INSTALLING PLUGINS
- Download All Vst Plugins For Fl Studio Studio 12
- All Vst Plugins For Fl Studio Free Download
- Best Free Vst Plugins For Fl Studio
- Download All Vst Plugins For Fl Studio R Fl Studio 20
Download over 400 Free VST Plugins and Free VST instruments.We have searched the web for the best free VST plugins to download. These are the best VST plugins that can be used with music software like FL Studio, Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Reaper, and more. Download FL Studio 20 Crack free. Fl Studio 12 crack all of the necessary tools for developing compositions on an expert stage. The mixer is designed for the highest precision in operation and control, imparting exceptionally bendy competencies. Each mixer channel will have up to 10 outcomes (VST or unique Fl Studio layout).
This page provides step by step instruction on installing VST/AU instruments and effects. The following topics are covered:
- How to install VST / AU plugins - Instruments & effects.
- 32 vs 64 Bit VST plugins - Some 'tech' information you should know.
- Audio Unit (AU) - macOS only plugins.
- VST/AU folders - More detail about where VST/AU plugins may be located.
Watch tutorial videos here
Plugin Types Supported
Virtual Studio Technology (VST) Plugins
VST is a software interface standard that allows you to load VST software synthesizer and effect 'plugins' in FL Studio. VST is in addition to the FL Studio 'native' plugin format. VST plugins generally come in two types, instruments (VSTi) that are designed to make sound and effects (VST) that are designed to process sound, although some can do both. FL Studio categorizes VST instruments as 'Generators' because some also generate control or note data, rather than audio. VSTs are self-contained programs that 'plug-in' to FL Studio giving you access to a, virtually unlimited, source of new instruments and effects. VST plugins are provided in the 'dynamic link library'(*.dll) format file.
Download All Vst Plugins For Fl Studio Studio 12
Important notes about 32 vs 64 Bit, GUI Scaling & Plugin Names
The computer music industry is in the process of changing from 32 to 64 Bit software. This has made things a little complicated, what's new :)
- Plugin compatibility - Just as FL Studio is available in 32 and 64 Bit editions, VST plugins can also come in 32 or 64 Bit format. This determines how much memory the plugin can access. It has nothing to do with 'audio quality', despite what some sleazy marketing guy may have said. We STRONGLY RECOMMEND using 64 Bit plugins in FL Studio 64 Bit and 32 Bit plugins in FL Studio 32 Bit. If you load 64 Bit plugins in FL Studio 32 Bit or 32 Bit plugins in FL Studio 64 Bit, a 'bit bridge' will be used and this consumes about 2% extra CPU, per plugin. Certainly, a few bridged plugins won't normally matter, but bridging 10 or more plugins definitely will waste CPU capacity. Bridging is automatic, you don't need to do anything special to make it happen, one reason to pay attention to what plugins you are using. The Wrapper Settings Tab will show if a plugin is bridged and its Bit version. NOTE: You can install both 32 and 64 Bit versions of a plugin, if available. Many older, free VST plugins you can find online, are only available in 32 Bit.
- Project compatibility - You can load projects made with FL Studio 32 Bit in FL Studio 64 Bit and vice versa. When you load a FL Studio 32 Bit project in FL Studio 64 Bit, all plugins are automatically loaded with 64 Bit versions, if the 64 Bit version exists. When loading 64 Bit projects in the FL Studio 32 Bit the reverse is also true, FL Studio will try to find 32 Bit versions of all plugins. If the bit-equivalent plugin is not available, then the bit-original plugin is loaded and bridged (see the point above).
- More Bit related information - Click here to see the FL Studio 32 vs 64 Bit FAQ online.
- VST GUI Scaling - High resolution monitors will shrink VST plugin interfaces. See the section on Rescaling VST Plugins to fix this. NOTE: Native plugins use a different scaling system, see here.
- VST plugin names - Unless you set the File Settings > Manage plugins > Verify plugins switch, FL Studio will perform a 'fast scan'. Fast scans only identify plugins by the name of the VST's .dll file (which is the VST plugin). If the plugin name is changed, either by you or the manufacturer, FL Studio won't find it when loading projects using the plugin. The Verify plugins option gathers unique identification codes for each plugin that allows FL Studio load plugins even if the file name has been changed. In addition, the Verify plugins scan identifies plugins as Generators (Instruments) or Effects, simplifying plugin management, so we strongly recommend you use the Verify plugins setting.
