These are the best VST plugins that can be used with music software like FL Studio, Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Reaper, and more. VST instruments give you additional sounds to create with like Pianos, Synths, Organs, and Bass. Common VST Plugin Questions: What Are VST Plugins? VST stands for Virtual Studio Technology.

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Simply slap the B–15R plugin at the end of your chain and tweak its 3–band equalizer to your desired fatness. You can also choose to run the amp simulator at 100w for more clean headroom or at 60w for more warm tube saturation. ClipShifter is a wave shaping audio Mastering VST plugin that functions like a clipping-style limiter, and can be used at all mixing stages, from distorting basses and drums to maximizing mix buses and warming up mixes. Working with virtual studio technology (VST) plugins is tremendously convenient, but a lot of the best VST plugins out there are very expensive. If you're looking to expand your library of VST instrument (VSTi) plugins, or tweak your mixes with some great effects or MIDI effects VST plugins, you can do it for free. To download the free plugins, follow the download links below each VST. IZotope Ozone Imager The Ozone Imager is an essential free VST plugin for trap beats. As the name suggests, this is an imaging tool you use to control your track's stereo width.

Distortion is an effect that most music producers learn to appreciate along the way. Especially if you are working outside of a professional environment, you’ll find that distortion is your friend. It helps your productions sound as if they were completed in a studio and not on your personal laptop.

The best distortion plugins typically emulate analog equipment that is way outside the budget of most people. They give us the opportunity to harness that same gritty tone without breaking the bank. So today we’re going to take a look at some of the greatest distortion plugins currently available. Check them out and see how they can take your mix to a new level.

Top 13 Distortion Plugins

1. Soundtoys Decapitator Analog Saturator

If you’ve taken to Google to see what you can find about distortion plugins, Soundtoys Decapitator is a name you’ll see pop up again and again. There’s a good reason for that—it’s probably the number one distortion VST’s currently on the market. It’s able to produce a wide range of saturation tones. If you want to take it to the edge, just click on the ‘Punish’ button and see what 20dBd of power can do for your sound.

The Decapitator is modeled after five highly respected pieces of gear. These are the Thermionic Culture Vulture, the EMI TG Channel, the two Neve 1057 preamps, and the Ampex 50. This plugin makes it easy to work with whichever of these saturation types you prefer thanks to the buttons conveniently located on its interface. You can also play with the Drive knob to amp up the sound.

One exciting feature is the added Mix control, which works great for parallel processing. You’ll definitely want to take advantage of this if you are using the Punish button in order to avoid a flat sound. Other features include a tone knob and a low and high-pass filter, which collaborate to “eq” the sound you produce. The Decapitator is compatible with just about any vocals or instrument you can imagine.

Pros

• Awesome hardware emulation
• Very user-friendly
• Helpful automatic drive and output linking for gain control

Cons

• There’s no transient control or de-esser

2. FabFilter Saturn Distortion Unit

FabFilter is known worldwide for their incredible plugins that provide distinctive interface designs and superior sounds. Saturn is their top-level distortion and saturation plugin. It offers incredible range for producers from subtle saturation to hard-hitting amp distortion. You’ll find an amazing selection of distortion models and three distinct distortion styles to work with.

The multi-band design and the feedback per-band feature will allow you to shape your signal throughout the frequency range, resulting in varying tones, dynamics, and modulation options. And if modulation is your focus, you’ll be impressed by the incredible modulation section that will help you inject life into your input signals. You can also add slight modulation to crossover frequencies to give them better clarity. In this section you’ll find an ample supply of XY controllers, EGs, MIDI sources, envelope followers, and LFOs.

One great thing about FabFilter plugins is that they offer you helpful hints as you work, and you’ll find that on the Saturn as well. This plugin will help boost your creativity and give you amazing results in the distortion realm.

Pros

• Superb sound
• Crossover setup is super easy with interactive display
• Impressive modulation system

Cons

• Not enough control over the compressor/expander
• Not able to see real-time modulated parameter movements

3. Softube Harmonics

As a producer it’s way too easy to add distortion to your mix with the best of intentions only to end up with a flat sound that’s devoid of all life. Softube Harmonics helps you avoid that unfortunate fate by working to preserve a track’s dynamics. It is among the very few distortion plugins currently available that tracks incoming dynamics. This gives you incredible control over the output signal, which is an absolute game changer.

