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

5 Free VST Instruments Great For Music Production


This free VST plugins roundup features five quality-sounding instruments. Find sound-making tools that deliver a variety of sounds fit for any genre.

Free VST Plugins

Each month we search the web for some of the music industry’s most essential freeware instrument and effect plugins.

This list of free VST plugin downloads offers five modern instruments for your arsenal. No need to spend a dime or waste time trawling the internet.

1. Native Instruments | Komplete Start

Fill your music production toolbox with KOMPLETE START. This free bundle has a selection of studio-quality instruments, effects, utilities, loops, and samples.

Key Features

  • Includes 18 instruments and effects
  • Play over 2,000 customizable sounds
  • A collection of almost 1,500 loops and samples
  • More than 500 professionally-designed presets

2. U-He | TyrellN6

U-he and the German online magazine Amazona.de teamed up to offer a stellar analog modeled synthesizer. Based on a design similar to Roland’s classic Juno 60, the Tyrell N6 is a compact synth that delivers the vintage sound we’ve come to love.

Key Features

  • Virtual analog based on Roland’s Juno 60
  • Two oscillators, noise, ring modulator
  • Two LFOs with eight waveforms
  • Mixer with authentic overdrive and filter feedback
  • Twin filter related to Diva (early model)
  • Analog-type ADSR envelopes, loopable, or LFO-triggered
  • Over 580 factory presets

3. Spitfire Audio | LABS

LABS is a series of free instrument plugins and sound libraries. These instruments deliver high-quality sampled sounds. They also feature simplified controls such as two sliders and a big knob to customize your workflow.

The growing list of instruments includes Soft Piano, Strings, Synth Pads, Electric Piano, Drums, Choir, Peel Guitar, Wurli, and several others.

Key Features

  • Over 60 sample libraries and growing
  • Libraries made by musicians and sampling experts
  • The instrument provides high-quality sounds
  • New instrument released every month
  • The plugin is easy to use
  • Compatible with any DAW

4. Matt Tytel | Helm

Helm is a fully loaded polyphonic synthesizer. It features dual oscillators, 12 waveforms, seven filter types, several modulation sources, and more. It also sports a step sequencer, an arpeggiator, and a host of effects. This synth packs a lot for a freeware instrument!

Key Features

  • 32 voice polyphony
  • Interactive visual interface
  • A flexible modulation system with live visual feedback
  • Dual oscillators with cross-modulation
  • Unison and Harmony mode for oscillators
  • Oscillator feedback and saturation for waveshaping
  • Twelve different waveforms
  • Seven filter types with keytracking
  • Two monophonic and one polyphonic LFO
  • Step sequencer
  • Simple arpeggiator
  • Effects: Formant filter, stutter, delay
  • Comes in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions

5. Blamsoft | Vk-1 Viking Synthesizer

VK-1 Viking Synthesizer emulates Moog’s classic Voyager monophonic synthesizer. It has three variable wave oscillators, two modeled transistor ladder filters, a multi-wave LFO, and two modulation busses.

VK-1 also comes loaded with 228 presets covering all the essential categories. Moreover, this monosynth captures the authentic vibe of the legendary hardware. It sounds amazing for basslines!

Key Features

  • Three variable wave oscillators
  • A noise generator
  • Two modeled transistor ladder filters
  • Two modulation buses and an LFO
  • 228 presets with basses, leads, synths, pads, plucks, percussion, FX, etc.
  • The graphics of VK-1 have Retina support
Join the ICON Collective Newsletter:

MORE ARTICLES FROM THE ICON BLOG

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

FIND YOUR SOUND, HONE YOUR CRAFT:


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

LEARN MORE
Share by: