Free Sequencer Vst Plugins

For any modern producer, a sampler is essential. However, if you’re strapped for cash or just starting out, it can be difficult to find good-quality sampler plugins that actually work and add to your beats.

Size 1.21 MB VSTrack is the ultimate union of sequencing and tracking. ReViSiT is a VST Instrument (VSTi) plug-in for VST-hosts (such as sequencers) that provides a tracker interface, based. Audio Tools Sequencer. Grace Sampler by One Small Clue. The Grace Sampler is simple, sleek, and suited to synth users. HY-Plugins has released HY-RPE2 Free, a freeware grid sequencer in VST, VST3, and AU plugin formats. The full version of HY-RPE2 offers two sequencer engines (Grid and Euclidean) and it’s on a 30% OFF sale until October 30th, 2020. If you’ve browsed the internet for free audio stuff, you’ve undoubtedly come across HY-Plugins.

Luckily, we’ve cut through the weeds and compiled 9 of the best free sampler VST plugins out on the market today.

Free Sampler VSTs

Without delay, here are our top picks. Sit back, relax, and explore these excellent samplers.

Grace Sampler by One Small Clue

The Grace Sampler is simple, sleek, and suited to synth users. The sampler has optional patches free for download on its website, most of which are for synths, but there’s also a couple for drum kits, keys, and bass.

This sampler comes in both 32 and 64-bit versions, so you won’t have to worry about compatibility from device to device. With most DAWS, you can drag and drop your samples right into the sampler, simplifying your workflow.

Grace Sampler comes with 2 step sequencers, 2 LFOS, and 4 different control pads. The sampler supports WAV, AIF, and SND formats directly which is impressive for a free plugin.

Grooove by BPB

If you’re looking to create some vibey drums, Grooove by BPB is a great pick. This drum sampler is perfect for techno and EDM musicians, looking to create catchy, unique loops.

The plugin has different slots in which 2 different drum samples can be layered and played simultaneously. The slots all have built-in LFOs for altering filter cutoff, sample delay, pitch, and standard attack, volume, pan, and start/end times. Luckily, the VST is supported in both 32 and 64-bit versions.

Grooove BPB is the free version of a full-on instrument, so if you like the notable sampling capabilities that come with the free VST, the purchased version by brunsandpork is a great step up.

TX16W Software Sampler

The TX16W software sampler has a wide array of features that usually only come with paid plugins. With this sampler, you can record samples directly and edit keyboard mappings making it a great pick for musicians looking to incorporate their DAWs into live performance.

As for modulation, the sampler has 2 LFOs and 3 step sequencers. Velocity and mapping can be handled by drawing a custom curve or using the integrated knobs. The plugin also acts as a bus so you can send in and out effects in real-time.

TX16W has 64-bit support and has a built-in arpeggiator, for a paid add-on, you can have time-stretch and pitch-bend modes. For free or otherwise, this plugin is no joke.

Sforzando by Plogue

Sforzando prides itself on its simplicity, with no graphic visualizer. There’s only one sample slot, with no effects or mixers.

VST NAmeVST TypeDownload LinkBitcrusherBitcrusherBitcrusherBitcrusherBest Free VST BundleThis section contains no one type of VST. And to be honest, they’re not that hard to program.The plugins outlined below will give you some really good glitchy lo-fi sounds- for free, of course. Vsts 2019 download.

The plugin simply consists of standard ADSR knobs, volume, pan, tone, and tune controls. Although this may feel limiting, for seasoned producers looking for a specific sound that doesn’t need a whole lot of extra fluff, Sforzando can be extremely helpful.

If anything else, the plugin works as a great ear-training tool and can train musicians to rely on their skillset rather than software. It comes with 64-bit support.

Zampler by Plugin Boutique

Zampler by Plugin Boutique is an excellent add-on for electronic musicians as you can download drum & bass, hip hop, even dubstep expansion packs.

The sampler has 3 LFOs and a large effects library including chorus, phaser, tube saturation, and many more. There are 2 sample banks and 3 ADSR envelopes for full modulation control.

Zampler has a step sequencer as well as sample oscillators for you to further tweak your sound. Unfortunately, Mac users only have 32-bit support. Windows has both 32 and 64-bit support, but any sample formats outside of sfz must be converted.

Paraphrasis by VirtualAnalogy

Paraphrasis helps you create those retro analog tones with any sample. Simply place your sample into the Paraphrasis sampler, and the modeling synthesizer will analyze the sound data to produce a more classic sound.
This VST is pretty simple, and the UI reflects that; there’s simply a pitch, resolution, analyze, and source toggle with no extra bells or whistles. There’s only one slot to the plugin, but on the upside, it doesn’t take up a large amount of CPU.

There’s also a handy reverse toggle, so you can reverse your sample before giving it that added analog touch. Some users had trouble using this plugin in 64-bit though it supports both versions, so make sure you’re downloading the proper .dll when acquiring this plugin.

