After covering numerous free VST plugins so far in our bpb Freeware Studio series (aka Free VST Plugins Directory), now would be the right time to take a look at the best free VST host applications currently available.
Various different types of VST host apps were included in the list, from fairly basic ones useful for plugin testing, to modular DAWs, trackers, and some full-featured live performance hosts.
Free VST Host Applications
Follow the links for screenshots & download info:
Ableton Live Lite 8 [DAW] by Ableton (Mac, Windows) // Ends May 31st!- Aodix [Tracker] by Arguru Software (Windows)
- Ardour [DAW] by Ardour (Linux, Mac)
- asHost [Live Host] by Asseca (Windows)
- BeRoTracker [Tracker] by Benjamin Rosseaux (Windows)
- Buzz [Tracker] by Jeskola (Windows)
- Cantabile Lite [Live Host] by Topten Software (Windows)
- DarkWave Studio [DAW] by ExperimentalScene (Windows)
HostX [Live Host] by MTsoftware (Mac OS X)- Jost [Sequencer] by Jucetice (Linux)
- KRISTAL Audio Engine [DAW] by KristalLabs (Windows)
- LiveProfessor [Live Host] by ifoundasound (Windows)
- LMMS [Sequencer] by LMMS (Linux, Mac, Windows)
- Macaw [Sequencer]by Robin Holmes (Windows)
- MiniHost [Live Host] by Tobybear Productions (Windows)
- Minihost Modular [Live Host] by Image Line (Mac, Windows)
- MuLab FREE [DAW] by MuTools (Mac, Windows)
- MultitrackStudio Lite [Sequencer] by Bremmers Audio (Mac, Windows)
- Music Studio Producer [DAW] by Frieve (Windows)
- OpenMPT [Tracker] by ModPlug Central (Linux, Windows)
- Pedalboard2 [Live Host] by Nial Moody (Mac, Windows)
- Podium Free [DAW] by Zynewave (Windows)
- Psycle [Tracker] by psycledelics (Windows)
- Qtractor [DAW] by Rui Nuno Capela (Linux)
Rack Performer [Live Host] by LiveFactory (Windows)- Rax’n’Trax [Sequencer] by Nassen Software Development (Windows)
- Reaper v0.999 [DAW] by Cockos (Windows)
- Rosegarden [DAW] by Rosegarden Project (Linux)
- SAVIHost [Live Host] by Hermann Seib (Windows)
- Samplitude Silver [DAW] by MAGIX (Windows)
- Scooty [Sequencer] by YK (Windows)
- Tunafish [Sequencer] by Bram Bos (Windows)
- Usine Free [Live Host] by Sensomusic (Windows)
- VstBoard [Live Host]by CtrlBrk (Windows)
- VSTHost [Live Host] by Hermann Seib (Windows)
- VstSeq [Sequencer] by PQN AUDIO (Windows)
People often mention Reaper as a free VST host, but please note that Reaper is actually commercial software with a 30-day trial period. Although the actual software installation never expires, you should purchase a licence if you use it longer than 30 days (there is however Reaper v0.999 which is still available for free, many thanks to vian for sharing the info in the comments!).
MuLab FREE is my favorite freeware VST host application. Even with the 4-track limit of the free version, it is still a very powerful modular VST host which will let you create some crazy FX and instrument chains using your favorite VSTs.
Podium Free is without a doubt your best choice if you’re looking for a full-featured freeware DAW. The only serious limitation of the free version is that it uses a single CPU core, but the amount of features available at no cost is simply insane. It is very stable, perfectly designed, and definitely worth checking out (as well as the Pro version).
Usine Free, LiveProfessor, Rack Performer, VstBoard and Cantabile Lite are VST hosts suitable for live use, Usine currently being the most popular one.
Psycle is a free tracker which also works as a VST host. I must admit i’m not very experienced with trackers, but I know there are many people who don’t use sequencers at all and go for trackers instead, so this one’s for them.
SAVIHost, MiniHost and VSTHost are lightweight and easy to use VST host applications, perfect for quickly testing new VST plugins.
KRISTAL Audio Engine is an interesting 16-track sequencer which can load VST effects, but unfortunately doesn’t support MIDI, hence no VST instruments can be used.
Feel free to leave comments suggesting other free VST host applications I may have missed and I’ll include them in the list.
http://youtu.be/ChYL5Y5M7zs
Many thanks to Ronnie for suggesting LMMS, a free cross-platform VST host application which is a great alternative to commercial loop-based programs like FL Studio, Greg for suggesting Jeskola Buzz and DarkWave Studio, two pretty awesome free VST hosts (and also Scooty!), bonzo for suggesting OpenMPT, Alex_HS for suggesting Macaw, and gropkcor for suggesting Rax’n’Trax! Finally, a big thank you to satt for suggesting Tunafish, a lovely old school sequencer!
