Greetings and salutations! Sam here with Common Time Productions. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you 5 free VST plugins for Mixcraft 10 that have become staples in my music production workflow. These plugins are not only versatile and powerful but also completely free, making them accessible to producers at any level. These plugins will work with any DAW you might be using as well, just in case you use a different one than Mixcraft. In this blog post, I’ll delve into each plugin, how I use them, and how they can elevate your music projects.

MT Power Drum Kit 2

MT Power Drum Kit 2

The MT Power Drum Kit 2 is a highly versatile drum sampler offering high-quality acoustic drum sounds. It’s perfect for anyone looking to add realistic drum tracks to their music without the need for a live drummer. I often pair it with the Acoustica Studio Drums in Mixcraft 10 to achieve a big, robust drum sound that stands out in the mix.

  • Customizable Mixer Settings: Adjust individual drum elements like kick, snare, hi-hats, and cymbals to craft your desired drum tone.
  • Groove Library: Utilize the built-in groove library to quickly create realistic drum patterns with drag-and-drop simplicity.
  • User-Friendly Interface: The intuitive design makes it easy to navigate and tweak settings, even if you’re new to drum programming.

Tip: Remember to activate the plugin each time you use it to ensure all features are available during your session.

dBlue Crusher

dBlue Crusher

Looking to add some grit and distortion to your tracks? The dBlue Crusher is a bitcrusher plugin that introduces a unique, lo-fi sound to your audio. It’s perfect for giving drums, synths, or any instrument an edgy, distorted character.

  • Bit Reduction and Downsampling: Manipulate the bit depth and sample rate of your audio for that classic bitcrushed effect.
  • Simple Controls: With straightforward parameters, you can quickly dial in the amount of distortion you want.
  • Creative Sound Design: Use it to transform ordinary sounds into something entirely new and exciting.

Pairing the dBlue Crusher with the MT Power Drum Kit 2 can result in a heavily processed drum sound that’s ideal for genres like industrial, electronic, or experimental music.

Glitch

Glitch

Glitch is a versatile multi-effect plugin that can introduce rhythmic stutters, reverses, bitcrushing, and more to your tracks. It’s a fantastic tool for adding interest and complexity to your music.

  • Sequencer Module: Apply different effects in a sequenced pattern to create evolving textures.
  • Variety of Effects: Includes effects like tape stop, modulator, retrigger, and shuffler.
  • Randomization: Use the randomize function to discover unexpected and inspiring sounds.

I love using Glitch on synth lines or percussion loops to add unexpected twists and turns that keep listeners engaged.

The Grey Apparatus

The Grey Apparatus

For those seeking unique and experimental sounds, The Grey Apparatus is a synthesizer loaded with unconventional presets and textures. It’s perfect for ambient music, soundscapes, or adding an otherworldly vibe to your tracks.

  • Diverse Sound Palette: Explore a wide range of sounds from eerie pads to complex evolving textures.
  • Modulation Options: Adjust parameters to shape and morph sounds in real-time.
  • Inspiration Source: Ideal for breaking out of creative ruts and exploring new sonic territories.

Experimenting with The Grey Apparatus can lead to discovering signature sounds that set your music apart.

Brandulator

Brandulator

The Brandulator is an effects processor that creates complex rhythmic textures by applying a combination of delay, pitch shift, and modulation effects.

  • Rhythmic Modulation: Generate intricate patterns that sync to your project’s tempo.
  • Texture Enhancement: Add depth and movement to pads, leads, or even vocals.
  • User-Friendly Controls: Despite its complexity, the interface is straightforward, allowing for quick experimentation.

When combined with The Grey Apparatus, the Brandulator can produce mesmerizing soundscapes perfect for cinematic or atmospheric music.

Conclusion

These five free VST plugins for Mixcraft 10 have been invaluable in my music production journey, offering a wealth of creative possibilities without costing a dime. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your sonic arsenal, incorporating these tools into your workflow can inspire new ideas and enhance your productions.

Happy mixing, and thanks for joining me at Common Time Productions!

🔗 Links and Resources:

If you would like to learn about working with clients to create a custom song, check out this great blog all about just that.

Working with Clients to Create a Custom Song – CommonTime Productions

About The Author

Sam Geiver

Sam Geiver

Sam is an experienced studio manager and assistant producer at CommonTime Productions, bringing over 30 years of expertise in playing guitar, bass, keyboards, and vocals. He thoughtfully teaches guitar and Mixcraft mixing, and as a lead engineer for mobile recordings, skillfully handles microphone setups, ensuring top-quality sound capture.