1. Fabfilter Pro G features 6 awesome expander/gate algorithms, including upward expansion and ducking or sidechaining. One feature I love about the Fabfilter Pro G is the way you can route signals, also, you can choose between mono, stereo or mid/side processing and in expert mode, external side chain input is available with completely customizable channel linking and routing.
2. 7AMP Around Music Portal has announced the release of Noise Gate, a freeware noise gate VST effect plugin for Windows. This is a VST noise gate plugin software for audio noise reduction (“cancellation”) before or after applying other VST effects that may highly amplify noise like a distortion, compressor (sustainer, limiter) or a guitar amplifier.

Disclosure: When you buy through our links, we may get a commission at zero cost to you.

“My audio sample sounds dry” – I’ll add a reverb effect to make it wet (sound roomy) a little!

That was a joke, I can bet you have come across several effects in your software applications (DAW) such as reverb, delay, compression, distortion, and other various effects.

Free Dynamic VST Plugins Compressor, Limiter, Gate, Expander, Exciter Before spending too much money on expensive compressor VST plugins or downloading them illegally go through this list of free VST plugins and download and test out free alternatives first. Basic VST de-esser plugin Modern De-Esser is a freeware de-esser VST plugin by Antress. It features frequency control in the 3000 to 9999 Hz range and output level control (-15 to +15 dB) The gain reduction can be adjusted with threshold, ratio, width, and release controls. Reagate Noise gate is the part Reaplug VST bundle. This bundle is free to use and includes Reagate, ReaComp, ReaXcomp, ReaDelay, ReaEQ, ReaFIR, and ReaStream. Reagate is one of the best free gate plugin available on the internet. Ultra-configurable noise gate; Sidechain input & filters; Pre-open; Hysteresis control; Hold control. Freegate's circumvention proxy / anonymity software is used by millions in China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea and many other countries. It was developed Dynamic Internet Technology Inc.

But! Why do we use audio effects in the first place?

To answer that question, I’ll ask you a simple question. How would your meal taste without any ingredients?

Tasteless right! Yh, sure, it’s still eatable but it lacks flavor. Let’s transition back to the old question, why do we use audio effects?

Audio effects are software devices (ingredients) that manipulates an audio signal to a specific taste, it can make a dry audio signal sound wet, it can help in controlling the gains of an uncompressed sound (proper leveling of peaks), it can make a dull audio sample sound lively, and it can also be misused (think of adding too many/too little salt to your meal).

Since we know the importance of using audio effects, I would be recommending some of the best free VST effects plugins.

It doesn’t make any sense to randomly list the effects, so I decided to categorize each and every effect, all compressor vst effect plugin would be under the Compressor Vst category, reverb vst effects plugin would be under Reverb Vst category, you get the idea.

Page Contents

• Compressor Free VST/AU/AAX Plugin
• Reverb Free VST/AU/AAX Plugin
• Delay Free VST/AU/AAX Plugin
• EQ Free VST/AU/AAX Plugin

Let’s get cracking…

Compressor Free VST/AU/AAX Plugin

Compression is an effect or an audio processing tool that is used to control the overall Dynamics of an audio signal or an audio portion.

Some of the best free compressor plugins are…

1.) Audiofb – SeteChave Compressor

SeteChave is the first compressor on our list and is designed with characteristics close to the “pumping” effect. It can be used for parallel compressing and it is really intuitive with minimal knobs, so, you will quickly get a hold of this one.

Features:

• Input – Input signal gain control from -12db to + 12db
• Att – Attack spanning from 1.2ms to 500ms
• Rel – Release ranging from 20ms to 5s
• Threshold – with decibel range from 0db to -36db
• Ratio – Compression ratio, ranging from 1: 1 to 200: 1
• Knee – Curve gives compression, which varies between values 1 and 5 Output – Output signal gain control from -12db to + 12db.

