternatives.

I'm going to document my search for the ultimate free plugin set here. I hope some of you can use my suggestions. Also recommendations are very welcome.

Below is my current list of selected plugins. I'm updating this post (and the others below it) as I go. I'll try to give download links as much as possible but there may be a few plugins that are no longer available for download.

This list is constantly under construction so you might want to bookmark this topic

--- Bread and Butter Synths ---

These are my main 'go to' synths. Fairly easy to program with a broad sound spectrum.

- Synth1: the all-time mother of all VST-synths for me - http://www.vst4free.com/free_vst.php?id=245
(grab over 10.000 patches for Synth1 here: http://www.mediafire.com/download/4v...h1_Patches.rar - Thanks to EvilDragon)
- Tyrell N6: pure U-He quality for free - https://www.amazona.de/freeware-synth-tyrell-n6-v3-03/
- TAL Noisemaker: another very good sounding synth - https://tal-software.com/products/tal-noisemaker
- Tunefish 3/4: Additive wavetable synthesizer, great sound and extremely low CPU - http://www.tunefish-synth.com/?action=about
- Ragnarok: for obvious reasons this is pretty much my main go-to synth - http://www.fullbucket.de/music/ragnarok.html

--- 32bit only ---

- Oatmeal: still very impressive - http://www.best-free-vst.com/download.php?p=Oatmeal
- polyIblit: great anti-aliased oscillators and semi-modular with many options, old but still very good - http://www.vst4free.com/free_vst.php?id=241

--- Vintage synthesizer emulations ---

Sometimes you want a close emulation of vintage synth hardware, to get that 'back then' vibe. Listed here are the ones that are actually very close sound-wise to their originals.

- OBXD: a pretty faithful recreation of the Oberheim synths (it's a mix of several Oberheims so to speak) - https://obxd.wordpress.com/
- Dexed: one of the best DX7 emulations around, does read DX7 sysex files - https://github.com/asb2m10/dexed
- Mono/Fury: great Korg Mono/Poly emulation by Full Bucket - http://www.fullbucket.de/music/monofury.html
- PG8X: very close emulation of the Roland JX8P, sysex compatible with the real thing - https://sites.google.com/site/mlvst0/
- Nabla: Pretty close emulation of a Korg Delta string synthesizer - http://www.fullbucket.de/music/nabla.html
- The deputy MarkII: very nice emulation of a 70's/80's string synthesizer - http://www.fullbucket.de/music/deputy.html

--- 32bit only ---

- SQ8L: great emulation of the ESQ1/SQ80 synths - http://www.buchty.net/ensoniq/#sq8l

--- Textures and Pads ---

A few 'big machines' for those modern swirly pads and stuff like that. Mostly very digital sounding.

- Surge: the absolute must-have free synth, a complete beast - https://surge-synthesizer.github.io
- Atlantis: another big 3 osc monster, recently made available as 64bit - http://jeremyevers.com/atlantis

--- 32bit only ---

- INTRO by Boris.K: incredible deep synth - http://www.vst4free.com/free_vst.php...n=INTRO&id=324
- EVM UltraSonique : wavetable synth with step-sequencer - http://www.vst4free.com/free_vst.php...sonique&id=430

--- Real instrument emulations and stuff ---

I'm a prog-addict so I need some vintage sound stuff every now and then.

- Rumpelrausch AZR-3: Finally found a 64bit version of this very nice drawbar organ - https://blog.wavosaur.com/tag/b3/

--- 32bit only ---

- NubiLE (with SpinnerLE): one of the best free B3-emulations - http://www.kaosaudio.com/nubi-le-drawbar-organ-vsti/
- Rumpelrausch Crazy Diamonds: nice string machine - http://untermkittel.de/rumpelrausch/?PLUGINS
- MrTramp2: Fantastic sounding Wurlitzer piano, used to be payware - http://www.genuinesoundware.com/?a=showproduct&b=40
- FabBass: very good sounding Hofner Violin Bass guitar emulation - http://www.vst4free.com/free_vst.php...abBass&id=2127

Note: for those who want NubiPlus with the full Nubi FX versions, it's officially freeware: http://fastfileshare.homelinux.com/i...h=mUOhS9cQ1t4e

--- Samplers (including drums) ---

You need these to play al the great free samples that are floating around the web.

- TX16Wx: the new contender for ShortCircuit, in very active development - http://www.tx16wx.com/
- ShortCircuit 1.1.2: the absolute workhorse of free samplers - http://www.vemberaudio.se/shortcircuit.php
- sfz+: one of the most functional soundfont players, now free - http://www.cakewalk.com/products/SFZ/
- Majken's Grizzly: Drum-machine that has some deep features - http://www.majken.se/index.php?optio...&id=6&Itemid=9
- LoopaZoid: just need to trigger some samples, with reverse - http://www.espace-cubase.org/include...Zoid.zip&id=29
- SoftDrum LTD: if you need choke-groups, velocity layers, multi-outs - http://rekkerd.org/fretted-synth/

--- Drum synth & percussion ---

Some additional mojo to add to your rythms. And of course for non-sampled drumsounds.