On this plugin you’ll find mix control for parallel processing, high and low-cut filters, THD (total harmonic drive) metering, and other control parameters. You’ll also have five unique distortion models, each with their own analog processes. You’ll have all the tools required to capture that distinctive analog sound.

Softube’s Dynamic Transient Control technology is an incredibly powerful tool for producers. It allows you to achieve amazing warmth and grit without backing off on signal integrity. This is just one of many reasons Softube Harmonics comes so highly recommended.

Pros

• Beautiful analog sound
• Five different distortion styles
• THD metering for the best possible results

Cons

• No automatic gain compensation option
• Preset manager is disappointing

4. Soundtoys Radiator

Soundtoys Radiator is modeled after the Altec 1567A, a popular five-input, rack-mounted tube mixer from the 1960s. The Altec 1567A featured removable transformers, a two-knob EQ, and a distinctive green faceplate. It also offered an incredible 97dB of gain. The Radiator emulates that as a dual drive tube input channel and EQ unit. It faithfully recreates the grit and warmth found with the original hardware unit.

On this plugin you’ll find treble and bass controls along with parallel processing mix control. Its basic interface doesn’t limit your creativity as you explore the harmonic and saturation effects to create a wide range of tones that seem to come straight from the 1567A. You can also activate the “Noise” button for a little more analog goodness.

The Radiator comes with Little Raider, which is more ideal for working with individual tracks and also takes up less CPU. Radiator won’t overwhelm those who are just starting to explore distortion, and it offers enough effects to please even the most seasoned producer.

Pros

• Has a very wide sweet spot
• Awesome for all kinds of sources
• Incredibly user-friendly

Cons

• Eats up a lot of CPU

5. iZotope Trash2

The iZotope Trash2 originated with the iZotope Trash multi-band distortion plugin. It has been rebuilt from the ground up to make your job easier and give you better results in your audio distortion. It offers wave-based distortion, so customizing your own distortion settings is no problem. You also have 60 algorithms to choose from in addition to any you come up with yourself along with four individual frequency bands to distort.

There are 20 filter types and several versatile oscillators found on each band. This plugin also provides various speaker models, cabinets, amps, and other simulation devices to help you create space in your mix. Then check out the effects module to add character and depth to your signals. The Trash 2 includes just about everything you could imagine to meet your distortion needs. If you’re just starting out with producing, it might be too much to take in all at once. But if you want one of the most versatile distortion plugins that will give you optimal results, the Trash 2 should be in your collection.

Pros

• Great selection of distortion sounds
• Impressive filter section
• Strong waveshaper section

Cons

• Doesn’t have filter-modulated presets
• No panned split routing

6. OhmForce Ohmicide: Melohman

The Melohman is the go-to distortion VST for many of the most successful producers in the game, including Armin Van Buuren and Skrillex. There are many reasons for this, including its incredible versatility and user-friendly interface. DJs also love all of the features this plugin offers that are designed with performance in mind. The Ohmicide: Melohman can go from the subtle to the extreme in terms of distortion effects. So whether you need to just add a little grit to your signal or launch an all-out assault on your sound, this plugin has you covered.

The Melohman gives you four different frequency bands to work with so that you can individually process points within the frequency spectrum. While working in a single band, you can adjust a number of parameters like distortion, dynamics, mixer, noise gate, and feedback. You will have your pick of 80 distortion types that range from classic analog saturation to harsher modern tones.

Melohman also features MIDI capability, which gives you the option to adjust the presets using almost any MIDI controller. You can make changes to the morphing speed, distortion levels, and so much more, which makes this an ideal plugin for live performers.

Pros

• Great selection of distortion types
• Awesome three-dimensional GUI
• Plenty of presets to pick from

Cons

• MIDI control is a bit buggy

7. D16 Group Devastor 2

At first it might seem that the Devastator 2 is doing way too much, but once you get into it, you’ll find that it’s actually quite simple and easy to use. D16 developed it as an extension of their well-known Phoscyon plugin with increased control for multi-band distortion.

There are four primary blocks found on this plugin. These include three multi-mode filter sections, an optionally activated signal limiter, diode-clipper distortion, and the Dynamics Flattener Module, which is an input signal processor that’s operated by a single knob. It comes with nine distinct connection topologies with the diode-clipper and its filters. This gives you a lot of freedom and creativity to process your sounds in a variety of ways.

