*best* free VST effects?? ...

[JumpingJackFlash]

There are several posts here that list all the free effects that can be downloaded, but few that give much indication of quality.

What are the best free VST effects you can download? -Which ones do you use the most, which would you not be without? - And why??

For example, many would argue that NyquistEQ is one of the best free equilisers, and SIR (with good impulses) is one of the best reverbs. But what are the best compressors, limiters, noise gates, de-essers etc. - And, what are the best at applying effects such as chorus, delay, overdrive, distortion, pitch shifting, noise reduction... etc. ??

And, if someone has already posted what you think, feel free to say it again, as that way I get an idea of how popular it really is! Thanks.

[Hunter]

kjaerhaus classic series, george wohng's W1 limiter, tls maximiser, camelphatfree, crazy ivan, fish fillets, SIR, are my main free tiptop things that I use all the time

[BONES]

The MDA effects are also very good, especially considering that they are ancient by VST standards.

[Armadillo]

all the Digital fishphones plugs are great; Endorphin (2 band compressor), Blockfish (compressor), Spitfish (de-esser) etc.

[Hellbilly]

Don't forget Betabugs SimpleSqueeze and MonstaChorus and from E-Phonic, LoFI and Retro Delay.

[Sicklecell666]

Anything from E-phonic, Oli Larkin, & Arc Dev.

[lion_cub]

I assume then that the people who have posted their choices can also define the difference in quality between vst effects

[multree]

george yohng's W1 limiter

yup - superb little monster - love it to bits

[lion_cub]

george yohng's W1 limiter

yup - superb little monster - love it to bits

Yes, but what do you mean by "superb" ?

[multree]

george yohng's W1 limiter

yup - superb little monster - love it to bits

Yes, but what do you mean by "superb" ?

superb = sounds good and is easy to use

[Har]

For me, definitely the MDA stuff...I get a lot of use from the mda Detune, mda Leslie and mda Dynamics in particular, but many of the others get a good workout as well.

Other faves:
- KTGranulator from Koen/SmartElectronix
- Cyanide 2.0, H20 and Supaphaser from Bram/SmartElectronix
- Sahul's Ellotronix XL;
- Digital Fishphones's endorphin and Blockfish
- Guitifier (not sure who makes this, but it's a damn sweet amp-sim IMHO...kinda noisy, but adds a wonderful degree of raunchy warmth to guitars and basses)
- Chimp (ditto)
- Scuzzphut 6

[kovacs]

I assume then that the people who have posted their choices can also define the difference in quality between vst effects

I think this is too much a subjective issue to be answered easily. We all have our favorite VST's and favorite developers so we all tend to be biased.

Better just do like everyone else...download and try, then pretend you are able to delete the ones you don't use afterwards.

[lion_cub]

There are several posts here that list all the free effects that can be downloaded, but few that give much indication of quality.

What are the best free VST effects you can download? -Which ones do you use the most, which would you not be without? - And why??

Kovacs I agree with what you said. I'm just echoing the point of the original post

[herodotus]

The Elottronix effect by Elogoxa is really cool. A one trick pony to be sure, but its a really cool trick.

[The Chase]

Frohmage by far.

Use it as a filter or an effect to mangle your sound out of this world. It's magic either way.