- Drumatic 3: simply the best free drumsynth - http://www.e-phonic.com/plugins/drumatic3.php
- EXD-80: a serious contender to Drumatic - http://www.thirdharmonic.net/exd80-free-vst-drum-synth/

--- Bassline synths ---

Just in addition to the 'bread and butter' synths above (that have some great basses in them), to quickly whip up a nice bassline.

- EVM Bassline: nice set of basic bass-sounds - http://www.vst4free.com/free_vst.php...assline&id=191
- Odo B-station 2: much more versatile than other TB303 emulators - http://www.vst4free.com/free_vst.php...ATION_2&id=438

--- Guitar emulations ---

I like guitar sounds for my music but I don't have access to a (good) guitar player. So these are the best plugins (for me) to substitute that.

- Spicy Guitar: commercial NOW FREEWARE, this one has a functional strummer - http://www.spicyguitar.com/
- Revitar: another previous commercial one, very nice sounding, also has a (simple) strummer - http://www.vst4free.com/free_vst.php?id=1348
- Suburban Guitarist: very flexible and expressive - http://www.gregjazz.com/download/Sub...aristBeta2.rar
- DSK ElektriK GuitarZ: Guitar synth for more distorted mayhem - http://www.dskmusic.com/dsk-electrik-guitarz/
- String Thing 2: Accoustic emulation, lots of options - http://www.simple-media.co.uk/music/...m#stringthing2

--- Romplers ---

Having one or two big samplepack-players will round of your arsenal nicely.

- ProteusVX: Just about the best free sample-package around, used to be commercial - http://en.audiofanzine.com/partner/a.proteusvx.html

Scroll down for the other parts of the list (Effects, Tools and the Runner-up list).

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Old 02-21-2010, 06:46 AM   #2
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List continues: Effects

--- Reverb ---

The result of testing a lot of free reverbs (testresults of all the reverbs are further down this thread

- EpicVerb: My new favorite. I will use this mainly for finalizing a mix - http://varietyofsound.wordpress.com/downloads/
- Ambience reverb: one of the very best (NOW FREE!) reverbs around - http://magnus.smartelectronix.com/#Ambience
- FreeverbToo: Nice colouring and low CPU, my main reverb for inserts - http://www.sinusweb.de/freetoo.html
- Roommachine 844: has a nice character to it, especially for vocals - http://www.silverspike.com/?Products:RoomMachine_844
- Nusofting Reverbering: specifically small rooms for vocals - http://nusofting.liqihsynth.com/freeplugins.html
- Antress Spacer: FAT drums !!! - http://antress.er-webs.com/
- Sweet Boy SH1 reverb: clean sounding with just 1.9% CPU I can stick this in a mix anywhere I need it - http://rekkerd.org/sweetboy-vst/ (it's in the SH1-package)
PSP Pianoverb: quite a specific sound, not for bread and butter use - http://www.pspaudioware.com/plugins/...psp_pianoverb/

--- Delay ---

- Variety of Sound NastyDLA - the new 'best' free delay - http://varietyofsound.wordpress.com/...-release-info/
- Kjaerhus Classic Delay: simple and versatile - NOTE: the Kjaerhus site is gone, so download here: http://www.acoustica.com/plugins/vst-directx.htm
- e-phonic RetroDelay: for more modulated fx - http://www.e-phonic.com/plugins/retrodelay.php
- arcDev ET-301: Boss DM-100 emulation (with 'extras'), full of vintage sweetness - http://www.divshare.com/download/11419572-47e
- Sweetboy SH-1 delay: again (incredible low CPU) to have something to stick anywhere when needed - http://rekkerd.org/sweetboy-vst/ (it's in the SH1-package)

... and finally ReaDelay for multi-taps

--- Equalizers ---

Somewhere I read you never can have to much equalizers... but I narrowed my list down anyway.

- QRange: A 12 band linear-phase EQ. My current go-to for clean surgical EQ-ing (replacing ReaEQ for me) - https://lkjbdsp.wordpress.com/qrange/
- ReEQ: Incredible for free, exclusively for reaper (it is a JSFX plugin) but it does use some serious CPU cycles - https://forum.cockos.com/showthread.php?t=213501
- SonEQ: My first choice for a program EQ, sound really good - https://sonimus.com/products/soneq/
- Luftikus: a free Maag emulation, you can't go wrong with this one - http://www.vst4free.com/free_vst.php...ftikus&id=1500
- SlickEQ: Another very useful program EQ with several character modes - https://www.tokyodawn.net/tdr-vos-slickeq/
- Pteq-X: if you want/need a pretty good Pultec emulation for free - https://www.kvraudio.com/product/pteq-x-by-ignite-amps
- MarvelGEQ: sometimes a graphic EQ is the right tool for the job, and this is one of the best - https://www.voxengo.com/product/marvelgeq/

--- 32bit only ---

- BaxterEQ - Baxandal shelving EQ from Bootsy, something 'else' - http://varietyofsound.wordpress.com/...eleased-today/
- BootEQ mk II: very characteristic sound, definitely more than 'just EQ' - http://varietyofsound.wordpress.com/...-release-info/
- Push Tec: another one that can do some magic to a mix (website is gone but KVR download still works)- https://www.kvraudio.com/product/pus...ftover_lasagne

--- Compressors, Expanders & Limiters ---

A few compressors that are a nice addition to the great compressors that are available with Reaper like ReaComp.

