Cajon Fu is a free VST percussion box instrument that really packs a punch. You can play it like a real percussion box in normal mode, or you can turn up the action and play sound effects. Each track has its own volume slider and mute buttons for easy audio exportation. This entry was posted in VST plugins and tagged B3, emulation, freeware, Hammond, organ on 18 November 2014 by Wavosaur. Post navigation ← 3 Stylophone VSTs! 4 Free VSTi emulations of Farfisa Organ →. Search results showing free VST Plugins for all operating systems (Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS and Android). The results are sorted by most popular with KVR members (Data from MyKVR 'Favorites' Group). Page 1 of 146. Cassette Drums is a freeware VST and AU plugin bundle consisting of three individual plugins: Cassette 606 VST, Cassette 808 VST and Cassette 909 VST. The plugins were designed and developed by Crimson Merry, whose work can be followed on Instagram and Twitter. Size 0.77 MB Organ One is a 16 voice virtual organ. Simple to use, but capable of producing a large variety of high quality organ-sounds. 16 voice polyphony. 2 oscillators/9. Organs VINTAGE VST Instruments 659 Views READ MORE.
Last Updated on December 15, 2020 by
What better way to add some embellishments to your songs than with an orchestral plugin? Even better if its free, right?
Orchestral samples, and samples in general, have come a long way.
They were practically unusable back in the day, but now, even though you can hear the difference between a sample software and the real deal, they sound astoundingly similar.
I love finding free software that actually works, so in this post I will go into each of the ones I found and tried, this way you won’t have to do any of the research and try the ones that sucked, like I did!
All of the download links are included!
The Best Orchestral Plugins are:
Best Free Full Orchestra VSTs
While every single one on this list is a good plugin overall, there are two which stand out.
Layers by Orchestral Tools
Layers is an ultra realistic orchestral sample library that features a full orchestra, Brass-, Woodwinds-, and Strings sections.
You can choose between a couple different mic positions and it also features different articulations; different chord types, staccato and sustain unison, and more.
In total, the sample pack is about 17GB and runs on Windows 10 and Mac OS.
Lastly, Layers works with Orchestral Tools’ SINE Player.
You can download Layers here.
Total Composure Orchestra (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Total Composure Orchestra is a full orchestral sample library created using only samples in the public domain.
Total Composure is the first to offer such a library exclusively for the Kontakt format; making use of Kontakt’s scripting capabilities to greatly enhance the playability, realism, and functionality of these public domain samples.
This is a fantastic plugin, it comes with a huge array of instruments from pianos, to brass instruments, strings and percussion.
One bad thing about this plugin is that it runs both on Kontakt Player, which is free, and the full version of Kontakt, but on Kontakt player you can only use the samples for about 30 min before it stops working.
If you want to be able to use them to their fullest extent, you will need to purchase Kontakt.
You can download Total Composure Orchestra here.
Related: List of the best Choir VST Plugins available.
Spitfire LABS
I mentioned Spitfire in a couple of my posts simply because they have some of my top recommendations as far as free plugins go.
LABS is basically a collection of free VST and AU plugins that not only sound fantastic, but that is also being updated consistently, with new plugins being added over time.
Here you will find great-sounding samples of any orchestral instrument you can think of.
You can download LABS here.
The Free Orchestra by Project Sam
Project Sam is behind Symphobia, which is one of the best-rated libraries for film scoring, video games and TV, and they created the Free Orchestra library which contains bits and pieces of all of their paid products.
What struck me the most about this free library is how great it sounds as soon as you load it up; there is little to no tweaking required.
Now, it runs on KONTAKT (6.2. or higher), but luckily it works in the free version which can be beneficial to you if you’re interested in using KONTAKT but don’t want to purchase the premium version just yet.
Parameters such as envelope controls, effects, octaver, and reverse make this library very versatile to use.
All in all, if you’re a beginner tipping their toes into the whole orchestral world, this entry level library could just be what you need.
You can download the Free Orchestra here.
DSK Overture Orchestra (Windows)
DSK Overture is a full orchestral sample VST plugin.
It gives you the ability to choose between 40 different instruments and play 4 of those instruments in the same instance, through MIDI.
The included instruments are; Acoustic Piano, Harpsichord, Bassoon, Celesta, Glockenspiel, Vibes, Harp, Flute, Piccolo, English Horns, Oboe, Clarinet, French Horn, Trumpet, Church Organ, Trombone, Tuba, Cello, Contra Bass, Viola, Violin, Orchestra Drum Kit, Full Sections.