You’ll find that the filters included with this plugin are similar to the band-pass, band-reject, low-pass, high-pass filters typically found in synthesizers rather than the peaking EQ type filters you might expect. This gives you customizable cutoff and resonance parameters to produce a unique distortion sound. The Devastator 2 gives you much more functionality and amazing sounds in a compact distortion than you would expect for the price.

Pros

• Incredible sound
• Impressive library of high-quality presets
• Practical routing options

Cons

• No modulation options

8. McDSP FutzBox Native

FutzBox is an interesting noise generator and lo-fi distortion effects box that can be effectively used to develop low-fidelity versions of dry signals. If you are involved in post production, you’ll want to have this plugin in your corner. It can recreate the sounds of cell phones, radios, televisions, and much more with its user-friendly interface. FutzBox features three distinct simulation technologies that offer accurate modeling without taking up too much CPU, which isn’t common with convolution-based products.

In addition to the SIM libraries found on this plugin, you’ll also have distortion, gating, EQ, filtering, and a noise generator to work with for your distortion needs. You can then combine the distorted audio with the original audio for parallel processing. Users will also be able to record while using the Futzbox because of its impressive low latency.

Pros

• Lots of authentic simulations
• Great range of processing options
• CPU-friendly

Cons

• Not quite as realistic as true convolution

9. D16 Group Redoptor 2

Redoptor 2 is modeled after a tube distortion module, and it authentically recreates the distinctive sounds that are produced by actual tube saturation units. If you are looking for breakup sounds, the tube amplifier is where it’s at. This plugin gives everyone an opportunity to play with overdriven or distorted sounds. You can use its tools to give life and strength to a signal. You can apply subtle compression and create a beautiful harmonic blend.

Redopter reacts to the dynamics of your signal like only a tube amplifier can, so you can be sure that your results will not fall flat. Loud incoming signals will be crunchy and heavily saturated. This plugin gives you the tools to cut your highs and lows. You can also attack any unwanted peaks in your audio with the four-band parametric equalizer.

This plugin also gives you independent stereo channel processing capability with a separate path for each signal. This will improve your signal’s clarity and stereo imaging by avoiding cross-blending. The Redopter 2 is a fantastic option if you are looking for a top-level vintage tube distortion emulator that gives you the freedom to be creative with your distortion.

Pros

• Impeccable tube simulation
• Great valve behavior control
• Diverse selection of presets

Cons

• Could be more versatile

10. Kuassa EFEKTOR Distortion Bundle

You may not be familiar with Kuassa, but you’ll want to check out the EFEKTOR Distortion Bundle, which includes many of the most in-demand dirt effect pedals out there. The bundle comes with three distortion devices, including the FZ3603 Fuzz, the OD3603 Overdrive, and the DS3603 Distortion. These pedals are emulations that include parameters from a total of 30 pedals, offering you the amazing opportunity to explore different sounds. These parameters are easily controlled through three knobs, including one wet-dry knob. This simple setup is very approachable for beginners and professionals alike.

You’ll be impressed with the tones that you are able to dial in with your guitar or other signals. The low-latency quality also means that it’s possible to use in live situations. There is also a rack extension available that gives you additional versions of the included pedals.

Pros

• Three essential guitar effects to pick from
• CPU-friendly
• Get a lot for what you pay

Cons

• Doesn’t have a rack module like other pedal plugins

11. Softube Saturation Knob [FREE]

Softube is offering a free gift with its Saturation Knob plugin. It’s designed with only one knob, so it couldn’t be any easier to use. It’s an ideal option for modeled output distortion if you want to add grit to almost any type of signal. You can use it in several other ways, for example, to fatten up the low end of your bass lines, add shimmering harmonic distortion to your vocals, or completely mangle a drum loop. It can be integrated as a module in Softube’s Eurotrack Module Platform, or you can also use it as an insert in your DAW.

You’ll find three modes included in the Saturation Knob: Keep Low, Neutral, and Keep High. Each of these gives you varying options for how you can apply distortion to your signals. Use the Keep Low mode if you want to preserve your low end while distorting your drums, for instance. The functionality of the Saturation Knob is fairly limited, but it’s free so we’re definitely not complaining.

Pros

• Can get as a free standalone VST3 plugin
• Very user-friendly
• Offers three different modes

Cons

• Requires an iLock to run

12. PSP Audioware PSP VintageWarmer2

The PSP VintageWarmer was a game changer when it was first introduced years ago, and it is still one of the most popular saturation plugins on the market today. It stands toe to toe with any of its competitors in the saturation arena. It was designed to be used by professionals, so it has all the tools and features you’ll need to produce a professional sounding mix.

