The Best Free VST Plugins: Synths, Pianos & More! (2024)

best free VST plugins

Virtual Studio Technology (VST) instrument plugins have become an essential tool for music production in the digital age, and we decided to look into the best free VST plugins here at Between-The-Keys.

These plugins allow musicians and producers to create and manipulate virtual instruments using their digital audio workstation (DAW) software. 

There are so many VST instruments and instrument packs available now, and there are many plugins that are available completely free!

If you want to take your music to the next level or need some fresh inspiration outside of the instruments in your DAW, then read on to find out the best VSTs available to you right now.

The Best Free VST Plugins: Synths, Pianos & More! (2024)

Best Free VST Plugins

1. Vital by Matt Tytel: Best Free VST Plugins

Vital is a free wavetable synth plugin that offers an impressive amount of functionality. The free version comes with 75 presets and 25 wavetables, while the plus version comes with 250 and 70 wavetables ($25).

Vital also offers a subscription to its software for $5 a month giving you access to the latest features and $5 to spend in the presets store. There is also a pro package with a whopping 400+ presets and 150 wavetables ($80). 

Vital is a visual synthesizer. See what’s happening behind the scenes with animated controls, filter responses, waveforms, smooth LFOs, oscilloscopes, spectrograms, and more.

All animations run at 60 frames per second and are GPU optimized, leaving your CPU to do its real job: audio processing.

2. Surge XT by Surge Synth Team: Best Free VST Plugins

A free open-source hybrid synthesizer, Surge contains over 2800 patches and over 700 wavetables. Surge uses the subtractive hybrid synthesis method.

Each patch contains two scenes which are separate instances of the entire synthesis engine (except effects) that can be used to create layered or split patches. There is also a quick category-based patch browser with textual search and favorites.

There are 12 diverse oscillator algorithms, including Classic, Modern, Wavetable, Window, Sine, FM2, FM3, String, Twist, Alias, S&H Noise, and Audio Input.

These algorithms cover the entire audible spectrum, delivering a clear, punchy, and clean sound.

The tool was chosen multiple times for the One Synth Challenge, further exemplifying its potential for creating diverse soundscapes with just one synthesizer.

On a deeper level, Surge also impresses with its sophisticated filter block, consisting of two filter units in 8 different configurations.

The available filter algorithms are extensive, ranging from Lowpass, Highpass, Bandpass, Notch, Allpass, and Comb to S&H. Surge also offers a waveshaper with 43 shapes.

The user-friendly interface and the committed community behind Surge further enhance its appeal, with resources such as the Surge 1.9 User Manual providing ample guidance for new users.

The creators actively encourage feedback and contributions from the user base, establishing Surge as a continually evolving and improving tool.

3. LABS by Spitfire Audio: Best Free VST Plugins

trumpet side view

Spitfire LABS is a series of free VST instrument plugins that offer high-quality sounds and a wide range of instruments.

The plugins cover a range of instruments, including pianos (soft and cinematic), strings, and drums. Labs offer an impressive amount of free instruments with the soft piano being one of my go-to favorite samples.

The library is extensive, and you are sure to find what you are looking for among the myriad of VSTs available. 

The Expressive Strings LABS module is a highlight that is crafted exclusively for Launchkey [MK3] owners. It is an instantly playable and highly reactive instrument that excels in its realism and expressive capabilities.

With control over release, delay, reverb, and expression, artists are granted a level of freedom that fosters their creative potential.

Adding to this, the experimental warped layers feature allows users to further color and embellish their tracks and scores, creating unique and compelling soundscapes.

The LABS Music Box is another excellent addition to the suite. It embodies the consistent quality and versatility that defines the LABS series.

Each instrument available within LABS maintains a high standard of sound quality and playability, making it an invaluable resource for musicians, composers, and sound designers alike.

4. Komplete Start by Native Instruments: Best Free VST Plugins

komplete start software plugins bundled

Komplete Start offers 2000 sounds for free. There are over 6 GB of sounds, effects, loops, and samples available with the free download, and it is a must-have for musicians, producers, and composers in 2023.

There are of course many add-ons and packs to be purchased, but the base free version offers an impressive amount of content on its own. It is an excellent starting point for beginners in music production and a valuable addition for more experienced producers. 