Specification Requirements:

• Windows: Minimum of Win 8.1
• Mac OSX: Minimum of 10.10
• Supports Only 64bits of this format: VST/VST3/AAX/AU

Download (Requires Free Registration): SeteChave Compressor

2.) TDR Nova

Nova is a parallel equalizer and a multiband compressor that can tackle and fix a wide range of applications when processing. It can feel a little bit daunting when using TDR due to its various knobs, but you should easily get familiar after experimenting with its features and besides, it is free 😉

TDR NOVA is useful and works with all kinds of audio material, be it a drum bus asking for more crispiness, or a sibilance issue with your sounds, Nova got your back!

A simple UI design, drag and drop display with a classic “Knob” interface given quick and smooth access to the various parameters driving NOVA’s powerful processing capabilities.

The most interesting thing about this tool is that it has a rare feature you would find in Nova is that it allow users to copy and paste presets, and a lot of more great feature.

Features:

• Parametric equalization
• Dynamic equalization
• Frequency selective compression
• Multi-band compression
• Wideband compression.

Specification Requirement:

• Compatible with Windows ( Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10 and later versions) and macOS X 10.7 and above
• Win 32bit formats: VST2/AAX
• Win 64bits formats: VST2/VST3/AAX
• Mac OSx 64bits formats: VST2/VST3/AU/AAX

Download TDR NOVA

3.) T-Chain

I can’t even believe this is free (well, partially!)

T-Chain as it names sounds, it is a chain of different plugins or a channel strip plugin that is designed for modularity, users can arrange different sound modules within the signal path, you get the idea!.

For example, you might decide to use it as a single Eq or a compressor module and if you so wish, you can arrange different sound modules such as a free EQ, Compressor, Gate, and Splitter (for splitting the signal into two distinct paths), one of the most exciting features about this free plugin, is that the module can be rearranged, added, and deleted by drag-and-drop, this way, your life can be easier rearranging your signal chain.

I should mention some modules aren’t free but getting a free Eq, compressor, gate, and splitter is more than enough for so many use cases.

Features:

• Free and Paid modules, with the ability to demo any module at any time
• Customizable spectrum analyzer and waveform display
• Full-featured preset management system with searchable filter and text-based importing/exporting
• Multiple plugin interface size (compact, small, medium, and large)
• A/B Comparison feature for the entire plugin, and for individual modules

Specification Requirement:

• Available on Mac and PC; in VST, VST3, AU, and AAX formats; and 32- and 64-bit architecture

Download Mac: T-Chain for Mac

Download PC: T-Chain for Win

4.) TDR Kotelnikov

TDR Kotelnikov is a plugin by tokyodawn, the maker of TDR Nova.

Kotelnikov is a wideband dynamics compressor that is designed with high fidelity dynamic range control with deep musical flexibility. Their Nova plugin is a combo of Eq and Compressor while Kotelnikov is built solely for dynamic processing and has an on par features such as a proven control scheme, individual release control for peak and RMS content, an intuitive user interface, and powerful, state of the art, high-precision algorithms.

This plugin is suited when used as bus compression and or a master channel, if you try throwing many instances of Kotelnikov on your mixer inserts, you’ll eat your CPU up!

Features:

• 64bit multi-rate processing structure for highest accuracy
• “Delta” oversampled signal path (bit transparent at 0dB gain reduction)
• Super fast, yet natural sounding compression
• Flexible sidechain highpass filter
• Advanced stereo linking options optimized for the stereo bus
• Delta preview mode previews the difference between the compressed and original signal
• Latency compensated, click-free bypass (i.e. processing never interrupted)
• Advance User interface rescaling (100%, 125%, 150%)

Specification Requirement:

• Compatible with Windows ( Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10 and later versions) and macOS X 10.7 and above
• Win 32bit formats: VST2/AAX
• Win 64bits formats: VST2/VST3/AAX
• Mac OSx 64bits formats: VST2/VST3/AU/AAX

Download Mac: TDR Kotelnikov

5.) Multiband Compressor – OTT

OTT is based on a popular Ableton compressor presets and are redesigned has a three-band compressor that can either be used as an Upward or Downward compressor.