- Molot: this has become a favorite of many since it's initial release - http://vladgsound.wordpress.com/plugins/molot/
- De la Mancha Sixtyfive: Used to be payware, now free, dbx 165A style compressor - http://delamanchavst.wordpress.com/2...e-is-now-free/
- Density mkII: very good bus-compressor, my goto for drum submixes - http://varietyofsound.wordpress.com/...eleased-today/
- Roughrider: Coloring compressor for specific duties - http://www.audiodamage.com/downloads...php?pid=ADF002
- ThrillseekerVBL: Bootsy's new 'vintage broadcast limiter' - https://varietyofsound.wordpress.com...dcast-limiter/
- TDR Feedback Compressor II: absolute clean sounding compressor, great for master-tracks and busses - http://www.tokyodawn.net/tdr-feedback-compressor-2/
- jsCompShaper: a mix (morph) between a compressor and a transient shaper - http://electric-snow.net/plugins.html
- GranComp3: My goto multi-band compressor, sounds pretty smooth tmo - http://www.vst4free.com/free_vst.php?id=467
- LoudMax - very transparent sounding (brickwall) limiter, my default on the master-bus - http://loudmax.blogspot.nl/

--- Saturation, Exciters, Shapers, etc. ---

NOTE: this section is 'under construction', the listed plugins are under testing. If you have suggestions for this section just post to the discussion

- Flux Bittersweet II
- RGC High Frequency Stimulator
- Dominion
- Rubytube
- TesslaPRO
- X-cita
- JB Ferox
- FerricTDS
- THD
- BassLane

--- Modulation FX ---

Here goes chorus, phasers, flangers, tremolos and stuff like that.

- CloneEnsemble BassChorus: not only for bass - http://www.cloneensemble.com/bc_main.htm
- CloneEnsemble BassPhaser: also not only for bass, sounds very smooth - download link above.
- Kjaerhus Classic Chorus: just plain useful with nice presets - Download link is under the delays.
- Kjaerhus Classic Phaser: same as the chorus, sounds good with nice presets - download link is under the delays.
- Luxonix LFX-1310: stack 3 FX (can be 3 same FX) - http://www.luxonix.com/home/en/products.html?id=lfx1310

--- Amp-sims & Distortion ---

NOTE: this section is 'under construction', the listed plugins are under testing. If you have suggestions for this section just post to the discussion

- FrettedSynth Freeamp 2/3
- AcmeBarGig Shred
- Voxengo Boogex
- AradazAmp (several)
- Dirthead
- Greenmachine Amp

--- Vocal tools ---

- Spitfish: Nice de-esser, for when you need one - http://www.digitalfishphones.com/mai...em=2&subItem=5
- Big Tick Hexaline: can give you a nice double-tracking sound, great for backing vocals - http://rapiddigger.com/download/big-...1-rar-6663036/ (download seems gone from the BigTick website)
- Vocals: vocal exciter, can do some quick touch-ups to your recording - http://www.mildonstudios.com/m2/page6.aspx

NOTE: this section is 'under construction', the listed plugins are under testing. If you have suggestions for this section just post to the discussion

- Vocals 2
- Terry West vocal plugs (several)
- Kerovee
- Gsnap
- TAL Vocoder
- EVM Syncoder

--- Stereo Tools ---

- Voxengo StereoTouch: adding some width to a mono-signal - http://www.voxengo.com/product/stereotouch/
- Flux Stereotool: add more stereo-mixing power, including stereo field analyser -

NOTE: this section is 'under construction', the listed plugins are under testing. If you have suggestions for this section just post to the discussion

- SteroidBouncer
- MB Stereoizer
- Stereo Pan (no idea where this came from, if you know please post)
- HBasm Stereoizer
- JB Omnisone


Scroll down for the other parts of the list (Tools and the Runner-up list).

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Old 02-21-2010, 02:14 PM   #3
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List continues: Tools

--- Filters, Rythmic gates, Choppers, etc. ---

- Scuzzphut6 v2: The grand-daddy of all trance-gates, also useful for other styles - http://www.box.net/shared/2cl49y5t7s

NOTE: this section is 'under construction', the listed plugins are under testing. If you have suggestions for this section just post to the discussion

- dBlue Glitch
- AraldFX Stormgate
- Rhythmic Tangent
- Neon Gate
- Ohmforce Frohmage
- Multilens
- Northpole
- TheModulator 2
- 2rule Filter
- BTS tepfilter
- Classic Auto Filter

--- Loop-tools ---

- Beatburner: Mangle and re-synthesize your loops - http://beatburner.blogspot.com/2008/...-now-free.html
- Loopdrive: Loop-slicer including it's own pattern-sequencer to play the slices - http://www.yedey.com/tag/loopdrive/

--- Mastering Processors ---

- BuzzRizer Light: Great mastering processor, does 'spectral dynamics' - http://www.trifex.de/buzzrizerlight.html
- Endorphin: the closest freeware to PSP's Vintagewarmer, also great on specific instruments - http://www.digitalfishphones.com/mai...em=2&subItem=3
- C3 Multiband Comp: One of the best and very versatile multiband comp - http://www.geocities.jp/webmaster_of.../index.html#c3
- JB Broadcast: Multiband compressor, spatial enhancer and brickwall limiter - http://www.jeroenbreebaart.com/ (look for 'freeware').