The package includes six virtual synthesizers, nine sampled instruments, two effects, and over 1,500 audio loops. It also comes with the freeware Player editions of Kontakt and Reaktor, which are powerful platforms for running a wide range of synths and effects.

The synths come with over 500 professionally designed presets for any genre, and the sampled instruments include vintage synths, acoustic instruments, and drums.

The effects include a tube compressor and 13 versatile effects that are great for guitars, drums, vocals, synths, or anything you like.

Komplete Start also includes almost 1,500 loops and samples from the popular Expansions range, suitable for use in any DAW. The package is designed to be a set of taster products to tempt you to invest in more comprehensive packages from Native Instruments.

Despite being a free package, Komplete Start does not compromise on quality. The sounds it offers are professional-grade, and the variety of instruments and effects included means that it can be used to produce a wide range of music styles.

5. Orchestral Tools: Best VST Free Plugins

orchestral tools marketing

Orchestral Tools offers a unique service called SINEfactory, which is a free instrument subscription service. By subscribing to SINEfactory, users receive a steady stream of exclusive free instruments delivered straight to their inboxes.

SINEfactory is powered by SINE Player, a virtual instrument audio plugin and standalone application that is compatible with macOS and Windows. The SINE Player functions as a VST Plugin, an Audio Units Plugin, a VST 3 Plugin, an AAX Plugin, and a Standalone Application.

The service offers a variety of instruments, including Ratio, a Steinway B grand piano ideal for soundtracks, pop, rock, and ballads; Gearbox, a versatile collection of studio percussion instruments; and Helix, an inspiring string ensemble with a full, expressive sound.

One of the recent additions to the SINEfactory library is Spindle, a Rösler upright piano with soft felt hammers. Spindle is described as having warm and round low-end tones with a detailed high-end, making it well-suited for ostinatos and sparse arrangements.

It is particularly useful in media composition and film scoring, where simple but emotive chords often form the foundation of a good score. Overall, Orchestral Tools is another example of a vast library of useful sounds and samples for musicians and producers. 

6. Limiter â„–6 by Vladislav Goncharov: Best Free VST Plugins

limiter no.6 interface

The VladG Limiter No.6 is a comprehensive tool for audio mastering, offering a combination of five different dynamic processors.

These include an RMS compressor, peak limiter, high-frequency limiter, clipper, and a true peak limiter. This free limiter plugin is available for both Windows and Mac.

The limiter is designed to provide high-quality signal processing, making it suitable for mastering purposes. It offers both brickwall and soft limiting with various timing settings.

The limiter also features mid/side and multiband modes, and an optional 4x oversampling.

It can handle true inter-sample peaks (ISP) limiting and provides an analog-style indication. The interface is user-friendly and comes in two different GUIs.

User reviews from KVR Audio and Gearspace forums highlight the limiter’s effectiveness and value. Users appreciate its transparency and naturalness, and many consider it a top choice among free limiters.

Some users have noted that it can be CPU-intensive, but the overall consensus is that the VladG Limiter No.6 delivers professional-quality results, even when compared to paid alternatives.

One user on the KVR Audio forum mentioned that the limiter is particularly good at maintaining the integrity of the low-frequency spectrum and that it offers a clean, clear sound. Another user has praised the limiter’s true ISP protection.

On the Gearspace forum, users recommended the limiter for its ability to handle a range of sounds and its flexibility in settings.

The VladG Limiter No.6 is a highly recommended tool for audio mastering. It offers a range of features typically found in paid software but is available for free. Its ability to deliver professional-quality results has earned it high praise from users. 

7. Frontier by D16 Group: Best Free VST Plugins

Frontier by D16 Group interface

The D16 Frontier is a versatile limiter plugin that can be used in a multitude of applications, whether on a single track, bus, or master output.

It is a self-adaptive tool, meaning it automatically adjusts the gain to achieve the desired result. This feature contributes to the efficiency of setting up the plugin.

One of the key updates to the Frontier limiter is the ability to resize the GUI, a feature that addresses one of the few complaints users had about the plugin.

The plugin is also praised for its versatility, with the ability to be as discrete or indiscrete as the user prefers. This versatility is further enhanced by its simple and easy-to-use GUI.

The Frontier limiter is not just a simple limiter. It has selectable Control Input and optional Soft Clipping features, making it a versatile and creativity-releasing tool.

It can be used as a very transparent mixing/mastering limiter or can be utilized more creatively as a sound shaper when more extreme settings are at stake.

The D16 Frontier plugin can make sounds thicker, warmer, and more upfront. It can be used on almost anything, but it is particularly effective on bass, drums, keys, and vocals.

The plugin is available for free, making it a valuable addition to any audio engineer’s toolkit.

8. Valhalla SuperMassive – Valhalla DSP: Best Free VST Plugins

Valhalla SuperMassive interface

Valhall SuperMassive is free software for Windows and Mac with massive delays and reverbs. It also boasts some impressive harmonic echo and space sound effects. 

It is capable of generating luscious clouds of reverb, otherworldly delays, and swelling waves of feedback that are unlike anything you’ve heard before.

The plugin offers 18 distinct reverb/delay modes, each with its own unique characteristics, allowing for a wide range of sonic possibilities.

The modes range from Gemini, which offers a fast attack and shorter decay with high echo density, to Andromeda, which has the slowest attack, very long decay, and very high echo density.

Other notable modes include Aquarius, a dedicated EchoVerb algorithm with a strong audible echo/delay that can morph into a lush reverb with higher density settings.

Libra offers a medium attack, long decay, very high echo density, lush balanced modulation, and filtering in the feedback loop for more realistic reverb decay.

One of the standout features of Valhalla Supermassive is its self-documenting nature. Users can simply roll over the controls to get a tooltip explaining what each control does.

This makes it incredibly user-friendly and easy to navigate, even for those who might be new to using such plugins.

Moreover, Valhalla Supermassive is free to download, with no strings attached. This makes it an excellent choice for musicians and producers looking to experiment with new sounds and effects without having to make a financial commitment. 

This plugin is also regularly updated, with the latest version (2.5.0) offering new echo/reverb modes and compatibility with Mac (Intel/M1) and Windows.

9. Variety Of Sound – FerricTDS mkII: Best Free VST Plugins

Variety of Sound is a well-regarded platform in the audio production community, known for its high-quality plugins that often rival paid alternatives.

Their offerings are particularly appreciated for their ability to emulate the warmth and richness of analog hardware, providing a distinctive edge to digital audio production.

One of the standout offerings from Variety of Sound is the Tube Vitalizer. This device, while complex in its operation, offers a unique approach to audio processing.

It is essentially a parallel dynamic equalizer, with an EQ curve behavior designed to mimic equal loudness contours as specified in ISO226.

This means it can be seen as a high and low-frequency shelving EQ that takes into account psychoacoustic loudness effects. The Vitalizer also adds harmonic content, enhancing the richness and depth of the sound.

The Tube Vitalizer’s operation is not immediately intuitive but once understood, it offers a great deal of flexibility and control over the sound.

It allows for the adjustment of the main equalizer’s center frequency, which can be set anywhere between 1kHz and 20kHz.

This adjustment defines a cross-over point, with frequencies below this point being attenuated and higher frequencies being boosted.

The LF EQ curve can be further altered, and the EQ path can be compressed, providing a wide range of tonal possibilities.

In addition to the main EQ path, the Tube Vitalizer offers an additional HF boost and compression option. These can be dialed in to complement the LF behavior, providing a balanced and harmonically rich sound.

Proper gain-staging is key to getting the most out of the Tube Vitalizer, and the Drive knob is the main control for this. The device also creates additional harmonic content, adding to the richness and depth of the sound.

Variety of Sound also offers a range of plugins, such as the FlavourMTC Passive Equalizer Plugin.

This plugin is praised for its analog-like sound and is recommended for those looking for mixing and mastering software with a taste of analog hardware.

It has been described as having a “big fat lump of ‘Ashish dissolved in a bucket filled with two parts honey and one part roasted sesame on a warm Himalayan afternoon.”