Like many others out there, it’s based on an analog-style single or multi-band compressor and limiter. It offers a user-friendly interface and an extensive collection of presets to make the job easier. You’ll be able to achieve everything from soft, warm compression to hard-hitting limiting. This plugin works well for both mixing and mastering. If you’re looking to create analog tape recorder saturation effects, the VintageWarmer 2 has you covered.

Beyond what you would expect, the VintageWarmer 2 also includes VU and PPM metering with reliable overload indicators, which will help to elevate your sound even further. Your purchase also comes with MicroWarmer, which features a basic single-band interface. It also gives you the option of using the VintageWarmer LE, which provides the same functionality as the VintageWarmer 2 but takes up less resources.

Pros

• Awesome sound
• Auto-release is very beneficial
• The FAT mode is amazing

Cons

• Without proper use, it can ruin your mix

13. Waves GTR3 Amps

The Waves GTR3 Amps is an awesome distortion plugin to have in your arsenal even if you don’t play guitar. The number of sound options it includes is way more than you would expect for the price. Waves found a way to emulate a range of vintage and modern amplifiers with this plugin, including models from Mesa/Boogie, Vox, Marshall, Fender, and many others. The GTR3 also features innovative sampling technology with techniques that far exceed the standard modeling that’s typically used by amplifier companies. This means you can get high-quality amp tones just by using the software.

You’ll be able to use this plugin in the live realm thanks to its low-latency quality. You will also have an incredible range in your work thanks to the more than 30 cabs, 30 guitar amps, and 25 stompboxes that are included. Each amplifier is made up of 25 custom guitar amps with nine models geared toward high-gain tones. You’ll also have the freedom to work with different equipment since you can play through two cabinets simultaneously and record with two separate microphones.

Among the 25 stomps you’ll find Flanger, doubler, Delay, Phaser, distortion, Fuzz, and almost any guitar pedal imaginable. The pedals also include real-time MIDI control and sync-to-host BPM features that make life easier for you. The six studio microphones are from reputable brands like RCA, Sennheiser, Neumann, AEA, and others. With the GTR3, you will expand your horizons in a big way with countless guitar tones.

Pros

• Impressive selection of different guitar tones
• Very user-friendly
• Ideal for live use

Cons

• Not possible to integrate with floorboards
• Expression pedals are quite fidgety

Warm up to Distortion

That wraps up our collection of some of the best distortion VST’s you can currently get your hands on. These will give you an opportunity to explore the sounds you can create while embracing the classic warmth of analog hardware. Your mixes will definitely only improve as you add more of these plugins to your toolbox.

Disclosure: When you buy through our links, we may get a commission at zero cost to you.

If you are a music producer or sound designer, you would have probably used some form of filtering, be it a low pass filter, band, and even a high pass filter. A filter can be used in a couple of ways, for example, you might want to use it to create a dramatic sound in your mix or for transitioning, in & out of a certain loop.

So, there are three types of filter, the first one is the Low pass filter where it removes the high frequencies, while the low frequency stays intact, the tl;dr version is that it allows the low frequency to pass.

The second one is the High pass filter, which filters away the low frequencies while leaving the high frequencies intact, the tl;dr version is that it allows the high frequency to pass.

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Lastly, we have the Bandpass filter, where the very low frequency and the very high frequency are removed, keeping the moderate range band of frequencies. This can be used to smoothing the edge while also suppressing the noise at the same time.

There are other types too, e.g notch, low shelf, etc. While your favorite DAW might come bundled with a filter plugin, you might want to experiment with other types of good filter plugins where they incorporate their signature sound with a more advanced filter option.

So, if you are tired of using a stock filter plugin, and instead want to step up the game with something more sonic, and good, then check out the best of the best free and paid filter plugin in the recommendation below.

As usual, please use the table of content to navigate freely

Page Contents

• Filter Effect Plugins (Paid)
• Filter Effect Plugins (Free)

Filter Effect Plugins (Paid)

Starting with…

1.) WOW 2 Filter – Sugar Bytes

WOW 2 comes predefined with 21 filters that produce a stunning analog sound with huge resolution and free of any aliasing (misidentifying certain frequencies). What I love about this plugin is the way it incorporates its filtering, it works in vowel mode, which shows off a wide variety of humanoid sounds, these are an advanced option you won’t see in-stock filter plugins.