--- Measurement ---

- Roger Nichols Digital Inspector: Get some very specific readings on your master-buss - http://www.kaosaudio.com/roger-nicho...nspector-free/
- Voxengo Span: the most functional free analyzer available - http://www.voxengo.com/product/span/
- TT Dynamic Range Meter - http://www.dynamicrange.de/sites/def...ter%201_4a.zip

--- Miscellaneous Tools ---

Some specific plugins that are a nice complement to both Reaper and the other plugins listed here.

- ZEN Preset manager: this is THE synth/preset manager, makes handling and sharing presets a breeze - http://www.bigtickaudio.com/zen/about-zen
- StepBeater: small stepsequencer, you can drag a sequence into Reaper as a midi-item - http://users.frii.com/saffleck/stepbeater.html

NOTE: this section is 'under construction', the listed plugins are under testing. If you have suggestions for this section just post to the discussion

- Chordspace
- Major Sketchpad
- Voxengo latencydelay
- VSTnotes
- Sonic Assault Midiseq2
- BlueCat Stereo Gain


=== Runner-ups ===

Here you find plugins that where on the list but are replaced by other plugins. Also, as above is 'my list', a place to add plugins that I don't use myself but several participants in this topic have suggested as being a good choice/solution.

--- Instruments ---

- Kx-PolyM-CSE: CS70M emulation (sound-wise, not the frontpanel), pretty good for free - http://kx77free.free.fr/English-page-vst.html
- Triple Cheese: Great synth for more digital sounds (a bit like FM), but check for alternative skins - http://www.u-he.com/cms/triple-cheese
- Superwave P8: for that analogue-ish pads and string sounds - http://www.superwavesynths.co.uk/product_p8.htm
- Analog Warfare: for that little bit of difference - http://www.amvst.com/node/15
- Odo DoubleSix: because I really want an FM-synth in my kit - http://www.odosynths.com/ (don't get the XXL-version, it looks great but it has audio problems)
- Crystal: the free alternative for Absynth, not my thing but a very deep synth - http://www.greenoak.com/crystal/about.html
- Hahaha CS33: just to good to pass on, great for leads, basses and what not - http://pethu.se/music/instruments.html
- Logana: in the same realm as CS33 but with a different approach - http://sarvst.110mb.com/SAR%20VSTs/Page2.html (scroll down)
- AM Additive Table Synth: a digital sounding instrument to balance out all the VA's - http://www.amvst.com/node/19
- Adonis: Very big synth, used to be payware - http://www.vstplanet.com/Instruments...rs9.htm#Adonis
- Rumpelrausch AZR3: for the more gritty organ stuff - http://untermkittel.de/rumpelrausch/?PLUGINS
- MinimogueLuxus: a minimoog clone, still the free one to beat in this area - http://www.home.no/gunnare/
- Lallapalooza: another one of the best SE-synths, sounds great - http://www.dee-pro.sakura.ne.jp/buzz.../LPLL_v201.zip
- Xhip: another one of the great oldtimers, very good filter - http://xhip.cjb.net/xhip/
- massTurboTAR: very raw sounding synth with a unique morphing system - http://www.kvraudio.com/developer_ch...09.php#dc09_35
- Voyager: A real big 4 osc synth, great sound. NOTE: skinned version has some issues in Reaper - http://www.aodix.com/products.html
- RMXL: Specialized in percussive and metallic sounds - http://krakli.com/krakli-free-synths/
- The Blooo: Very Roland-ish sounding - http://www.fullbucket.de/music/vst.html
- Elektrostudio: some of the best vintage emulations - http://www.elektrostudio.ovh.org/index2.php
- Tal NoiseMaker: many people regard this one as very good, a little heavy on CPU though - http://kunz.corrupt.ch/products/tal-noisemaker
- Tyrell N6 - Top of the line free VA-synth, but a little heavy on CPU - http://www.u-he.com/cms/tyrelln6
- Charlatan: arguably one of the best sounding free VA-synths available right now - http://www.blaukraut.info/
- MauSynth: this one has been flying under the radar for some time, incredible good sound - http://rinki.net/pekka/mausynth/
- Synapse Junglist: used to be commercial, now available for free. A very good synth with pretty deep features - http://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/eny3jo

