Best Free Instruments and Synth Plugins/VSTs - 2020

[@re_i_gn]

12:40 Normal person when they're pissed: "Fuck!" Michael: **sips tea** "Thank you."

[@inthemix]

English breakfast Tea makes everything better!

[@hawkins77]

@@inthemix It's the best!

[@eddiebreeg3885]

Me when I'm pissed off: you don't want to hear those words

[@analog_dreamer]

*Sir mode activates*

[@Windklang705]

That's one accurate comment omg XD

[@mill3370]

The last part was just the thing I needed to hear

[@loleklow8322]

so I was to - have the same impression

[@veljkonikolic7788]

Yeah absolutely

[@studiogypsy]

Ditto, wise words

[@emmanuelsimpson1751]

Yeah bro..so many plugins and so many this and that..man, im fed up. They all sound the same. Its how you process them.

[@soundmonkey3903]

Exactly what I needed to hear. I’ve been on a spree for awhile and I need to stop. I’m a sucker when it comes to being marketed to. I just bought the Antares Autotune Artists plug-in and Soundtoys Little Alter Boy today literally 30 minutes ago. Reason comes with pitch and formant correction already. I need to give my wallet a break and start just honing my skills as a producer. I’ve heard lots of people say this, but the way he just said it, I actually believe it. Thank You! ... UPDATE : Now I want Melodyne 5 because apparently it’s a “game changer”. What do I do? Something tells me the game is going to stay the same. 🤔 They’re so convincing

[@lolrap8355]

I feel like he's the only youtuber that makes me feel like he's actually caring about me and talking to me... Thank you soo much, you helped me a lot

[@IceCream-ey2kg]

Yeah he just feels so kind and wholesome to me

[@teknikvlt]

fr

[@weirdskyreallyweird.5519]

Fr, even down to him telling us to skip if we’ve seen some of the plugins before. He seems genuinely interested in sharing information with less experienced producers and not wasting their time. It’s really nice to see compared to other people on this platform.

[@paulsaulpaul]

He doesn't just teach the methods and the theory, he teaches the mindset. Even his demeanor is conducive to creativity and focus. Among the most respectful creators I've seen on youtube. What a great gift it is when someone like this provides so much to their audience.

[@inthemix]

Thank you Paul. This was really kind of you to say. I will admit that filming does not come naturally to me so I try to be as gentle and respectful as I can to the audience. Thanks again. Michael

[@Humatra]

"I don't want to waste any of your time" Michael, I hang on every word! Heck I've even watched some of your videos more than once. You're awesome. I love your tutorials and all of your videos.

[@Windklang705]

YEah, I also tend to watch the videos multiple times: When they come out, and whenever I stumble over it again during production and remember there was a video on it.

[@Nckfallin]

This dude has taught me so much. Thanks man. The “mix with your ears and not your eyes” advise changed my game.

[@hhhhbk7354]

Real talk starts from 11:00, He talking truth✌️

[@ResurrectingJiriki]

That's precisely one of the main reasons in just the first two months of me getting into producing, why I keep coming back to Michael's channel. Getting real advice from real people who really love and care about music and sharing their knowledge with others that share this love. In that regard I can also highly recommend, as does Michael, to subscribe to the "Produce Like A Pro" channel from Warren Huart.

[@OpticIlluzhion]

Michael:"I'm gonna start by looking at a free synthesizer" serum just chilling on the other side of the screen: _sad wavetable noises_

[@II_xD_II]

bro don't be sad I also use serum jut go to pirate bay

[@colephillips9866]

The xD just BUY your plugins 😂

[@ramadthithanr667]

You can use surge it is a free wavetable synth

[@owenlee5587]

@@ramadthithanr667 surge is so underrated!

[@josuastangl7140]

Serum is relatively cheap, just buy it. It's an investment worth making.

[@shanzyan]

my guy... props to you for the discussion in the end. I had these exact same thoughts the other day... "why do I keep looking for new plugins?" and "what am I even looking for?" most of what we're looking for is depth in our skills and abilities, so thank you for touching on that!

[@quariusmusic]

10:55 My true Man... Thats when you know He cares for his viewers...

