Free music software round-up: Week 87
It's been almost a month since our last round-up, so get set for a bumper selection of new free music software. We reckon there's something here for pretty much everyone.
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.
Xenobioz Kruud
Platform/format: PC/VST Download
Currently in beta, this new synth features a drawable low resolution oscillator. The main oscillator has five basic waveforms, while other features include a pair of LFOs, three ADSRs, two delays, an arpeggiator and a multimode filter.
Audiffex ampLion Free
Platform/format: PC/VST Download
ampLion Pro is a new suite of virtual guitar gear (amps, speakers, mics and effects) and this free version gives you a taste of what it has to offer. Specifically, you get just a single amp, but there are two independent speaker positions, an adjustable pickup mic and a noise-gate with soft knee.
Antkai Efta.High
Platform/format: PC/VST Download
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Another subtractive synthesis vessel, this instrument is an 8-voice affair that offers two oscillators, two filters and four LFOs. There's also a pin matrix (this enables you invert the pins) and 64 presets are included to get you started.
Artifake_Labs Redtron_SE
Platform/format: PC/VST Download
This special edition version of the Redtron_400 distinguishes itself by using Taijiguy's samples of a 1973 Mellotron M400S. It offers nine sound types - including a flute, violins, a cello, brass, a combined choir, a string section and woodwinds - and Artifake_Labs says that it's probably its best Mellotron emulation yet.
Hotto Engineering Spring Reverb
Platform/format: PC, Mac/VST, AU Download
There's not much going on with the interface here, but the developer says that "a combination of three springs assures a reverb dispersion which is comparable with the real thing". Controls are simple, with just Dry/Wet, Spring Selection, Reverb Time and Gain settings being tweakable.
Noisebud CatchDad
Platform/format: PC/VST Download
CatchDad was created because the developer needed a step sequencer with a real-time sampling function. It enables you to 'catch' up to four different sounds at the press of a button and promises to produce complex rhythmic patterns. A manual is on the way, but for now you're advised just to dive in and experiment.
Camel Audio Alchemy Player
Platform/format: PC, Mac/VST, AU Download
Now available for free, Alchemy Player comes with a 1GB library of sounds and enables you to load in any SFZ sample library. Sounds can be tweaked using the performance controls and Remix Pads, and you can expand your palette with any of the Alchemy Sound Libraries.
Easytoolz Tauros
Platform/format: PC/VST Download
Fans of Moog's Taurus bass synth will appreciate Tauros, as it's designed to emulate it. Each of the two oscillators offers six waveforms and can be tuned over three octaves, while there's a filter section and a reverb. 64 presets should give you plenty of starting points.
DSK Music TechSynth Pro
Platform/format: PC/VST Download
This advanced version of TechSynth features two oscillators (each of which can pick from five waveforms), an Amp envelope, a filter, a delay and even a 32-step sequencer. 60 presets are included to show off the instrument's capabilities.
In my opinion, these are the only 12 plugins most producers need. Here’s why - and how to save money on nearly all of them with these last-minute Cyber Monday deals
"There was a bug in the code. We could have fixed that bug, but we let it fester": This "absurd and over-the-top" distortion plugin transforms a glitch into an audio effect - and it's absolutely free
I’m the Deputy Editor of MusicRadar, having worked on the site since its launch in 2007. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 24 of which I’ve also spent writing about music and the ever-changing technology used to make it.
In my opinion, these are the only 12 plugins most producers need. Here’s why - and how to save money on nearly all of them with these last-minute Cyber Monday deals
"There was a bug in the code. We could have fixed that bug, but we let it fester": This "absurd and over-the-top" distortion plugin transforms a glitch into an audio effect - and it's absolutely free