How many instruments do you own? Are you able to go out and buy an instrument every time you need to use it? A very small percentile are able to do this. That doesn’t mean the rest of us can’t have access to some of the most sought after instruments. This is where emulation comes in. Emulated plugins are inspired by an actual instrument. Some can offer the exact same features, some come close, and some are sampled from the actual instrument itself. Welcome to a resource loaded with emulated plugins that are all free. These are broken up by brand and will state the original instrument it is based on.
KORG
The Real Deal Korg DS-8
The Plugin Chorg DS-600
The Chorg DS-600 is a simplified FM instrument based on the pretty obscure Korg DS-8, which was built around the voice of the Yamaha FB-01 4-op FM module.
In place of the ratio tuning and modulation index way of producing waveforms, it had a set of pre-formed FM waves that could shape ‘up’ from a sine a bit like the way the Casio CZ worked but with FM instead of Phase Distortion. It also has two algorithms. A pair of modulator carriers and a 4-op stack. This emulation is inspired by the real unit circuits but is not aiming to sound accurate to the hardware synth. No presets just like the real thing.
The Real Deal Korg PS-3300
The Plugin FB-3300
FB-3300 is a software instrument for Microsoft Windows (VST) and Apple macOS (VST/AU) simulating the KORG PS-3300 Polyphonic Synthesizer from 1977. It is written in native C++ code for high performance and low CPU consumption.
Features
- Close emulation of behavior and all controls of the original hardware.
- Three independent polyphonic synthesizer blocks.
- Band-limited oscillators, classic two-pole low pass filters.
- Resonators section plus two Modulation Generators per bank.
- Additional Sample & Hold and paraphonic Envelope Generator.
- Semi-modular.
- Micro-tuning option.
- Additional tweaks.
- MIDI Learn. All parameters can be controlled by MIDI CC.
- Plug-in supports Windows and macOS (32 bit and 64 bit).
The Real Deal Korg PS-3100
The Plugin FB-3100
The FB-3100 is a software instrument for Microsoft Windows (VST) and Apple macOS (VST/AU) simulating the KORG PS-3100 Polyphonic Synthesizer from 1977. It is written in native C++ code for high performance and low CPU consumption.
Features
- Close emulation of behavior and all controls of the original hardware.
- Band-limited oscillators, classic two-pole low pass filters.
- Resonators section.
- Two Modulation Generators, Sample & Hold.
- Additional paraphonic Envelope Generator.
- Semi-modular patch panel.
- Micro-tuning option.
- Additional tweaks.
- MIDI Learn. All parameters can be controlled by MIDI CC.
- Plug-in supports Windows and macOS (32 bit and 64 bit).
The Real Deal Korg Delta String DL-50
The Plugin The Nabla
Paraphonic synthesizer and strings sections with up to 64 voices polyphony.
Features
- 4 band-limited frequency divider-driven signal generators.
- Additional noise generator.
- 4-pole zero-delay feedback bandpass/lowpass filter.
- Strings section.
- 2 band-limited frequency divider-driven signal generators.
- 2-band equalizer. Ensemble effect.
- Flexible pitch/filter modulation by LFO or noise.
- Tweaks (not to be found in the original Delta):
- "GOD Mode" to provide true polyphony.
- Panning for Synthesizer/Strings sections.
- Built-in phaser and delay effects.
- Double precision audio processing.
- All parameters can be controlled by MIDI controllers.
- Plug-in comes in 32 bit and 64 bit versions.
- Fully compatible with SM Pro Audio's V-Machine.
The Real Deal Korg Mono/Poly
The Plugin Mono/Fury
It is written in native C++ code for high performance even on "lighter" systems.
Features
- Close emulation of behavior and all controls.
- Monophonic/quadrophonic keyboard action.
- Four band-limited oscillators.
- Four-pole low pass filter with self-oscillation.
- "Effects" section including Cross modulation and hard sync.
- Arpeggiator with sync-to-host option.
- Additional tweak section.
YAMAHA
The Real Deal Yamaha PSS-370
The Plugin GSS-370
PSS-370's digital synthesizer controls 5 waveforms, octave of modulating oscillator, frequency modulation level, attack, decay, and level. Vibrato and sustain/release switch included.
Features
- Switch between standard and 'circuit-bent' controls.
