Free music software round-up: Week 89

There's a decidedly old-school feel to the round-up this week. We've got a couple of acid-style synths for you, another classic monophonic instrument, a preamp and a vintage-style vocoder.

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.

Marvin VST Synthestra

Platform/format: PC/VST Download

A simple-looking little monophonic synth that comes with two oscillators and a noise generator. Also onboard are an LFO, low-pass filter and a VCA envelope. You can't say that this instrument offers anything new, then, but its familiar design should at least make it easy to get a grip on.

Sir Elliot 1977 Preamplifier

Platform/format: PC/VST Download

Sir Elliot returns with a new preamp. This one's designed for people who want their mastered music to offer "rich tone with a touch of character", and is said to work particularly well on jazz and dance music that sounds a little flat. It's optimised for high sample rates but will also work with lower ones.

Lithium Sound AcidLab

Platform/format: PC/VST Download

Creating classic acid synth sounds is this plug-in's remit. You can switch the oscillator between a saw and a square wave, and alongside the expected Cutoff and Resonance controls you'll find Track, Decay and Distortion knobs. 16 presets are included.

Muon Tau Bassline

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

This little bassline synth was originally released ten years ago, and now it's back in an enhanced form. Not only have the user interface and audio engine been improved, but it's also now Audio Unit and VST-compatible on Mac and PC. Tau Bassline is available via the Muon Facebook page - you'll need to Like it to get it.

Togu Audio Line TAL-Vocoder-2

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

An update for one of Togu Audio Line's excellent freebies, this one emulates the sound of vocoders made in the early '80s. Featuring 11 bands, an internal carrier signal, harmonic control and an 'ess' enhancer to add intelligibility to the voice, it's available for both 32-bit and 64-bit machines.