Audio Units (macOS only)
Audio Units (AU) are an Apple standard tied to Core Audio and so only compatible with FL Studio for macOS. AU is Apple's equivalent to VST. As there are many similarities between the two standards, you can usually find both macOS AU and VST versions of plugins.
Some points to consider:
- Sharing projects - If you are sharing projects with Windows users, you must use the VST versions of plugins. This will maximize compatibility between projects since the AU versions of plugins will not be matched with the VST equivalent. VST plugins on macOS will be matched with VST plugins on Windows.
- 64 Bit only - FL Studio for macOS is only compatible with 64 Bit AU and VST plugins. There is no automatic bridging as there is with VST on Windows. See here why we did not support 32 Bit on macOS.
- AU vs VST - We recommend using the VST version of plugins, when available, on macOS. There are two reasons; 1. This will ensure Mac/Windows compatibility when sharing projects. AU plugins do not use the same naming conventions and so FL Studio won't be able to match a VST and AU plugin when loading projects. 2. Most 3rd party developers create VST plugins, then add an additional layer of code to provide AU compatibility. This means VST plugins may have slightly less processing overhead compared to their AU counterparts. However, you if you have problems with either format try the alternative AU or VST instead, and check the relative CPU usage also.
- AU & VST locations - If your plugin's are installed to the default macOS locations, all you need to do is a 'Verify plugins' scan to access them in FL Studio.
- MIDI out - AU does not support MIDI output.
How to Install VST / AU Plugins (Instruments & Effects)
- Install the plugin - We strongly recommend you run the plugin's installer and use its default install location OR for VST/AU plugins without an installer, copy the files to the appropriate folder set in the Plugin Manager > Plugin search paths field. NOTE: The best manual method is always to install to one of the default plugin locations for your OS. Only use the Plugin Manager to add additional plugin install and search locations if you have a specific and valid reason.
- Scan for installed plugins - After installing the plugin/s, we recommend the 'Find plugins + Verify plugins' option. This correctly sorts plugins into their Installed > Effects or Generators category. Verify scans ensure only the correct plugin types are shown at the various 'add plugin' locations in FL Studio. E.g. the Channel Rack > Menu > Add one option, Channel Rack + button and Main menu > Add option, FX slot menu etc. AND along with the 'Rescan previously verified plugins' option, ensures plugins are correctly identified after plugin updates.
- Where can I find my new plugins? - Newly scanned plugins will appear under your Browser in Plugin database > Installed > Effects > New and Generators > New. Whether or not they are correctly classified as Generators or Effects will depend on whether you ran a Verify plugins (Yes) or Fast scan (No, both Generators/Instruments and Effects will be in both categories). The plugin will also be in the VST, VST3 or Audio Units sub-folder, depending on its type.
- Making favorites - Add your plugins to your 'Favorites' list the Plugin Database, the Effect and Generator folders above the Installed folder. This will allow you to add the plugin to projects from the standard locations as mentioned above (see point 2 above):
- Prepare the plugin - Configure the plugin with the default preset you prefer and any wrapper settings (e.g. Scaling options) before creating a favorite. This will ensure the plugin will always load in the preferred state.
- To categorize a plugin (generator/effect) - This will 'favorite' it, available from the standard locations as mentioned above. Open the Browser > Plugin database > Generators or Effects to the sub-folder where you would like to add the plugin and select 'Add to plugin database (flag as favorite)' from the plugin wrapper menu (shown below).
NOTES: 1. Alternatively you can 'favorite' plugins from a list using the Plugin manager tool OR anywhere you see the 'More plugins...' option in menus. Use this if you are not interested in creating plugin thumbnails. 2. The plugin database is a standard folder on your disk so feel free to reorganize and or create/delete categories using any file manager (right-click 'Plugin database' category in the Browser and select 'Open').
- Removing plugins from the database - From the database right-click it in the Browser and select 'Delete file...' from the pop-up menu. NOTE: This does not delete the pluginfrom your disk, it only removes the database entry.
- Using the plugin - Now the plugin is installed and can be used as a standard FL Studio instrument or effect.
- Creating and managing 'favorite' lists - See here for creating and managing favorites. Favorite plugins will show in drop-down menus and the Plugin picker.
Related Links:
- Installed instruments - Learn more about instruments (generators) pre-installed in FL Studio.
