FLEXTRIK

Plugin guide

Free VST plugins

There are thousands of free plugins and most are not worth the disk space. These nine are the ones that earn a place in a project, plus what FL Studio already gives you for free.

See the list SHROOMDECK VST

Nine free plugins worth installing

Free plugins are everywhere; these are the ones that stay in a project. Availability and licenses change, so check the developer's page.

  • Vital (synth): a wavetable synth with a free version, great for leads and pads.
  • Surge XT (synth): an open-source, deep synthesizer.
  • Valhalla Supermassive (reverb and delay): a free reverb and delay with huge spaces.
  • TDR Nova (dynamic EQ): a free parallel dynamic equalizer for fixing harsh spots.
  • TDR Kotelnikov (compressor): a clean, transparent free compressor.
  • Voxengo SPAN (analyzer): a free spectrum analyzer to see what your mix is doing.
  • Youlean Loudness Meter (meter): a free loudness meter for checking levels.
  • Xfer OTT (multiband compressor): a free multiband compressor producers use for energy and punch.
  • Kilohearts Essentials (effects bundle): a free collection of basic effects.

Free plugins that come with FL Studio

  • Fruity Parametric EQ 2: a precise equalizer.
  • Fruity Limiter and Maximus: compression and limiting.
  • Fruity Reeverb 2 and Fruity Delay 3: reverb and delay.
  • Fruity Waveshaper and Distructor: distortion.

What about a one-plugin multi-effect?

SHROOMDECK VST is a paid multi-effect plugin in VST3 and AU, with eight controls: Distort, Crush, 808 Bass, Space, Delay, Width, Filter and Clipper, a mix control and presets. It is not free; a license starts at $29.

SHROOMDECK VST

Multi-effect plugin · VST3 · AU · Windows and macOS.

$29per-device license

Questions

Are free VST plugins safe?

Download them from the developer's own website or a well-known store. Avoid cracked or re-uploaded copies, which are a common way to spread malware.

Can I use free plugins in commercial releases?

Usually yes, but the license decides. Read the license on each developer's page before you release music made with it.

Do VST3 plugins work in FL Studio?

Yes. FL Studio hosts VST3 plugins. Most of the plugins here come as VST3; check the formats on each developer's page.

Is SHROOMDECK VST free?

No. SHROOMDECK VST is a paid plugin with a per-device license, from $29. See the plugin page.

Which free plugin should I install first?

A spectrum analyzer (Voxengo SPAN), a free reverb (Valhalla Supermassive) and a good free compressor give the biggest improvement for a mix.

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