I see every so often a post letting us know of  free software available and the reviews given here are pretty darn good. I also see posts here letting us know of some ridiculously expensive software.

I'm thinking maybe we should collate all the good (we know how much crap is out there) free software for people to use that's out there?

I mean, I don't mind paying for software (although the missus does!), but frankly, if I'm going to spend a bundle of money on an EQ, and someone pipes up with a free one they swear by and have been using for years, I'm willing to give that a try and spend my money on something else where there maybe isn't a free alternative?

Just an idea? 

There is a thread about freebies http://forum.cakewalk.com/tm.aspx?m=1391345 I think there are other threads too but the search is not that great. Also go on KVR and look up the freebies. Any kind of search on their site on any type of plug and you'll get free or cheap alternatives. Also there are google threads like http://audio.tutsplus.com...e-vst-effects-plugins/

Yes, there are plenty such lists around. However, what they all have in common is that they end up listing pretty much every freebie available. A truly "best of the best" list, AFAIK, has not yet been created. MusicRadar's lists make a valiant attempt, but when I look at those lists at least half of the plugins listed elicit a "meh" response from me.

In order to compile a truly "best of the best" you'd have to scour all such lists for candidates. Then  you'd have thoroughly test each one for non-obvious shortcomings such as aliasing, automation inconsistencies, universal compatibility and bugs. For some people, being PC-only or 32-bit only or AU-only would disqualify a plugin from inclusion.

So yeh, it's a more daunting task than you might think. 

Nevertheless, I'll nominate a few candidates for the "best of the best" list that meet just about any criteria one might imagine:
Voxengo SPAN. 
TDR Compressor
Limiter No. 6
LoudMax

Thanks for the responses guys, maybe best of the best was a bit optimistic, maybe just useful ones :)

Will check out KVR. I had previously seen the MusicRadar list and nothing grabbed me there, think I have one of them (AmpliTube) but not really managed to use Sonar too much lately so not had the chance to test it. Also picked up a few recommended on here but again not got round to using them yet.

Computer Music Magazines recent Special Issue is about 150 "best" freebies, synths, FX, utilities, which all are on the included DVD.

Computer Music Magazine

Kalle Rantaaho


Computer Music Magazines recent Special Issue is about 150 "best" freebies, synths, FX, utilities, which all are on the included DVD.

Thanks, looks impressive, will definitely check this out!