VSTs revolutionized mixing music.

Instruments and effects that used to cost thousands became accessible to every musician with a computer.

If you produce music in a DAW, VSTs are probably a key part of your workflow.

Here is the list of top ten open source Free VST plugin which is quite accessible and useful for the sound engineers and music producers. Is an audio plug-in software interface that integrates software synthesizer and effects in digital audio workstations. The best free reverb VST plugin right now is OrilRiver by Denis Tihanov. OrilRiver is a free algorithmic stereo reverb plugin that can rival the sound quality of even the most expensive reverbs. It is a very flexible effect, capable of simulating small rooms, great halls, cathedrals, and any type of space in between. Five months ago, AudioJungle author and Mihai Sorohan started a thread on the AudioJungle forum listing the best free VST effects. 225 posts later, the thread is still going strong. This article lists the plugins recommended in the thread. Best free VST plugins of the 2010s - a comprehensive list of 31 of the best synths and effects that shaped a decade of music production. Helm is open source.

But sometimes you want to use your plugins without launching a full fledged DAW. Maybe you just want your jam with your virtual synths, or play live with a VST rig on stage.

To run VSTs without the extra functionality of a DAW you’ll need a VST host.

In this article I’ll go through the 8 best VST host apps available today.

What is a VST host?

A VST host is a software program that can load VST instruments or effects plugins. A VST host can be a DAW or a dedicated software program just for running VSTs.

While a traditional DAW can be used for live performance, many musicians prefer the stability and ease of use that comes with dedicated VST hosts.

While a traditional DAW can be used for live performance, many musicians prefer the stability and ease of use that comes with dedicated VST hosts.

These purpose-built software programs don’t need the extra features and functionality of full recording apps.

That makes them simpler and more efficient for your computer to run.

Even if you’re just playing through a handful of instruments or effects, a VST host can help when a standalone version of the plugin doesn’t exist.

The 10 best VST hosts

With the basics out of the way, here are the 10 best VST hosts available today.

1. Apple Mainstage

Apple’s Mainstage is one of the most well-known VST hosts for live performance.

It includes many of the respected plugins, presets and effects from Apple’s flagship DAW app Logic Pro X.

Built specifically with live shows in mind, Mainstage has many impressive features for performers.

Camelcrusher vst 4 free. Guitarists will love the virtual pedalboards and amp rigs that come complete with tuner, tap tempo and spillover features.

And keyboardists can take advantage of the excellent built-in emulations of classics the Hammond B3, Fender Rhodes, Hohner Pianet and more.

Unfortunately, like all Apple software, Mainstage is only available on Mac OS X. But if you’re a Mac user looking to play VSTs live, Mainstage is probably your first option to try.

2. Topten Cantabile

Topten Cantabile is a high performance VST host that’s tailor-made for live playing.

With robust MIDI routing and impressive real-time features, Cantabile is an excellent choice for using VSTs on stage.

Cantabile was purpose-built for the stage, so it’s among the most stable and efficient hosts you can find.

If you’re a keyboard player looking to ditch a heavy hardware rig for simple laptop setup, Cantabile could be your best choice.

It comes in three editions, including a free tier with Cantabile Lite.

Unfortunately, Cantabile is Windows-only, so you’ll have to choose another option if you want to turn your MacBook into the ultimate plug-in based synthesizer.

3. Your DAW

Any application that can run VSTs is a VST host.

That means your DAW is a perfectly good option for playing VSTs live.

Any application that can run VSTs is a VST host. That means your DAW is a perfectly good option for playing VSTs live.

DAWs are more complex than basic VST hosts, so your system will naturally have to do a bit more to keep the gig running.

But there are some upsides to using a DAW as a live VST host. You won’t have to learn a new program to be able to build your stage setup.

And you can easily translate your projects from tracking and mixing to live performance.

Some DAWs are lightweight enough that they’re well suited for live performance. For example, Ableton…Live is often used as a performance DAW.

4. Audiostrom LiveProfessor 2

Audiostrom LiveProfessor 2 is another feature-rich option for live VST use.

It features impressive preset capabilities, performance-oriented cue lists, flexible signal chains and impressive hardware control.

LiveProfessor 2 was developed in collaboration with industry professionals to create an app rugged enough for live use.

It’s popular among front-of-house engineers for mixing live sets with VST plugins.

5. Niall Moody Pedalboard 2

Niall Moody Pedalboard 2 is a simple and effective VST host that’s designed to work just like a guitarist’s pedalboard.

Set your I/O, load your VSTs and patch between them to create a pedalboard-style signal flow.

The best part? Pedalboard 2 is free, lightweight and easy to use.

If you’re looking to chain together a few virtual stompboxes and amp simulators in a digital guitar rig, Pedalboard 2 is a great choice.

