With the multitude of plugins flooding the market, it can be a Herculean task to discern which ones truly deserve a spot in our digital arsenal. Especially when on a budget, finding that perfect balance between quality and cost becomes paramount. But fear not, fellow audiophiles! We’ve delved deep into the world of free channel strip plugins, searching for those hidden gems that offer both premium sound and zero price tag. Join us on this journey as we unveil our top picks, ensuring your mixes sound rich, professional, and, most importantly, uniquely you.
What Is a Channel Strip Plugin?
In the realm of music production and audio engineering, a “channel strip” refers to the combination of signal processing elements that are applied to an audio signal path within a mixing console. Traditionally, this would include components such as equalization (EQ), compression, gating, and sometimes other effects that are utilized to shape and control the sound of an individual track or channel. In the digital age, with the rise of digital audio workstations (DAWs), a “channel strip plugin” emulates this traditional hardware setup, integrating multiple processing tools into a single software plugin. This allows producers and engineers to apply a series of effects to their audio with a cohesive and often visually intuitive interface. Channel strip plugins are lauded for their convenience, often providing a streamlined approach to mixing by bundling essential processors in one place.
A Word About Free Channel Strip Plugins
When we refer to a “free” channel strip, it means that the channel strip plugin is available to users at no monetary cost. Many software developers offer free versions of their plugins as promotional tools, introductions to a broader suite of products, or even as a gesture of goodwill to the music production community. Sometimes these free plugins might come with limited features compared to their premium counterparts or might be older versions being given away after a newer version is released. However, it’s also common to find entirely free plugins that are fully functional and don’t lack any major features.
The Dude’s Favorite Free Channel Strip Plugins
CHANNEV by Audio Obsession
CHANNEV is a powerhouse channel-strip plugin, boasting features like a Mic Preamp, De-Esser, 4 band EQ, Compressor, Limiter, and Tape Saturation. Designed for both Windows and Mac, it promises to elevate any audio track with finesse and quality.
Pros
- Comprehensive Suite: A vast range of tools from Mic Preamp to Tape Saturation for an all-in-one audio refinement experience.
- Flexible EQ Options: 4 Band 81 Style EQ with variable frequencies, catering to precise sound adjustments.
- User-Friendly: Resizable, touchscreen-supportive interface with platform compatibility across Mac and Windows.
- Regular Updates: The v2.0.0 update added AAX support, UI enhancements, and touchscreen features, highlighting consistent improvements.
Cons
- System Requirements: Specific graphic card support is needed, which might exclude users with older systems.
- GUI Resizing: New instances default to the original size; users need to save preferences in their DAW.
bx_console Focusrite SC by Brainworx (SORT OF Free)
The bx_console Focusrite SC plugin brings the illustrious sound of the legendary Focusrite Studio Console directly to your digital workstation. Birthed from a collaboration between Sir George Martin and Rupert Neve in the ’80s, the original Focusrite Studio Console has earned its place in music history, utilized by icons like Green Day and No Doubt. This plugin, officially endorsed by Focusrite, aims to encapsulate that legendary analog sound for modern producers and engineers.
Pros
- Historic Pedigree: The channel strip is inspired by the iconic ISA-110 and ISA-130 modules, delivering a sound recognized by pros worldwide.
- Tolerance Modeling Technology (TMT): Brainworx’s patented TMT ensures an unparalleled analog sound, simulating the unique variances between individual channels.
- Feature-Rich: Alongside faithful emulations, the plugin boasts numerous modifications for enhanced versatility, including a THD control for saturation and a Virtual Gain control for that classic analog warmth.
- Versatility: The plugin provides a comprehensive set of presets, offering a solid starting point for a wide array of mixing tasks.
Cons
- Cost-Barrier: While the plugin offers a legendary sound, it’s only free with the purchase of a Focusrite interface, which could be a hurdle for some users.
- Learning Curve: With its plethora of features and controls, newcomers might find the plugin slightly intimidating at first glance.
iZotope Neutron 4 Elements: AI-Powered Mixing Magic (SORT OF Free)
Venture into the realm of AI-assisted mixing with iZotope’s Neutron 4 Elements. Perfect for those looking to hone their mix, Neutron 4 Elements offers a blend of modern technology and user-friendly functionality to optimize your tracks swiftly. And the cherry on top? It’s often available for free if you know where to look!
Pros
- AI-Powered Assistant: Neutron’s updated Assistant feature offers invaluable insights and recommendations, streamlining the mixing process for both novices and pros.
- Customizable Sound: With the all-new Assistant View, you can adapt your mix effortlessly, ensuring that your sound stays true to your vision.
- Integration with AudioLens: Populate your project with favorite references seamlessly, thanks to the integration with Audiolens.
- Native Apple M1 Support: Optimized for the latest tech, ensuring smooth operation on the newest Apple devices.
- Tonal Balance Curve: Stay in control with the Metering feature, helping you maintain a balanced mix across frequencies.
Cons
- Limited Plugin Formats: While it supports 64-bit AU, VST3, and AAX, the VST2 format isn’t supported, which could be a drawback for certain users.
- Availability: While it’s often available for free, catching it at the right moment might require some vigilance.
Analog Obsession’s F Suite
In the realm of audio plugins, where countless analog EQ emulations vie for the attention of music producers, Analog Obsession has introduced a refreshing twist with their offering, Frank and its big brother, FrankCS, a true channel strip. At its heart, the FrankCS endeavors to amalgamate the “best” bands from iconic EQs into a singular, user-friendly interface. The term “best” here is subjective and tied to the rich histories and unique sound characteristics of famed EQ units from Helios, Pultec, API, and Neve.
Frank CS by Audio Obsession
Pros
- Extended Flexibility: Each EQ band’s frequency is variable, allowing for more precise tonal shaping compared to its counterpart, Frank.
- Comprehensive EQ Styles: Just like Frank, it borrows EQ styles from four different iconic modules but with an added advantage of selecting the frequency.
- Built-in Compressor: Not just an EQ, but also a versatile compressor with customizable settings ranging from attack and release times to compression ratio.
- Dual Preamps: Users can switch between Solid-State & Tube preamps, each with compensated gain, to tailor their sound even further.
Cons
- Learning Curve: With more features and variability, it might take some time for newcomers to get a grip on all the functionalities.
- No Main Bypass: While the equalizer and compressor have individual bypass buttons, there’s no main bypass for the entire plugin.
Dead Duck Free Effects Bundle
Dead Duck Software offers a collection of 25 audio FX plugins that cover a wide range of essential mixing plugins, and among them is a quality channel strip. The Dead Duck channel strip includes features like EQ, compression, and gating.
Pros
- Comprehensive Toolset: Covers various essential audio effects, making it versatile.
- User-Friendly Interface: The clear, straightforward design makes it easy for both beginners and pros.
- Highly Customizable: Each effect within the channel strip is tweakable, providing depth in sound shaping.
- Low CPU Load: Despite the range of effects, it is optimized for efficiency.
- Integration: Being a bundle, it’s integrated well with most DAWs and offers consistent sound across its tools.
Cons
- Basic Visuals: The interface, while functional, is quite basic and lacks modern visuals.
- Not Just a Strip: As a bundle, users might find the assortment overwhelming if they only need a channel strip.
The Blessing from the Dude
Navigating the world of free channel strip plugins is like comparing apples to oranges, given the unique flavors each one brings to the table. However, after diving deep into the features and performance, our top pick has to be the FrankCS by Audio Obsession. It offers an impressive blend of versatility and fidelity, standing out in a crowded field.