Download OTT

6.) Beatskillz – Max1

I might be biased in this review but personally, this is one of the best auto-compressor plugins out there. Max 1 will automatically analyze the ratio depending on the audio source and compress accordingly.

If you feel itchy about using an auto compressor tool, you are as well covered, Max1 comes with the default compressor knobs (Threshold, Attack, Gain, and the likes). In addition to this, it also comes bundled with a soft clip switch so you can clip anything that goes past 0dB, this way, you can save extra effort using a Limiter.

Features:

• Auto-Compressor with “intelligent” and variable release time and ratio settings.
• Control your peaks very easily or increase the energy and levels of your track or mix effortlessly.
• The Plugin has accurate metering for both L/R input and output channels as well as Gain Gain Reduction Metering.
• Great Presets to get you started on all types of material and also save your own presets.
• When compressing a lot, just use the “Attack” knob to dial back the punch easily. Use the soft limit to make your track loud effortlessly and transparently.
• Never Lose “Bass” when maximizing your mix or sounds, retain the character of your sounds with this transparent dynamics processor.
• Easy Effortless Compression and Energy Maximization.

Download: Win 32 VST / Win 64 VST / Mac OSX VST / Mac AU

Note: You might be asked to provide a serial key, just input your email and if you don’t get one by email, click not today

7.) Dead Duck Free Effects Bundle (25 VST audio effect plugins)

This is a bundled effect plugin by Dead duck. It contains 25 original VST audio effect plugins covering everything from essential mixing tools such as EQ, compression, and limiting to creative sound-shaping tools such as delays, modulation effects, and reverb:

1. AutoFilter: A resonant 4-pole low-pass filter with a built-in LFO modulator.
2. AutoPan: An auto-panning modulation effect with optional tempo-sync and width control.
3. BitCrusher: A bit-crusher effect for lo-fi distortion.
4. Channel: A multi-function channel-strip plugin featuring gate, compressor, equalizer, limiter, filters and gain controls with comprehensive input, output, and gain-reduction metering.
5. Chorus: A stereo chorus effect with optional tempo-sync.
6. Compressor: A peak compressor with optional external side-chain input.
7. DeEsser: A de-esser for reducing sibilance and other unwanted high-frequency sounds.
8. Delay: A stereo delay featuring independent left and right channels with optional stereo linking and tempo-sync.
9. DJEQ: A three-band ‘DJ-style’ equalizer.
10. DualFilter: A high-pass and low-pass filter combination with full-range cutoff frequencies and resonance.
11. Equalizer: A four-band parametric equalizer with switchable low- and high-shelf bands.
12. Expander: A downward expander with optional external side-chain input.
13. Filter: A multi-mode filter including low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and band-stop responses from 12 to 48 dB/octave.
14. Flanger: A stereo flanger with optional tempo-sync.
15. Gate: A noise-gate with optional external side-chain input.
16. Limiter: A ‘soft’ limiter with optional hard-clipper.
17. MonoDelay: A mono-delay with optional ‘ping-pong’ stereo output and tempo-sync.
18. Overdrive: An overdrive distortion effect.
19. Phaser: A stereo, multi-stage phaser with optional tempo-sync.
20. Reverb: An efficient algorithmic reverb with pre-delay and input filtering.
21. RingMod: A ring-modulation effect.
22. SigGen: A signal-generator with sine, pink noise, and white noise outputs.
23. TiltEQ: A tilt-equalizer for adjusting high/low-frequency balance.
24. Tremolo: A volume-modulation effect with optional tempo-sync.
25. Utility: A multi-function mixing utility.

