[DTM] 30 Recommended Free Effects [VST Plugins]

As you start working with DTM and create your ideal sound through mixing and mastering, you will gradually come to the realization that the existing effects that come with your DAW are not enough.
I'd love to get some effect plugins, but the higher the quality of the effect plugins, the more expensive they tend to be.
[amazonjs asin="B01GWGC74W" locale="JP" title="WAVES Horizon Bundle Waves"]
For example, in the DTM worldSuper classicThe WAVES Horizon bundle of plug-ins costs around 3 yen.※OriginallyApparently it was sold for a list price of 48 yen...that's too expensive!!
So, this time we'll introduce 28 cool free effects that are recommended for DTMers.

What is a DAW?

DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) is, simply put, software for creating music on a computer.
Creating music using DAW software is called DTM (Desktop Music).

If you are interested in DTM, please refer to the following article:

https://akihabara-bc.jp/dtm/

What is VST?

VST(Virtual Studio Technology)is one of the plug-ins (extensions) used in DAWs.
そのVST plug-ins have two main functions: effects and sound generation.I think it's the most popular plug-in because it's compatible with any DAW, regardless of whether you're using Windows or Mac.
That's why DTMers often refer to plugins as "VST."

For free, high-quality sound plugins, please refer to the following:

https://akihabara-bc.jp/dtm-free-plugin/

Dynamics effects

An effector that primarily adjusts the volume. By keeping the volume constant, you can increase the sound pressure and create impact.
Additionally, because it can make large volume differences between multiple instruments or sound sources easier to hear, it is often used in sound editing processes such as mixing and mastering, mainly in conjunction with compressors and equalizers.

Rough Rider3 (Compressor)

A vintage-inspired compressor plug-in from Audio Damage.
A compressor is an effect that reduces loud parts of the sound, reducing volume variations and volume differences.
It is possible to compress only sounds that exceed a certain level, so it's like ``the nail that sticks out gets hammered down.''
Depending on how you use it, it can make the sound incredibly thick, so it's recommended for making snares and other sounds that you want to make really loud.
You will need to create an account to get it.

Here's the link to Rough Rider 3:
Rough Rider3

SUPERCHARGER (compressor)

A tube-style compressor plug-in from Native Instruments, famous in the DTM community.
This plugin is like money, the more compression you apply, the more sound pressure you can generate, so I personally call it the ``Super Chat of the sound pressure world.''

Link to SUPERCHARGER here↓
SUPER CHARGER

OTT (Compressor)

A multiband compressor plug-in from Xfer Records.
A multi-band compressor is a compressor that can be changed separately for the low, mid, and high frequencies.
It's very good at increasing sound pressure, so it gives the sound a moderate firmness, which might be good for creating a cool sound.
Personally, I like the OTT and distortion free effects for bass sounds.Camel CrusherWhen you apply it, the sound becomes thicker and it's amazing.

Here's the link to OTT:
OTT

Frontier (Limiter)

D16 Group's limiter plug-in.
A limiter is an effect that can prevent distortion by restricting (suppressing) a certain maximum volume and compressing it.
This is an excellent plugin that can make each track, bus, and mastering sound thicker, so try using it to create a natural and cool distorted (saturated) sound on a snare drum or other drums!
To obtain it, you will need to register as a member of the D16 Group.

Here's the link to Frontier:
Frontier

W1 limiter (maximizer)

A maximizer plug-in modeled after WAVES' L1 Ultramaximizer.
The overall volume of the song I made is low compared to other people's songs! I want to turn up the volume! That's when a maximizer comes in handy.
If you're having trouble increasing the sound pressure, this plugin can easily increase the sound pressure, so it's also recommended for finishing off your mix.

Link to W1 limiter here↓
W1 limiter

DeeGate (Noise Gate)

A simple noise gate plugin from Dotec Audio.
Noise gates are primarily used to remove or reduce noise during recording, but this plugin can also easily cut out noise and sounds below a certain level, so it's recommended for people who are troubled by white noise.
In addition to DAW software, it is also effective for software that can use plugins with OBS, which is used for game streaming.

Here is the link to DeeGate↓
DeeGate

Lisp (De-esser)

Sleepy-Time DSP de-esser plug-in.
It can reduce sounds of specific frequencies, such as sibilant sounds such as the "sa" and "ta" sounds when people sing.
Windows version only.

Here is the link to Sleepy-Time DSP:
Sleepy-Time DSP

La Petite Excite (Exciter)

Exciter plug-in.
Unlike maximizers, which increase the overall volume, exciters add harmonics to sounds that are buried deep in the mix, bringing them forward and making them clearer, making them a very useful effect in the final mixing process!