51 Comments
satt
onHow about Tunafish from brambos? http://www.brambos.com/archive.html
bedroom producers blog
onwow, thanks so much for the suggestion! completely forgot about Tunafish somehow. cheers!
Alex_HS
onAnother free DAW in collection – Macaw (formerly called Oscillastation, Rocktave and DeltaSP) is
http://www.hitsquad.com/smm/programs/Macaw/
http://code.google.com/p/macaw/
bedroom producers blog
onthanks, i’ll check it out!
Jazzigula
onMulab is the one I started with. It is especially comfortable for rookies…Fancy exspensive softwares can learn much about some great concepts inside of Mulab (sequence on a track does’t have to be send on same chanel as that track etc.)…
rusk
onqtractor becomes more and more useful DAW with VST support.
Windows
oni enjoy this post greatly. ill be coming laterfor future readsthanks.
João Camacho
onhello,
great list some i didn’t know and are incredibly good as liveprofessor and cantabile.
You might like also:
Bidule: http://www.plogue.com/products/bidule/ (modular audio)
AudioMulch: http://www.audiomulch.com/ (modular audio)
energyXT: http://www.energy-xt.com/ (VST host)
Renoise: http://www.renoise.com/ (tracker)
not all are free as some on your list, but they deserve a look
bedroom producers blog
onthanks for the tips! XT Software has recently announced that the Core version of energyXT will we available for free for a limited time.
Tracing Arcs
onI was able to d/load a free version of Samplitude Silver Soundcloud edition last year from the apps section at Soundcloud. Comes with vst effex etc, and seems pretty comprehensive (with limitations ) for a freebie.
http://soundcloud.com/apps/samplitude-soundcloud
Rose Holiday
onHi: I just purchased an Akai Professional LPK25. I only want to use it as a keyboard (for now anyway.) Can you tell me which freebie would be the best choice for me? I am completely brain dead when it comes to midi, so the easiest one to learn would be great!!! Thx in advance!!!
Bedroom Producers Blog
onif you want to be able to record your performance, i’d suggest MuLab Free. the limitation of the free version is that you can have a maximum of 4 VST plugins per project, but that’s more enough for starters. it’s the first VST plugin host i ever used. :)
it’s extremely simple to set up, btw. just point it to your VST folder and add an instrument to a track.
have fun!
Godly
onI’m missing BloXpander in the list, seems very promising also?
http://www.eareckon.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49&Itemid=54&lang=en
bmovie
onThe latest version of Giada Loop Machine, an open source live sampler/looper/drum machine/VST host, added a VSTi support and a new piano roll module:
http://www.giadamusic.com/
Looks cool!
Doug Cox
onMy free Windows MIDI Sequencer (almost a DAW) PianoRollComposer is at
http://jdmcox.com/
Arnerd
onNice blog! Im looking for something like this, but i need some advice …
I run dj software Traktor on my windows laptop
I want to host some VSTs to route my audio in from traktor.
Preferably i want to change the values in the VST with an iPad, is this possible?
Thx!
gray
onhttp://vb-audio.pagesperso-orange.fr/us/resources/vst_scanner/vst_scanner.htm
this is a bit old but looks pretty interesting, not only will it scan vst plugins on windows but it’ll let you test them out
Aelfric
onAs a free DAW for Mac, I’m surprised Apple’s Garageband isn’t listed—Apple made it free some time ago.
Also a coupple of updates to the Mastering Tools page (the comments are closed on that page):
• Photosounder SplineEQ is now available on the Mac.
• Pleasurize Music Foundation TT Dynamic Range Meter now requires a US$30 membership to access the download. Technically the download is still free, but requiring a paid membership first isn’t really in the spirit of free software.
Diego
onJust to say that MACAW is an excelent DAW from the last versions. Is portable, support VST/i, has a goo wave editor and plugins. It has also a little whiff of pro application.
https://sites.google.com/site/turboloops/home
Petersen
onPlease note that for VSTHost any commercial (in your studio?) or public (a public performance?) use is strictly forbidden by the licence. I also don’t see any way to buy a commercial license. An excerpt from the license:
This free VSTHost is intended exclusively for private use. You may copy the complete program package and pass it on to others for private use only.
The free VSTHost may not be used for commercial or professional purposes.