--- Effects ---

- Nomad Factory Warmer Phaser: very phat sounding - http://www.nomadfactory.com/products...er_phaser.html
- KarmaFX 31-band graphic EQ: you can 'stack' three and get 93 bands - http://karmafx.net/#a1
- Arguru's Stardust: Another great mastering processor with a different approach - http://www.aodix.com/pagestardust.html
- T-sledge: Multiband compressor/expander/limiter for mastering purposes - http://rekkerd.org/sweetboy-vst/
- Blockfish & Floorfish: surely among the top-end of the free dynamics stuff - http://www.digitalfishphones.com/mai...em=2&subItem=5
- NastyVCS: a virtual consolestrip with EQ, saturation and dynamics - http://varietyofsound.wordpress.com/...console-strip/

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Old 02-21-2010, 02:17 PM   #4
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I got avast telling me that one had a virus, said it was the Taiwanese one.

the webpage that is not the plug in

that one

http://www.amvst.com/index.php?name=...=details&id=34
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Old 02-21-2010, 03:21 PM   #5
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Strange, your link brings me to a 404 page. Should be the description page. Angular Momentum plugins are well known so I think a virus alert would be a false positive.

Here is the direct download link for Analog Warfare:
http://www.amvst.com/index.php?name=...=34&mirror=115
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Old 02-21-2010, 03:27 PM   #6
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just tried again to make sure (gluten for punishment) and it actually reads that the site has been blocked by avast via the network side of it not the web side of it so looks like either a false positive, hijacked site or something else.
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Old 02-21-2010, 03:47 PM   #7
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I just checked, I can browse their website without any problem. No hijacked site or anything wrong there.
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Old 02-22-2010, 08:00 AM   #8
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The www.ugoaudio.com synths are nice with lots of presets.
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Old 02-22-2010, 08:16 AM   #9
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Ugo stuff is fun. But as I stated, I'm looking for the few absolute top freeware instruments in each category. Although I like Ugo's stuff, I'm not sure it is quite 'up there' with the real champoins. Same goes for Xoxos stuff (his FM-synths are quite good though).
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Old 02-22-2010, 08:59 AM   #10
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Don't forget TAL Elek7ro for basslines and Shortcircuit as sampler :-)

Are you doing this for FX as well?

I always wanted to do the same thing and as I can see your choices up there are almost identical to what I had in mind so far!

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Old 02-22-2010, 10:37 AM   #11
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It's going to be a serious amount of work but I'm certainly also going to do it for fx. I have hundreds of fx-plugs and seriously need to weed those out as well.

My main goal is to get back to learn to work with this stuff as opposed to just flicking presets.

Short Circuit is selected already, will show up in the list

As for TAL Elek7tro, I scratched that one just yesterday as it does not bring anything unique to (for example) Oatmeal. Elek7tro is a very nice sounding synth but at the same time 'just the next' 2osc-1filter synth.

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Old 02-22-2010, 01:29 PM   #12
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interesting thread i use mainly freeware and one of the main factors that helps decide whether i keep something in my vst folder is stability. for this reason the only surviving synthedit/synthmaker plug is drumatic 3 for me - never had any issues with it especially now it has been recompiled with a recent bugfixed version of synthedit. i have found INTRO and adonis to be quite buggy (especially adonis). oatmeal still crashes quite often for me which is a real shame.
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Old 02-22-2010, 01:48 PM   #13
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I agree with most of what you say. Drumatic 3 is in my list as well (will ad it to the OP later). Also, Adonis is buggy here too, didn't have problems with INTRO so far. Oatmeal seems quite stable for me but I still need to put a few miles on it's counter

I like to have stable stuff too, but I'm willing to put up with a little 'temperament' for the sake of quality sounds and usability. Over time I might swap out certain plugs for more stable alternatives though.

I was interested in Voyager, but the UI threw me off big time. Tried Lime Flavour's skin but that suffers from a strange screen bug in Reaper (but not in my 'other' host).

Well, going to add some stuff to the list
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Old 02-22-2010, 02:12 PM   #14
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OK, just added a few more vintage emulations, samplers and some drum stuff. Hope you guys like my choices.
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Old 02-22-2010, 09:18 PM   #15
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I like this thread. Thanks for sharing!

I heart the Rumplerausch stuff, and your kit list has given me reason to give some of those synths a try. Thanks!
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Old 02-22-2010, 09:53 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pseudochromatic View Post
FWIW Iliadis makes a very nice freeware hammond emulation that was just updated. For whatever reason I never liked NuBi as much as I wanted to and find the combination of Efthimia through the Leslie from the MDA suite more to my taste.

NuBi Plus was also freeware for a while but seems to have been revoked by the author. Someone far less ethical than me might speculate about an archived copy still being available at some freeware vst sites if one were inclined to query a popular search engine about it.

Also, I would really reccomend trying out Stringer in conjunction with Warmer Phaser for some pretty Jarreific string machine tones.
That's a good one. I just tried it out.
It's got a full sound and it isn't piercing in the mids like so many others.
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Old 02-23-2010, 03:04 AM   #17
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I'm going to try the new suggestions when I get home tonight

Re. Illiadis... I did some A/B-ing between it and NubiLE and they where very close soundwise (as in almost spot on with some presets). I just went for NubiLE because I don't like the 'full organ' setup with upper, lower and bass sections. Soundwise Illiadis is a good alternative to Nubi. I also don't recollect one using more cpu then the other.

