The De:Esser is exactly what it says, and what you think it is.

(Click here for download info)

Limitations of the freebie:

• No Multi-mono support
• No Session-restore functionality (you have to re-set it everytime you open a session)
• No Save-and-restore functionality (can’t save presets)
• No Automation

All of these limited features of the free version are available in the full, paid version, which at the price ($79) is really worth it. It still works great as the demo, though, which is why it is listed here.

(Click here for download details)

A free, fun, and kind of quirky, monophonic synth.

To download this freebie, you must register for a user account at www.fxpansion.com, then once logged in, go to Support->Account, and it should be available there for you to download (as well as their freebie synth, Orca).

A one trick pony, and kind of silly, but it may be useful in some instances, and heck; IT’S FREE!

Brainworx bx_solo

(Click here for download info)

A nice free M/S tool! Very useful!

SPL Free Ranger

(click here for download info)

A free, band limited version of the EQ Rangers. Definitely worth a look/listen, though you may find yourself hooked by this “tease” into buying the real deal.

Click Here for Download Info

From the Flux website:

“Turning the central button on the sweet side, decreases the transients amplitude. On the bitter side, the transients amplitude is magnified. Bitter-Sweet also features a control for the signal to be processed. When the main position is engaged, the process affects the stereo signal. If Center is engaged, only the M signal of the internal MS matrix is processed. If stereo is selected, only the S signal from the MS matrix is processed. Three transient detection modes can be selected. A varying period of integration for transients can be accessed. A Link function is available to compensate the output gain regarding the transient processing setting.”

Click here for download info

From the Flux website:

“Stereo Tool features ultra precise controls of input gain and individual pan for left and right channels. A phase inverter is available for each channel. A global stereo pan and a stereo width settings are also implemented to complete the management of the stereo signal.

Stereo Tool also offers an accurate visual feedback reflecting the signal content. A vector scope display, PPM meters for both inputs and outputs, and a phase correlation meter permanently monitor the signal. “

Click for download information

From the SSL webpage:

“Every now and again a piece of audio equipment comes along that defines the sound of an era. Back in 1979 Solid State Logic gave birth to a legendary recording console. The SSL SL 4000E Master Studio System forever changed how records would be recorded and mixed, heralding a new age in popular music. In less than three years, every major studio worldwide featured at a least one room with an SSL “E” Series console.

The SSL Listen Mic Compressor was the secret weapon in many producers sonic arsenal of recording techniques. Originally designed to prevent overloading the return feed from a studio communications mic, its fixed attack and release curves were eminently suitable for use on ambient drums mics. Of course, we’d like to take all the credit for this great sound, but as usual, it was the creativity of SSL users that led to the idea.

Now you can experience the Listen Mic Compressor within the comfort of your own workstation software and see what sounds it’ll lead you to create. If you discover something really great – like a radical new distorted oboe sound then be sure to let us know.”

To use this plugin in Pro Tools, you need to purchase the VST-RTAS adapter from FXPansion (highly recommended, and worth every single penny).

Free plugins are plugins that the manufacturer of the plugin provides free for use, or fully functioning limited versions that are free to use and can have the limitations removed by purchasing.

Unfortunately for everyone, many people often confuse “illegal” plugins, plugins that have had their copy protections removed illegally (“cracked”), as “free” plugins. Those are not “free” plugins, those are “illegal” plugins. While you may be able to obtain these plugins for “free”, they are not, indeed, free.

Another instance of this is “receiving plugins from friends”, where “friends” provide you with a copy of their plugins directory. (just a heads up; most times this doesn’t work due to other missing dependencies). This is also illegal; you did not pay to use those plugins.

There are many actual free and useful plugins available. I’ve listed many of them here on this site, but there are many others that you can find on the net. Most (if not all) of the actual free plugins have user agreements that prohibit distributing them second hand, so I can only provide links here. However, many of the free plugins you might “find” on the internet are actually cracked, illegal copies of plugins that normally require purchase. I strongly discourage the use of these plugins for many, many reasons.

1. They are illegal.
2. The process required to “crack” the plugin for use actually requires altering the code. These plugins are often un-reliable and unstable because of this process and can turn your smoothly running DAW software into an unusable pile of garbage fairly quickly.
3. They are illegal.
4. The people who “crack” these plugins are, by definition, unethical. Many times exploits are included in the cracked plugins that can allow these individuals access to your system(s) and all of your data.
5. They are illegal.
6. The programmers who work on these plugins rely on the income of their sales for their livelihoods. These are real, hard working people, many supporting families, that deserve to be supported for doing their jobs.
7. Have I mentioned that they are illegal?

Many users have come across cracked plugins and have been tempted to use, or actually used them. I would like to plead with users not to do this. No matter what your reason for doing it is, no matter what excuse you give (“They’re too expensive”, “the Copy protection screws up my machine”, etc) they are still just that, excuses, and it is still just plain wrong.

There are plenty of alternatives:

• There are quite a few really excellent free plugins.
• There are quite a few really excellent low priced plugins.
• There are plugin rental programs.
• There are online stores with no-credit payment plans (AmericanMusical.com is probably the most famous of these).
• There are organizations that are dedicated to working with developers to provide authentic, low priced plugins to users:

So, getting to the answer to the question; what are free plugins?

• “Free” plugins obtained from the manufacturer’s website? Free.
• “Free” plugins obtained on a promotional disk from a different manufacturer or from a magazine or other publisher? Free.
• “Free” plugins obtained from a torrent site? Not free.
• “Free” plugins given to you on a disk from a friend? Not free.
• “Free” plugins that you know cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars normally? Not free.

Bottom line, don’t use cracked plugins. Ever.

Click here for download info

This is now included in all new versions of Pro Tools.

From the webpage:

“If you’re looking to get a taste of what the world of Structure™, the future of professional sampling, has to offer, Structure™ Free offers a great introduction without paying a price — literally (it’s free!). Developed by the acclaimed Digidesign® Advanced Instrument Research (A.I.R.) group, Structure Free is a free sample player for Pro Tools® that provides some of the key features of its big brother, Structure, allowing you to quickly and easily integrate a wide range of sounds into your Pro Tools sessions and tweak them to make them your own.”

This is a no brainer.