6. Hermann Seib VSTHost

VSTHost is a simple but effective hosting app created by independent developer Hermann Seib.

The project started as a plugin testing platform but became popular among keyboardists for playing live in the early days of VSTs.

It’s still a great choice for a simple and effective VST host.

VSTHost lets you load plugins, edit them, send MIDI and save your setups to recall later.

7. Kushview Element

Kushview Element is a modular plugin host that can run VST and AU instruments in flexible configuration.

Its unique matrix style patchbay and graphical editor lets you draw in complex effects racks and signal chains with ease.

If you’ve ever tried to use your plugins in a live performance, you’ll know the challenges that can arise.

Element features easy integration with hardware controllers and easy external sync to MIDI clock sources.

It’s also free and open-source for you to experiment with and shape to your needs.

8. Tone2 NanoHost

Tone2 NanoHost is the most lightweight VST host on this list—in fact it’s barely a host at all.

NanoHost acts as a wrapper to turn a VST plugin into a standalone application.

If your favourite VST instrument doesn’t come bundled with a standalone app, NanoHost will do the job—for Windows users only.

It’s perfect for those who just want to boot up a single VST without the hassle of a complicated program.

Play VSTs live

VST hosts may seem like an extremely specific type of software, but they fulfill an important purpose.

If you’ve ever tried to use your plugins in a live performance, you’ll know the challenges that can arise.

VST hosts can help, and if you’ve made it through this article you’ll have a handle on some of the best options available today.

If you’re starting out with music production, after choosing your DAW, grabbing a bunch of free VST plugins is the next thing you should do.

There are so many free VSTs out there – so we’ve compiled a list of some of the best VST instruments, effects and utilities to use on your next music production project.

NATIVE INSTRUMENTS KOMPLETE START PACKAGE

Native Instruments are one of the biggest names in the music industry and the free Komplete Start package has 8 VST synths, a few effects and 9 sampled instruments. You also get KONTAKT 6 and REAKTOR 6 in the package.

VALHALLA SUPERMASSIVE

Valhalla DSP are known for awesome audio processing tools, and most recently they made their Valhalla Supermassive VST available for free. This is the best free delay / reverb VST you will find.

SPITFIRE LABS

Spitfire LABS is a huge library of sounds and instruments to use that’s available on Mac and Windows PC. The interface is clean and easy to use too. If you’re looking to test out a bunch of free sounds at no cost – this is definitely worth the download.

SOUND MAGIC PIANO ONE

The Yamaha C7 grand piano is an iconic piece that makes some brilliant sounds. The Sound Magic Piano One samples the C7 piano and is available on Mac and Windows PC.

DEXED

A useful FM synth engine that can load all the classic patches from the 80s including the Yamaha DX7 and TX81Z. There’s over 3000 presets to choose from – which is massive.

CABLE GUYS PANCAKE 2

PanCake is a free plugin for most flexible panning modulations.

You can construct your own modulation curves. They can be easily drawn using soft or hard control points, thus producing gentle transitions or sharp bends in the waveform.

VEMBER AUDIO SURGE

A once premium VST that is now available as an open source download. Vember Audio Surge includes over 1000 preset patches, 180 wavetables and plenty of effects for you to play around with.

Since this software is Open Source, it can be modified to your liking and is available on Linux, Mac and Windows PC.

AMPLE SOUND AMPLE BASS P LITE II

If you want a realistic sounding bass guitar in your track, then the free Ample Sound Ample Bass P Lite II should do the trick. It mimics the Fender P Bass and sounds brilliant.

U-HE TYRELL N6

While this virtual analog subtractive synth might feel a bit old-school, it’s got brilliant sound quality for a free synthesizer. Based on a design similar to Roland’s classic Juno 60, this free plugin for Linux, Mac and Windows PC is a great addition for leads, keys, bass and effects.

VCV RACK

This virtual Eurorack modular system is open source and has a variety of modules to choose from. VCV Rack is used as a standalone piece of software – it’s not a plugin for your DAW. However, a third-party plugin called VeeSeeVSTRack makes this possible.

IGNITE AMPS PTEQ-X

This freeware emulation software mimics the legendary Pultec EQP-1A tube EQ. From my experience, it sounds warm and just like the Pultec EQ.

GLITCHMACHINES HYSTERESIS

Hysteresis is a free glitch delay geared toward creating robotic artifacts and musical malfunctions. It’s a versatile effects processor geared toward electronic music production and sound designers.

Process anything from drums to synths, guitars, vocals and sound effects. On top of being able to create contorted signal mutations, it can also be tamed to generate classic delay effects.

TAL-CHORUS-LX

Open Source Vst Host

TAL-Chorus-LX is a 1:1 standalone version of the chorus implemented in TAL-U-NO-LX. It has the same characteristics of the Juno-60 chorus, with 2 different modes, dry / wet control and a volume knob.