Free Saturday! Fave Freeware Includes 8 Effects, Saturation and Synths

It’s that time again when we report some of our most interesting finds in the freeware universe — and proceed to display them before your very eyes! The following freeware consists of synths, saturation plugins and other strange software plugins that will keep your clicker finger in the best shape possible – just in time for bikini season.

Sinevibes – Oscillator Synth Effect Plugin

First up is a plugin that transforms any existing sound by processing it with ring modulation, sample rate degrader, bit crusher, etc. Oscillator is available exclusively for Mac in AudioUnit format as 32/64 bit. Sinevibes says:

Sinevibes Oscillator is like a box of chocolates - You never know what you're gonna get.

“What is it?

Oscillator is an AudioUnit effect plugin that lets you turn any audio into sci-fi effects, glitches and noises. It is based on a multi-waveform oscillator with up to six voices and variable frequency stepping, whose parameters are modulated using the input signal’s dynamics. The oscillator output can then be processed via effects which include ring modulator, sample rate degrader and bit crusher. All this lets Oscillator instantly turn any audio signal into a wide variety of sounds and effects – from interesting synths, basses and melodic strums to blips, zaps, glitches, noises and beyond.”

Plastaq Software – Scythe VST Synthesizer

Scythe is a synthesizer that relies on Plataq’s unique GrainBender engine – originally found in their GrainBender iPad app, used for sculpting sounds in real time. The attractive synth is available for Mac and PC in VST format only. Plastaq says:

“scythe vst synthesizer

Scythe is a free VST for Windows and OS X that brings the GrainBender engine and interface to VST. Just tap the bend button and move any parameter knob to start sculpting your sounds directly in real-time.

key features:

• unique, intuitive sound design interface
• versatile oscillators with analog & digital waveforms
• extensive but easy-to-use modulation
• effects ranging from chorus and delay to digital grunge
• low cpu usage”

Softube – Saturation Knob AAX Plugin

A first for Free Fridays (being held on Saturday this week!) – The Softube Saturation plugin is only available in AAX format so those who have upgraded to Pro Tools 10 can reap the benefits of this little gem. The accurate emulation of Softube technology can be yours through the Avid promo page. Don’t forget your iLok!

DamyFX – Octave Dirty Fuzz Pedal Emulator Plugin

The Octave Dirty Fuzz emulates the famous Roger-Mayer Octavia guitar pedal. DamyFX’s version is for Windows only and is available in VST format. DamyFX keeps it short, sweet and to the point with their descriptions:

“Inspired by the classic sound octavia Fuzz, but with more bite!

Octave Dirty Fuzz can be used both for guitars and for both keyboards”

J1000 – QX24 Mixing Equalizer/Exciter

Making its second appearance, J1000 has another EQ-based freeware VST plugin up their sleeve. QX24 is a clutter free solution to the EQ/exciter scene who’s function is up to the user. Here are the guidelines from the developers:

J1000's QX24 and Its clean interface.

“QX24 is one half equalizer, other half exciter. It is authentic design and there are just few other plugins that offer comparable functions without getting too complicated. Using it properly you’ll be able to accent parts of spectrum where instrument’s character resides making it more prominent, while gently reducing remaining frequencies that often clutter the mix. Sound gets harmonically enhanced mostly with first two harmonics, but if you push it past moderate drive levels it gets much brighter – experiment and find the best way to utilize it.”

Steinberg – SLM 128 Loudness Meter

The Steinberg SLM 128 is a free plugin for Cubase 6.5 and Nuendo 5.x users that solves the age old problem of the loudness war. The SLM 128 was made specifically to comply with the EBU R 128 guidelines that, as of August 31, 2012, a majority of broadcasters will only accept. Here is Steinbergs summary:

Steinberg makes it easy to achieve EBU R 128-compliance audio signals.

“In response to customer requests, Steinberg has developed the SLM 128, an unsupported VST 3 plug-in that provides European Broadcast Union (EBU) R 128-compliant loudness metering. The SLM 128 features an integrated metering scale and displays Momentary, Integrated and Short Term loudness levels. The plug-in is available free of charge for Cubase 6.5 and Nuendo 5.x users.

Key features:

• EBU R 128-compliant loudness measurement
• Momentary, Short Term and Integrated methods
• True Peak and Range display
• Classical metering
• VST 3 plug-in (unsupported)”

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