- Installed effects - Learn more about the effects pre-installed in FL Studio.
- Plugin standards - Learn more about the plugin standards supported by FL Studio.
Plugin Default Locations
If you use the plugins default installer you should not need to worry about the information below. FL Studio will find your plugin in one of the following default locations. This information is provided for installing legacy plugins, without an installer. Choose the appropriate folder based on its VST / AU specification.
NOTE: If a plugin is not located, make sure you have selected 'Verify plugins' and 'Rescan previously verified plugins' in addition to installing the plugin to one of the default locations below. DO NOT install plugins to the FL Studio installation folder (...Image-LineFL StudioPluginsVST). This is a special folder for legacy native FL Studio plugins.
Windows
VST 1 and 2 Plugins (.dll):
- The '..Program FilesCommon FilesVST2' (64 Bit plugins on a 64 Bit Windows only).
- The folders set as the Extra search path in the Plugin manager (32 Bit plugins).
VST 3 Plugins (.dll):
- The '..Program FilesCommon FilesVST3' & '..Program FilesVST3' folders (32 Bit plugins on 32 Bit Windows OR 64 Bit plugins on 64 Bit Windows).
- The '..Program Files (x86)Common FilesVST3' & '..Program Files (x86)VST3' folders (32 Bit plugins on Win 64 Bit Windows).
macOS
VST 2 plugins (.vst):
- [Macintosh HD]/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST
- [Macintosh HD]/Users/Username/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST (rarely used)
NOTE: The /User/Library is hidden by default.
VST 3 Plugins (.vst3):
- [Macintosh HD]/Library/Audio/Plug-ins/VST and Library/Audio/Plug-ins/VST3
- [Macintosh HD]/Users/Username/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3 (rarely used)
NOTE: The /User/Library is hidden by default.
Audio Unit Plugins (.au):
- [Macintosh HD]/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/
Custom VST/AU Folders:
- You can set custom VST/AU search folders from the 'Plugin manager > Plugin search paths' field. Normally this would be used for VST 1 and 2 format plugins, without a factory installer.
NOTE: If you install VST and AU plugins to their default locations, FL Studio will find them automatically!
FL Studio is currently one of the most popular DAWS for music producers to use and it is only gaining steam. I remember when I was a lot younger, FL Studio was nowhere near as big and it didn’t seem to be on the level it is now.
If you’re new to music production, we are going to go over some of the best FL Studio VST plugins to elevate your game.
I am going to go over 1 free option and 1 paid option for multiple categories of VSTS that you can use for FL Studio. The reason I’m going to include both options is that they both have their purpose.
Before we dive deep, I want to say that my opinion is to get some free plugins and then also get a couple of huge VST libraries that you purchase. They can be expensive, so the best option is to bundle and get a couple that cover a lot of the bases, rather than spend a bunch on each instrument.
Contents
- 4 FL Studio Synth VSTS
- 4.1 Signal By Output – Paid Option
- 4.2 CS-80 V By Arturia – Paid Plugin
- 4.3 Dexed – Free Plugin
- 5 FL Studio Compressor VSTS
- 5.1 FET Compressor By Softube
- 5.2 New York Compressor
- 5.3 MJCUjr By Klanghelm – Free compressor
- 5.4 Imperial Delay
- 6 Voxengos Tempo Delay – Free
- 7 FL Studio Distortion VSTS
- 7.1 Decapitator By Soundtoys
- 7.2 Phase Distortion Snapin By Kilohearts
- 7.3 FuzzPlus 3 By Audio Damage – Free
- 8 Best Basses For FL Studio
- 8.1 U-he Diva
- 8.2 Steinberg Model E – Free Bass VST
Best FL Studio Plugins – A Quick Glance
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
Signal By Output |
| |
Soundtoys Decapitator |
| |
U-HE Diva |
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New York Compressor |
|
What Makes A Good VST For FL Studio?
Sound Quality: If you choose to go the free route, that is totally cool, however, you will definitely run into some abysmal options. That’s just the way it goes. With that being said, try and find the highest quality sounds in each VST that you for FL Studio.
Presets: I love to have VST libraries that have a ton of presets. They inspire me when I’m writing parts or songs. While it is great to just write at a piano, introducing crazy plugins can really change the integrity of an entire song.
How Much Use: If you’re installing a massive sample library for Fl Studio that you rarely end up using, you’re better off uninstalling as they can be CPU intensive.