10. Dexed: Best Free VST Plugins

Dexed interface

Dexed is a popular free VST instrument plugin that emulates the classic Yamaha DX7 synthesizer. The interface is user-friendly, and it has 144 DAW automatable DX7 parameters available from one single panel.

Dexed is compatible with Windows, MacOS (M1 chip compatible), and Linux.

This project aims to be a tool/companion for the original DX7. A sound engine with ‘float’ value parameters, and a different waveform à la TX81z would be great but anything that goes beyond the DX7 should and will be a fork of this project.

This is to keep the compatibility with the original machine.’

Features:

  • Multi-platform (OS X, Windows, or Linux) and multi-format (VST, AU, LV2).
  • The sound engine music-synthesizer-for-android is closely modeled on the original DX7 characteristics.
  • 144 DAW automatable DX7 parameters available from one single panel.
  • Fully supports DX7 input and output Sysex messages; including controller change. This means that you can use this with a native DX7/TX7 as a patch editor and SysEx manager.
  • Each operator has a realtime VU meter to know which one is active.
  • Can load/save any DX7/TX7 SysEx programs. It is also possible to save a single program into a different SysEx file.

11. Helm: Best Free VST Plugins

helm interface

​​Helm is an open-source VST instrument plugin that is known for its intuitive interface and powerful sound, and it’s free! It offers a wide range of features, including three oscillators, a filter, and an effects section.

One of the most appealing aspects of Helm is its accessibility. It is free as in freedom, meaning that you have full control over the software. In terms of cost, Helm operates on a “pay what you want” basis, so you are free to pay nothing.

This makes it an excellent choice for those on a budget or those who are just starting out in electronic music production.

Helm is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive. Any sound that comes out of Helm belongs to the person who played it, meaning you are the copyright holder to any sound you create with Helm. This gives you a lot of freedom and flexibility in terms of how you use the sounds you create.

In terms of functionality, Helm offers a wide range of features. It includes a native synthesizer, a sampler, and a sequencer. The synthesizer generates dynamic audio live, with no samples or recordings required.

It runs as a native plugin to ensure low latency, high performance, and mobile-ready audio. The sampler takes an audio sample or recording and can play it back at different speeds to create musical pitches. 

Helm also provides a graphical piano and a Folder/Patch browser in the Inspector window. This makes it easy to select and modify patches, and the graphical piano provides a visual representation of the notes being played.

Helm also provides a HelmController component that allows you to play the synth directly from the Unity Inspector.

Helm is also fully customizable, allowing users to create their own unique sounds. It is available for download on Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.

12. Tyrell N6: Best Free VST Plugins

tyrel interace

Tyrell N6 is a virtual analog synthesizer that offers a classic sound reminiscent of analog synths of the past. It includes over 500 presets and features two oscillators, a filter, and an effects section, making it one of the best free VST plugins available!

The Tyrell synthesizer is a product of a collaborative effort that has been well-received by the music community. It was initially conceived as a hardware synthesizer, inspired by the idea of creating an affordable, polyphonic, analog synthesizer.

The name “Tyrell” was borrowed from the cult film “Blade Runner,” where Tyrell was the corporation responsible for the production of human duplicates known as Nexus. The “N6” in Tyrell N6 stands for Nexus 6, which represented the pinnacle of evolution in the film’s universe.

The Tyrell N6 has evolved into a software synthesizer that has been praised for its capabilities and versatility.

It is compatible with various digital audio workstation (DAW) setups and is available for Linux, Mac, and Windows platforms. However, it does not yet exist as a standalone version.

The Tyrell N6 is a freeware synthesizer, meaning it is available for free download and use. It has been updated to be compatible with the Catalina operating system, demonstrating its adaptability to evolving technology.

The Tyrell N6 has been so successful that it has inspired the development of a successor, the Babylon synthesizer, which aims to unify the global synth community. The Babylon synth is $69 to buy, but a free demo is available. 

13. Synth1: Best Free VST Plugins

synth1 interface

Synth1 is a classic VST instrument plugin that emulates the classic Nord Lead 2 synthesizer. It has been around for over a decade and has been used by many well-known musicians. Synth1 has a vast library of presets available online.

Its enduring popularity is a testament to its quality and versatility, and it continues to be a go-to choice for both beginners and seasoned professionals.

While it may seem outdated to some, the interface is actually one of its strengths. It provides a good representation of working with an actual piece of hardware, allowing users to quickly become comfortable with the product.

The simplicity of the GUI, coupled with its unique sound, makes it a favorite among many users.

Synth1’s features, such as its two oscillators, FM modulation, ring modulation, and modulation envelopes, make it a versatile tool for sound design. Its built-in arpeggiator and filter are robust and allow for automation in all DAW platforms.

One of the most impressive aspects of Synth1 is its extensive community support.

Thousands of presets are available for download, created by the large and active user base. This wealth of resources makes it an even more valuable tool for producers.

While some argue that Synth1 is just one of many generic subtractive plugins, its enduring popularity and the high regard in which it is held by its users suggest otherwise.

Despite some criticisms about its GUI and the perceived lack of updates, Synth1 remains a reliable and efficient tool for music production and one of the best free VST plugins. Synth1 is a testament to the adage that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

14. Ample Sound: Best Free VST Plugins

Ample Sound is a free virtual library of guitar samples and virtual instruments, offering a range of products that cater to different musical genres and styles.

Their offerings include the Metal Series, Electric Guitars Version 3, and the Acoustic Series, each with its unique features and capabilities.

The Metal Series is a comprehensive toolkit for metal music enthusiasts, featuring three separate guitar libraries: Eclipse (6-string guitar), Hellrazer III (9-string guitar), and Ray 5 (5-string bass).

The technology and features in these libraries are truly astounding, providing a myriad of controls and buttons that allow for a high level of customization.

The Riffer page offers a unique view that allows you to program in riffs and licks, showing which string is being played, the fingering, articulation being used, and even the amount of playing noise.

The Electric Guitars Version 3 is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, featuring a new guitar amp simulator that rivals any on the market.

Other new features include revised sample sets, updates to the Riffer and Strummer, a new DSP FX system, and updates to the UI, settings, the sample editor, and the main panel.

The most significant performance addition is the new Guitar Amp Simulator, which offers 5 amp models and 7 matching cabinets, each with 8 mic models.

The Acoustic Series includes three virtual acoustic guitars and one acoustic bass guitar.

The guitars represent the most classic archetypes of the acoustic world: the traditional Spanish-style classical, the 1930s-style American dreadnought, and the smaller, more modern American steel string.

The instruments are well-balanced, offering a great mix of warmth and clarity. The Acoustic Series also includes sustained notes with four velocity layers, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides for different types of legato, harmonics, and muted notes.

Whether you’re into metal, electric, or acoustic music, there’s something for everyone in the free Ample product lineup.

15. Plugin Boutique: Best Free VST Plugins

plugin boutique interface

Plugin Boutique is a renowned platform where top music software companies sell their VST Plugins, Virtual Instruments, Synth Presets, and Music Plugins to Producers, Musicians, and DJs worldwide.

The website offers a wide range of free virtual instruments and plugins, which are highly appreciated by users for their quality and versatility.

One of the free virtual instruments available on Plugin Boutique is the Xpand!2 by AIR Music Technology.

It is a highly-rated virtual instrument that offers a broad range of sound generation capabilities, making it a versatile tool for music production. The Xpand!2 has received positive reviews for its quality and functionality. 

In addition to the free virtual instruments, Plugin Boutique also offers free plugins. Also, it is worth checking out their website when they are having flash sales on virtual instruments and plugins.

For instance, during their Black Friday sale, they offered free software like Audiolens, CA2600, deCoda LE, and MReverbMB with any purchase.

Audiolens is a track referencing and comparison app, CA2600 is a powerful duophonic synth inspired by the ARP 2600, deCoda LE is a song analysis software, and MReverbMB is a reverb plugin.

It’s worth noting that to download the free plugins and trial versions from Plugin Boutique, you will need to create an account on their website.

Plugin Boutique is a great website for those looking for the best free VST plugins. They are offering various packs for purchase, but they also have some excellent free plugins. Check out the complete collection by Melda Production and the Free instrument page.

Best Free Virtual Pianos

1. Keyzone: Best Free VST Plugins

Keyzone is a layered sample-based piano and accordion plugin available for free on Plugins4Free.

It offers a variety of presets including Grand piano (wet and dry), Sad pad, Pitched grand (1 and 2), Grand small, Grand medium, Rhodes piano (1 and 2), Accordion, Hammond B3, and My Good Angel.

The plugin also provides several options for customization such as Reverb, ADSR, Vibrato, Detuner, Octave, Semitone, Velocity Curve, and Filter of Velocity.

The reviews for Keyzone are mixed, with many users praising its sound quality. One user described it as the best free VST piano on the market, noting its deep and rich sound.

Another user appreciated the variety of pianos and the two finely pitched models, stating that it’s the best-sounding free piano for general use. Some users have also praised the “Grand piano wet” preset.

However, some users reported issues with the plugin. A common complaint is the lack of a sustain-pedal function, which some users found limiting.

There are also some reports of the plugin crashing or not working with certain DAWs. Despite these issues, many users still recommend Keyzone for its sound quality and variety of presets.

Considering that Keyzone is completely free to use, at BetweenThe-Keys we believe it to be one of the best options for new musicians and producers who want to get composing without splashing the cash. 

2. DSK The Grand: Best Free VST Plugins

DSK The Grand is a grand piano VST instrument that offers a high-quality sound experience. It is designed with 4 velocity layers and 4-6 samples per note, providing a rich and dynamic sound that closely mimics a real grand piano.

The instrument also includes an ADSR envelope control, allowing users to shape the attack, decay, sustain, and release of the piano sound, providing further customization and control over the sound output.

One of the standout features of DSK The Grand is the inclusion of a reverb effect. This effect can add depth and space to the piano sound, creating a more immersive and realistic audio experience.

This feature can be particularly useful in creating a sense of ambiance and can enhance the overall sound quality of the piano.

DSK The Grand is available for both Windows and Mac operating systems, and it supports both 32 and 64-bit versions. This makes it a versatile choice for a wide range of users and ensures compatibility with various music production software.

DSK’s detailed sound design, ADSR envelope control, and reverb effect make it a valuable tool for any music producer or composer looking for a realistic and customizable piano sound.

The fact that it is available for free makes it even more appealing, offering professional-grade sound quality without the associated cost. This is one of the best free VST plugins available now!

3. Piano S: Best Free VST Plugins

PIANO S is a sampled Yamaha C5 Grand piano. It is free to download, but only available for Windows.

The Piano S is a sampled Yamaha C5 Grand piano VST plugin that offers a rich and immersive sound experience.

This three-layer rompler module comes with Grand piano samples and an advanced editor packed with tools and functionalities, allowing users to create unique sounds tailored to their needs and tastes.

The plugin provides a compressor, EQ, and convolution reverb, which can be used to tweak the instrument to your needs and taste. The ability to save and load presets from the library browser adds to the convenience and flexibility of the plugin.

Users have praised the Piano S for its beautiful and natural sound, with very few artifacts that might alert a listener to artificiality. The brightness of the Yamaha Grands is well captured in this plugin, and it still manages to sound natural.

The presets offer good variety, and users have found it easy to create presets for different applications, such as brighter “song” type applications and richer sound for “classical” type compositions.

Overall, the Piano S is highly appreciated by users, especially considering it’s offered for free.

It’s a fantastic virtual piano that is ideal for musicians looking to incorporate the sound of a Yamaha C5 Grand piano into their compositions, with the flexibility to tweak and tailor the sound to their liking.

4. CV Piano

The CV Piano is another excellent addition to your piano Library if you use a Windows PC. This is a Kawai grand piano emulation from LarryLand studio in Austin Texas, and one of the best free VST plugins in 2023!

It is based on spectral morphing technology. This technology eliminates the need for multiple bulky, discrete sample layers by producing continuous, spectral variation from a single baseline sample velocity.

The spectral morphing filters dynamically interpolate frequency characteristics, which can then be continuously morphed during and after musical notes are played.

This results in a far greater musicality with over ten times the amount of dynamic expression compared to traditional methods.

Another benefit of this technology is that the instruments are much smaller in memory consumption, yet they offer greater playability and realism.