Disclaimer: I listed AZR3 but actually use ZR1 myself for the same reason.
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Old 02-23-2010, 05:02 AM   #18
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oh dont forget nebula for mix down.

their nebulafree has some amazing libraries that can make all the difference to the quality of a mixdown. there are some amazing sounding api550(?) eqs, and the reverbs are great too.

i've been using their free stuff for ages and it can add a pro-sounding colour if you dont go crazy, you just gotta get real used to bouncing if you have a regular pc, but no worries if you've got a good uptodate rig.

i'm on a crappy early dualcore but the end result is worth the hassle of loading/bouncing/unloading.
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Old 02-23-2010, 07:44 AM   #19
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I'd like to point out that you will not find a better free Rock Piano sound than the one in the SQ8L !

I have Ensoniq ESQ-1 and ESQ-M (same as ESQ-1 but rackmount) synths and I use their piano constantly. Never had an SQ80, but I'm convinced that the piano is even a little better than the ESQ-1. Maybe not better just different? Now I have two really good piano sounds.

The vintage Ensoniq's have both pearls and turds so you can overlook it easily in the SQ8L...but the piano simply ROCKS! It's patch# is (in bank) B10...I think. This is bread and butter for me.

Thanks for posting the links.
I'm with you, Oatmeal is a current favorite even though it crashes sometimes, mainly if you're auditioning and changing sounds during play.

Great list.
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Old 02-23-2010, 08:26 AM   #20
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There's a great free piano multisample set here: http://sonimusicae.free.fr/matshelge...aestro-en.html (Giga format, which Kontakt can load)
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Old 02-23-2010, 09:56 AM   #21
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Thanks I'll check out the multisampled grand. The SQ8L's piano doesn't pretend to be deep and wide and high and awesome, but it has a somewhat focused sound that sets really good in a mix with very little EQ etc. The stereo has a panning effect that can be minimized. Or maybe record in mono. I call it a Classic Rock piano sound.
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Old 02-23-2010, 12:48 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fifthcolumn View Post
oh dont forget nebula for mix down.
I'm getting to the FX stuff later, it will take a serious amount of time testing and A/B-ing all the FX-plugs I have laying around. But I'll say up front that I never got into Nebula. I only just recently started using convolution stuff so there you have it

Quote:
Originally Posted by RayDAider View Post
I'd like to point out that you will not find a better free Rock Piano sound than the one in the SQ8L !

I have Ensoniq ESQ-1 and ESQ-M (same as ESQ-1 but rackmount) synths and I use their piano constantly. Never had an SQ80, but I'm convinced that the piano is even a little better than the ESQ-1. Maybe not better just different? Now I have two really good piano sounds.
I hear you, I bought my ESQ-1 back in the days specifically for that piano sound.... and for the gritty fairlight-like choir sample of course

Quote:
Originally Posted by l0calh05t View Post
There's a great free piano multisample set here: http://sonimusicae.free.fr/matshelge...aestro-en.html (Giga format, which Kontakt can load)
A sample-kit in a format that only loads into a commercial sampler kinda defeats the purpose of 'going freeware'
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Old 02-23-2010, 01:22 PM   #23
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technogremlin,

You got this one:

http://sonart.cc/shop/product_info.p...roducts_id=210

Don't know if it's any good, but there's many formats and .wave as well...

Just a heads up.

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Old 02-23-2010, 01:29 PM   #24
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Worked my way through a whole bunch of bassline synths like a hundred different TB303 emulators and several bassguitar synths like Raspier and such. I settled for two instruments that are a nice addition and each bring something different to the arsenal; EVM Bassline is a nice wavesample-based synth with a few charasteristic bass-sounds... and Odo's B-station 2 with is a bit more then your mediocre TB303 emulation.

Both added to the list in the OP, with download links
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Old 02-23-2010, 01:34 PM   #25
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CoffeeMilkshake View Post
technogremlin,

You got this one:

http://sonart.cc/shop/product_info.p...roducts_id=210

Don't know if it's any good, but there's many formats and .wave as well...

Just a heads up.

CM
Will check it out
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Old 02-23-2010, 03:04 PM   #26
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Quote:
Originally Posted by technogremlin View Post
I'm getting to the FX stuff later, it will take a serious amount of time testing and A/B-ing all the FX-plugs I have laying around. But I'll say up front that I never got into Nebula. I only just recently started using convolution stuff so there you have it



I hear you, I bought my ESQ-1 back in the days specifically for that piano sound.... and for the gritty fairlight-like choir sample of course



A sample-kit in a format that only loads into a commercial sampler kinda defeats the purpose of 'going freeware'
From the site "The only freeware that can read this format are Synthfont and Linux Sampler, and they are not easy to use." So free software IS available. A possible alternative might be http://sonart.cc/shop/product_info.php?products_id=210

EDIT: I see someone else already posted that link...
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Old 02-23-2010, 03:19 PM   #27
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Linuxsampler seems to be very unstable in Reaper (but I could be mistaken) and Synthfont I certainly don't want to mess with. I like stuff that can load without much work into ShortCircuit as that is the sampler I decided upon. There are also a few very nice piano soundfonts floating around the net.