- Decibel reading and peak indicator.
- Gain (boost).
- V-Mod (amount note velocity will affect vibrato depth).
- Filter with cutoff, resonance (both LFO controllable), fill, and dry knobs.
- LFO with frequency and depth controls.
- Send LFO to Pitch, PWM, Pan, or Volume.
- On/off switch included.
- Mod wheel controls LFO frequency.
The Real Deal Yamaha CS-80
The Plugin Krakli Arminator
Krakli has introduced Arminator, a freeware (Facebook account required to download) virtual instrument in 32-bit VSTi plugin format for Windows which emulates the Yamaha CS-80 hardware synthesizer. This plugin provides users with the opportunity to experience this synthesizer’s unique sounds through a new technological version.
The Yamaha CS-80 was considered by many in the music industry to be the ultimate synthesizer in the 1970’s and its price tag was high enough to put it out of the reach of everyday musicians, and might still if it was around today.
The Real Deal Yamaha DX7
The Plugin Dexed
The FM Plugin Synth Dexed is a multi-platform, multi-format plugin synth that is closely modeled on the Yamaha DX7. Dexed is also a midi cartridge librarian/manager for the DX7. The sound engine music-synthesizer-for-android is closely modeled on the original DX7 characteristics.
Features
- 144 DAW automatable DX7 parameters available from one single panel.
- Fully supports DX7 input and output Sysex messages; including controller change.
- (This means that you can use this with a native DX7/TX7 as a patch editor and Sysex manager.)
- Each operator has a real time VU meter so you know which one is active.
- Can load/save any DX7/TX7 Sysex programs.
- It is also possible to save a single program into a different Sysex file.
ROLAND
The Real Deal Juno 6
The Plugin Sixth Month June
Sixth Month June is a Roland Juno 6 emulator available for Windows (32 bit).
A virtual recreation of the Roland Juno 6, there are some nice pads in the presets offering a simple and effective arpeggiator and a delay effect. There’s also a unison. When the unison is on, the synth turns to monophonic mode.
Features
- VCO with Sawtooth, Pulse (PWM) waves.
- Noise Generator.
- LFO Triangle.
- VCF low pass cutoff, emphasis.
- A/D/S/R envelope with invert option.
- Arpegiator.
- Chorus.
- Unison.
The Real Deal Roland TR-909
The Plugin DR-910
In terms of sound, the DR-910 VSTi is a faithful reproduction of the original. Each sound section has been developed to sound and act as similar as possible to the original instrument. The plugin includes some extra features not available in the hardware version. A reverb unit with independent send controls for each sound source, a compressor tailored to work with drum sounds (based on the same engine of MaxSynths DSP-1) and a Lo-Fi FX processor.
These extra features will help the user to quickly shape the sound as desired without using external plugins. However, if you need to process the signal with external effects, each drum module can be routed to four different stereo outputs that can be independently processed in the DAW.
Features
- Faithful emulation of the original sound.
- Four stereo outputs.
- Mute and pan options for each instrument.
- Independent send level to the built-in reverb unit for each instrument.
- Built-in compressor featuring IDP circuit.
- Built-in reverb unit routable to output 1-4.
- Lo-Fi FX with three independent modes.
- Full MIDI support through MIDI CC#.
- Behringer BCR-2000 custom template.
- Easy to operate.
- Low CPU usage.
The Real Deal Alpha Juno
The Plugin Phutura
Phutura is a virtual synthesizer inspired by the 80's hardware synth Alpha Juno, best known for the Hoover sound. Its edgy and futuristic feel makes it the perfect choice for lead and chord stab type of sounds. Suitable for use in dark and energetic styles of music like Techno, Rave, Drum&Bass, Electro, Hardstyle, Dubstep.
MOOG
The Real Deal Moog Taurus
The Plugin Tauros
Tauros is an emulation of the legendary Moog Taurus bass-synth.
Features
- 2 Oscillators with 6 Waveforms.
- Tuning over 3 Octaves.
- Fine tune Osc 2.
- Mixer section (Osc 1+3).
- Special Low-Pass-Filter with Cutoff, Emphasis and ADS Envelope.
- 2 ADS-Envelopes.
Additional to the Original-Features
- Velocity, Reverb, Unison Function with Detune.
- MIDI shown in mouse hints.
