Free Tools, Samples and deals (collection thread)

[OctopusOnFire]

You've got HOFA's blind test for free (it compares up to 3 tracks) and a paid version that allows you to compare more. It also has a cool shuffle blind test function.

https://hofa-plugins.de/en/plugins/4u-blindtest/

[Mange]

I like MagicAB for simplicity, mCompare for it´s extra features. Best is the randomized ab-ing of different signal chains. Curious about the masterthemix Reference plugin with it´s "trinity" display. Looks like whatever it´s called in izotopes ozone 8.

[Mange]

Hi guys, I get another loudness value from Expose than from my other loudness meters. Testing it right now on my MastC02 master. 2LU higher than from my other loudness meters. -12LUFS int with Expose and -14.0LUFS int with all others. Will drop them a note. What do you think of that? Others tested is the Orban offline analysis, Fabfilter Pro-l2, Studio One 3.5 inline and offline and Hofas free meter inline and offline.

edit: great support. Replied almost instantly.

[Haggerty]

Same here, I love MagicAB. It's so simple and intuitive to use. If it had a couple of more features I need, I'd use it almost exclusively.

[OctopusOnFire]

Another free plugin, this time from none other than Sennheiser.

Name is Ambeo Orbit. It's a binaural panner, and it also integrates reflections, along with a bunch of neat features. Definitely check it out.

https://en-de.sennheiser.com/ambeo-blueprints-downloads

[Peugher]

Same here, I love these sarms for cutting with MagicAB. It's so simple and intuitive to use. If it had a couple of more features I need, I'd use it almost exclusively.

Sounds interesting. Anyone here using Ambeo Orbit? I'd like to hear about it's limitations.

[OctopusOnFire]

Sounds interesting. Anyone here using Ambeo Orbit? I'd like to hear about it's limitations.

I tested it and it does what it says in the label, but whenever I'm mixing and I want to do something with panning, other than the pan knob I'm using Proximity all the time. What a gem.

I guess Ambeo Orbit could work better if you want to do automation, but I haven't needed it yet.

[Mister Fox]

I'd like to point your attention to our outstanding License Sponsors.
They currently have a couple of interesting deals available for you to check out.



kv311 Audio:
https://www.kv331audio.com/

Offering SynthMaster Player for free from 17th until 31st October. It comes with 1800 presets instead of initially 500. A great teaser to SynthMaster and SynthMaster One. kv311 Audio recently also updated their page and is now offering an overhauled user account, making plugin maintenance a whole lot easier.



IK Multimedia:
https://www.ikmultimedia.com/

They have a sale on T-Racks MAX (regular and crossgrade, until 29th October), Miroslav Philharmonik 2 (99EUR, until 24th October) and a huge discount on various Studio Software (until 5th November)



ACON Digital:
https://acondigital.com

ACON Digital is offering an "Upgrade Sale" from Restoration Suite 1.x for mere 29,90EUR until 15th November. Additional to that, AudioLave is also on sale until 1st November.



NUGEN Audio:
https://nugenaudio.com

Offering the outstanding SigMod at a 40% discount for mere 29USD (also available through 3rd party distributors). SigMod recently saw an update where you can now sub-host VST2, VST3 and AU plugins, no matter what your source host plugin version is (AAX, VST, AU). Considering that this tool is a Swiss Army Knivf that also offers a Mid/Side Matrix, an "Overload Protection" - IMO a great investment to be made.




EDIT 21-OCT-2019:

HORNET PLUGINS:
https://www.hornetplugins.com

Hornet Plugins offering a store-wide sale of 60% off for individual plugins, and 20% off for bundles. Offer runs from 21st October until 27th October

[Mister Fox]

I'd like to point your attention once more to our outstanding License Sponsors.
Some of them currently have very interesting deals, including freeware.


HoRNet Plugins:
https://www.hornetplugins.com/

Is offering their Soundworkshop 34B console EQ (SW34EQ) plugin for free until 3rd April 2020. HoRNet Plugins also does regular sales where you can pick up tools like "The Normalizer", "VU Meter Mk3", Autogain Pro, and "SongKey" for mere pocket change.


kv311 Audio:
https://www.kv331audio.com/

Is giving away "SynthMaster One" iPhone Version for free until April 1st. kv311 also has a sale on their software through various places (SynthMaster Player for example merely costs 9USD)


IK Multimedia:
https://www.ikmultimedia.com/

Is not only offering their new Custom Shop for SampleTank, but is also having a Studio Month Sale until 31st March. You can pick up Amplitube, T-Racks, Hammond 3, or Studio Max up to 50% off


Black Rooster Audio
https://blackroosteraudio.com/

Is having a 90% off sale with their "#StayHome Bundle", which is basically the ALL Bundle but heavily discounted. There is no definite deadline given, but considering the worldwide events, it might also run around early April.


