Looking for some quality free VST plugins to use with your DAW such as FL Studio 20 for example? I feel like using VST plugins and mastering these can really improve the quality of your music productions.



In this article, I will share some of the best free VST plugins / Audio Units (AU) that are available for both Windows and Mac, based on my own experiences.

What is a VST?

A Virtual Studio Technology (VST) is an audio plug-in software interface that integrates software synthesizer and effects in digital audio workstations (DAW). FL Studio 20, for example, comes with a few stock VST plugins, but you can also download more and install them. Some are quite expensive, others are affordable but there are also a lot available for free.

What is an AU?

AU stands for Audio Unit(s) which is a system-level plug-in architecture provided by Core Audio in Apple’s macOS and iOS operating systems. Virtually all Mac audio plugins come as AU. It can be seen as Apple’s architectural equivalent to Steinberg’s Virtual Studio Technology (VST).

5 Free VSTs

In no particular order, here is my pick of 5 great free VSTs you can download and should check out if you like to improve your beats for example.

1. Wider (by Polyverse Music)

Wider is an easy-to-use freeware VST plugin that does its job really well. Polyverse Music teamed-up with Infected Mushroom and gave us this amazing stereo widening tool. Wider features only one control parameter, which makes it simple to use. The slider affects the amount of stereo processing. I like to use this plugin often on pianos and guitars, for example, to give it a wider sound.



It can be downloaded for free via: https://polyversemusic.com/products/wider/

2. TAL-Reverb-2 (by Togu Audio Line)

Basically, I was looking for another reverb VST plugin for vocals, instead of the stock plugin Fruity Reeverb 2, and I found this free little gem. It has an easy to use interface and produces nice effects. You can play with it and adjust the low, mid and high cut of the reverb, the room size, stereo width, pre-delay, and the dry and wetness. I really like the sound of this plugin and it gives a different vibe that I’m looking for in certain situations than the stock plugin, which is also a very nice plugin that I also use quite often.



It can be downloaded for free via:

https://tal-software.com/products/tal-reverb

3. Pancake 2 (by Cable Guys)

This is a versatile auto-panner plugin which can help you create a more dynamic sound. You can make use of the presets or easily draw curves in yourself to produce gentle transitions or sharp bends in the waveform. I also like the precise display of channel left/right volume a lot, which provides a helpful visual control. It’s great to use on drums, vocals or any sound you like actually.



This VST plugin can be downloaded for free via: http://www.cableguys.com/pancake.html

4. Temper (by Creative Intent)

Creative Intent Temper is a saturation plugin that creates unique digital distortion effects. You can use the variable saturation curve to add warmth and edge to your sound and let the phase distortion bring character and clarity through your mix. I like to use this plugin on vocals to give it more power.



This VST plugin can be downloaded for free via: https://creativeintent.co/products/temper

5. DJMFilter (by Xfer Records)

This is a really simple easy-to-use VST plugin which I use quite often to give more character to my drums for example. It is basically a High-Pass / Low-Pass Filter with one knob. You can play with it and set it to LP or HP.



This VST plugin can be downloaded for free via: https://www.pluginboutique.com/products/2446-DJMFilter

Want more free VST plugins, drum kits etcetera?

For more tips about making music, please check out the Blog Section on my website. Make sure to follow me on Instagram to stay updated about new blog posts and be the first to know: https://www.instagram.com/cruzumusic



If you got any requests or questions, don’t hesitate to direct message me as well.

Also, check out this great blog post in which more free VST plugins are being recommended: https://beginnerguitarhq.com/vst-plugins/