Recomendations for cheap or free VSTs? (Less than $20.)

[robj144]

I'm always looking for good, cheap VSTs for my DAW as they can inspire to create different kinds of music. Anyone have any good recommendations? I don't want list all the cheap VSTs I have because it's quite a few, but if you recommend something, I'll tell you if I have it already and check it out if I don't.

As for the less than $20... I just can't justify spending more than this as I've found a ton of VSTs already which are great for less than this price. It seems VSTs have a steep diminishing rate of return.

Thanks.

[catdaddy]

Plugin Boutique has lots of good deals on VSTs. They also have a fair number of free plugins.


KVR is the most comprehensive and extensive source of free plugins/VSTs that I've found.

[Rudy4]

I have some of Terry West's plugs. His stuff is really nice, and includes some sweet mastering plug ins. Very inexpensive to boot.

https://www.terrywest.nl/plugins.php

[shufflebeat]

Are we talking about audio manglers like compressors, EQs and reverbs or VSTi instruments like modelled bass or synths?

[robj144]

Originally Posted by catdaddy

Plugin Boutique has lots of good deals on VSTs. They also have a fair number of free plugins.


KVR is the most comprehensive and extensive source of free plugins/VSTs that I've found.

Go to PluginBoutique almost weekly to see what's new.

I'll check out the other place though.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by Rudy4

I have some of Terry West's plugs. His stuff is really nice, and includes some sweet mastering plug ins. Very inexpensive to boot.

https://www.terrywest.nl/plugins.php

Cool. I'll check it out.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by shufflebeat

Are we talking about audio manglers like compressors, EQs and reverbs or VSTi instruments like modelled bass or synths?

Literally anything I'll look at it. I've got a ton of synths though and am only looking for original/interesting synths.

[shufflebeat]

catdaddy has mentioned the best easy resources for these things. I would only issue the usual warning that trawling through a million free VSTs can seriously compromise your productivity (and possibly marriage) and often they look pretty but don't really do anything unique.

It is a wonderful rabbit-hole though, down which I've wasted many hours. Nowadays I prefer to go looking for what I need.

I record mostly acoustic music and share an interest in electric guitar recording with #3 son.

[Cocobolo Kid]

My go-to source is Plugin Alliance. All the plug-ins are high quality, and with frequent sales and email vouchers, I have bought most for extremely low prices. You can try them all for 30 days for free too.

https://www.plugin-alliance.com/

[robj144]

Originally Posted by Cocobolo Kid

My go-to source is Plugin Alliance. All the plug-ins are high quality, and with frequent sales and email vouchers, I have bought most for extremely low prices. You can try them all for 30 days for free too.

https://www.plugin-alliance.com/

Thanks. Looks interesting, but most of them now are sort of expensive. Maybe because there are no sales?

I also don't like the pay per month thing. That stuff is really annoying.

[runamuck]

Most DAWS have built-in effects that rival or better cheap plugins.

[robj144]

Originally Posted by runamuck

Most DAWS have built-in effects that rival or better cheap plugins.

Thanks for the reply. I kind of disagree though. Have you looked at the Valhalla free plugins, as one example? They are amazing and beat any effect that comes with my DAW. I have other examples too.

And, also, I'm looking for any VST including instruments.

[shufflebeat]

There are a few amazing exceptions but generally stock "included" VSTs are very serviceable for those who prioritise getting stuff finished.

Anyway, here's some interesting bits to play with:

Spitfire Labs

[robj144]

Originally Posted by shufflebeat

There are a few amazing exceptions but generally stock "included" VSTs are very serviceable for those who prioritise getting stuff finished.

Anyway, here's some interesting bits to play with:

Spitfire Labs

Thanks. To clarify, I'm not looking for stock effects though. I'm looking for interesting effects or instruments.

Yes, I've been using Spitfire Labs almost since they were first released... for years now. Great stuff though.

[nightchef]

EDIT: sorry, I see you’re only looking for VIs, not processors.

[Gordon Currie]

I love Plugin Alliance. They have sales quite often on specific plugins. Every one I've bought has been 75-95% off. MANY $299 plugins for $29.
You have to watch their emails as the plugin you want might be on sale for 48 hours only.

They specialize in component-level modeling of sought after hardware effects, as well as internal M/S processing on many plugins. Uniformly high quality results.

They also have subscription bundles. Nevertheless you can get all their plugins on a buy and own basis.

I 'collected' free VSTs for awhile. At one point, I noticed I had never used most of them over a period of a decade.
I decided that having 60 EQ plugins was too much like hoarding

[S.bowman]

Ive found this to be useful a time or two https://www.softube.com/saturationknob