The drum machine changed music. There’s no getting around it.
Every DAW software these days comes with some sort of sampler or drum machine built right in. They’ve become a pillar of modern music production.
But picking a sound can be tough when you have infinite possibilities at your fingertips.
That’s why these drum VST plugins are so great. They impose some limitations to help you corral the creative juices a bit.
Retro Hit is an 80s inspired Drum Plugin features over 600 drum hits (both dry and processed) inspired from the pop/ dance and rock sound of popular bands and artists from the 1980s. The MT Power Drum Kit is the ideal drum VST for the musician who knows exactly what they are wanting to achieve and prefer something that feels more realistic and intuitive. Massive sound libraries are always something I tend to look for in the best drum machine VST plugins, but sadly, I am usually let it down with lackluster drum. Retro 80's Bundle Limited Time Exclusive Bundle Travel back in time and get the nostalgic, classic sound of the 80's! Many people fondly remember the CZ synths and they have become retro-classics that are highly sought after, having been used on countless techno, house, rave and synth-pop records in the late 80s.
So here’s the 10 best free drum VST plugins for making your drums pop. Vst trap plugins free.
1. T.REX 606
The name says it all. The T.REX 606 is a compact rompler modelled after the iconic Roland TR-606 drum machine.
The simple interface keeps things basic. Which is nice these days when so many VSTs are needlessly complicated.
It’s just volume, reverb and 7 classic sounds. Easy peasy.
Download it here for free
2. Djinndrum
The Linn LM-1 is a classic drum machine. It’s been used by everyone from Peter Gabriel, to Prince, to Michael Jackson.
But let’s face it, these days they’ve gotten a bit pricey for what they are.
No problem, The Djinndrum has you set for all that classic sound that the LM-1 packs in.
Download it here for free
3. Drum PRO
Drum Pro has 20 built in drum kits, 12 pads and global effects, what more do you need from a drum machine plugin?
The Drum Pro has you covered no matter what you’re making. Big EDM? Check. Techno? Check. Everything else you need for sweet drums? Check that too.
Download it here for free
4. Line of Legends
This plugin may not look as technical as others. But don’t let the looks of Line of Legends fool you.
This plugin boasts 47 high quality samples, 8 individual output channels, and punch, release & attack knobs for some serious tweakage.
Heads up: you may have to set up the output channels in your DAW if it’s only showing one channel. So check your DAW manual to figure out how.
Download it here for free
5. Sean Pandy Drums
Sean Pandy Drums is based on a sample pack made by heavy metal drummer Sean Pandy. So if you’re looking for a heavier drum sound on your mix, this VST will definitely give you it.
The ‘Sub Blower’ is especially good and certainly lives up to its name…
Download it here for free
6. KickMaker
2 of the most important elements in any track that thumps is the kick and bass. So they deserve some serious attention.
That’s what makes KickMaker so great. It’s a plugin built for crafting the perfect kick. So what’re you waiting for? Get kickin’.
Download it here for free
7. Beat Factory Drums
Beat Factory Drums is easy to use, sounds great, and packs a serious punch.
It has fully tweakable ADSR parameters so you can customize each and every kit to your sound. Not bad for a FREE plugin.
All you have to do is enter your email and that’s it.
Download it here for free
8. MT Power Drum Kit 2
MT Power Drum Kit 2 isn’t just a plugin for drums. In addition to top notch drum sounds that cut through any mix, it also has a fully pre-programmed groove library.
It’s wicked for composing your own patterns, or stringing together grooves for the drum accompaniment you need.
Download it here for free
9. Dub Turbo DrumTROOP
The DrumTROOP drum machine is big both in its sound and what it offers. It’s a powerful tool for everything from EDM to house and back again.
Their website calls it a “weapon of mass production.” I can’t really disagree with that. It’s definitely massive is every respect.
Download it here for free
10. Single Cycle Vintage Drum Elements
Vintage Drum Elements has a nice, warm analogue sound that so many vintage drum machines have.
The 12 pad interface is easy to use and tweak, and the preloaded samples are all top notch.
Name your price or enter your email to grab it on the Single Cycle Bandcamp.
Download it here for free
Drumming up the perfect sound
Nothing beats a banging drum track. They’re the backbone of tons of top notch songs.
And the drum machine is a superb way to hone in on a specific sound for your tracks.
So grab these sweet plugs and program away!
Already set for drums? Grab some of our other favourite free VSTs.
