Lots of people are obsessed with the ‘warmth’ of analog studio gear. Sure—it sounds fuller, more human, more present.
Audacity can load VST effects on all the operating systems like Windows, Linux and Mac, but it cannot load the VST instruments. In this case, there is no need for the VST enabler at all. The plugin of VST effects are found in several websites like Hitsquad: Windows, Mac, KVR Audio: Windows, Mac, Open Directory (Windows, Mac).
- Audacity can load VST effects (but not VST instruments) on all operating systems. The VST Enabler is no longer required. Install the VST effects to the Audacity Plug-Ins folder on Windows, to /Library/Application Support/audacity/Plug-Ins on OS X/macOS or to system locations.
- Free, open source, cross-platform audio software. Audacity is an easy-to-use, multi-track audio editor and recorder for Windows, Mac OS X, GNU/Linux and other operating systems. Developed by a group of volunteers as open source and offered free of charge. Amazing support community.
But these days, modeling technology has become really good at simulating the effects of analog circuitry. Our computers and DAW apps are powerful enough to handle these VST workhorses.
So forget about spending tons of money on analog gear.
Here’s 7 VSTs (for both PC and Mac) that will give you that sweet analog warmth.
- SGA1566 Tube Preamp
- TDR Slick EQ
- Ace Amp
- Molot Compressor
- Voxengo Tube Amp
- MJUC jr. Compressor
- Softube Saturation Knob
What’s all the analog fuss about?
Ok, so what does analog circuitry do to your sound? What’s everyone so obsessed about?
What people like about analog sound are the quirks and imperfections.
So when people talk about ‘warm analog sound’ they’re referring to:
- Subtle distortion and drive
- Harmonic distortion
- Tape Saturation
- Vacuum tubes
- Preamps
What these processes do to your sound is often hardly noticeable. That’s what the magic’s about—you won’t hear them, but they’ll make a huge difference in how your track sounds and feels.
The cumulative effect of analog processes is what people are gushing about.
1. SGA1566 Tube Preamp
Shattered Glass Audio’s SGA 1566 gives you a single channel vintage tube preamp. The whole circuit is simulated in real time to get you that authentic analog sound.
Use the SGA 1566 as a saturation compressor to boost the warmth of your track. Or add a bit of grit with the tube overdrive.
The newest version is also lighter on your CPU––so no computer freak outs!!
Download the SGA 1566 for free here.
2. TDR Slick EQ
“This little guy sounds amazing” –Dave Pensado
The TDR Slick EQ is a sleek easy-to-use three-band EQ that gives you amazing sound—like all Tokyo Dawn Records plugins.
Warm up your sound by choosing a non-linear option under Output Stage. That’ll add subtle harmonic distortion and texture.
Download the TDR SlickEQ for free here.
3. Ace Amp
Ace Amp—another Shattered Glass Audio creation—is based on classic 1950s style tube amps.
Control the input, volume, feedback, output. Choose between three resampling options.
This amp plugin has simple controls and doesn’t eat up your CPU.
Hot Tip: Try it on vocals for a cool aesthetic effect.
Download the Ace for free here.
4. Molot Compressor
Vladg’s Molot is a compressor with character. Even the vintage Soviet look is on point.
Molot will give your sound interesting color. I recommend reading the manual to learn how to tune it properly—it’s worth the read.
Download Molot for free here.
5. Voxengo Tube Amp
Voxengo’s Tube Amp gives you warm overdrive, fuzzy distortion and everything in between.
It imitates tube overdrive in the style of single-tube mic preamps.
Hot Tip: Use the low-pass filter to imitate the texture of lower-quality tubes.
Download Voxengo’s Tube Amp for free here.
6. MJUC jr. Compressor
Klanghelm’s MJUC jr. compressor is simple and elegant.
Use it for smooth compression or a heavier pumping effect. MJUC jr. is based on vintage compressors of the 1960s––it even looks like one.