Honestly, what makes this plugin great is the variety of instruments, since there is no shortage of them, plus they all sound pretty damn good!
You can download DSK Overture here.
BBC Symphony Orchestra Discover by Spitfire Audio
Here’s another great addition by Spitfire.
The BBC Symphonic Orchestra Discover actually sells for $49, but you can fill out a form and they will send it to you after 14 days for completely free.
This library is clearly aimed at beginners since it is very simple to use and straight-forward, plus it already comes premixed into one mix signal which gives you less control over it, but makes things easier if you’re just starting out.
It features a total of 33 instruments and 47 techniques, and thanks to Spitfire’s new mode switching technology, you can share and collaborate with fellow composers, regardless of which edition they own.
You can download the BBC Symphonic Orchestra here.
If you’re also Interested in finding the best sounding Free Drum Vst Plugins, then read this article I wrote about the ones I think are absolutely fantastic.
One Track Orchestra (Windows)
One Track orchestra is primarily a sketching tool, meant to be used for songwriting and recording demos and aimed mostly at beginners and songwriters who need a simple tool to create and record music.
Therefore, the sound quality and usability aren’t the best ones out there.
The plugin was created using samples from VSCO Community Edition and assembled with Maize Sampler.
It is available as 32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin for Windows.
You can download One Track Orchestra Here.
Related: I love free plugins, so I put together a list of the best Free Synth VST Plugins out there which you can check out here,
Sonatina Symphonic Orchestra (Windows)
The Sonatina Symphonic Orchestra Module contains the full SSO by Mattias Westlund, in one simple VST plugin (32 & 64bit)
The SSO samples are stereo, 16 bit, 44kHz.
While it’s not the most professional Orchestral Sample Plugin out there, it will certainly provide the building blocks for creating some astounding virtual orchestra sounds.
Melodic instruments and chromatic percussion are sampled in minor 3rds and all samples have varying amounts of stage ambience, depending on their front-to-back placement.
SSO is the one plugin on this list that provides the highest number of instruments.
You get loads of String instruments, Brass instruments, Woodwind instruments, Keys and Choirs, Chromatic Percussion and Regular Percussion.
You can download it here.
DSK Virtuoso (Windows)
DSK Virtuoso allows you to play a combination of 6 layer instruments, or to play a composition up to 6 different parts, through the MIDI channels selectors.
The included instruments are;
Acoustic Piano, Harpsichord, Church Organ, Celesta, Glockenspiel, Vibes, Harp, Flute, Piccolo, English Horns, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, Cello, ContraBass, Viola, Violin, Orchestra Drum Kit, and more.
You can download DKS Virtuoso here.
You may also be interested in trying out some Free Bass Amp VST Plugins which should help you achieve a better sounding mix!
VSCO2 – Chamber Orchestra 2 (Windows, Mac)
The Community Edition, which is the free edition of these samples, comes with a total of 19 instruments, ranging from Woodwinds to Brass, Keys, Mallets, Strings and Percussion.
Decades of work have gone into creating these samples using nothing but the best equipment to capture them.
You can download the VSCO2 library here.
Learn how to Produce music
If you want to learn how to produce music at home the right way and without making too many mistakes, then I’d recommend that you read these posts;
Conclusion
The reason I like these kinds of plugins so much is that you can create complete song just by using virtual instruments.
You will need a good MIDI controller to do this properly and fast, even though you can manually add in every note in your DAW.
I hope this information was useful!
See you on the next one.
Best Orchestral Percussion?
Are you looking for cinematic orchestral percussion for your music compositions?
Percussion is the essence of action and rhythm, of power and energy.
Anything from low majestic booms, to hard hitting and punchy drums, to driving high percussion.
In this quick guide I have compiled a list of great orchestral percussion VST libraries:
My name is Mike, founder of professionalcomposers.com, music composer and sound designer since 1998, old school nerd, and coffee addict. So grab a cup of coffee, and let’s check out some Orchestral Percussion VST Libraries! =)
A very dark and processed overall sound, including 700+ loops, 500+ one-shots and 58 kits. Damage is not about natural orchestral percussion. The focus is rather on epic, loud and hard impacts.
My Favorite Highlights
Instant Trailer type Epic Percussion
The Punish Knob for even more “Heat”
Powerful User Interface
The Room Placement Mixer
CinePerc was recorded at the SONY Scoring Stage in Los Angeles, and mixed by master engineer Dennis Sands. This is the great “all-in-one” orchestral percussion package, with that instant “Hollywood Sound”.