Download: Dead Duck Free Effects Bundle

Reverb Free VST/AU/AAX Plugin

Reverb is the simulation of the sound of space. This space could be your bathroom, a small room, a concert hall, a chamber, and so on.

It can be used to create all sorts of effects but it can easily be misused too, basically reverb effects can be used to…

• To create depth in a mix; pushing elements further back in a mix
• To glue elements within a track together
• and many more.

Let’s see some of the best free reverb plugins…

8.) Voxengo – OldSkoolVerb

Voxengo plugins have been my best and ready to go plugin for my music production toolbox.

OldSkoolVerbemulates the classic stereo verb algorithm and produces a crystal clear spatial image that blends well with an audio file.

This reverb tool comes bundled with various sets of parameters permitting a user to achieve different reverb styles ranging from room reverb to hall reverb to plate reverb.

“The Voxengo OldSkoolVerb is best used for a non-percussive and soft-attack sound like vocals, piano and pad sounds”.

Specification Requirement:

Free Gate Vst Software

• Compatible with Windows ( Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 and later versions) and macOS (10.7 and later releases, Intel processor-based)
• VST/AAX supports
• Compatible with 32 and 64 bit on Windows and Mac Os
• Supports 2 GHz dual-core or faster processor
• 2GB RAM or higher

Download OldSkoolVerb

8.) Smart Electronix – Ambience

A friend recommended Ambience too me a few years back, and the moment I tested it, I was literally blown away.

One of my favorite features of Ambience is the hold parameter which smartly freezes the reverb tail until the button is released. You can use this for creating a reverse reverb effect, special effect and you can even automate the knobs.

Ambience is a donationware plugin. You get a nag screen with no limitation, and if you love the plugin, you can donate to the developer.’

Download: Win 32 VST / Mac OSX VST

9.) Anwida Soft – DX Reverb Light

This is the light version of the original DX Reverb. The light version contains only one simplified algorithm of the 11 available algorithms in the full version, even with the limitation, DX Reverb Light can be handy for a quick reverb effect.

Download: Win 32 VST / Win 64 VST / Mac OSX VST / Mac AU

10.) Signaldust – Abstract Chamber

I don’t know if you ever notice undesirable reverb effect when used for longer reverb sounds, it sounds frustrating some times, with Abstract Chamber you can create a longer modulated reverbs whole also maintaining a natural yet abstract spatial impression.

It only supports VST

Download Abstract Chamber

11.) TAL-Reverb III

TAL-Reverb 3 is designed to be used as a stereo plate plug-in, which is the replacement of its predecessor (TAL-Reverb-II). This new edition has several improvements such as an optimized GUI and some changes in the reverb algorithm.

Additionally, TAL-Reverb 3 has a simple EQ section, a meter display and shows actual slider values.

Features:

Free Noise Gate Plugin Mac

• Plate reverb sound.
• One simple room size control.
• Pre-delay up to one second.
• EQ section (12dB cut, low shelf filter at 1000Hz, high shelf filter at 200Hz).
• Stereo width control (from full stereo to mono).
• Stereo input mode (mono or stereo input).
• Displays the slider value of the active fader.
• A meter shows the output volume.
• 10 factory presets.

Specification Requirements:

• Windows: Windows XP or higher (32 / 64 bit)
• OSX: OSX 10.7 or higher (32 / 64 bit).
• AAX: Pro Tools 10.3.6 or higher

Download: Windows / Mac

Delay Free VST/AU/AAX Plugin

Delay is an audio effect that records an input audio signal to a medium and then plays it back after a period of time or after the time you specify.

Some of the free delay plugins are…

12.) Proximity

Proximity is easy to use delay plugin based on several psycho-acoustic models. The idea is to give mixing engineers a reliable tool for manipulating the depth of several sound sources in a straight forward and convincing manner.

It is available in both 32 and 64-bits versions for Windows and Mac OS X in VST & AU format.