You don’t want to bog down your computer as there’s nothing more frustrating than having your computer shutdown mid-session. I’ve been in sessions where we had over an hour of work just get lost and it totally sucks.
Price: You will find that a lot of people are using paid sample libraries or paid VSTS. Make sure you do your research before purchasing as you can find great options that are actually moderately inexpensive.
Compatibility: Make sure that the VSTS you’re using are compatible with FL Studio, your PC or Macbook, and your MIDI controller.
Let’s jump into the top VSTS for FL Studio below.
Our Fl Studio Plugin Reviews
FL Studio Synth VSTS
Signal By Output – Paid Option
I honestly can’t say any more good things about this VST. For my band’s second album, we used this on probably 6-7 songs. It was one of those, “oh let’s try Signal here” types of things.
Pros
- Amazingly high-quality samples
- Rhythmic Loops
- Over 500 instruments
- 40 GB of analog, digital, and organic synths
- Tons of expansions available for download
- Good customer service
Cons
- Expensive
- Very CPU Intensive
Overall
Output is great company for producers of all levels. This is used at the very high-end of pop productions and pretty much every other genre. It’s a fantastic VST that is perfect for FL Studio.
I would describe Output kind of as the new school version of Nexus or Sylenth, for those who have been around for a while. These were two VSTS that were all over everything.
CS-80 V By Arturia – Paid Plugin
The CS-80 VST is absolutely amazing. This is another plugin that my band used religiously as the arpeggiators and synths are just incredible. This is modeled after the famous Yamaha CS-80 synth.
This is your chance to get some fantastic synth sounds for a moderate price and believe me, you will use these for the rest of your production days.
Pros
- Get a $6900 synthesizer for about $75
- Amazing arpeggiations
- Ripping Basslines
- Beautiful pads
- Perfect for synth-wave productions
Cons
- CPU Intensive
Overall
I can 100% tell you that I attempt to use this on most songs that I am a part of. The Bassline synth in this song below is from my band and we used the CS 80 plugin for it.
Dexed – Free Plugin
This is a modular synth that is perfect for your productions. Dexed is modeled after the famous Yamaha DX7.
This will look intimidating at first, so be sure to take your time with it and head over to Youtube. Youtube should be your best friend when learning these VSTS with FL Studio.
Pros
- Free
- Sounds are actually pretty good
- Good presets
- Allows you to test the waters
Cons
All Vst Plugins For Fl Studio Free Download
- Can be a little limiting
Overall
This is a great plugin for FL Studio. It’s free and it’s an easy download. Give it a try and continue to expand your library and knowledge.
FL Studio Compressor VSTS
FET Compressor By Softube
This compressor sounds very analog. The FET Compressor is modeled after one of the most famous compressors of all time. What makes this special is that it can be used for deeper gain reduction than you would use with other compressors.
Pros
- For Analog Lovers
- Input and output stage distortion
- CPU friendly
- External sidechain
- Sounds fantastic on pianos and drums
Cons
- Expensive
Overall
This is a great compressor that you can use for FL Studio. Like all of these VSTS I’m mentioning, you can use these with all major DAWS. Overall, this is a great option for professionals.
New York Compressor
New York Compressor is a nice option that sounds great on drums. If you’re looking for an affordable option that can quickly give you a nice and punchy drum tone, this is a great choice.
This is definitely one of the higher-rated compressor VSTS that is often used.
Pros
- Delivers punchy sounding drums
- Great sound quality
- Easy To Use
- Inexpensive for the quality
Overall
I personally enjoy the sound of this compressor. I would suggest checking it out on Youtube as there are some great videos that show what it can do.
MJCUjr By Klanghelm – Free compressor
The MJCUjr is a free option that you can use with FL Studio and other major DAWS. If you’re looking to save money, I suggest giving this a try. It’s a simple interface that offers some colorful saturation.
This compressor plugin can provide you with some rather surprising results from a free VST.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Free
- Low CPU
Overall
With free compressor VSTS, you can’t really go wrong. If it’s not the desired sound, simply try another option. That being said, this is worth a try for your mixes.
Imperial Delay
Imperial Delay by Digital Labs allows you to completely guide your delay in every possible way that you would want to. This is an easy to use plugin and it works great with FL Studio. Another reason I like this is that it’s moderately cheap.
You can throw this delay on anything from vocals to drums and you will most likely enjoy the results.