[@peterson3]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZ2Ue6djfd90p5o

[@neptuneseye7832]

Dear In the mix, I hope you never change your style of these videos because with your calm voice and good explanations you help me anytime. Pleae, never be like those WHATS UP ITS YA BOY BACK AT IT AGAIM WITH CRAZZY BEAT with those 😱 in the thumbnail -your fan

[@kedskies]

Lol

[@prodbycxrlos]

Difference between a professional And someone acting like a professional. In the Mix is as pro as it gets. 🥀

[@ZapDon777Tutorials]

@@kedskies lol

[@frostbite07]

Flume said the same thing in one of his interviews, master any one synth/plugin so that you can create any sound you like. Honestly having that kind of power is unbelievable and it really doesn't matter which plugin you use (stock, paid or free) just start with the basics first and slowly build up the skills you might need for whatever specific sound you are looking for.

[@DrKedarUpadhyay]

There are very few like you who gives honest and apt advise on plugins, companies and their business attitudes... Its always a pleasure to watch your videos... Your honesty and dedication reflects in your speech and body language

[@inthemix]

Thank you Kedar, I appreciate the kind words

[@insightfulridge]

Michael motivated me to learn music production on my own and I can say 7 months down the line I'm sure this is what I want to do in life. Starting out everything looked very complicated but somehow Michael has been breaking down the various aspects of production and making most of them easy for me. I look forward to when I shall create music that will inspire the world. For now, I'm trusting the process of learning and using the tools I have to take steps towards who I want to be and what I want to achieve. We move forward regardless of the limits we face. May good tidings always come your way, Buddy. It's all love from Nairobi, Kenya.

[@klaus.records]

ive built my career around your tutorials bro you the goat

[@inthemix]

The talent was all there within you, I’m happy to help unlock some of it!

[@valkyrierecording641]

You have a natural ability to talk and actually say something. Rare, most can just babble and never get to the point.

[@etridamusic670]

This guy is definitely not wasting someone else’s time! Always very informative and helpful. Really love your channel, Michael :)

[@JackAllman]

I would like to thank you for taking the time to do these videos. You explain things simply enough, without talking down to us. Mostly, after watching this video, being a beginner, and getting frustrated, to have you encourage us to learn or practice...work on whatever i have difficulties with. Thank you for your encouragement.

[@CPMusic254]

In my three months journey of learning music production, This is the best Teacher, best channel and the simplest person. you explains the details in and on another level. Much love from KENYA. wish i can email you a piece of what your lessons are transforming my creativity to.

[@Jenivaldo_Silva]

Glad I'm not the only African here, he really let's you know how to use the plugins

[@annikamartensen5576]

You're the best Michael! Really valueble input at the end! Knowledge is very often the key to success, and this is why I love you and follow you religiously: because you talk to us as a friend, as a mentor, as a fellow musican, you're always honest and I so so so grateful for it! Be well dearest 🙏❤️🙌

[@armo5637]

There is an incredible free synth I found the other day called Eclipsis. Visually it is one of the best synths I've ever seen and the presets that come with it are exceptional. Despite being quite confusing, I think that if you spend long enough on it you can easily make sounds that would be impossible to make in expensive synths.

[@davidhenderson819]

thanks Armo, sounds great

[@kalidesu]

It's a shame it's 32bit

[@atomas59]

My big problem is that it only comes as a Windows plugIn, and in 32bits.

[@ISuperI]

What about surge, it's a free wavetable synth that became Open source, it's 64-bits and also on MacOS, so no problem 😎, there's good stuff if you know where to found

[@kaorya17]

Gotta check it out then!... Rapido!

[@marin.kucina]

Those finishing words are a pure gold man

[@rapidspectre7076]

10:58 golden adviceeee

[@peterson3]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZ2Ue6djfd90p5o

[@sirlee3206]

You are right about investing in yourself. The speech at the end was timeless. Most already have what they need but they are not using their creativity to expand it!

[@rxjxt]

I feel like I wanna thank this guy personally.

[@peterson3]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZ2Ue6djfd90p5o

[@weareterminallychill]

That last point in the video hit home for where I am in my music level right now. I really enjoy the stock plugins in my DAW but always have the fear of my music not being good enough because I don't have a plugin that costs $100

[@inthemix]

Schaeel Deolal you’re going to be just fine! I wish we reminded ourselves more often that we are the ones we need to invest in, not just more plugins :)

[@zachary963]

Exactly. When I started out, I was always buying this compressor or that eq. Now, i have one compressor that i use for everything and one eq that I use for everything. Lol

[@zeSpammmmmer]

my 2 cents on this: you don't need top-of-the-line, premium plugins or tools, to make good music. it's the notes, the composition, the arrangements, the production, and more importantly, the emotions you put in it and aim to convey and share that will add magic to your piece. and no plugins will ever do all this for you. exception made maybe for those chord/progression plugins that can come handy for those with ideas but lacking some advance musicianship knowledge.

