iZotope released an updated version of Vinyl, a freeware audio degradation effect in VST, VST3, AU, and AAX plugin formats for DAW software on PC and Mac.

These are the best free vst plugins for lofi hip hop in my opinion, I personally use their soft piano frequently and I also have the Kontakt Noir keys but there is still place for the soft piano. Personal favourites are: l Soft Piano (Used in my song Morning Dreams with 700k Streams On Spotify). IZotope released an updated version of Vinyl, a freeware audio degradation effect in VST, VST3, AU, and AAX plugin formats for DAW software on PC and Mac. Vinyl is iZotope’s old-school freeware lo-fi effect. It emulates the quirks of an old turntable, including the pitch imperfections, hiss, noise, hum. It works like any other audioRead More.

Vinyl is iZotope’s old-school freeware lo-fi effect. It emulates the quirks of an old turntable, including the pitch imperfections, hiss, noise, hum. It works like any other audio effect in your DAW and applies the vinyl simulation to the audio signal in real-time.

Another neat feature in Vinyl is the “spin down” effect (also known as the “tape stop” effect), which simulates the graduate pitch drop as the record slows down to a halt. Despite being painfully overused by now, this effect undeniably works as the final touch right before a big drop. Just don’t go overboard with it.

The thing about Vinyl, though, is that it’s been around for well over a decade (the Release Notes page on iZotope’s website dates back to 2006 for v1.72). The plugin was still fully functional on modern-day PCs thanks to timely maintenance updates issued by iZotope, but the user interface certainly needed a facelift. That grey front panel was a dead giveaway that Vinyl was released in the Windows XP era.

The old iZotope Vinyl design was fine, but it looked dated.

Thankfully, the team at iZotope felt that a GUI overhaul was needed and delivered it in this brand new version of Vinyl.

So, what’s new in iZotope Vinyl v1.90?

The most notable improvement is the new user interface design. Vinyl now features the same minimal look as iZotope’s flagship plugins like Nektar and Ozone. It also looks similar to the recently released Vocal Doubler and Ozone Imager, both of which are freeware.

The updated iZotope Vinyl plugin looks and feels modern.

The new version of Vinyl also comes with an updated control layout, which is, in my opinion, more intuitive than the original. The user can now quickly apply the presets (the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, etc.) by clicking one of the top row buttons instead of rotating a dial. The pitch controls are placed at the bottom, and the audio degradation controls for dust and crackle simulation are located on the right.

Strangely, it seems that the new GUI isn’t freely resizable. It may scale automatically depending on the screen resolution, but I couldn’t find a way to manually resize the interface.

It’s worth noting that the new GUI design isn’t everything that the updated Vinyl has to offer. The plugin now also features a Lo-fi control, which applies bitcrushing to the signal. This isn’t something a real turntable would do, but it’s a useful sound design option nonetheless.

Finally, keep in mind that the support for 32-bit plugin hosts was deprecated. iZotope Vinyl will only work in 64-bit digital audio workstations on PC and Mac. iZotope also deprecates support for older versions of Windows (Windows 7 and older) and macOS (versions 10.12.x and older).

iZotope Holiday Bundle Sale

On a related note, you can now get a no-brainer 95% OFF deal on the iZotope Holiday Bundle at Plugin Boutique. Get the iZotope Elements plugins, iZotope Iris 2 synthesizer, iZotope Trash 2 + Expansions, and more software by Exponential Audio.

iZotope Holiday Bundle is priced at $59.99 and the value of the included software is $1,105.90 if purchased separately.

iZotope Vinyl Download

To download your free copy of iZotope Vinyl, visit the product page linked below and click the Free Update button. Log in to your iZotope user account or register a new one.

After logging in, you will instantly receive a serial number that should be entered, along with your account info, when launching the plugin for the first time. Before activation, Vinyl will work in a 10-day trial mode.

More info:iZotope Vinyl(42.2 MB download size, EXE installer, 64-bit VST/VST3/AU/AAX plugin format for Windows & macOS)

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misc.inc shows you 5 of his most essential plugins for lofi hip hop, ranging from synthesizers to bitcrushers.

1. Decimort 2

One of my favourite plugins for bit reduction. In lofi hip hop especially, it’s all about finding the right place between old and new.

Decimort 2 offers a great spectrum of options for high quality bitcrushing. Equipped with a filter, resampling engine and a quantizer, you have full freedom to shape your sound.

From light and crispy, to totally destroyed – this plugin offers the best of both worlds.

You can get the Decimort 2 here.

2. Luftikuss EQ

Great for vocals, great for drums – great for everything. This digital adaption of a hardware 5 band EQ sounds just awesome. More an adaptive than a surgical EQ, it adds the last crips you need on your mix. With the ‘Keep Gain’ control, you can avoid overall gain changes when boosting or cutting with this EQ, which helps judge your decisions better.

But the very best part is – IT’S FREE.

Free vst synths for ableton live. Go check it out. You won’t regret it.

3. Lounge Lizard

My go-to plugin for Rhodes, Wurlitzer and more.

Lounge Lizard by Applied Acoustics Systems is a powerhorse. This digital adaption of an electric piano lets you shape the sounds to the max. Adjusting the hammer, tremolo, the pickup or the damper is fun. You can also start with one of the awesome presets ranging from rhodes, organs, wurlitzer and more experimental sounds.

You’ll never want to use a different rhodes plugin.

Get it here.

4. Echoboy

The ONE delay I have on almost all my tracks. Seemingly simple at first sight, the Echoboy by Soundstoys offers a great variety of options for tweaking the sound and feel of your delay.

Beside the normal mix, delay, feedback and time parameters you can go crazy with shuffled delay times, different emulations of hardware delays (like the famous Space Echo) and many more cool parameters.

Over 100 presets, offering great settings from ambient delays to analogue chorus.

Definitely my favourite delay.

5. J37

Free Lofi Keys Vst Download

Last is the J37 Tape Plugin by Waves.

Tapesaturation and warmth is what you want in your crispy lofi hip hop mix.

The big hardware brother was used in many masterpieces. Now this digital version is there for yours.

Free Lofi Keys Vst Drum Kits

3 different tapes, 2 temp setting and full adjustable wow and flutter effects speak for itself. Furthermore, the delay settings come in 3 different options (ping pong, slap, feedback).

Free Lofi Keys Vst Plugin

If you’ve always asked yourself why so many lofi hip hop tunes sound like they do – this is the answer.

Free Lofi Piano Vst

Grab it here. It’s worth it.