Download: Windows / Mac

13.) Adam Monroe’s Delay

Adam Monroe’s Delay is a free delay VST/AU/ AAX plugin. It features traditional delay parameters such as time and feedback, as well as high/low-pass filtering and synchronized ping-pong panning.

It supports both 32 and 64-bit version: Vst to rtas adapter free windows.

Download: Win VST / Win AAX / Mac VST / Mac AU

EQ Free VST/AU/AAX Plugin

14.) TAL-USE

TAL-USE (Ultra Simple Eq) is especially designed after some tilt eq’s from the ’70s.

This type of eq allows adjusting the audio material without changing the character of a sound to much.

It’s an easy way, to make an audio signal sound darker or brighter with only one knob. The bass lift knob is a special addition that boosts or attenuates bass frequencies below 300Hz.

Requirements:

• Windows XP or higher (32 / 64 bit)
• OSX 10.6 and < 10.10 (32 bit Host).

Download: Win 32 VST / OSX 32 VST / OSX 32 AU

I Would Keep Updating This Page…

Disclosure: When you buy through our links, we may get a commission at zero cost to you.

A noise gate is similar to a compressor in the sense that, it is used to control the loudest and the quietest part of an audio signal, but specifically, a noise gate reduces audio signals that are below a certain threshold, so, when the signals are above a threshold, it let the signal pass-through (opens the gate). on the other hand, if the signals fall below the threshold, no signal is allowed to pass (closed the gate) or the signal is attenuated with respect to the settings dialed.

Practically, noise gates are used to remove noises in an audio signal, for example, if you have some unwanted noise you would love to attenuate, you can use a noise gate plugin to find the threshold where that noise becomes annoying and adjust your settings to quiet everything below that.

Also, it can be used for sidechaining, gluing bass & kick drum together, and in fact, most producers I know use it for stuttering effect, where you can turn a sound e.g an ‘Ah’ sample sound into the same rhythm as the drumbeat, which in turn makes it groovy and danceable on the dance floor 😉

Since Noise gate works similarly to a compressor, you can read the guide on how compression works to understand some of its parameters. In this guide, I will be recommending the best Noise Gate VST/AU/AXX Plugin for use in your DAW, let’s get started…

Page Contents

• 5.) FabFilter Pro-G – Fabfilter ($179.00)

1.) Gatekeeper – Polyverse ($49.00)

The first Gate plugin on our list is Gatekeeper plugin by Polyverse, which is not only easy to use but also intuitive and allows for drastic, punchy gating and sequencing while keeping the output smooth.

Whether you plan on using gate as an LFO, envelope, step sequencer, volume automation, Gatekeeper is capable of all that, plus it has 8 MIDI programmable envelopes, CV output for external hardware, and hundreds of presets that will spice up your sounds.

Note that, Gatekeeper doesn’t work well for denoising, so, if you want a gate plugin that would attenuate noise at a certain threshold, I’ll highly recommend using Gatey Watey by Boz Digital Labs, which is what I am reviewing next.

VIDEO SNEAK-PEEK

Key Features:

• Sample fast and precise volume modulation
• Expressive and fun envelope drawing tools
• Boost and clip features for extra punch
• Smoothing algorithm to eliminate clicks and pops
• 8 independent volume envelopes
• Fully customizable midi-triggering
• Panning tools
• Tempo mapped looping
• CV output for Modular synths
• Hundreds of presets

System Requirements:

• OS – Mac/PC
• Bit Depth 32/64
• Format – AAX, VST, AU
• Hardware Requirements – Mac: Intel Core 2 Duo or higher, 4GB RAM minimum
• Hardware Requirements – PC: Intel Core 2 Duo/AMD Athlon 64×2 or higher, 4GB RAM minimum
• OS Requirements – Mac: OS X 10.6 or later
• OS Requirements – PC Windows 7 SP1 or later

2.) Gatey Watey – Boz Digital Labs ($49.00)

Gatey Watey is a simple and easy to use gate plugin, it lets you choose which frequencies you want to attenuates when the signal falls below the threshold, similar to the way the threshold kicks in compression settings. Gatey Watey works well for de-noising annoying signal without affecting the main audio signal, a use case is getting rid of drum bleed without cutting off your drums.