Flip the ‘Time Constants’ switch to choose between slow, fast and auto. This changes the attack and release time. It affects other parts of the circuitry too, giving you interesting analog-style saturation.
Download the MJUC jr. for free here.
7. Softube Saturation Knob
This Saturation Knob is one the best free analog emulation plugins out there. Even Dave Pensado gives it two thumbs up!
Use it anywhere to add some character and distortion. Drag it on your vocal track to add shimmer.
The great thing about this one is how simple it is: literally one knob and a switch. Change the switch setting to choose between the kind of distortion you’ll get.
Download the Softube Saturation Knob for free here.
Fake It Till Ya Make It
These effects are the missing ingredient in your digital sound.
Best Free Vst Plugins For Audacity
The key with analog emulation is to avoid overdoing it. Bring in the effect until you hear it, then dial it back a notch. It’ll still make a huge difference. Your sound will be fuller and warmer.
Use these plugins and people will be asking for your studio secrets in no time.
Make sure to grab the whole LANDR-approved free VST plugin collection:
Summary :
Autotune, used by many music producers, is an audio processor that helps correct off-key and alter pitch in vocal. Here gives you a list of 3 best free autotune software and offers you a convenient way to autotune in Audacity. Have a look!
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What is autotune? Launched in 1997, Autotune is a tool that can correct off-key vocals to make them sound perfect. Commonly, autotune is in the form of plugin which can be used with DAW software like Audacity, FL Studio, Ableton Live 10, Logic Pro X, etc. If you need to add a song using autotune to video, MiniTool software is a good helper.
Free Guitar Vst Plugins For Audacity
In this post, I've summarized the 3 best free autotune software for DAW software. Here we go!
#1.GSnap
GSnap is a free autotune VST plugin from GVST, which can be used to correct the vocalist’s pitch. It contains three parts: Detection, Correction, and MIDI.
It allows you to set minimum and maximum frequency to make pitch-correction more accurate. Setting the decibels can filter background noise below the set decibels level. Also, you can set the speed parameter as needed.
Besides that, GSnap can correct pitch by MIDI notes when you select the MIDI Mode. You can set the maximum pitch bend, control the speed and calibrate the tune. This autotune VST plugin is freeware, only available for Windows.
You may also like: How to Save Garageband as MP3 + 4 Best Garageband Alternatives.
#2. MAutoPitch
MAutoPitch is simple to use free autotune software with an intuitive interface. It can be used to do automatic tuning and separate left & right channels, separate mid or side signal.
Like GSnap, MAutoPitch also has a MIDI controller that can control any parameters in real time. What’s more, it comes with other amazing features like Formant Shift and Stereo-expansion.
This free autotune plugin can work on both Windows and Mac.
You might be interested in this post: Top 5 Best MIDI Players You Should Try.
#3. Graillon
With a vintage-style interface, Graillon is an autotune VST plugin. The free edition features Pitch Shifter and Pitch Correction, while the full edition gets more features. By using Graillon, you can correct the tune of vocal, create robotic voice, alter the pitch of vocals, etc. This free autotune software is compatible with most operating systems including Windows, mac OS, and Linux.
Related article: How to Make MP3 Louder for Free? Top 3 Ways.
How to Autotune in Audacity
After knowing the above best free autotune VST plugins, here’s a detailed guide on how to autotune in Audacity.
- First, you need to download GSnap from GVST and unzip it.
- Copy and paste the two files dll and GVSTLicense in the Plug-Ins folder of Audacity.
- Launch the Audacity app and navigate to Effect> Add / Remove Plug-ins. Then find the GSnap, enable it and click OK.
- After that, you can import the audio file that you want to auto tune.
- Select the audio file and tap on Effect in the menu bar.
- From the drop-down list, select the GSnap option to open the Select Key and Scale window.
- Here you can select a key and click OK to go on.
- Then you can set the parameters as you like.
Conclusion
After reading this post, which free autotune software you prefer? Have you learned how to autotune in Audacity? Tell us in the comments section!