The reason why WOW filter is one of the best filter plugins out there relates to its Talkbox, where you can pick any two vowels from 9 options, the options available are [i:] as in seat, [e] as in hen, [æ] as in fat, [y] as in tu (French), [ə] as in the, [ɑ] as in father, [ɔ] as in awe, [o] as in copy, and [u] as in boot. This gives a wide variety of options to experiment with, you will love it.

Also, you have an option to play with modulation, there are four sources: an envelope follower with frequency detection, the LFO with 13 waveforms, a 16-step step sequencer and the Wobble Knob (lifted from our Cyclop synth).

My favorite section is the Wobble Generator, you can control the shape of the LFO which has over 14 different waveforms while also changing the speed, and in fact, the knob can be modulated itself (pick the LFO for a start) and this is what the wobbling control is all about: to get that knob moving.

Lastly, there is a distortion module, where you can play with tons of distortion settings, this plugin is great and there are lots of useful components you can play with.

Key Features

• 21 Filter Types
• LFO, Env.-Follower, Step Seq. & Wobble
• No Aliasing
• Distortion with 3 Overdrives & 4 Digital Functions
• Distortion Pre- or Post Filter Units
• Envelope Follower with Frequency Detection
• 9 human vocal Sounds in Vowel Filter
• Dynamic Oversampling across the board

System Requirements

• Mac: OS X 10.9 or higher (64-bit only)
• Windows: Windows 7 or higher (64-bit only)
• AAX
• Audio Unit (AU)
• Standalone Application
• VST2

2.) FilterFreak – SoundToys

The next on our list is FilterFreak by SoundToys, which produces a warm, soothing, fat and resonant tones when used for filtering. I have personally used FilterFreak in multiple projects, and one thing I love about this plugin is how you can carve an unlimited type of filter effects you want.

If you have been using one or more of SoundToys products, then you should know by now that they mostly emulate analog hardware, in the case of FilterFreak, they recreated the sound of a classic analog resonant filter. According To SoundToys:

Twist the frequency knob for smooth retro synth sweeps. Crank up the resonance to add some edge, or even push the filter into self-oscillation. And when you drive it hard, FilterFreak responds by breaking up in a gritty and pleasing way, just like hardware.

So, there are seven different analog saturation styles you can play with, from warm or pumping compression to crunchy distortion, you can perfectly go without bothering about aliasing.

On top of that, you also have an option to experiment with rhythm and groove which adds another layer of motion to your tracks automatically, if you don’t want to bother about creating rhythm from scratch, you can select from a library of pre-made rhythms, if you are like me, you would start right of the bat with a preset. To complete the vibe of the sound, you can tweak the Groove knob and add some swing or shuffle to drop it in the pocket.

There are lots more options you can play with, like modulation, analog filters, and the likes, go check it out.

Key Features:

• Capture the sound of classic resonant filters, with extended control and flexibility
• Funk up the guitar, fatten bass, reshape drums, sweeping synths and freak out vocals
• Choose from one filter or two that can be used in series or parallel
• Select highpass, lowpass, bandpass and band-reject modes with 2 to 8 poles
• Add synth-like resonant sweeps or classic wah-wah tones to your tracks
• Create funky auto-wah, envelope follower and sample-and-hold effects
• Grunge things up with 7 different analog saturation styles
• Construct intricate rhythmic filter sequences with the Rhythm Editor
• Design your own LFO shapes with the Shape Editor

System Requirements

• Operating systems: Mac OS X 10.8 or later; Windows 7 or later
• Minimum: 44.1 kHz, Maximum: 192 kHz Sample Rates
• 64-bit only
• AAX Native, AAX AudioSuite, VST, and Audio Units (AU)
• A FREE account at ilok.com is required (a physical USB iLok is not required)
• Works with Major DAWS (Including Fl Studio, I currently use it with Fl Studio 10 & 12)

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3.) The Orb Filter – AudioThing

The Orb Filter by AudioThing is one of the neatest, intuitive and simple Filter plugin I have ever tried, yes, I use FilterFreak, but I’ll have to admit that this filter has been built with a clean GUI in mind, much better than FilterFreak interfaces, not saying SoundToys FilterFreak is bad, but this one is much better in terms of interface and easiness, let’s go over its features:

The Orb Filter is built to simulate the characteristic of the human voice, which means it is a formant filter where several prominent bands of frequency determine the phonetic quality of a vowel, so the Orb can transform any sound into a vowel-like formant-filtered sound. It features a set of three bandpass filters and three LFOs which give you an option to modulate the Vowel, the Emphasis/Resonance of the formants, and the Drift, which can shift up or down the frequencies of each formant. You can also create your own set of vowels by changing names and frequency for each vowel/formant, which is super awesome.

