- Best Chorus Vst Free
- Chorus Vst Free Best Video Editing Software
- Best Free Chorus Vst Plugin
- Best Free Chorus Vst
- Chorus Vst Free Best Photo Editing Software
Another choir VST we would like to highlight from Strezov is the Wotan Male Choir. This VST is considered to be one of the most revered sounds in the film industry – the Khazad-dum male choir, inspired by the Lord of the Rings soundtrack. Made up of ten tenors and ten basses, this VST is bound to add a touch of choral intensity to any movie.
It’s been quite a while since I’ve added new entries to our directory of freeware VST plugins. Well, the standstill ends today. This article features a list of the best free chorus effects in VST and AU plugin formats for Windows and Mac-based digital audio workstations, and it marks the revival of our free VST directory, which will be updated with the latest and greatest freeware tools in the weeks to come.
I’ve picked only the very best of the best chorus effects for this list, and you’re welcome to leave your own suggestions in the comments section below if you think that the list should be updated with another plugin or even multiple plugins. Your support has been incredible so far, dear readers, and you guys have often sent me links to various brilliant freeware plugins that I’ve never seen or heard of before. Thanks for all the comments and suggestions so far, it really means a lot!
Azurite by Distorque (Windows)
If you asked me to recommend a single chorus plugin, which I think is the absolute best choice in this category, then Azurite would definitely be my pick. The plugin is incredibly versatile, and it manages to offer a broad palette of possible settings without being too complicated to use.
The included factory presets cover a wide range of chorus effect types, ranging from subtle chorusing, which is suitable for use on guitars or vocals to some crazy modulation stuff, and even some short slap-back delays. You can use the factory presets as the starting point for your own settings, but they’re all entirely usable, and I’m sure that merely browsing through presets and finding the right one will do the job most of the time.
To sum it up, Azurite is my favorite free chorus effect in the world. Why? Because it’s a real modulation workhorse (loads of possible settings) with an incredibly simple workflow. The CPU hit is relatively low, and I’ve never had any instability issues with the plugin. The developer Distorque also offers a nice range of virtual guitar distortion pedals, so check out the rest of their site while visiting to grab your free copy of Azurite.
Mac OS will be disappointed by the fact that the plugin is Windows only, but on the bright side, it does support both 32-bit and 64-bit DAW applications on Windows. Our next entry is Mac-compatible, though, and it’s one of the best freeware plugins released so far in 2014!
Download:Azurite(32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin format for Windows)
Multiply by Acon Digital (Win & Mac)
Winner of the recently held KVR Developer Challenge 2014 contest, the brilliant Multiply plugin by Acon Digital is a modern chorus effect that uses phase randomizing filters on each of the six voices to avoid unwanted comb filter effects. The plugin includes a simple equalizer for controlling the frequency response of the processed audio signal, as well as a pre-delay section, which can be used to create echo effects.
The interface is absolutely brilliant, it looks spotless, and it’s easy to grasp right away. One of my favorite features of the plugin is the A/B testing switch, which makes it possible to test different settings against each other without running multiple instances of the plugin on the same channel.
Most importantly, the plugin is capable of producing some great sounding chorus effect. It works fantastic on electric pianos and guitars. However, I’ve also found that it can work very well for fattening up lead vocals without smudging them or making them sound artificial.
Download:Multiply(32-bit & 64-bit VST/AU/AAX plugin format for Windows & Mac)
Blue Cat’s Chorus by Blue Cat Audio (Win & Mac)
Those in search of a super simple and great-sounding freeware chorus shouldn’t look further than Blue Cat’s Chorus. The plugin has been around for almost a decade as part of Blue Cat Audio’s freeware suite. Still, it’s continuously updated and improved to stay compatible with modern-day systems.
The official product page describes Blue Cat’s Chorus as a vintage chorus effect, but I wouldn’t necessarily limit it to the vintage category. While it’s capable of achieving that retro chorus sound, Blue Cat Chorus can also sound nice and modern with the right settings.
The plugin offers Windows and Mac support and is available in almost too many different plugin formats to count. One thing is for sure – you won’t have any compatibility issues with this little chorus unit. The plugin GUI is also fully editable, with loads of free skins available on the developer’s website. Here’s a free skin package designed by satYatunes.
Download:Blue Cat’s Chorus(32-bit & 64-bit VST/AU/AAX/RTAS/DX plugin for Win & Mac)
+ Vintage flavored chorus
+ Fully cross-platform
Magic Switch by BABY Audio (Win & Mac)
Magic Switch is a lo-fi chorus effect inspired by the classic analog ‘one-button’ chorus FX modules that were built into synthesizers back in the 80s. It is based on the same set of algorithms used for the “Magic” button in BABY Audio’s popular Super VHS plugin. The plugin instantly delivers that washed out and slightly out-of-tune chorusing effect reminiscent of 80s synth music.
