PTEq-X by Ignite Amps (Windows, Mac OS)
PTEq-X by Ignite Amps (VST/AU Plugin)
Based off of the legendary Pultec Equalizers, Ignite Amps released a freeware plug-in equalizer which boasts the authentic Pultec sound paired with a lightweight CPU load. For those unfamiliar, the classic Pultec EQ consisted primarily of two different units: one for the highest and lowest frequencies and another unit for the mid-range frequencies. PTEq-X emulates both of these units (named the EQP-1A and the MEQ-5). Once the target frequency is selected, the user can either “boost” or “attenuate” it. Since there is a separate knob for each function, one could boost AND attenuate the same frequency at the same time, a trick that is often used for improving the focus in the bass region.
PTEq-X has a very similar layout to the original Pultec EQs, but it combines both units into a single interface, potentially improving the workflow. It also includes an added emulation of a filter called the HL3C Filter, expanding the possibilities of the original hardware. We’ve been somewhat spoiled by the quality of Ignite Amps’ previous releases, and PTEq-X continues that trend by being the finest freeware Pultec emulation on the market.
More info: PTEq-X (32-bit & 64-bit VST/AU plugin format for Windows & Mac OS)
MIDI Choir
This Application will take a single-pitched audio source and transpose it in real time according to the supplied MIDI notes. My main motivation to create MIDI Choir was to be able to sing harmonies live, however the product may also be used for studio work. Below are some of its key features.
Reliable ASDF pitch tracker with voiced/unvoiced recognition
Pitch tracking indicator
Separate processing of voiced vs. unvoiced input, thereby preserving a natural, intelligible sound
Voiced input will be re-pitched according to the keys pressed
Polyphony with unlimited number of voices
Octave, semitone and fine tunig controls
Built-in noise gate with indicator
Built-in soft knee limiter with color-coded LED indicator
Built-in stereo reverb with controls for room size, damping, stereo width and dry/wet mix,
Master volume control with output clipping indicator
Effects may also be used without MIDI input
Option of VST plugin or stand-alone executable
History of Changes
Version 1.0
First published release
Compatible with 32 bit hosts
Panagement Free Edition by Auburn Sounds (Windows, Mac OS)
Panagement Free Edition by Auburn Sounds (Windows, Mac OS)
Another unique freeware plugin released this year, Panagement Free Edition is a tool that’s meant to help with controlling the stereo space of a mix more efficiently. The plugin features a Binaural Panner and a Distance Fader which, when used in tandem, do an excellent job of emulating the loss of volume and frequency roll-off caused by a sound source’s distance relative to the listener. The developer recommends using Panagement Free Edition together with a reverb effect to ensure the most natural sounding result.
A paid version of the plugin is also available, adding features such as a phase scope, a tilt filter, and a built-in LFO meant for modulating the plugin’s parameters. However, the freeware version is fully functional as-is, providing the necessary tools for more efficient stereo control.
More info: Panagement (32-bit & 64-bit VST/AU plugin format for Windows & Mac OS)
Krush by Tritik (Windows, Mac OS)
Krush by Tritik (VST/AU Plugin)
Apart from ranking as the #1 effect in this year’s roundup, it’s safe to say that Krush also takes the title of the best freeware bitcrusher plugin on the market. Released back in March this year, Tritik’s first venture into the world of freeware VST plugins (and hopefully not their last one) took everyone by surprise with its polished user interface and impressive feature set. It was set to be picked as the best free effect released this year from day one.
More than just a bitcrusher, Krush is a versatile distortion tool with more advanced controls than most other similar plugins on the market on the market. Apart from the basics such as downsampling, bitcrushing, and distortion, it also features a resonant low-pass filter module. All of these parameters can be modulated by an LFO with a choice of four waveforms (one of which is white noise). The LFO can run in sync with the host tempo, or in free mode. The modulation range is instantly visualized on each modulated parameter, ensuring that the user doesn’t lose track of what’s going on underneath the hood. With such a straightforward and well-implemented modulation scheme, Krush can be very useful for creating rhythmic distortion effects or modulated filtering effects which follow the project’s tempo.
The plugin also has a Dry/Wet control that lets the user dial in the exact amount of the effect that is needed, making parallel processing easy to pull off within a single instance. When test-driving Krush, you may want to start experimenting with one of the 25 included presets so that you can get a feel for the power and flexibility of this bitcrusher, clipper, and distortion tool.
More info: Krush (32-bit & 64-bit VST/AU plugin format for Windows & Mac OS)
