Free music software round-up: Week 28

It's rare for an established software developer to give one of its plug-ins away for free temporarily, but that's exactly what SPL is currently doing. Read on to find out what's on offer and how you can get it.

Also being welcome into the freeware fold is an emulation of one of the lesser-known electric pianos, a vintage-style compressor and a simple synth.

If you've got a new free music software release, make sure you let us know about it by emailing musicradar.pressreleases@futurenet.com with all the details.

Mokafix Audio Glue Reeds

Platform/format: PC/VST Download

The Pianet was a reed-based keyboard instrument from Hohner that also featured electro-magnetic pickups. It differed from other electric pianos, though, by featuring sticky foam pads to pull and release reeds rather than a hammer to hit them. Glue Reeds is a virtual emulation of the Pianet, and is said to produce "an uneven sound with rich overtones".

SPL Attacker

Platform/format: PC, Mac/VST, AU, RTAS Download

In an unusual move, SPL is making its Attacker plug-in - which is modelled on the attack function of the legendary Transient Designer - free until 15 November. The offer is limited to one Attacker per computer and you'll need an iLok key if you want to use it, but it's a pretty enticing deal (regular price is €59).

Antress Modern FireChainer

Platform/format: PC/VST Download

Anrtress has updated its entire Modern Plugins Bundle to v4.60, with the highlight of this tweak undoubtedly being the inclusion of the new Modern FireChainer. This is a vintage-style compressor that's modelled on Fairchild's 660. Several of the other 12 plug-ins in the bundle have been improved, too.

acid.milch&honig Acidrack

Platform/format: PC/VST Download

Made using the ever-popular SynthEdit, this is a simple 6-voice synth with a couple of oscillators, three envelopes, a multimode filter. two LFOs and an arpeggiator. You can download it for free, but if you like it, the developer would appreciate a donation.