XTT01 by Synthedit Labo Japan

The XTT01 has that classic rack-mount feel and is designed to give you a sound reminiscent of the past. This sampler is known for its signature glide function.

This VST is pretty bare bones. There are the standard ADSR knobs to toggle the filter and amp envelopes, and a built-in LFO with speed, PW, and depth knobs. You can also pitch shift by semitones within the sampler.

XTT01 has no visualizer, so it’s a great tool to use for musicians who are more auditory based learners. You can only load one sample at a time in this plugin. Unfortunately, this simple yet powerful sampler only supports 32-bit software, so it may not work for you if you have more modern equipment.

Bassje by Odosynths

Bassje by Odosynths is a great drum sequencer to give your beats the funky groove they’ve been missing. It’s loaded with 3 different toms as well, so if you’re just looking for a great tom loop generator, Bassje is a great addition to your library.

The plugin is separated into two main sections: An octave and filter sequencer. Nothing can describe the sounds you can get out of this puppy other than using is. Bassje has a volume, reso, and volume knob.

Its retro UI speaks to the nature of the plugin, as it’ll generate patterns very reminiscent of physical drum machines. For any musician trying to create retro-inspired music, Bassje is perfect.

Helios by TobyBear

Helios is an impressive audio sampler unit that is meant to be used during live performance. It has 8 different LFOs, including 2 that sync up to the sample’s tempo.

This plugin is able to tweak a sample is real-time with pitch-bending, looping, delays, and LFO filters. You can drag and drop wave files directly into the interface, making it ideal for DJs or musicians who have to improvise often. Unfortunately, it only supports a 32-bit connection so newer equipment may not work with this plugin.

What We Recommend

Any of these VSTs are excellent to try out but there are two that stand out in our minds:

Grooove BPB

Grooove BPB stands out in its flexibility and abundance of features for a free plugin. With 6 different drum slots and a variety of effects, it’s a versatile sampler that can act as an effect bus if nothing else.

Oftentimes rhythm is the core and soul of music production, so having a drum sampler to assist in that process is priceless (literally).

TX16Wx Software Sampler

Best Free Vst Plugins

This sampler is a full-on replacement for any stock sampler you may have, and then some. No other sampler can compare to this VST’s level of flexibility: With separate windows MIDI mapping, envelopes, modulation, arpeggiator, and samples themselves, it’s hard to believe that this plugin is free.

Another great thing about this plugin is the ability to record and drag samples directly into the interface. This may seem like a small factor, but for the right producer, it can significantly simplify your workflow.

Paid Plugins

If you’ve tried out a couple of these free options and you’re looking to take the next step, be sure to check out our guide on the best-paid sampler VSTs of 2019. Here are our two standout picks from that piece.

Phalanx by Vengeance Sound

Phalanx is an impressive sampler and sound effects generator that is very versatile in use. The plugin has a number of optional expansion packs catered to specific genres of music, so you’re sure to find one that works for you.

The plugin has a polyphony threshold at 256 notes, and 32 single samples can be played at once. In addition to its bevy of embedded effects, Phalanx holds its ground when used as a drum sampler.

Polygon Sampler by Glitchmachines

This sampler is relatively affordable, making it a great paid VST to consider in your transition. Although it is mainly geared towards electronic music, the unique user interface and 120 embedded presets make this a fun tool for any producer.

If anything else, this sampler surprisingly works well as a synthesizer with an impressive 8 LFOs. It has a lot of granular synthesis capabilities, making it a great way to boost your low-end frequencies without altering the timing of your samples.

Free Vst Plugins

Synth arpeggios are popular in many different genres, including synth pop, trance and synthwave. While you can create arpeggios manually, they’re typically created by using an arpeggiator. But where do you get one of those?

Many synthsand sequencers, as well as many modern DAWs, have built-in arpeggiator effects.If you’re not happy with these or your synth or DAW doesn’t come with an arpfeature, this page is for you. In the following list, I’m collecting the bestfree arpeggiator VST and AU plugins available today.

Note: The plugins on this page do not create any sound on their own – you will need a sound source (for example a synth plugin like Serum or Massive) to hear anything.

How to usean arpeggiator in your DAW

Before weget to the list, here’s something a lot of new producers struggle with:

How do you usean arpeggiator plugin in your DAW?

While it’s hard to give a general answer, in most DAWs you will have to find a way to insert your arpeggiator plugin into the signal chain before your synth (or other instrument). Arpeggiators are not audio effects like reverbs or compressors, they are MIDI effects and should affect the MIDI data before it arrives at your synth. If you put an arpeggiator after a synth in the effect chain, you will typically not hear an effect at all! If you’re not sure how to add MIDI effects to your DAW, a look into the manual or a Google/YouTube search should help.