Going further, each sector of the orb represent a Vowel, which can be changed by clicking on the vowel name in each sector, for example, the image below represents the number of custom Vowels you have out of the box:

If you feel the need, you can change each vowel name and frequency for the three formants, also, each custom vowels set will be saved in a preset, this way, you can create as many as possible by saving to a new preset. The Orb is different from your normal stock plugin filters, you can experiment and create exciting drama in your music, enjoy away!

Key Features:

• Three Band Pass Filters (ZDF design)
• Vowel Sets: Male, Female, Child, and Custom
• 3 LFOs (destinations: Vowel, Emphasis, and Drift)
• Lightweight on CPU
• Preset system with randomizer
• Formats: VST, AU, and AAX (32/64bit)
• Platforms: OSX, Windows

System Requirements:

• Mac: OSX 10.6.8 or later
• Win: Windows XP SP2 or later
• 2 GB RAM / 500 MB HD
• Screen resolution: 1024×768
• VST2, AU and AAX 32-bit or 64-bit host
• Intel Core 2 Duo 2GHz / AMD Athlon 64 or equivalent

4.) Filter Snapin – kiloHearts

One of the simplest of them all, with very few parameters. Filter Snapin is a resonant filter with 7 modes, swiftly getting rid of frequencies you don’t like or enhancing frequencies you do. And it’s doing it and doing it and doing it well.

One powerful thing about this plugin is that you can either use it as a regular VST/AU plugin, or you can use it with kiloHearts snapin hosts Multipass and Snap Heap where you can combine effects in amazing ways.

Key Features:

• Cutoff Knob
• 7 modes of resonant filters
• Gain Knob

System Requirements:

• CPU: 2 GHz or faster
• Memory: 1 GB or more
• Operating System: Windows (7 or newer) or Mac OS X (10.7 or newer)
• A VST / Audio Unit / AAX compatible DAW
• Supported formats: AAX / AU / VST2 / Snapin

5.) Comb Filter Snapin – kiloHearts

Lastly, another filter plugin from kiloHearts.

The Comb Filter hollows out the sound by carving out frequencies at each multiple of the base frequency, like the teeth of a comb.

It’s also possible to process left and right differently in a way that not only gives a wide stereo effect but also collapses right back to the original signal when mixed to mono. Nifty!

Again, you can either use it as a regular VST/AU plugin, or you can use it with kiloHearts snapin hosts Multipass and Snap Heap where you can combine effects in amazing ways.

Key Features:

• Cutoff Knob
• 7 modes of resonant filters
• Gain Knob

System Requirements:

• CPU: 2 GHz or faster
• Memory: 1 GB or more
• Operating System: Windows (7 or newer) or Mac OS X (10.7 or newer)
• A VST / Audio Unit / AAX compatible DAW
• Supported formats: AAX / AU / VST2 / Snapin

Filter Effect Plugins (Free)

6.) AudioModern – FilterStep

Uhm…

FilterStep is a truly modern and intuitive modern filter plugin by audiomodern, it provides a realistically and intricate rhythmic movement with the filter plugin.

It can give you incredibly complex and nuanced results based on various filter effect settings, and almost infinite possibilities for sonic exploration and movement randomization.

As if that isn’t enough for a free plugin, you can also craft compelling textures with simple and intuitive parameter controls.

Note: It requires registration, this is free, so, registering shouldn’t be an issue right 😉

Video WalkThrough

Features:

• VST/VST3/AU/AAX/iOS & Standalone
• Generate filter grooves in real-time
• Syncs to host tempo
• Wet/Dry mix control
• MIDI Controllable
• Infinity mode
• Quick load presets
• 64 & 32-bit compatible
• Instant/Tap bypass for live performance
• Quantization settings
• Motion selector
• Customizable sequence range
• Assign presets to quick-load section
• No two patterns will ever be the same

System Requirements:

• Mac OS X 10.12 or higher
• Windows 7 or higher
• Minimum of 50 MB free drive space

7.) SoundSpot – Fat Filter

According to SoundSpot:

Whilst hard at work in the studio, some members of the SoundSpot team discovered that when they were making their filter sweep transitions, they were forced to use heavy, full featured EQ’s & were using way more CPU power than seemed logical.