Here is the link to La Petite Excite↓

La Petite Excite

Modulation effects

Modulation effects are effects that create fluctuations or undulations in the sound.
It is particularly often used to create electric guitar sounds, and can produce unique airplane jet sounds and UFO-like sounds, making it an indispensable spice for creating vivid sounds.

Multiply (Chorus)

Acon Digital chorus plugin.
Although it is called a chorus, it is different from the harmony chorus in singing, and by adding a fluctuation, it has the effect of creating a spread of sound to the left and right, as if multiple sounds were being played.
It also lets you adjust the stereo spread, has a wide variety of presets, and is a plugin that will produce a nice sound with any preset, so it would be great to use on keyboards, guitars, vocals, etc.

Here is the link to Multiply↓
Multiply

Phazor

This plugin faithfully recreates the phaser from Adam Szabo's Access Virus synthesizer. Phasers are effects that can create sounds ranging from large undulating to thin, pleasantly oscillating sounds.
This plugin is lightweight and easy to use, but it doesn't seem to be able to synchronize with the tempo.

Here is the link to Phazor:
Phazor

MFlanger (Flanger)

Melda flanger plug-in.
A flanger is an effect that adds a flashy vibration similar to the sound of a jet plane or other aircraft.
This plug-in is characterized by its ability to freely adjust the low-frequency oscillator (LFO) and built-in saturation.

Link to MFlanger here↓
MFlanger

TAS-X (tremolo)

Beijaflor tremolo plugin.
An effect that produces a vibrato-like effect by making the volume get quieter and louder.
This plugin makes the waveforms and parameters visually easy to understand and use.

The link to TAS-X is here↓
TAS-X

PanCake 2 (Auto Pan)

Cableguys autopan plugin.
Autopan is an effect that automatically pans the sound left and right, creating a Doppler-like effect. This plugin allows you to freely control the pan, allowing you to move the sound freely left and right, creating complex movements.

Here's the link to PanCake 2↓
PanCake 2

Distortion effects

This effect has the effect of distorting sound and is often used with instruments such as guitars and basses, making it an indispensable part of rock sounds.
There are various types of effects such as overdrive and distortion, each with different strengths and types of distortion, but it seems there aren't many clear differences between them.

TSC (Overdrive)

Mercuriall overdrive plugin.
The guitar effect seems to be modeled after the sound of the legendary Ibanez TS-808. Adding a little distortion using this plugin will produce a nice sound.

Here's the link to TSC:
TSC

CamelCrusher (Distortion)

Distortion plug-in from Camel Audio.
It has a simple appearance and is easy to use.
It seems to be a popular plugin among track makers because it can be used to create a highly distorted sound when applied to sound sources used in EDM and other media.

Here is the link to CamelCrusher↓
Camel Crusher

Face Bender (Fuzz)

This plugin emulates the famous Tone Bender MKII and Fuzz Face, a fuzz machine familiar to guitarists. It has additional controls not found in the original, making it easier to adjust.

Here's the link to Face Bender:
Face Bender

Krush (Bit Crusher)

Tritik bit crusher plugin.
A bit crusher is a type of distortion effect that can deliberately create distorted sounds by lowering the bit depth, which is the resolution of digital sound.
This plugin makes it easy to create distorted, lo-fi sound effects.
It also has other functions such as filters and modulation, making it a convenient multi-effector.

Here's the link to Krush:
Krush

Filter effects

Generally, when we think of filters, we think of them as something that cleans up or "filters," but in the case of music, they can be used to change the sound by cutting or amplifying certain ranges of sound.

TAL-Filter 2 (Filter)

Plugin from TAL Software.
A filter can be used to cut out specific high or low ranges of sound.
In addition to filtering, this plugin also has functions such as changing the positioning of sound, tremolo, and gate.

Link to TAL-Filter 2 here↓
TAL-Filter 2

TDR Nova (Equalizer)

Dynamic equalizer from Tokyo Dawn Records.
An equalizer is an effect that can adjust the volume of overlapping sounds such as instruments and vocals, making them easier to hear.
An equalizer can adjust the balance of different frequency ranges without compressing or crushing the original sound like a compressor, but because it is a "dynamic" equalizer, it can also be used as a multi-compressor, which can apply compression to each frequency band of sound.

