The best free Lo-Fi plugins:
The fantastic 4
Published: April 13, 2024
Written by Yours Truly, CC
5 min. read
In music production we often find that the free plugins can be better than any paid alternatives and Lo-Fi is no exception to this rule. Here are some of the most essential FREE Lo-Fi plugins that you can get now!
Solaris
First up, we have Solaris – a unique reverb plugin that can add additional textures and layers to your instruments and revolutionise your sound. What makes this reverb plugin unique from others is that not only does it emulate the sound of a certain space like most other reverb plugins, but it also adds certain harmonics to the sound, which can help create magic and mystique to your mix.
Looking at the plugin’s interface you can see that there is a vast range of parameters you can tweak to design the specific type of reverb you would like. And if you don’t know where to start they do have some great presets that you can use as a starting point.
Because of the nature of the plugin, I’d suggest that it’s more suitable for more ambient or sleepy Lo-Fi rather than boom bap or chillhop.
Download link: https://www.adamszabo.com/vstplugins/solaris/
Paid alternative: Vanhalla Shimmer
Cymatics Origin
Next, we have Cymatics Origin which is an awesome plugin to use when going for that vintage, nostalgic feel that is such a key characteristic of the Lo-Fi genre.
With the ability to add tape saturation, vinyl crackle and many other effects, this plugin can make your samples sound like they came straight from an old tape machine.
But a really key feature of the plugin is the resampling feature which is controlled by the big knob in the middle. Decreasing the sample rate will essentially reduce the “quality” of the sample which can create that desirable natural-sounding vintage warmth.
There’s so much you can do with this plugin to help capture the Lo-Fi vibes and I’d highly recommend given it a download.
Download link: https://cymatics.fm/products/origin-vintage-plugin
Paid alternative: RC-20 Retro Color
Spitfire Audio: LABS
Third on the list we’ve got LABS by Spitfire Audio. LABS offers a curated selection of high-quality virtual instruments and soundscapes, providing a versatile toolkit for you to make music in multiple genres, including Lo-Fi. One of the standout instrument within the LABSs collection is the Soft Piano – a wonderful felt piano that manages to capture the gentle dynamics of a real piano better than many paid alternatives on the market.
On top of the strong selection of instruments, there are a number of pads, textures and even voices that you can use to layer your chord progressions. So if you’re looking for free, yet quality virtual instruments to add to your arsenal, I would highly recommend LABS as a one-stop shop for everything you need.
Download link: https://www.spitfireaudio.com/getting-started-labs
Paid alternative: Kontakt (well… sort of)
Vinyl
And last but not least we have Vinyl by Izotope.
Vinyl is a really easy-to-use yet effective plugin that can add authentic vinyl sound characteristics to digital recordings, offering a variety of tools to emulate the warmth, imperfections, and nostalgic charm associated with vinyl records. With features like adjustable wear, mechanical noise, and dust, Vinyl allows you to dial in the perfect amount of vintage character, from subtle warmth to full-on retro grit.
But a personal favourite feature, has got to be its ability to redesign your sound to make it sound like it was produced in a previous decade. Within one click you can generate a Lo-Fi aesthetic which is a particularly friendly feature for those who are often overwhelmed by endless possibilities and options.
Download link: https://www.izotope.com/en/products/vinyl.html
Paid alternative: Waves Factory Cassette