If you’re inspired by the sounds of 80s movie themes, VHS tapes, and vintage music gear in general, the free Magic Switch chorus by Baby Audio is a must-have. It delivers the wobbly, dark, and intentionally unstable chorus sound that we’ve all grown to love while listening to 80s music. For a similar but more strictly modeled plugin, check out the excellent TAL-Chorus-LX by Togu Audio Line. It emulates the characteristics of the iconic Juno-60 chorus.
Download:Magic Switch(32-bit & 64-bit VST/AU/AAX plugin for Win & Mac)
Extended List (Alphabetical Order)
CH4D by Jovan Koncar (Windows) is an interesting four-voice chorus effect that uses an advanced LFO to modulate each delayed voice to achieve natural-sounding results. A worthy pick for Windows users who are looking for an easy to use chorus tool.
Dust Bucket by signaldust (Windows) is a bucket brigade type chorus effect. The developer’s goal (signaldust also has this brilliant freeware room reverb plugin called Tila, which is included in our round-up of free reverb effects) was to create a clean chorus effect, without any additional non-linear behavior. The plugin can also do some other modulation effects, such as flanger. It’s definitely worth a look if you’re looking for a clean chorus effect. However, keep in mind that the CPU hit is a tad bit high. Thanks to our reader Duckett for suggesting Dust Bucket in the comments section below!
Orange Chorus by One Small Clue (Windows) is the true successor of the legendary Classic Chorus by Kjaerhus Audio, one of my long time favorite chorus effects. Based on a similar streamlined architecture, Orange Chorus offers a great balance between great sound and fast workflow.
TAL-Chorus-LX by Togu Audio Line (Mac, Windows) is essentially the chorus module from Togu Audio Line’s brilliant Roland JUNO-60 analog synthesizer emulation called TAL-U-NO-LX. According to the audio comparison, which you can listen to on SoundCloud, the plugin sounds almost identical to the real thing. Featuring only three knobs and two buttons, this lovely vintage chorus is the most straightforward plugin on the list. I often use it to add a bit of movement and stereo width to synthesizer patches. Scroll all the way the product page to grab the previous version of the plugin, which, in my opinion, sounds even more beautiful than the new one.
In Conclusion
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading our list of freeware chorus effects! Our regular visitors have probably noticed that the layout of this article is a bit different when compared to our older free VST articles. Do you like the new format with three of my favorite picks on top and the rest listed below? Let me know what you think, and once again, thanks for reading BPB!
Modulation audio effects are an important part of your mixing toolkit.
They’re the special way to add movement and groove to sounds that need a little something extra.
The main types of modulation are Tremolo, Ring Mod, Chorus, Phaser and Flanger.
Despite the different types, all modulation effects have something in common…
They all achieve their effect by modulating an aspect of the signal with an LFO (low frequency oscillator). The style of modulation is different depending on whether the LFO is manipulating the pitch, timing or volume of the signal.
Modulation LFOs work similarly to how LFOs are used in synthesis.
In this article I’ll go through all the common types of modulation, how they work and the best modulation plugins for each.
Tremolo
Tremolo is an amplitude modulation effect. Amplitude modulation plugins vary the volume of your signal.
It’s the easiest type of modulation to understand because you can easily hear the effect of the LFO settings on your sound.
A softer, rounded sine wave shape will create a gentle bobbing tremolo, while a steep square wave will create a machine gun stutter.
A softer, rounded sine wave shape will create a gentle bobbing tremolo, while a steep square wave will create a machine gun stutter.
Tremolo is commonly found on vintage guitar amps, so it’s associated with early guitar genres like surf and country.
But it can be a very interesting effect on all kinds of sources. Try using tremolo to create rhythmic action on sustained sources like synth pads or drones.
Best Tremolo VSTs
Free Plugin: Adam Monroe Tremolo
Adam Monroe’s Tremolo is an effective and easy-to-use vintage style tremolo.
Cheap Plugin: Goodhertz Trem Control
Goodhertz Trem Control is a great sounding, feature-rich tremolo that can go from subtle vintage vibe to experimental chop in an instant.
Best Chorus Vst Free
Pro Plugin: Soundtoys Tremolator
Soundtoys Tremolator is a fantastic creative tool for designing any kind of tremolo. Tremolator emulates some of the most classic hardware tremolo effects all in one powerful plugin.
Ring Mod
Ring Mod is basically an extreme application of tremolo. It uses the same amplitude modulation principle.
Ring Mod is basically an extreme application of tremolo. It uses the same amplitude modulation principle.
LFO frequencies used for tremolo are far below the range we can perceive as a distinct tone.
As you increase the LFO frequency into the audible range, additional tones called sidebands begin to develop in the signal.
The sidebands can be quite dissonant since they’re not evenly related to each other or the original sound.