But for my music I don't really need a properly sampled concert grand piano, pianos like in SQ8L are sufficient for me. And there are some very usable pianos in ProteusVX that I'm going to add to the list together with a few other romplers.

I also have the Tascam CVpiano wich sounded absolutely great when it was working but for some reason it won't load it's samplebank anymore. And the need to reinstall it to get it working is already reason enough for me to scratch it.
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Old 02-23-2010, 08:56 PM   #28
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Atlantis is the best synth for free for me personally (Still think it is better than most payware synths in VST) and i use the effect version all the time too

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Old 02-24-2010, 03:57 AM   #29
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I have Atlantis (with the great skins from Lime) but it still doesn't appeal that much to me as Oatmeal does. The available presets for Oatmeal made me wanting to start tweaking myself, didn't have that same feeling with Atlantis.

I have been thinking of just adding Atlantis to my kitlist but right there the collection urge creeps back in. I decided on just one real big/deep VA-synth and Oatmeal got the gig

But Atlantis is a great runner-up. Together with Oatmeal and Voyager I think these three synths smoke almost everything commercial on the market.
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Old 02-25-2010, 03:55 PM   #30
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how's your freeware mission coming along?

i must admit, i keep trying to like atlantis but i always end up unhappy with the way the filters sound. loads of modulation possibilities with it though
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Old 02-25-2010, 04:47 PM   #31
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i see that you use soundfonts, and maybe this will be useful for you. i figured out how to make soundfonts last night, as well as combine patches from various soundfonts, using viena soundfont editor. note the spelling, viena not vienna. maybe you could widdle down your soundfont collection a bit by combining say, all the best patches from various gm soundfonts, while replacing the stuff that you'll never use with other instruments in your soundfont collection. it's actually pretty easy stuff.

straying off topic: if someone were to offer up some drum samples, i would be inclined to make both kit and individual kit piece soundfonts with them. samples would need to be:
  • freely available and can be shared
  • nothing wonky sounding - crazy high attack, weird resonance, snare with no snare, etc.
  • fairly dry - no heavy verb, distorted smashing, etc.
  • multi-velocity
  • brushes would be a big bonus

maybe i should start a new thread for this.
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Old 02-26-2010, 04:19 AM   #32
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bladerunner View Post
how's your freeware mission coming along?
I'm ready to waste another weekend on it

Quote:
Originally Posted by bladerunner View Post
i must admit, i keep trying to like atlantis but i always end up unhappy with the way the filters sound. loads of modulation possibilities with it though
Ditto, I like it when I see it on my screen with all the options it has, but not that impressed with it's actual sound. I also can't find any preset-banks for it that actually blow me away sound-wise, like there are for Oatmeal and Synth1 for example.

Quote:
Originally Posted by brainwreck View Post
i see that you use soundfonts, and maybe this will be useful for you. i figured out how to make soundfonts last night, as well as combine patches from various soundfonts, using viena soundfont editor. note the spelling, viena not vienna. maybe you could widdle down your soundfont collection a bit by combining say, all the best patches from various gm soundfonts, while replacing the stuff that you'll never use with other instruments in your soundfont collection. it's actually pretty easy stuff.

straying off topic: if someone were to offer up some drum samples, i would be inclined to make both kit and individual kit piece soundfonts with them.

--snip--

maybe i should start a new thread for this.
I know Viena soundfont editor. But I stay away from it for all the reasons stated in my OP here; I wan't to get back to composing and tracking instead of fiddling with to much stuff. I do have a few nice soundfonts laying around and for that I use sfz+ but it's not something I'm going to dive in deeper.

A dedicated thread would be nice though, some drumkits in soundfont format are always welcome
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Old 02-28-2010, 04:36 AM   #33
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OK, the story continues...

Have been playing around testing all my guitar emulation plugins: so far I have DSK akoustik guitarz, DSK elektrik guitarz, DVS guitar, milkguitar, Plucked String (commercial, Synapse Audio), E-phonic Solostring, SpicyGuitar, String Theory, String Thing 2, Suburban Guitarist and SuperRiffGuitar.

So far I'm going for Suburban Guitarist and DSK elektrik Guitarz for the distorted stuff and String Thing 2 for the acoustic guitar emulation. I will add those to the OP with download links

Does anyone know if Reaper has a midi-plugin for strumming... or some free vst-plug for this?
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Old 02-28-2010, 07:45 AM   #34
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midiStrum by Insert Piz Here, it's part of their midi suite.
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Old 02-28-2010, 08:02 AM   #35
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Ah like this thread will definitely try the oatmeal stuff
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Old 02-28-2010, 11:07 AM   #36
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Default the BIG! free reverb test

Today I set out to select a few reverbs from the big list I have and bring it down to a functional selection. This was way more work then I anticipated but fun nevertheless... took me several hours A/B-ing all the reverbs with a clean drumloop and a dry vocal track.