They also found that they were coming across strange crackling digital artefacts when using some plugins over certain sound sources. This was all far from ideal, so with this in mind, the SoundSpot team decided enough was enough, and set out to create a solution to fix the problem.
After coffee, brainstorming, interface design and all the all important coding, The FAT Filter was born.

Welcome, Mr. Fat Filter!

The FAT Filter has been developed using the SoundSpot ever-popular analog-modeled algorithm, which results in super-smooth transitions, whilst being incredibly light, and intuitive.

Don’t sweat it, you can load almost as many instances as your heart desires without hitting your CPU too hard.

System Requirements:

• Mac: 10.12 – 10.14 (older OS versions may work but are not tested).
• PC: Windows 32 & 64-bit, versions 7, 8 or 10.
• RAM: 8 GB RAM or more is recommended. Plus at least 8 GB hard disk space for installation. (I tried it on a 4gb ram, and it was super smooth)
• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo, AMD Athlon 64 X2 or newer.
• Format: Any 32 or 64-bit VST, VST3, AU, or AAX (11.0.2 or higher) compatible host application should work.
• Sample rates supported sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, and 192 kHz, in both mono and stereo.

Note: Registration required. You would basically click on the free purchase and the checkout. Don’t sweat it, it is free.

8.) AudioThing – Filterjam

FilterJam is a free multiband resonant filter plugin by AudioThinge, that delivered a weird ringmod like filtered sounds.

The input signal is divided into 4 bands that are then summed or multiplied together according to the selected mode.

Filterjam can be very harsh or gentle, it can add brightness or depth to synth sounds, but it can also completely mangle acoustic sources, which is where the Jam is inspired, anyways, enjoy the free multiband filter plugin by AudioThing.

Video SneakPeek

Features: Arp pro soloist vst free.

• Multi-Band Resonant Filter
• Lightweight on CPU
• Preset system with randomizer
• Formats: VST, AU, and AAX (32/64-Bit)
• Platforms: OSX, Windows

System Requirements:

Mac:

• OSX 10.6.8 or later
• Core Duo 2GHz
• 2 GB RAM / 500 MB HD
• Screen resolution: 1024×768
• VST2, AU, and AAX 32-bit or 64-bit host

Windows:

• Windows XP SP2 or later
• Intel Core 2 Duo 2GHz / AMD Athlon 64 or equivalent
• 2 GB RAM / 500 MB HD
• Screen resolution: 1024×768
• VST2 and AAX 32-bit or 64-bit host

9.) CFA Sound FilterGrizzly 2

CFA Sound FilterGrizzly 2 is a rich on character and warmth filter type of plugin, it is loaded with a tube-based filter drive unit for saturation, followed by an analog-modeled 4-pole lowpass and 2-pole highpass filter with a passive controlled feedback circuit!

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• 2x oversampling and anti-aliasing algorithm
• A tube-based filter drive unit
• Classic analog ladder filter design
• 4-pole lowpass and 2-pole highpass filter
• A passive controlled feedback circuit
• New GUI with 2 different skins
• VST 2.3 (32-bit) for Windows

System Requirements:

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• Win32 compatible OS with SSE2-supporting CPU (or higher)

10.) StageCraft – AutoFilter

AutoFilter is a free filter plugin by StageCraft that gives you all the functionality you’d expect from a professional filter plugin. It supports the control of a filter cutoff frequency, and filter response.

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Also, you can sweep the filter frequency with a range of LFOs, vary the range of the frequency sweep, duty cycle warp the LFO, and control the wet/dry mix.

While it isn’t actually an auto filter that does everything for you, you still have an option to use automation all the plugin parameters such as cutoff frequency, resonance, LFO frequency, LFO range, duty cycle warping, and wet/dry mix. This powerful feature unlocks the full potential of the plugin, allowing you to create more complex and expressive sounds than possible with manual tweaking.

Video Sneak Peek

• AAX
• AU
• AAX
• VST
• ­Windows 7 or newer (64-bit only)
• Windows 32-bit hosts are no longer supported
• Mac
• OS X 10.7 or newer

Download StarCraft AutoFilter Win // AutoFilter Mac

The above list are some of the best free and paid filter effect plugins. If you want more, do not hesitate to check our Filter Effects VST/AU/AAX Category

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