2024 has been a standout year for free plugins! From innovative effects to boundary-pushing software synths, the abundance of incredible freeware has been staggering. As we wrap up the year, let’s dive into the top free plugins that made waves in 2024. These tools are must-haves for producers and sound designers alike, offering creative potential without breaking the bank.
While we’ve highlighted ten exceptional plugins here, countless others deserve recognition. Without further ado, here are our top picks for the best free plugins of 2024.
- Melda Production MDelay
Melda Production made headlines by adding MDelay to its renowned MFreeFXBundle. Dubbed “the most powerful free delay ever,” MDelay packs a feature set rivaling many commercial alternatives. It offers two independent tap units with customizable algorithms and modes. Each tap has controls for Gain, Pan, Time, Feedback, Shuffle, and Sync, enabling the creation of intricate and evolving delay patterns.
Available in the MFreeFXBundle alongside 37 other plugins, MDelay is compatible with Windows and macOS in VST, VST3, AU, and AAX formats.
- DDMF Endless
DDMF Endless is more than a reverb plugin; it’s a powerful tool for crafting atmospheric soundscapes. Specializing in cinematic and ambient textures, this plugin features granular processing, shimmer, and detune effects. Whether you’re scoring films or creating expansive audio environments, Endless delivers larger-than-life sounds.
Endless runs on macOS and Windows in VST, VST3, AU, and AAX formats, making it an essential addition to any producer’s toolkit.
- Analog Obsession ATONE
Analog Obsession consistently delivers top-notch free plugins, and ATONE is no exception. Modeled after vintage Altec hardware from the 1950s, ATONE combines an A-type EQ, filters, and a 436-style compressor into a single channel strip. The plugin’s warm, analog character makes it a standout for vintage-inspired mixes.
Available for macOS and Windows in VST3, AU, and AAX formats, ATONE is another testament to Analog Obsession’s dedication to quality.
- Wave Alchemy Magic7
Wave Alchemy’s Magic7 brings the iconic sound of the $5000 Bricasti M7 hardware reverb to your DAW for free. With all 234 presets of the original unit, Magic7 offers everything from small rooms to vast cathedrals. Additional features include tempo-synced pre-delay, two EQ bands, modulation options, and a built-in ducking feature for dynamic reverb control.
Magic7 is available for macOS and Windows in VST3, AU, and AAX formats, making high-end reverb accessible to all.
- Audiothing Moon Echo
Audiothing’s Moon Echo takes inspiration from a 1950s communications technique that bounced signals off the moon. This unique delay plugin uses actual recordings of those transmissions to create a crunchy, lo-fi effect unlike any other. With delay, modulation, and creative lo-fi elements, Moon Echo is a playground for experimental sound design.
It’s compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux in VST, VST3, AU, AAX, and CLAP formats. There’s even an AUv3 and standalone version for iOS.
- Full Bucket Music Six-Traq
Full Bucket Music’s Six-Traq emulates the Sequential Circuits Six-Trak polysynth from 1984. While staying true to the original hardware’s sound, the plugin offers expanded polyphony (up to 96 voices) and an improved interface for easier tweaking. Six-Traq brings the nostalgic warmth of vintage synths to modern productions.
This plugin runs on macOS and Windows in VST, VST3, AU, CLAP, and AAX formats.
- Kilohearts Shaper
Don’t let Kilohearts Shaper’s minimalist design fool you—this freeform waveshaper packs a punch. Shaper lets you craft custom distortion effects with its flexible curve editor, perfect for adding grit to drums, bass, or synths. Its versatility makes it an invaluable tool for creative sound manipulation.
Shaper is available for macOS and Windows in VST, VST3, AU, and AAX formats.
- Davisynth Ripple Delay Free
Ripple Delay Free by Davisynth redefines multi-tap delays with its unique modulation engine. Users can create “waves” of modulation to control delay time, filter, pan, and volume. A pattern editor allows for separate 32-tap patterns on the left and right channels, opening up endless creative possibilities.
Ripple Delay Free is available for macOS and Windows in VST3 and AU formats. For even more features, consider the paid version ($99).
- nakst ExtraBold
nakst’s ExtraBold virtual analog synth combines simplicity with power. It features three oscillators with variable waveshapes, PWM, sync, and a multi-mode filter. The plugin also includes four LFOs, two ADSR envelopes, and an effects section with five options. Its clean layout makes it perfect for beginners, while its depth appeals to experienced sound designers.
ExtraBold is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux in CLAP and AU formats.
- Dawesome ZYKLOP
Taking the top spot is Dawesome ZYKLOP, a revolutionary software synth that turns any sample into an entirely new sound. Using two resynthesis algorithms, ZYKLOP lets you manipulate timbres and playback with transformers, LFOs, and envelopes. Its MPE compatibility enables expressive performances, and built-in chord/scale modes and an arpeggiator add to its versatility.
ZYKLOP’s intuitive interface includes helpful tooltips, making it accessible yet powerful for advanced sound design. Available for macOS and Windows in VST3 and AU formats, this plugin is a must-have for any producer seeking creative inspiration.
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These free plugins prove that you don’t need a massive budget to access top-tier tools. Whether you’re a producer, sound designer, or hobbyist, this list has something for everyone. Download these extensions and take your music to new heights in 2024!
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