This can result in some bizarre robotic effects and strange textures. Ring Mod is probably best known for creating the voices of the Daleks on Doctor Who.
Ring Mod is used significantly less than other types of modulation, so I’ll keep it simple for examples.
Best Ring Mod VSTs
Free Plugin: Melda MRingModulator
Cheap Plugin: Melda MRingModulatorMB
Melda MRingModulator and MRingModulatorMB are two great takes on ring mod from a quality plugin designer.
The basic version covers all of your traditional ring mod needs, while the MB edition includes sophisticated multiband processing.
Chorus
Chorus is another form of simple modulation. Chorus plugins make a copy of the signal and vary its pitch up and down.
Blending the dry and modulated signals gives a shimmery, detuned tone that can add depth and dimension to a sound.
If modulating a sound’s pitch with an LFO is ringing a bell, you’re on the right track. By using 100% of the modulated signal instead of blending it with the dry, you’ll get a vibrato effect,
Varying the characteristics of the LFO results in changes to the sound. Increasing the frequency of the LFO makes the rate faster while increasing the amplitude makes the depth more intense.
The first chorus effects created their modulated signals using analog bucket brigade device chips (BBDs).
These chips couldn’t copy the input signal perfectly, but the warm tone and fluid modulation they provided became a classic sound.
Best Chorus VSTs
Free Plugin: TAL-Chorus-LX
TAL-Chorus-LX is an accurate reproduction of the unique chorus found on the classic Roland Juno 60 synth.
Cheap Plugin: D16 Syntorus
D16 Syntorus is a versatile dual analog-style chorus. It offers complete control over each delay line for extremely precise chorus tones.
Pro Plugin: UAD Brigade Chorus
The UAD Brigade Chorus is an incredibly accurate emulation of the classic Boss CE-1 pedal. One of the first chorus effects on the market, the CE-1 is the pedal that started it all.
Phaser
A phaser is an effect that manipulates the phase of the signal with an LFO.
Imagine a sine wave on a graph. The phase is the starting position of the waveform along the x-axis expressed as an angle.
The phaser effect is created by splitting the signal and sending it through a series of “all-pass” filters that alter the phase.
The phaser effect is created by splitting the signal and sending it through a series of “all-pass” filters that alter the phase.
When the dry and phase-shifted signals are combined, any frequencies that are inverted 180 degrees cancel out, resulting in the characteristic notches.
As the LFO sweeps, notches will appear at different frequencies. Each all-pass “stage” introduces more notches into the sound.
This creates the churning frequency shifting character of phaser effects.
Best Phaser VSTs
Free Plugin: Blue Cat Phaser
Blue Cat Phaser is a free high quality phaser plugin that’s capable and versatile considering it’s free…
Cheap Plugin: D16 Fazortan2
D16 Fazortan is another entry into the series of highly flexible modulation effects from D16. This phaser has two LFOs available for more tweakability.
This phaser has two LFOs available for more tweakability.
Pro Plugin: Soundtoys PhaseMistress
Soundtoys PhaseMistress is one of the best sounding and most in-depth phaser plugins available. If you can’t get your perfect phase with this super-flexible plugin, it probably doesn’t exist.
Flanger
Flanger is the original modulation effect. It’s the recognizable “jet engine taking off” sound.
The first flanging was created with two tape machines playing identical tracks at the same time.
Applying pressure to the edge of the reel (or “flange”) of one machine would cause it to slow down and play back out of sync.
Flanger is the original modulation effect. It’s the recognizable “jet engine taking off” sound.
Summing the two signals together created the distinctive comb filtering sound that started to appear on recordings in the psychedelic 60’s.
LFOs are used to modulate the delay time in place of manually slowing down the tape in today’s flangers.
Flangers sometimes also include a “feedback” or “regen” control to mix some of the affected signal back to to the input to intensify the effect even more.
They’re great for thickening and stereo widening as well as that classic jet plane sound.
Best Flanger VSTs
Free Plugin: Blue Cat Flanger
Blue Cat Flanger is another great free option from a respected plugin maker.
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Cheap Plugin: Toneboosters Reel Bus 4
Toneboosters Reel Bus 4 is an incredible bargain for such a full-featured plugin. In addition to great tape saturation emulation, it features a fantastic sounding tape flanger
Pro Plugin: Softube Fix Flanger and Doubler
Softube Fix Flanger and Doubler was designed in collaboration with Paul Wolff, who engineered the original hardware BBD flanger in the 70s. The resulting plugin is a drool-worthy high-end flanger.
All Mod Cons
Modulation effects can be some of the most fun processing you apply in your mix.
Best Free Chorus Vst Plugin
Any of these modulation types can add movement, interest and dimension to your tracks.
Best Free Chorus Vst
To recap…
The 15 Best Modulation VSTs
Chorus Vst Free Best Photo Editing Software
Now that you know some of the best plugins for every modulation style, Start adding LFO action to your tracks.