I also took the CPU-load for each plugin into consideration. Below I'm mentioning CPU-load for each reverb so to put that in perspective take a look at my signature for my hardware specs. Also keep in mind that 'sound' is largely a subjective thing so my 'taste' in plugins might not be yours... your milage may vary and all such... well, you get my drift

--- the test results ---

RoomMachine 844: Gave some nice coloring on vocals but to muddy sounding on drums. [4% CPU]

Classic Reverb: Gave some colouring on vocals and a usefull back-fill on drums, sounded mediocre overall [3.7% CPU]

Epic Reverb: Very clean and airy sounding on both vocals and drums but at a price (high CPU-load), very usefull as a buss-reverb and for 'gelling' during mastering [11.2% CPU]

Freeverb: Usefull colouring on both vocals and drums, very useful for channel-fx especially because it's very low CPU-load (quality switch lowers load while still sounding rather good) [3% - 1.8% CPU]

Glaceverb: Gave me scattering echoes in the tail, because of that not nice on vocals but surprisingly usable on drums [4.9% CPU]

Karma reverb: sounded cheap and dull on both vocals and drums, and no low CPU-load to even it out [5.8% CPU]

Antress Flashverb: With only three controls quite hard to use (no presets bundle either), to basic for vocals but gave some nice air to the drums [7.7% CPU]

Breebaard's Omniverb: Added some clean space to the vocals, gave a coloured sound to the drums [2.7% CPU]

Sweet Boy Reverb: Gives a very useful clean and airy sound to both vocals and drums at the lowest CPU-load of them all [1.9% CPU]

Wurr Audio reverb: sounded dull and useless for serious mixing for both vocals and drums [4.4% CPU]

Antress Spacer: Sounded OK-ish on the vocals but is absolutely FAT! on drums (need that 80's booming drums, this is it) [7% CPU]

Anwida reverb: a long time favorite, sound clean with a nice ambiance on both vocals and drums but very little control over the sound [3.1% CPU]

Ambience: not really freeware but I tested it anyway, sounds absolutely stunning on everything with loads of control over the sound but is a CPU-hog [10.3% CPU] NOTE: it has a CPU-load setting but below 6% CPU it sounds absolutely TERRIBLE

TAL Reverb: very nice and characteristic sounding (Plate) on both vocals and drums but at a price [9% CPU]

Reverbering: Somewhat useful on drums but GREAT sounding small rooms on vocals, and low CPU to boot [2.9% CPU]

--- My selection ---

The main go-to reverbs:

1. EpicVerb: My new favorite. I will use this mainly for finalizing a mix.
2. Freeverb: Nice colouring and low CPU, my main reverb for inserts

The additional reverbs for specific applications:

3. Roommachine 844: has a nice character to it, especially for vocals
4. Nusofting Reverbering: specifically small rooms for vocals
5. Antress Spacer: FAT drums !!!

... and the runner-up:

6. Sweet Boy reverb: clean sounding with just 1.9% CPU I can stick this in a mix anywhere I need it.

Going to add my selection with download links to the OP later tonight
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Old 02-28-2010, 01:08 PM   #37
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Reverb stuff with download links added to the OP, also did a bit of formatting to the OP so it's more readable
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Old 03-01-2010, 02:09 PM   #38
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I'm surprised you didn't test Mo 'Verb. A bit CPU heavy too, but one of the best free algo verbs IMO.
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Old 03-01-2010, 02:32 PM   #39
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Cerendir, I didn't have it but I came across it last night. Wasn't looking to add even more reverbs to the list but going on your 'say so' I'll check this one out

However, as it is not realy freeware it won't make it to my 'selection', same as Ambience... great verb but not realy freeware and I want to be strict on that issue.

By the way, testing free reverbs proved quite a job, makes me a bit afraid to do this for compressors .... but will do as I'm learning heaps of stuff in the process.
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Old 03-01-2010, 02:48 PM   #40
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However, as it is not realy freeware it won't make it to my 'selection', same as Ambience... great verb but not realy freeware and I want to be strict on that issue.
Right, it's donationware. I forgot about that.

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By the way, testing free reverbs proved quite a job, makes me a bit afraid to do this for compressors .... but will do as I'm learning heaps of stuff in the process.
Oh I know, been there myself. As I do a lot of orchestral stuff I've been on the quest for the best free verb for some time, and I believe I've tried virtually all of them at one point or another. My go-to reverb is epicVerb which is indeed awesome but I find the controls less than straightforward. In terms of sound quality it's top notch though, with Mo' Verb or possibly the buggy Freeverb3 NVerb as a close second. Omniverb is great when you need something CPU-frugal for inserts. I've used Glaceverb occasionally but the parameters are very unorthodox and it's hard dialling in a useable sound.

This is a very interesting thread. I'm looking forward to see what free compressors you will favor. You do realize that it'll take a year or so to test them all, right?
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