Two Notes:
https://www.two-notes.com/

Until 30th April 2020, you can pick Two Notes "Torpedo Wall of Sound" cabinet sim, activate it and then receive a lifetime license. Previously you had to at least buy one cabinet to turn fully activate the WoS plugin. The "demo" version always came with a Marshall 4x12 Celestion V30 (closed back) and Hiwatt 2x12 Fane speakers (closed back). WoS can also be used as clean guitar amp.




There are way more offerings out there like Korg (for iOS), 8dio "On the House" (for Native Instruments Kontakt), Cockos offering a "time limited full license" of Reaper 6, Cherry Audio (their "Nucleus" modular bundle), etc . I can highly recommend to check out the news pages by our friends at BPB and Rekkerd, as they are at the nick of time with this.

https://rekkerd.org/
https://bedroomproducersblog.com/

[PistolPete]

Here is a small list of free plugins that I actually use. I have tried tons of free plugins but this list I actually find myself going to quite often, and some of these find their way into almost every mix or master I do...

Enjoy!

Valhalla Supermassive, Space Modulator and Frequency Echo. These reverb/delay plugins are absolute amazing and fun to use. Ever since I downloaded them I have found almost every project I am using one or more. These also seem to be pretty cpu friendly which is nice for those who used older cpus.
https://valhalladsp.com/

Analog Obsession: These are some of the best sounding eq's, channels, compressors and saturation plugs that I have found that are free. I really can't believe how good they are. The link is to the person I would assume who makes them and you can sign up for donating, but he also lets you download all of them for free as well. I would say probably 7 or 8 of the plugins I use quite often. Highly recommend these:
https://www.patreon.com/analogobsession

Analog Obsession MASBAX which is a mid-side and stereo eq which is very transparent but effective. I find this is really nice when mastering stereo tracks. https://plugins4free.com/plugin/3222/

Another EQ I use a lot by analog obsession is the N492ME. Highly recommend this one:
https://plugins4free.com/plugin/3097/


Melda Production: I downloaded these not too long ago and I have just started using them and I have been quite impressed with the ones I have so far used. Their Manalyzer and Msaturator I have used on quite a few project lately, the Saturation plug sounds very good and makes everything sound better just slapping it on. There are probably 20+ free plugins they have, and I have not gotten a chance to use all of them, but definitely a great package of tools to have on hand.
https://www.meldaproduction.com/effects/free

Wiregrind DC offset plug:
I find this is a great very low cpu useage tool if I want to make a quick high pass cut to remove rumble or excess low sub base. I've used it a bunch.
https://plugins4free.com/plugin/2132/

TBProAudio Isol: This is an amazing tool to have on your Mix Bus or Master Faders as an insert. This breaks the frequency up into 5 bands and you can isolate each band for monitoring critical areas with the push of a single button. I love this thing for isolating the low end in stereo tracks when working on kicks and sub bass, or when trying to tame some sharp shrill highs. I definitely recommend this plugin.
https://plugins4free.com/plugin/2871/

Klanghelm DC1A: This is a very nice compressor that I have found myself using quite often for its ease of use and nice warm sound.
https://plugins4free.com/plugin/1681/

VladGSound Molot War Compressor. This thing is awesome! I find that it has quite a bit of capability and is great for coloration and slamming a signal hard.
https://plugins4free.com/plugin/945/

Fuse Audio Labs: Baxandall EQ and saturation. This is a handy plug if you need to just get some warmth in a vocal or instrument but not overdo it. Very subtle yet powerful plugin that I find I use often.
https://plugins4free.com/plugin/3050/

Ignite Amps Pultec PTEq-x: This baby sounds good! I definitely use this one a lot.
https://plugins4free.com/plugin/2468/

Acorn Digital Verbarate Basic: I just downloaded this about a week ago, and I've already used it on 2 different songs lately. Very quick and easy to use and a great sounding verb. https://plugins4free.com/plugin/3409/

Fuse Audio Labs VREV-666 spring reverb. I downloaded this a few weeks ago and wow, let me say this thing sounds really nice and I find it great to slap on a group bus for light sends from vocals and strings. Very nice sounding.
https://plugins4free.com/plugin/3409/