Fully Functional! Free Plugins from Famous Manufacturers

Introduction

A free plugin that is a strong ally of computer musicians. You can enjoy composing music without spending any money.

However, free plugins are a mixed bag. There are both high-quality and low-quality ones, and you have to be able to judge for yourself which are good and which are not, and how to make the most of them.

As a beginner, this can be difficult, and even if you try your best, you may not be able to get a good sound, or you may download it but not use it and leave it there.

It can be said that products that are released free of charge by manufacturers that are well known and have a proven track record are of a certain level of quality.

Some of these products were originally sold for a fee, but are now free, so you can use them with peace of mind.

So, I'm going to feature some free plugins that you can use to your heart's content. If you're looking for good plugins, please read on to the end.

Free Plugins from Famous Manufacturers

VoiSona Chis-A

VoiSona is a new speech synthesis software from Technospeech, the company famous for CeVio AI. The first library to be released is “Chis-A”.

Chis-A is a free product that has the same functions as paid apps. It has a neutral singing voice that is attractive to many users.

You can edit singing expressions such as gliss up and vibrato like you would draw them in with a pencil.

The author has also released a number of songs that use “Chis-A”. I am sure that I will continue to use this virtual vocalist in the future.

iZotope　Ozone Imager 2

This is a product from iZotope, which releases powerful mix mastering software such as Ozone and Neutron.

This is a simplified version of the stereo imager installed in Ozone, and you can widen or narrow the stereo width. It comes with an analyzer, so you can make adjustments visually.

One difference between the free version and the paid version is that you cannot specify the bandwidth to be controlled. For example, you cannot process the bass to be centered and the treble to be spread out to the left and right.

This restriction is a little inconvenient, but it can be resolved by using a plugin called “Splitter”.

I use the Splitter included with Studio One to separate the low range and the rest, and inserts an Imager for each.

iZotope　Ozone EQ 11

Another product from iZotope. This is an equalizer that can perform MS processing.

It is a high-function, high-quality plugin that also allows you to choose between analog and digital EQ curves and adjust transients.

These features make it a product that is better suited to mastering than individual tracks. It would be good to use it in combination with the simple, lightweight equalizer that comes with your DAW.

Native Instruments　Komplete Start

This is a product that is not a single plugin, but a bundle (assortment). It also includes the Ozone EQ mentioned above. Let's check the contents of the bundle.

◯Instruments◯

1. Hypha
2. Analog Dreams
3. Etheral Earth
4. Factory Selection 2
5. Irish Harp
6. Yangqin

◯Effects◯

7. Ozone EQ
8. Raum
9. Super Charger
10. Replika
11. Guitar Rig 7 Player
12. Vinyl

In total, there are 12. The quantity and quality are such that it is hard to believe they are free. Let me introduce some of my favorites.

Irish Harp

This is a sound source that samples the Irish harp, a small harp. There are few options even for a fee, so it's great that you can use it for free.

As the name suggests, this instrument originated in Ireland and has been used frequently in Celtic music.

In order to create a certain atmosphere, it is necessary to understand the unique playing techniques. On the other hand, the appeal of computer music is that you can create sounds without being limited by the physical properties of the instrument.

One specific way to use it is in ballads and other songs with a soft atmosphere, where you can use it for the phrase that runs up to the climax (glissando). At this point, using the pentatonic scale (type in “C D E G A C”) is recommended, as it gives a harp-like atmosphere.

I use this in this song.

* around 00:40

Replika

This is a free version of the multi-function delay called “Replika XT”, but it's good enough. The author often uses it when making ping-pong delays.

What is distinctive is the three delay modes displayed on the left side of the screen. Just by selecting a mode, the atmosphere can be changed significantly, so you can use this to respond to various situations.

To explain briefly, Modern is clean and clear, Vintage is lo-fi, and Diffusion is a sound with more reverb.

IK multimedia　MODO BASS 2 CS

This is a free version of MODO BASS, which is counted as one of the two major bass sound sources.

There is only one model available, the Precision Base Type, but this is sufficient for most uses.

This is because, compared to sampling sound sources, which are created by recording the actual base sound, modeling sound sources offer far greater flexibility in sound creation.

For example, you can change the position of the pickups, the age of the strings, the position of the pick, etc., allowing you to create a very wide range of sounds.

Most of the electric bass in my songs is played using this sound source.

IK multimedia　Amplitube 5 CS

This is also an IK product. Nowadays there are many options for amp simulators, but Amplitube is still a major presence.

The free version allows you to use amps that reproduce famous models, including Marshall. You can also use effect pedals, so you can create basic sounds.

Like MODO BASS, it has CS in the name. This stands for Custom Shop, and it is a product that allows you to individually purchase additional models that you want.

Sometimes amplifiers and effect pedals are given away for free as part of a campaign, so you should register for the free version first!

If You Like It, You Can Also Buy the Paid Version!

The plugins from famous manufacturers are of high quality, so some people may be satisfied with the free version alone. However, the paid version provides even more satisfaction.

So, I will introduce some of the paid products from the manufacturers I have introduced.

iZotope / Ozone 11 Advanced

Ozone is the industry standard mastering software. The advanced version comes with individual plugins for each module (such as EQ and compression), which can be used to create the sound of individual tracks.

If you want to take the quality of your songs to the next level, give Ozone a try.

Native Instruments / Komplete 15 Standard

This is probably the industry standard for multi-samples. It covers the basic sounds, and you can make most songs with it.

Since “Ozone Standard” is also bundled, you can use this as a stepping stone to upgrade to Advanced.

IK MULTIMEDIA / MODO BASS 2

MODO BASS, which until now has been a sound source specialized for electric bass, has evolved into version 2 with the addition of upright bass! A fretless bass has also been added, making it an even more versatile bass sound source.

One of the attractive features of modeling sound sources is that they do not put a strain on storage.

In conclusion

I have introduced free plugins from well-known manufacturers that you will be able to use effectively.

Let's make use of free things, but also spend money where necessary!

Thank you for your time.

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