The piano used for the CV Piano is a KAWAI Grand Piano, 7’4″, which resides in Electric LarryLand Studios, Austin, TX.

This piano is known for its shimmering, clear tone and has been used on many recordings made by nine-time Grammy-winning engineer, Larry Seyer.

This gives the CV Piano a unique and high-quality sound that is appreciated by many musicians and producers.

The CV Piano and its unique spectral morphing technology offer a high level of musicality and dynamic expression, and its smaller memory footprint makes it a practical choice for many music production setups.

This plugin is only available for Windows, but if that is your operating system, don’t delay in downloading this free plugin.

5. VSC02

VSC02 is a VST plugin that is described as having a solid upright and dynamic sound. The sound is characterized as quite rich, deep, and warm, which is impressive considering the relatively small file size.

Some users have noted that the mid-range is rather subdued and feels like it needs to be brightened using an EQ, whereas the top and lower octaves are much brighter.

If you play higher notes, you may need to EQ out the lower frequencies. The piano is very quiet/soft, so compression is sometimes needed for more aggressive playing.

For softer playing, it is perfect without EQ or compression. Users can hear the hammer action, which adds to its authenticity, and the velocity range is pretty good. The controls are simple, including A.D.S.R, volume, and reverb.

6. 4Front

upright piano old

4Front is a small single-timbre upright piano module. This virtual Piano is a simple yet effective virtual instrument that emulates the timbre of an upright home piano.

It is a small single-sound instrument with no settings, making it a plug-and-play module that does not require any configuration or adjustment. This makes it highly user-friendly, especially for those who may not be familiar with such technology.

The instrument is light on memory and CPU usage, a significant advantage for users and software developers who need to conserve system resources.

It is available as a VSTi for Windows, and as an AudioUnit, VSTi, and RTAS for Mac, making it versatile and compatible with various operating systems, and one of the best free VST plugins available!

To use this plugin, a plugin hosting software is necessary, such as Topten Cantabile software. It is also recommended to use a MIDI keyboard for creating computer music with this instrument.

4Front Piano also has a big brother, 4Front TruePianos, a professional-grade virtual piano instrument. It is based on state-of-the-art technology and produces a much improved and cleaner sound compared to 4Front Piano.

Several other 4Front virtual instruments and plugins are available including:

1. 4Front E-piano 

2. R-piano

3. 4Front bass

4. 4Front Headphones – Room simulation with speakers

You will need software to run VST instruments, and 4Front recommends using Cantabile, which is stable software aimed at live performance, though it is equally useful for producers. 

In conclusion, 4Front Piano is a straightforward, easy-to-use virtual instrument that provides a decent emulation of an upright home piano. It is a good choice for users who need a simple, plug-and-play piano module that is light on system resources.

7. Salamander Piano

salamander piano interface

The Salamander Piano is a meticulously sampled Yamaha C5 grand piano, offering a rich and authentic sound that can stand alone in a mix or serve as a solid foundation in a track. It is one of the best free VST plugins available now!

With 16 velocity layers sampled by Alexander HolmFeel, the Salamander Piano provides a wide dynamic range that can cater to various musical styles and applications.

The piano is noted for its ability to cut through mixes, making it an excellent choice for rock or pop music.

However, it also retains a realistic and smooth sound that allows it to shine in solo performances. This versatility makes it a valuable addition to any musician’s toolkit.

The Salamander Piano is a substantial instrument, with a file size of around 832 MB to 840 MB depending on the version. Despite its size, the quality of the sound it produces justifies the space it occupies.

The piano is available in 32 and 64-bit versions, as well as in component and VST formats, making it compatible with various music production software.

Good sound, a relatively small download size, and it’s free to use. Ideal!

Related posts:

The Best VST Synths, Instruments & Plugins (Buy to Own)

The Ultimate Guide to the Rhodes V8 Plugin

Conclusion

In conclusion, many high-quality free VST instrument plugins are available today that can provide a wide range of sounds and functionality.

So much is available for free in 2023 that new musicians have plenty to keep them occupied and inspired. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced producer, VST plugins can help you create professional-quality tracks.

Daniel Forino
Daniel Forino
Articles: 170