Freebies pop up on this board all the time.  Some i try because they are everyone's favorite price.  Truth be told, 99% of them just sit there until I do my next plug-in purge. One of the reasons I am making these This is a short list of the ones that I find to be highly useful. I also skipped plugins that are useful but not better/different than current X3 offerings. This list would be longer, but I decided to skip some great32-bit plugs.  I know we have had freebie threads before but I figure those get dated and I know a lot of you are trying to go 64-bit only. here is my list:
 
Effects
TDR Feedback Compressor- http://www.tokyodawn.net/tdr-feedback-compressor-2/
I would pay for this compressor in a heartbeat.  Seriously puts a lot of commercial offerings to shame
 
W1 Limiter- http://www.yohng.com/software/w1limit.html
64-bit version is still in beta but has been very stable.  This is probably the oldest offering on this list but is simply a great plugin.  It is a Waves L1 clone minus a few features. IMO opinion it is more effective as a simple brickwall than anything in stock Sonar install.  I will play with BT plugs more and reevaluate, but that is my opinion for now.
 
FreeG-http://www.sonalksis.com/freeg.htm
Probably the simplest but hardest plugin to explain what  is so great about it.  It's a master fader with great, accurate meters.  The install is annoying but one can find older versions of installers that are less annoying if you look around
 
Melda Productions Free Bundle:  http://www.meldaproductio...?id=MFreeEffectsBundle
many useful tools.  Although I am now using quadcurve EQ for most things, sometimes you need a second EQ and this is one of few freebies that include an analyzer. Although this is a freebie, the upgrade is more than worth the cost
 
Instruments
 
Tal-Noisemaker-http://kunz.corrupt.ch/products/tal-noisemaker
yes, it's a simple subtractive synth, and that is the beauty of it.  It's great for when you need a simple synth. Sometimes Rapture or Z3ta is like using a sledgehammer to swat a gnat. This is basic, sounds good and it's one of the few freebies outisde of it's own branded versions that Computer Music tends to publish tutorials on a regular basis. Great synth to learn on
 
Alchemy Player-http://www.camelaudio.com/AlchemyPlayer.php
Comes with a lot of usable sounds right out the box.  of course it makes you hungry for the full version but you can get plenty of mileage from this.  Plus you can import your own samples to process.
 
sforzando-http://www.plogue.com/products/sforzando/
Another vote for simplicity. On the surface, it's an sfz/soundfont player. yes, it is...and it  simply works.  I uninstalled sfz and sfz+ the moment I realized how much better I liked this.
 
Aalto CM addition-http://www.musicradar.com/computermusic/
Hinestly, the mag retreads too much to read regularly buit I tend to grab an issue at least once a year because they occasionally have a hidden gem as far as software.  I recemntly grabbed the free issue offer and discovered this free synth.  Never heard of it's big brother but now i am very curious.  Very unique sounds and definitely something of use to sound designers
 
 
 
 
 
 

The most-used free VST for most folks is probably Voxengo Span.  Invaluable, IMO.
 
Another dandy little gem that's great on those rare occassions when you need it is a gain control from Blue Cat.  I don't recall the exact name, but it's easy enough to track down.

I can't believe i forgot SPAN.  I use it on almost every project. 

LimiterNo.6! One of the best limiters I've tried. Pro-L has great meters and a swanky gui, but L6 sounds better in my opinion. I like to use both, with Pro-L following L6...so I can see those meters.

clintmartin
LimiterNo.6! One of the best limiters I've tried. Pro-L has great meters and a swanky gui, but L6 sounds better in my opinion. I like to use both, with Pro-L following L6...so I can see those meters.

The Molot compressor, another Vladg plugin, also rocks.  The eaReckon free bundle is great, and Bark of Dog from Boz Digital Labs is a pretty good substitute for UAD's Voice of God plugin.  I've used all these.
 
Cheers,
Eddie
 

LoudMax. Idiot-proof squash presser.

Never heard of Loudmax.  Thanks

I use GTune part of the GVST collection. An easy to read tuner.

Gsnap is not bad

Gclip is good too!