- Waveform-Selector.
- 64 Patches made by Kujashi (1-16) and Bayan (33-64).
The Real Deal Moog Prodigy
The Plugin Model Pro
Model Pro is an emulation of the Moog Prodigy monophonic analog synthesizer.
Features
- 2 VCOs with sawtooth, triangle, and pulse (narrow/square) waveforms.
- LFO - Square or Triangle.
- VCF - 24 dB octave low pass with cutoff, emphasis.
- A/D/S envelope.
- VCA - Attack, Decay, Sustain.
- Keyboard has 32 keys.
The Real Deal Mini Moog Model D
The Plugin RA Mowg
RA Mowg is an emulation of a Moog Minimoog Model D. Another addition to the line-up of Roberson Audio's collection of vintage replica synths, many many months have been spent to create an instrument that not only resembles the Minimoog in appearance but delivers the same feel while playing. From the deep, full-bodied filters, to the mellow analog-style oscillators, to the distorted drive from feedback-looping the output, this instrument can give you the feeling of playing a Minimoog without spending a small fortune to do so.
INSTRUMENTS
Xylophone
VSCO2 Xylophone is a sampled xylophone. Samples were recorded by Versilian Studios / Sam Gossner.
Violin
VSCO2 Violin is a sampled solo violin. Samples were recorded by Versilian Studios / Sam Gossner.
TUBA
VSCO2 Tuba is a sampled tuba. Samples were recorded by Versilian Studios / Sam Gossner.
TRUMPET
VSCO2 Trumpet is a sampled trumpet. Samples were recorded by Versilian Studios / Sam Gossner.
CHOIR
NST Vocal is a sampled choral library. There are 30 acoustic choral patches in 5 instruments. They have been arranged by range, Full, High, Mid and Low.
STUDIO TOOLS
Analog Tape Simulation
Mystique is a tape machine simulator.
It was designed for real time processing and zero-latency, ideal for live sound. Convert your digital console channel into an analog recording tape machine and give warmth to your digital audio.
Features
- Internal oversampling.
- Transformer decoupling function.
- Bias control.
- Bass and treble booster.
Megaphone
Megaphone is a plugin that emulates an amplified bullhorn / PA loudspeaker.
It features two loudspeaker emulations, feedback (slapback) control, and a noise section. Megaphone can be used to make any audio source sound as if it’s being played by a bullhorn.
- Feedback
The feedback section is essentially a slapback effect. When using megaphones, the output of the loudspeaker can be captured again by the input microphone, introducing a delay/reflection and the usual feedback tones (those can be triggered with high gain sources and feedback amount higher than 50%).
- Noise
The megaphone noises can be enabled by the Trigger button. There are two types of noise: Button and Burst. You can choose which one you want to enable by clicking on the More button and then Noise Settings. The button noise is the noise made by clicking on the megaphone button to enable its microphone. The burst is the typical background noise of the loudspeaker.
If envelope is enabled, the Burst noise will follow the transients of the input signal.
The Real Deal Tube Preamp
The Plugin Crow Preamp
Preamp Emulator emulates the way tube preamps behave and sound. It will add the typical saturation and warmth of real tubes to your digital tracks! Preamp emulator is very easy to use, and there are only a few parameters for you to handle: input level, tube drive amount, tube type selection, output level and a power switch.
The Real Deal BBE Maximizer
The Plugin Xcita
Analog style exciter for mastering purposes, inspired on the BBE Maximizer models. Its warm sound and simplicity of using makes this exciter very suitable to add some subtle brightness in the high frequencies, and also make the lows more dense. Apart from the mastering stage, you'll find that it can also make a good work on individual tracks.
The Real Deal Alesis Microverb
The Plugin Microverb
Alesis legendary Microverb is now available as a VST. Equipped with all of the features as the hardware version.
Wow, what an extensive list. Kinda feels like you took a trip down to the shop. The only difference is, these are all obtainable. If these aren’t enough for you please check out the full collection offered by K. Brown Synth Plugins. I did feature a couple of his plugins here, he just has way too many to list. A true artist dedicated to making authentic plugins that do a great job emulating the look, sound, and feel of The Real Deal. You can visit his website here. https://kbrownsynthplugins.weebly.comIf you know of any great emulation plugins feel free to post links in the comment section below.
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