Here is the link to TDR Nova↓
TDR Nova

TAL-Vocoder

An effector that allows you to produce a mechanical human voice.
This plugin gives you the retro-style vocoder sound that was popular during the heyday of techno in the 80s.

Link to TAL-Vocoder here↓
TAL-Vocoder

Simulator effects

An effector that reproduces the tone and authentic feel of a real amplifier.
Highly recommended for those who want an amp-like sound in environments where an amp cannot be used!

AmpliTube Custom Shop (amp simulator)

IK Multimedia's amp simulator for guitar and bass.
Originally a paid service, Amplitube is one of the most popular amp simulators, but an older version is now available for free. The sound is great and there are no functional limitations, so I highly recommend it.

Here's the link to AmpliTube Custom Shop:
AmpliTube Custom Shop

Emissary (vacuum tube simulator)

STL Tones vacuum tube simulator plug-in.
It's free but has high-quality sound, perfect for those who want a heavy, high-gain metal sound. Tube amps are a man's dream!
To get it, you add it to your cart on the official website and buy it for $0, but there is a section along the way where you have to enter your address etc. in English, which may be a bit of a hassle for those who are not used to it.

Here's the link to Emissary:
Emissary

Tape Cassette 2 (Tape Simulator)

A tape simulator that realistically reproduces the sound of Caelum Audio's cassette tapes.
It's a little different from an amp simulator, but it's recommended for those who want to get the warmth and noise of old cassette tape recorders that are popular in modern city pop and AOR!
You need to create an account to download.

Here's the link to Tape Cassette 2↓
Tape Cassette 2

Vinyl (record simulator)

iZotope's record simulator plug-in.
This plugin creates an emotional sound by adding the distinctive "crackling" noise that occurs when playing an analog record, as well as intentionally degrading the sound quality.

Here's the link to Tape Cassette 2↓
Vinyl

Spatial effects

Spatial effects are effects that give sound a sense of spaciousness, such as reverberation and reflection, and are often used on karaoke microphones.

OrilRiver (reverb)

Reverb is a type of effect that reproduces the reverberation of a room or hall based on its type and size. This plugin has a wide variety of presets and is one of the most powerful free reverb plugins available. It will likely suit any instrument.

Link to OrilRiver here↓
OrilRiver

Spaceship Delay

A delay plug-in inspired by KORG's Monotron Delay.
Delay is an effect that creates an echo-like sound that bounces back and forth repeatedly.
In addition to delay, this plugin also has a variety of other functions such as filters and modulation.

Here is the link to Spaceship Delay↓
Spaceship Delay

Analyzer effects

An effector that analyzes the range and positioning of sound and displays it in graphs, etc.
It is often useful in sound editing such as mixing and mastering, as it allows you to visually grasp parts that are difficult to detect with the ear when checking the limit volume for sound distortion that occurs in recordings, etc.

mvMeter 2 (Meter)

An analog-style meter plug-in from TBProAudio.
It is capable of performing high-performance measurements, such as a peak meter that can measure the maximum value (peak value) of sound at an instant, and an RMS meter that can numerically confirm the amount of sound pressure as perceived by the human ear.
If your DAW doesn't have a meter plugin, I highly recommend getting one.

Here is the link to mvMeter 2↓
mvMeter 2

LVC-Meter

LVC-Audio meter plug-in.
This plugin includes a spectrum analyzer, stereo vectorscope, and a meter with waveform history functionality. It makes it easy to visualize sound peak values ​​and can be used to efficiently suppress loud noise.

Link to LVC-Meter here↓
LVC-Meter

Ozone Imager (Stereo Imager)

iZotope's Stereo Imager plug-in.
A stereo imager is an effect that can shape various sounds and adjust the sound's stereo spread. This plug-in not only expands sounds with little spread, such as piano and strings, but can also move sounds that are too wide to the left and right toward the center.

Here is the link to Ozone Imager↓
Ozone Imager

Correction effects

KeroVee (Autotune)

This autotune effector excels at processing the croaky vocals of bands like SEKAI NO OWARI and Perfume. This plugin also has the ability to correct pitch and even change a male voice to a female voice (if you prefer).

Here is the link to KeroVee↓
KeroVee

Master your DTM sound creation with a variety of plug-in effects!

So, what do you think?
For those aspiring to become sound designers, free plugins that don't require spending tens or hundreds of thousands of yen are truly a blessing.
However, no matter how amazing an effect is, it is meaningless unless you learn how to use it correctly when creating sounds and mixing.
I hope this article will help you improve your musical skills.
Come on! Let's all aim to become sound-making masters!! (Pokémon style)