I want to note that when this came out, it was extremely expensive. Since then, the price tag has come down dramatically, but the product is still great.
Pros
- Great sound quality
- Easy to use
- Allows you to dive deep into effects
- Inexpensive
Overall
For such a small price, I think this is worth giving a try. You will get some great results on all different instruments and you will be surprised at how easy it is to use.
Voxengos Tempo Delay – Free
Voxengos Tempo Delay offers you an easy interface to navigate. I think this is a great free option. If you’re looking for a free option for FL Studio, it’s easy to use and it should spice up your tunes.
Pros
- Free
- A lot of different controls and features
- Low CPU
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not the greatest sounds
- Limiting
Overall
If you’re looking for something to throw on some of your songs for free, this is a great option. I personally don’t think it’s going to blow you away, however, it gets the job done and it isn’t super buggy.
FL Studio Distortion VSTS
Decapitator By Soundtoys
Decapitator is a distortion I can’t get enough of. When making our last record, we all fell in love with this plugin and threw it on pretty much every synth track.
I love how it sounds on synths and it also can sound amazing on vox and drums.
Pros
- Easily one of the most used distortion VSTS today
- So many options, it’s like performing surgery
- Heavy grit and smooth distortion
- Easy to use
Cons
- Rather expensive
- For serious producers as it is expensive
Overall
The Decapitator will be your friend on many different songs as you really can throw it on most things, resulting in them sounding better. This sounds funny, but I do this, our drummer does this, and pretty much every producer I’ve met is obsessed with it.
Phase Distortion Snapin By Kilohearts
The way that this distortion VST works is a little bit different than most. Phase Distortion lets the signal modulate the phase of itself.
This results in some fat and dirty sounding basses and it can also result in a nice 80s crunch.
The interface is quite simple to navigate and you can get your desired effects quite quickly.
Pros
- Great for dubstep and metal grit
- High-quality sound
- Relatively inexpensive considering you can use for most songs
Overall
I like this option as it can be used professionally, yet it is still affordable for what you get.
FuzzPlus 3 By Audio Damage – Free
Fuzzplus 3 is great for punk and pop-punk bands. This is overall my favorite free option and I believe a lot of other producers dig this one as well.
Pros
- Free download at pluginboutique
- Great quality
- Works well on guitars
Overall
When it comes to distortion, I love the decapitator, but if you can’t afford it and you’re looking for a free option, this is perfect. Test the waters and figure out what you like to use with FL Studio.
Best Basses For FL Studio
U-he Diva
I first found out about the VST about 3 years ago and I have to say, its sub-bass sounds are out of this world. It’s a very warm analog sound that is sure to please even the biggest analog lovers there are.
The place that Diva shines is in its filters. They are some of the most authentic filters you can find in a plugin.
Pros
- Extremely warm
- Great Bass sounds
- Huge library
Cons
- Expensive
- CPU Intensive
Overall
I have a ton of experience with this plugin and I often use it for sub. It has one of the warmest and inviting analog sounds that you can find a VST. I found out about this plugin from Alex Aldi, who is a great producer in the alternative rock world. Overall, highly recommend checking out Diva.
Steinberg Model E – Free Bass VST
Model E is a bass VST that is capable of pumping out some fat riffs of your liking. I’ve personally never used this plugin, but I know that a lot of producers have talked about this.
Pros
Best Free Vst Plugins For Fl Studio
- Free
- Rich & Warm
- Low CPU
Overall
I am quite fond of Steinberg as my good friend and drummer, Nick Cesarz often recommends and uses Steinberg products. If you’re looking for a free option, check out the Model E.
Why Use Additional Plugins For FL Studio
It is my opinion that if you want to elevate your game, you should have a wide array of VSTS. Expanding your knowledge will only help when it comes to writing or producing your music.
Conclusion
Take your time and experiment with all VSTS that you come across. You might find that you actually prefer a free plugin for FL Studio, rather than a paid. With that being said, I do think there is usually a BIG difference in quality and I am not just saying that.
Free VSTS should be your gateway to the next level and allow you to get your feet wet. Once you have found sounds you really dig, you can start to replace them with better quality VSTS. If your budget just doesn’t allow, find a way to make the cheaper or free options work.
I recently put together a list of the best MIDI keyboards for FL Studio. These are specific picks with tried and true testing!
Download All Vst Plugins For Fl Studio R Fl Studio 20
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