It doesn't take more than a few scans on the radio dial to know that the synth and studio sounds of the '80s remain a dominant pastiche in the contemporary pop music landscape. While you'd need a studio's worth of outboard gear and racks of Junos and Prophets back then to achieve the sound, today's rich landscape of handy software plugins can get you most of the way there.
Take a look below at our picks for eight essential '80s-tastic plugins to get your DAW up to speed with that unmistakable sound that's at once wholly retro yet undeniably modern.
1. TAL UN-O-LX Synthesizer
If it's '80s synths you crave, you need a Juno somewhere in your setup and the UN-O-LX soft synth from TAL is about as faithful a recreation as you're going to find. This plugin nails the ubiquitous Juno 60 and offers up a masterful recreation of the classic Roland analog chorus for good measure. Best free vst effects for vocals. Its scalable interface and extensive MIDI mapping gives you modern flexibility with a totally vintage sound.
2. Valhalla DSP Vintageverb Reverb
Of course, you won't get very far on your throwback journey without some flexible Reverb options. Enter the Valhalla Vintageverb, which replicates the outboard studio Reverb of the '70s and '80s. This suite comes stocked with 15 algorithmic Reverbs including a classic Lexicon-style “Chamber” preset. What's really special about this plugin though is three coloring modes for '70s', '80s' and 'now,' which flavor your signal with the bandwidth, sample rate and modulation style of each era.
3. Cytomic The Glue Compressor
If you make music that requires real force behind the beat, you need some serious buss compression and The Glue from Cytomic delivers exactly that. This plugin offers SSL-style buss compression as heard on countless '80s hits. Its interface is easy to use, and its compression is ideal for “gluing” drum busses or entire mixes.
If you're an Ableton Live user, be sure to check out the built-in “Glue Compressor” which also is made by Cytomic.
Death Metal Drum Vst Plugin
4. Soundtoys Echoboy Delay
Once you've got your reverb, compression and a couple of soft synths nailed down, it's time to jump into the rich and rewarding world of '80s delay. The Echoboy Delay from Soundtoys is a great starting point that's easy to get into, but also includes powerful controls for deeper editing and delay customization. It faithfully emulates a wide range of classic delays from pristine digital to grungy tape and is the sort of plugin that's easy to lose hours to, especially once you discover Rhythm Echo mode.
5. u-he Diva Synthesizer
The Diva synth from u-he is essentially one vintage synth emulator to rule them all. Not only does this plugin accurately recreate the pantheon of classic synths, it actually lets you mix and match oscillators, filters and envelopes from different synths to frankenstein your way to a distinct sound that's totally retro yet entirely new. Unfortunately, Diva is a very CPU intensive, but recent updates have improved this a bit.
6. Arturia Spark Vintage Drum Machine
Steel Drum Vst Plugin
Now that you're deeper into the '80s milieu and actually want to start composing tracks in the spirit of 'Sussudio' and 'Planet Rock'—and who doesn't?—you're going to need some legitimate drum machines. With actual hardware 808s selling for upwards of $3,000, your best bet is a VST, and you can't go wrong with the Spark Vintage Drum Machine from Arturia. This package features virtual analog recreations of Roland’s TR-808, 909, 606, and others, with an extensive library of other classic samples. Its step sequencer interface is fast, fun, and easy to jump into and supports any hardware controller. Pro tip: try the DMX library for instant Prince beats.
7. Audio Damage Fluid
And of course, what stroll down '80s memory lane would be complete without a whopping helping of stereo chorus? Check out the Audio Damage Fluid for a straight-ahead chorus effect that avoids the over-processed sounds of so many onboard DAW choruses. Unlike some of the heavier hitting plugins on this list, Fluid's low CPU usage means you can put it on everything and really channel your inner Robert Smith.
Vst Plugins
8. Native Instruments FM8 Synthesizer
Drum Pro Vst
With some of the above mentioned soft synths, you’ve got your analog emulation covered and then some. But if you're looking to embrace FM synths sounds, you should consider the FM8 from Native Instruments. This suite recreates classic '80s basses, bells, pianos and, of course, FM synths like the Yamaha DX7; it even supports DX7 patch import. Its graphical interface also makes FM synthesis slightly easier to control than the original hardware units.
Well, there you have it. Your ticket to '80s sonic paradise by way of eight readily available plugins. Now you just need some hairspray, a couple of home-recorded best of MTV VHSes and a fresh pop hook or two.
Free Drum Vst's
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