The Best Free Arpeggiator Plugins – A Collection

Arpimedes

Format: VST, 32 bit
OS: Windows

Audio examples:

You want to get the traditional arp sound but don’t want to spend a lot of time tweaking settings? Then you should check out Arpimedes by Tobybear. While it is the simplest arpeggiator VST on this list, it is also easiest to use. Set the speed, the number of steps (eight is the maximum), the number of octaves and the mode (up, down, up-down, down-up, as played, random) and you’re set!

This plugin is a good starting point when you’re new to arps but will probably not be sufficient if you need a little more control over your arp sound. As this one is an older release, it’s only available for Windows and runs in 32 bit.

Arpimedes is part of the Tobybear MIDIBag, which you can download here.

RandARP

Format: VST2, 32 bit + 64 bit
OS: Windows

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Audio examples:

The cleanly designed RandArp is a VST plugin by CodeFN42. Tech house bass vst free. After choosing rate, note order and octave order, you have the possibility to play with certain settings that can then be randomized to your liking. These include number of octaves, velocity, gate, shift and swing. You can also choose the percentage of the note probability – this refers to how likely it is that a note is generated. Setting this below 100% means that more notes will randomly be skipped.

All in all, it should be noted that RandARP focuses (as the name suggests) almost completely on randomization features. There is no step sequencer where you can draw in notes and there is no feature to transpose notes (you’ll have to do that via MIDI), for example. So, if you want to design your arp sequences step by step, this will not be the right VST plugin for you. However, if you’re looking for an arpeggiator that helps you create ever-changing sequences, you definitely should check RandArp out.

RandARP canbe scaled up to 200% and comes with different skins for optimal usability. Althoughthe plugin is mostly self-explanatory, the download folder contains a 25-pagemanual that goes into detail on every feature and setting – perfect for anyone whowants to know how to get the most out of this free arpeggiator plugin.

You can download RandArp on the CodeFN42 website.

BlueARP VST

Format: VST, AU, 32 bit + 64 bit
OS: Windows, Mac

Audio examples:

You want to have maximum control over your arp sequences? Then you should try out BlueARP VST by Oleg Mikheev (also known as Graywolf). When I first opened this plugin, I was a little overwhelmed by all the settings and boxes. However, after playing around with it a bit and watching the following video by howtomakeemusic, I found it’s actually quite easy to use:

Besides atypical arp engine where you can control settings such as gate time, swing andnumber of steps, there is also a detailed step sequencer that gives you theoption to change velocity, step type and transpose the note (octave orsemitone). Step type includes normal, off, rest and tie. I particularly likethe tie feature, which creates a gliding effect between steps.

If you wantto play chords, you have the option of playing all the notes of the chord atthe same time or you can choose exactly when each note of the chord will beplayed.

Additionally,BlueARP has countless advanced features, like setting a range for filtering outinput notes or forcing the arpeggiated notes to a particular scale. If you usearp sequences a lot in your music, BlueARP will give you plenty of features to getthe exact sound you’re looking for. You can find more information about thedifferent features in the manual that’s included in the download files.

Free Vst Sequencer

BlueARP can be downloaded on Graywolf’s website.

If you find yourself enjoying BlueARP, you might also want to check out these five free skins by satYatunes or these 20 free skins by Valentin Zechiu.

Kirnu

Format: VST, AU, 32 bit + 64 bit
OS: Windows, Mac

Audio examples:

BeforeBlueARP appeared on the radar, Kirnu by Arto Vaarala was pretty much the numberone recommendation when it came to free arpeggiator plugins. Like BlueARP,Kirnu boasts a powerful step sequencer which can help you modulate settingslike note length, gate time, accent, transposition and shift.

Of course,you also have control over the rate, note type (normal, dotted, triplet), sortorder (when you’re playing multiple notes) and octaves. You can even choosefrom a long list of scales (including modes) if you’d like your arp sequences tostick to a certain scale.

Despite itscompact design, Kirnu is a powerful arpeggiator that can do a lot of funthings. Here are some examples from the developer:

I found Kirnu a little confusing in the beginning because not all of its features are self-explanatory. The download files don’t include a manual either – luckily, I found it on the developer’s website. After reading more about its many features, I found it much easier to create interesting sequences with it.

Note: Kirnu isn’t the same as Kirnu Cream, which is its commercial successor (if you’re interested in the paid version, please be aware that some stability and compatibility issues have been reported lately).

Alternatives

Looking foralternatives? Here are some more arpeggiator plugins you can try:

Free Sequencer Vst Plugins Download

mucoder hypercyclic (note: more step sequencer than arp) (VST, AU / Windows + Mac / 32 + 64 bit )
Xoxos arp4midi (VST / Windows)

Over toyou…

Your favoritefree arpeggiator plugin was not included in this list? Let us know what you’reusing!