Delving into the world of plug-ins. If like me, you get a bit messed up in the terminology and felt that it was daunting to know what is the best plugin to get...I would recommend to go for the demos but most of all, go for the FREE plug-ins you could use at the get go.
Before downloading any plug-in, know what file type you should be clicking on. For Mac OX users, the AU and VST are the ones to look at, for Windows patrons it would be the VSTs. If I am right, if you use ProTools, you also have the option to go for the AAX formats. You could read more in the breakdown by plugin boutique.
My TOP 5 Free plugins I love to use.
Plugin Alliance / Brainworx bx_Cleansweep
This beauty has but one main function, that is to work as a HPF / LPF. Add this in the beginning of your signal chain and boom, it works wonders. It is a tasteful plug-in, that allows you to ease your work flow. The roll off at each frequency is nice. Download it, and you will see what I am talking about. The interface is easy to use, you can either use the joystick to control or if like me, the knob function gives me more control on the frequency I want to cut away. You could also type in the frequency if that is best for you. Simple, clean, easy and free.
Check out other free plug-ins offered by Pluguin Alliance, they are the ones who emulated the Solid State Logic 9000 J, watching MixCon, got me wanting this plug-in, but maybe not yet. You can get it for free when you purchase their MEGA Bundle Subscription and the Brainworx Brand Bundle. So check them out, and even try their 14-day free demo. It is worth it.
Valhalla / Supermassive
In my mixes, this is my go to reverb plug-in. Be it, just to give myself a vibe on how I may want the end product to sound like, or just like downright, I need some big string sections. They have about 60 - 70 presets available for you to choose. It is pretty dope for something that they are giving away for free. With just the presets, you are pretty solid for your tracks. I would tweak the feedback and density for most of my tracks, just to match. I have used this plug-in on my mix buses, for strings, backing vocals and acoustic guitars. Get them here, and do check out their other plugins, I personally have the vintageverb on my wishlist from santa.
Two Notes Audio Engineering / Torpedo Wall of Sound
This is what I would call a Doraemon plug-in. It has so many things in this one thing. I mean, I was amazed by it. For someone who records at home, in a room with no air-conditioning, opened windows...this is gold for me. I could record my guitar in a venue of my choice, with a selection of microphones, amp cabinets and set it with a default rack (which I could choose which ones to use).
In my opinion, this is a one-stop magic school bus. Looking into it in more detail, on top of selecting type of microphone, I could set the distance of the microphone from the cab, there is a compressor, and if I wanted more distortion or grit, it is in te rack provided. The recording room choices includes studios, chamber and even the basement. This it is a 30day free trial, and then if you think it's awesome support them and buy it. Check them out.
Spitfire Audio / Labs
Free Virtual Instruments! These guys are top notch in the sample libraries they provide. They have collaborations with folks like Hans Zimmer and Eric Whitarce, just to name a few. I love their strings, and orchestra libraries. Now Spitfire Labs has like a few samples you could download. I really really love the soft piano (as shown in the picture above). I could tweak the intensity, add reverb, have the notes sound tighter..all done in this plug-in. And if like me, am a sucker for clean organised look. This beauty of an interface is just immensely pleasing to my eyes. Wouldn't you want to just jump in and start writing? Here is the link to the downloads, and if you do a survey, you would also get the BBC Symphony Orchestra Discover. I mean...if 2020 has not treated you well, treat yourself to some awesome sounds. It's the least you could do.
u-he / Tyrell N6
This guy here is built like a tank. It has everything you need for Lead sounds down to a preset called Random Nonsense. I am not joking, it literally plays random nonsense. I love the quirkiness.
At a glance for all who are familiar with synths, this is downright straight to the point. For those unfamiliar like me when I downloaded it, go and play around with it. Only by fiddling with it would you be able to figure them out. This guy, thumbs up for being a free for all plug-in.
Download from u-he where they will direct you to amazon.de. Simple to follow.
Now those are my top 5 plug-ins, there are more but these are the ones on my list, as I use them the most. If these 5 are not enough to quench your thirst, just 2 more quick ones for you to check out. 1. Tokyo dawn Labs They have free plug-ins available. One I would recommend is TDR Nova. It is the lite and free version of their paid dynamic equalizer.
2. Native Instruments Virtual Instruments up for grabs. I am personally still getting the hang of this. I have Spitfire Labs so I do not use this as often. However, they have a good sound library as well. I like the Komplete Start package. Or be like me, and download all the free content and see what is of use to you.
Hope you found this useful. Just keep on creating, and if you are looking for someone to geek out with on what plug-ins to use or what is new out there, I would love us some virtual coffee (I like it black). Cheers.
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