[@newernewestnew]

and if u think about it ppl back then didn’t have access to all these new things and worked with what they got, ur good

[@dansflams]

"I don't want you to waste any of your time" he made it too easy for me to hit that subscribe button

[@a1t3rmusic]

you have no idea how many people you've helped (including me) with your tutorials seriously...the work you do is amazing...thank you.

[@mruk616]

How good a man can be....... A real example in front of us, that is In The Mix

[@eternity919]

everytime i watch a video of yours, i learn something new. maybe a strategy, maybe some new ways to think but always i leave with something useful, thank you.

[@ergophonic]

You have one of the best channels on KZbin. Thank you for everything that you share. Especially liked your epilogue of wisdom on this video.

[@nobody3634]

I really like that you cover all bases with this selection: a synth for sound design, a synth with samples and a drum machine - that's basically all you need! You put effort in keeping the list short and selecting the best! And the part at 10:18 is exactly how I feel)! For me trying new plug-ins or even DAWs is a form of procrastination)

[@miqondatrack]

In the mix pretty much taught me how to produce since i was just starting out

[@S_H428]

I was really about to waste money on Serum and Omnisphere and ofcourse Omnisphere is top notch but the ending made me realize I really gota use everything I already have in fl studio and make something of that with my own creativity rather than blindly spending money or downloading free vsts! your channel is very good and practical and helpeful towards beginners such as myself! Thank you!

[@tapwaterstudios2559]

Thank you for this video. I especially like the last 2 minutes where you dropped some great advice for us to think over. Awesome channel!

[@massylsow2221]

thanks for the ending word, it takes a lot of space in your mind and often blocks you and gives you excuses to not get out of the comfort zone and just study/practice

[@DopamineOverload]

Everything you said from 10:27 on is ON POINT, my friend. People have made killer music throughout the 90s with older plugins, computers which were just about starting to support digital audio (not just MIDI)... some great plugins from back in the day, include Reaktor (the original version was really, really powerful), and the Pro-52 by NI which is literally 20 years old now?.... They really do play to your insecurities, indeed (not just the free plugin developers but the paid ones, too). Less is more, I've found, through the years.

[@piktormusic2538]

Yes. In addition to what you and the video host said, I don’t think that there is a plug-in that will fix a boring musical idea, an inappropriate chord voicing, or poorly planned musical arrangement. Maybe we could use a plug-in with a meter that assesses a piece from “awesome” to “sucks”. 😊 I love plug-ins as much as the next guy, but I get more bang for the buck from working out the musical details. Think of those old soulful roots records where an entire band gathered around one or two microphones.

[@Ssemaganda]

thank you for that last wrap up message. the world is a better place with people like you. we need more of these powerful speeches in your videos. peace.

[@estebanlicea8909]

You're the best in what you're doing, you're amazing, thank you for everything, thank you for opening our eyes and our ears with all of your knowledge! Also, wanted to say thank you for the message in the end, I fell like it is really important to know that stuff!

[@alkali836]

Something worth noting about Helm in FL Studio: if your system scaling isn't 100% (this only applies to some computers), the GUI will appear glitched and the plugin won't really be usable. AFAIK the only solution to this is to go to Options > General Settings > GUI Display, change the "Main GUI Scaling" to 100%, and restart FL Studio for the changes to take effect. Depending on your monitor this will take some getting used to but at any rate Helm should work normally.

[@jango7357]

Michael constantly dropping gems thanks for helping the community bro :)

[@RadioactiveHax]

Really liked that last part it's applicable to any creative hobby you picked up. Like, in digital art where everyone just asks about brushes and stuff but really it just boils down back to you and what you can do with what you have

[@yuriiudod7289]

So thank you🥳I've always dreamed of creating some melodies and thanks to you it's real! 🥳Thank you very much !!! 🤓

[@JonniStar251]

Good message at the end there man. That's exactly what I tell a few of my producer friends because I believe in tuning a tone to your individual sound preference is the best thing

[@elijahmounts8095]

Michael: Sets Moon Guitar reverb to 69% Me: Noiceee

[@alxkeda]

Another plugin suggestion, for those who love LABS and/or want more orchestra sounds: spitfire audio bbc orchestra-it has tremolo strings, and a really rich violin sound as well, it’s free if you take a survey by BBC. Thanks for the suggestions Michael, I didn’t even realize Addictive Keys had a free version, this was really helpful!