Free Gate Vst

Unlike Gatekeeper that isn’t suitable for denoising, Gatey Watey has a frequency selective attenuation, which means you can tell it to only attenuate a certain frequency when the input drop below the threshold. This feature can be really powerful if you know what you are doing, for example, if you want to cut the high hat bleed out of a snare without killing the ring of the snare, Gatey Watey is your preferred choice.

VIDEO SNEAK-PEEK

Dd Gate Vst

Key Features:

• Frequency selective gating
• Lookahead
• Simple Interface
• No Learning Curve

System Requirements:

Mac

• AAX/AU (Audio Units)/RTAS/VST/VST3

Windows

• AAX/RTAS/VST/VST3

3.) Gate Snapin – kiloHearts ($19.00)

This is my favorite gating plugin, and I highly recommend this for producers or mixing engineer that love simple and straight to the point plugins. The Gate Snapin by kiloHearts helps to get rid of low hum and noise from your audio signal, cut reverb tails short or exaggerate the dynamics in a beat.

If for some reason, you want a ducking effect/sidechaining, it can be easily driven by an external sidechain signal, However, I’ll highly recommend sidechaining through your stock plugins, it’s a matter of preference anyway, use what suits your style.

System Requirments:

• CPU: 2 GHz or faster
• Memory: 1 GB or more
• Operating System: Windows (7 or newer) or Mac OS X (10.7 or newer)
  Supported formats: AAX/AU/VST2/Snapin

4.) Trance Gate Snapin – kiloHearts ($39.00)

This is another gating plugin by kiloHearts, Trance Gate Snapin can be used to chop up any sort of sound, think of it as a gate sequencer where you chop up an audio signal, and turn it into an arpeggio or rhythmical groove.

System Requirments:

• CPU: 2 GHz or faster
• Memory: 1 GB or more
• Operating System: Windows (7 or newer) or Mac OS X (10.7 or newer)
  Supported formats: AAX/AU/VST2/Snapin

5.) FabFilter Pro-G – Fabfilter ($179.00)

Fabfilter Pro G features 6 awesome expander/gate algorithms, including upward expansion and ducking or sidechaining.

One feature I love about the Fabfilter Pro G is the way you can route signals, also, you can choose between mono, stereo or mid/side processing and in expert mode, external side chain input is available with completely customizable channel linking and routing.

VIDEO SNEAK-PEEK

Best Free Gate Vst

Key Features:

• Six meticulously tuned expander/gate algorithms, including upward expansion and ducking
• Program dependent attack and release curves
• Low CPU usage
• Adjustable range, hold time and knee settings
• Optional look-ahead time up to 10 ms
• Precise and helpful metering, including a real-time level display
• An expert mode that offers highly customizable side chain options
• Mono, stereo or mid/side processing
• Up to four times linear-phase oversampling
• Zero-latency operation mode
• MIDI triggering: open the gate/expander with your MIDI keyboard
• External side chain option
• Separate dry/wet level settings
• Easy to set up for common gating/expansion scenarios with the included factory presets
• GPU-powered graphics acceleration
• Double-click text entry of parameter values
• Stereo and mono plug-ins available
• Supports common Pro Tools hardware control surfaces
• Extensive help file with interactive help hints

System Requirements:

Windows:

• 32-bit: Windows 8, 7, Vista or XP
• 64-bit: Windows 8, 7 or Vista(x64)
• VST 2/3 host or Pro Tools

Mac OS X:

• 32-bit: OS X 10.5 or higher
• 64-bit: OS X 10.6 or higher
• AU or VST 2/3 host or Pro Tools
• Intel processor