Every “must-have” plugin list tells you to buy FabFilter Pro-Q. And yes, it’s one of the best EQs ever made. But here’s the thing: most producers don’t actually need it. Two free plugins now cover what used to require an expensive purchase. I’ve been testing them on real projects, and I realized that the gap…
Sonible has released puffer:fish, a free saturation plugin for macOS and Windows that wraps harmonic distortion in a colorful, character-driven interface. We’ve seen plenty of one-knob saturation tools over the years, including the super popular Softube Saturation Knob, among countless other freebies. puffer:fish follows the same concept but approaches it from a different angle, at…
Minimal Audio has released Poly Flanger, a musically intelligent flanger plugin for macOS and Windows. Priced at an introductory $29 (regularly $49), Poly Flanger expands the traditional flanger concept into more musical territory. Instead of relying solely on sweeping comb-filter movement, it aligns its resonances to musical pitches, so the effect can follow your track’s…
The quality of free plugins just keeps getting better. These are the best free plugins for 2026. We really are spoiled for choice. Not only are paid plugins better than ever, with analog-style instruments sounding more realistic every year, and hardware emulations of classic gear making in-the-box production that much more professional-sounding, we’re also blessed…
Got older tracks you love but can’t play because they just don’t hit hard enough on a modern dancefloor? The drums are weak, the kick doesn’t punch, and dancers don’t respond. That’s the problem a redrum solves – and with stems, you can do it live, right in your set. In this free lesson from…
Nembrini Audio has released Tone Craft Modular Studio, a modular standalone and plugin platform for crafting, routing, and performing professional guitar and bass tones. Access a powerful collection of integrated modules and combine them with your Nembrini Audio plugins in a unified, flexible environment. Build simple or complex signal chains with splitters, mixers, crossovers, and…
Saint Mike DSP has announced the release of Tamazight Metal Amp, a free guitar amplifier plugin designed to provide a mix-ready heavy metal tone without the need for complex signal chains. Positioned as a complete production engine rather than a limited demo, Tamazight Metal Amp offers a streamlined signal path that includes pre-amp processing, a…
Eventide has released Music Mouse, a modernized and expanded version of the pioneering software originally created by composer Laurie Spiegel in 1986. Developed in close collaboration with Spiegel herself, this release brings the “Intelligent Musical Instrument” to modern macOS and Windows systems, preserving the unique gestural workflow that once turned the Macintosh, Amiga, and Atari…