[@unibeastbeats]

I got addictive keys full version with Focusrite interface for free and still my go-to for pianos

[@artissonbeats3057]

How's the interface? U like it

[@banigrisson]

Did you choose the grand piano? I chose the Mark One and now I can't play the free piano. The mark one does sound great though.

[@unibeastbeats]

@@artissonbeats3057 it sounds great. software for channel routing is a little confusing. right now I would buy the new SSL interface they just relaced a few months ago instead of this. They in the same price range.

[@etridamusic670]

Oh, thank you so much, I completely forgot about this option. Now it remains to decide which one from Addictive keys to choose :)

[@pulkitgupta4528]

You are an absolute beast for putting out videos like this man. So grateful for people like you

[@Windklang705]

Yes please, come on over to the place where campfires get lit! Also I wasnt even aware that spitfire audio had a free plugin. Imma think about downloading that

[@zachary963]

Spitfire’s Labs is my favorite thing in the world

[@kobalt77]

One coolest, sincerest and most talented people on KZbin. God bless you Michael.

[@re_i_gn]

LABS looks very interesting, especially the UI. So clean.

[@peterson3]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZ2Ue6djfd90p5o

[@ceomusic7]

For 10 years I’ve been insecure about my music for the reasons you described as I always looked for a more “professional” sound or just added a shit load of reverb (lol.) During this quarantine I picked piano back up and the feeling of pure musicianship versus always arranging and manipulating music feels so much more natural. I wish I would have heard your beautiful message at the end of your video 10 years ago. Cheers

[@Sc0tther]

Haha, I have the same trouble with sirens out my window. Firetrucks do not care how good that vocal take might have been.

[@asimnaveed1877]

The last thing you shared is really a great suggestion,, yes I do same , always looking for plugins, but I took your advice seriously and now just doing it with my own stuff

[@Slitter_the_Dubstep]

Your videos helped me to master my latest mix to sound as loud and as nicely balanced like i want to, without compensating for punch or dynamic range. So thanks. I hope you bring these plugin videos out, every once in a while because they are awesome

[@inthemix]

That’s so good to hear. Literally! Good luck with releasing your song :)

[@jackbr4441]

Michael?! I wanted to be your neighbor! Happy New Year!!! What wonderful plugins!!! Your tips are excellent! You are very Pro!!! Luiz from Brazil/SP

[@EverythingTechHD]

If you know you heard Jon Bellion's Good in me, give me a like 5:22 Heard "pre-occupied" drums at 5:49

[@inthemix]

Woah, you’re extremely tuned it!!!

[@EverythingTechHD]

@@inthemix Thanks Michael, for the awesome content you put out here for us all

[@josephkabi1229]

Yes, I know that Jon Bellion is def is favorite artist After the drums, I almost started rapping "Wutang made me ..." lol

[@lh485208]

Good ear! I never would have picked up on that

[@mikewillmorris]

I immediately recognized it too 😂

[@douglasaraujo9763]

Amazing message at the end! Thanks for the great content, Michael!

[@Denqee7]

I think I can cancel my therapy now

[@soulemnthegreat9557]

The last bit was phenomenal. It's people like you that make the music community the beauty it is. Thanks for the info as always!

[@nomadyogaman3034]

You didn't say "So lets just dive right in" :-( hehe

[@Windklang705]

Oh man he missed to give us a standard intro!

[@BogdanSerban]

The last part is so true. I was the kind of guy that had tons of plugins and samples and was always chasing the new stuff, but then I decided to limit myself to a few plugins that I knew very well and samples that I use more often.

[@vasudevmaheshwari1210]

im first, love from india..

[@manasiangal1405]

This man is such a confidence booster! I cannot thank and admire you enough, Michael! Thank you, really! ❤

[@SchmackTheScythe913]

You just became my Production Father. Wow You really know how to talk to us. Making us invest in ourselves. Thank You Mike

[@DrRubix]

You are the most decent youtuber I have seen... You think about your viewers and their time..... Love your work man... Thanks a lot 😊.

[@antonellomascarello4698]

Thank you very much for your videos. All of them are very professional and straight to the point!! I totally agree on being distracted too much in the research for the next plugin and your words are super helpful. Keep up with the great work 😀 cheers from Italy 🇮🇹

[@mdrms218]

dude i was about to waste my day looking and installing new vst's but your last advise mades me realise that is more importan to brake down that insecurities that we have and practice more our instruments...thanks bro amazing video

[@siddharthmane8935]

Thanks for motivation! Because of you i produced entire song cover in just a week of learning fl.. thanks alot! Keep doing it.. you are best! Love from india💛😊

[@briankingart]

Enjoyed seeing your again, Michael. Thank you so much.