My Favorite Highlights
4 libraries in one (Core, Pro, Epic, Aux)
Great Hollywood Sound
The Microphone Mix Controls
Includes a Full Ensemble Patch (great for quick mockups)
Recorded at Air Studios via an impressive signal chain: 96 rarefied microphones into Neve Montserrat preamps, into the world’s biggest Neve 88R desk. And the selection of percussion included is extensive.
My Favorite Highlights
Great Selection of Percussion (especially in the low-range)
Many Powerful Soundshaping Features
Includes Ensembles and Solo Patches
The Interface is very Straightforward
Gigantic percussion library (150GB sample set) recorded at the Teldex Scoring Stage in Germany. All instruments were recorded in their natural positions, which gives you a natural percussion mix.
My Favorite Highlights
Build your own percussion ensembles
True Damping Feature
Uniform mapping structure
Different Mallets for respective instruments
StrikeForce was recorded at 192k in many various recording studios, halls, tunnels, rooms in Los Angeles. The focus is on a modern cinematic sound, compared to a natural orchestral sound. This library will give you big ensembles, anvils, sub boom, and “ticktocks” that simply works great for that big and modern sound.
My Favorite Highlights
Modern Cinematic Sound
The Sound Categories
5 Different Drum Tunings
Lots of Round Robins
Action strikes includes 12 full ensembles plus 65 single instruments and 12 carefully-compiled Hit Sets. Even though the main focus is on building percussion from phrases that you trigger with key switches, you can use the individual patches to play the sounds manually.
My Favorite Highlights
Great for Writing Percussion Parts fast (Ex: Mockups)
The Categorization of Low, Mid and High Parts
Adjust accent strength with the pitch wheel
Change Dynamics with the MOD-wheel
Percussive Organ Free Vst Plugin
An orchestral percussion library with a great variation of low and high percussion instruments, as well as a set of mallet instruments. A very natural orchestral percussion sound, with amazing dynamics, recorded in the Hall at Air Lyndhurst.
My Favorite Highlights
Great true recorded dynamic range
Quick and Easy mapping
Great Sound Shaping Controls
SAGA, which has the subtitle “Acoustic Trailer Percussion” is of course focusing on trailer type percussion based on recorded sounds. It gives you a range of drum ensembles, dynamic metals, and even world instruments. Recorded in a fairly dry hall with 2 microphone positions. There are over 110 instruments in total, including special sounds like giant silos, metal doors, machinery etc.
My Favorite Highlights
Up to 7 dynamic layers and 10 round robin
Multiple articulations (rolls, rims, edges..)
Simple & Straightforward GUI
The Extra Field Recordings (Machinery, Tools etc.)
55 orchestral percussion instruments, recorded at Studio 22, Budapest. It features a wide range of both classic and exotic percussive instruments, diverse articulations and powerful drum head resonance simulation.
My Favorite Highlights
Huge range (55 recorded instruments)
Tremolo, Crescendo Roll, Flam, Edge variations and FX articulations
5 microphone mixes including spot microphone
Drum Head Resonance Simulation
Inspiring and simple interface
This library is based on one of the most used percussion instruments in cinematic music, the Japanese Taiko drums. Taiko Creator allows you to create, control and generate multiple solo and ensemble groups of your own, all playable from a single interface. From mega big, and low booming Taikos…to sharp stick hits.
My Favorite Highlights
The Mapping system is brilliant
The Presets give you instant access to different ensembles
Custom creation of percussion groups
Extremely playable out of the box (all in one patch if you wish)
Based on a hard-hitting drummer trio, thus the name “Cerberus”, this library has a very modern cinematic sound. It is also very customizable, including for example 7 microphone positions and a very nice user interface with sound shaping controls.
My Favorite Highlights
Modern Hard Hitting Cinematic Sound
Includes a Recorded Drum Kit
7 microphone positions for the regular patches
True Stacking Engine, with additional round robin samples
True Strike (Project Sam) Classic and highly celebrated, and still very much usable today.
LADD (Audiobro) LA Drama Drums (LADD), had many interesting features, and blends traditional and modern percussion.
StormDrum (EastWest) Another classic, which comes in 3 versions. All are based on high quality recordings in a great space, by professional percussionists.
Ensemble Drums Collection (Heavyocity) Great for that big ensemble sound, on several different types of orchestral percussion.
Rhapsody (Impact Soundworks) Covers a nice range (50+ instruments) of traditional orchestral percussion instruments.
Apocalypse Percussion (Soundiron) Amazing for big epic toms, hard hits and trailer type percussion.