[@henrythepooh]

I just got back into music after 6 years and this is great for me. No more same synths and sounds.

[@davidhenderson819]

Ive spent so much time over lockdown searching plugins and software that I have forgotten about music, thanks Michael

[@tlawhon]

About your talk at the end... you, sir, are an inspiring, positive human being! Thank you.

[@dlxinfinite7098]

Your speech at the end made so much sense. I went thru that "free" stuff phase. Most of it is noisy, low level crap. This is now my FL Studio go-to.

[@markcinco8405]

I don't like to try to guess a person's age, but you seem wise beyond your years. Obviously the skills far too many teachers lack. Thanks for sharing your talents.

[@ogstef]

Dude, youre legit the best FL studio channel on youtube.

[@rajamandaman]

Thank you Michael, I really like you notes at the end of the clip, it is always the issue between doing the best of what I have and getting something diferent, usually we go for the easy solution which is getting something new and diferent!

[@MeixellMedia]

The message at the end was priceless, thank you

[@JoMama123451234]

Hey Michael, I'm just starting my beat making journey. But I just wanna say thank you for your videos. I've watched a bunch of different KZbinrs but I find your videos to be very informative, to the point, and you make things that seem complex easy to understand. So thanks for all the help! Just subscribed!

[@dictabeat]

Dare i say it. You're probably the most useful and helpful person I follow on youtube for my music production needs.

[@tnbee]

you are amazing person thankyou, all my music production knowledge is from you

[@aadilmusic__]

I Was chasing the plugins but those last words were just magical and motivating. Thank you so much. :)

[@peterson3]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZ2Ue6djfd90p5o

[@steph1918]

Michael, man, that last part on marketing is fantastic. You absolutely nailed it. Sometimes (usually on so-called spring sales or Black Friday), my mail box gets stuffed with newsletters from some well-known plugin manufacturers who want to draw me in with their (effective, I must say) marketing tricks. It's a cunning trap, they always make me feel like a six-year-old in a toy shop when browsing their websites. But you gave some very important advice here. Thanks a bunch for that. Keep on the excellent work!

[@galator011]

u r the best producer helping out right now man. So congrats u at the top on my list

[@BudoReflex]

That soft piano could make me cry. So good. Thanks!

[@ratchet600]

I think that last message is great and it comes down to "does this either do something I literally cannot do with anything else?" Or "does this make my life so much easier that it's worth it?"

[@WillSpires]

Great video. I love the fact that you brought it full circle by reminding us that plugins although helpful, can never compare to the inspiration inside of each of us. 👍😃

[@bigmoneybusboy]

You are a legend, that last message was phenomenal

[@derrickfyffe7269]

Very encouraging your words about using what we have. That has been my life mostly... I don't have access to the best stuff... In recent times, I have gotten the opportunity to upgrade some.... but ultimately, I have to constantly remind myself that instruments/equipment/software are only a part of the equation.

[@agustinchaparro6602]

Thank you man, like, really! Im a singer songwriter and this DAW thing is pretty new to me. I was an ableton fre trial user and now i got fl studio. Everything I learned on fl is thanks to you man!!

[@coffeetop9127]

omg whoever made labs plugin and giving it for free is so cool

[@hrsmstudios]

Thank you, that was an awesome advice at the end of the video. As a beginner, am in the habit of downloading many plugins but your word just fix it for me because it's really a waste of time looking for more or better free plugins to use, wasting precious time instead of working on my set projects. Thank you.

[@miguelg.sanchezweckx4523]

Please God keep this man alive for ever. Really making a big difference for me. Sincere gratitude man

[@muntjac80]

What an incredibly efficient teacher. Articulate and insightful. Subscribed.

[@SleeplessSwan7]

I was looking for free quality synth vsts literally a couple of hours before this video dropped. Thank you for all the amazing videos you out out

[@vaakhsmusic360]

You are really humble brother May God bless you with plenty of joys.

[@syedbukhari6578]

I was not expecting that last part. Lovely video!

[@ytmoreplay]

The comnt section is very positive and downright encouraging! Love it!

[@AdamSpade]

Marketing definitely has influenced everyone’s perspective, but what you will find is that having options is really helpful. One Style EQ you might find yourself spending hours and isn’t really working out, you try another style and you got it in 2 minutes. Same thing with microphones and preamps. So enjoy that journey collecting sound toys. You will use them, even the cheap ones.

[@Teolo0]

Dude youre legitimately one of the best producing related channels out there! Great work and keep up the amazing videos