Ano
onHi,
There is also a Open source variant of VSTHost under the LGPL License>
http://www.hermannseib.com/programs/vsthostsrc.zip
Application located in folder; /Release/
“Open Source Variant
Originally, I made VSTHost available including the complete source code. Since I had to find out that (parts of) it made their way into other people’s programs, and that without even mentioning my contribution, the open source variant has been frozen. I continue to add bug fixes to the existing code base, but new features won’t make their way into it any more. Starting with V1.16k, this program is released under the terms of the GNU Lesser GPL.”
http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/lesser.html
Breakoutbox
onPlease also see:
Macaw DAW Portable at
http://breakoutbox.de/software/macawportable/macawportable.html
Wolfgang
onIn your blog about “What is a VST plug-in” you write: “Assuming that you’re happy with your hardware setup”. Can you spend some words about a typical / good hardware setup? Windows / Mac ? Many thanks.
Tomislav Zlatic
onHi Wolfgang, such an article is planned for the future!
Frank
onSamplitude Pro X Silver is a wonderful free DAW. It has a great set of effects, as well as Revolta synth, and of course, there’s VST/VSTI support. The only serious limitation is that it only allows up to 8 tracks per project.
Please update the link: http://pro.magix.com/en/samplitude/miditech-english.730.html
Wing Yee
onCantabile Version 1.2 Full is now Free! Though this version only support 32 bits but it has many of the main features as their latest Version 3 minus a few fancy extras you can do without.
https://www.cantabilesoftware.com/download/
Joseph
onVstHost is great, you can get really low latency even without an ASIO audio interface (for use as a guitar amp, in my case). You have to set the sample rate really high (oddly enough) and then set it to process 6400 samples a second or something like that. Works great as an amp that you can just open up and not have to wait for load times like in a DAW such as MuLab or Reaper. Great for a low budget.
Rek Jakkar
onI am loving IL’s Minihost Modular and I don’t even use FL Studio.
Stern
onTracktion 4
None freeware ever supported rewire function. But tracktion 4.
Szin Napalm
onIve been running Mixcraft 7 professional and pardon my french but “****” I know after 10 years of creating and producing my own music I should start having pro sounding tracks, but some things were a struggle (exess bg noise balence peaking volume after mixdown on other devices, and i was getting there. Then i got mixcraft 7 (yeah i torrented it) but it turned my audio quality of soungs (start to finish) from 4-7 ish to 7-9 ish now i dont know what it is but i just got the proversion a new pc and ive been collecting tons of vst to narrow down to a perfect set! gl everyone, my you find what your looking for
Szin Napalm
“Napalmbats”
Guitarist / Side kick vox / drums machines and keys
Narcotica
onOpenModPlug Tracker can also handle VST
Rob
onhey Tomislav: i’m relatively new here. fantastic site!
one suggestion: on this issue of vst hosts, it might be worth another look to take into account more recent improvements.
thanks, rob
Tomislav Zlatic
onThanks, Rob! And yes, the entire Free VSTs section will get a major overhaul this year. Do you have any specific suggestions for this article?
Mirko
onHi! This blog is fantastic! Every time I get here I find the answer I’ve been looking for. But I need some advice. I’m looking for a free vst host that helps me to create a list that I can quickly browse with program change: I’ve already tried cantabile 1.2 (released for free) and VSTHost but though they are both good I’ve experienced several issues like crashes and driver conflicts so I’d like to try something new. Can you help me?
Many thanks.
Tomislav Zlatic
onHi Mirko, thanks for the kind words! I often used MuLab for live performances. You can save different patches in it (with different plugins and mixer settings) and flick through them using keyboard shortcuts. Not sure if it can be done via MIDI in the latest version of MuLab. Also worth checking out: Pedalboard2 (you can queue up a number of patches and switch between them), LiveProfessor, and VstBoard (I used this one a lot, but it is discontinued).
Mirko
onHi Tomislav! Thanks for the suggestions, I’ll check them out in the next few days!
Tomislav Zlatic
onSure, no problem!
Paule
onThe Hermann Seib home page isn’t available any more. Are he closed his office?
Tobybear got a new home page http://www.tobybear.de/files.html
fred
onmany of these are not simply “VST host applications,” they are DAWs. the same mistake was made with the “audio editing software” category. it would be nice if you folks cleaned those 3 up.
Tomislav Zlatic
onHi Fred, this is a more general category than DAWs. In other words, we included all different kinds of VST plugin hosts here, such as digital audio workstations, platforms for live performance, and audio editors. But this particular page will definitely be updated soon.
Gordon Langballe
onNanohost from Tone2.com is the simplest by far. Too simple though.
João Camacho
onMore hosts available:
Free
– Komplete Kontrol from Native Instruments (works very well with Minihost Modular from Fruity Loops for more channels. Only has 1 midi channel and no audio in).
– Element LT https://kushview.net/
– Gadwin Rockmer https://www.gadwin.com/rockmer/
– Camelot https://camelotpro.com/
– SoundBridge x64 1.12 (didn’t work on mine). https://soundbridge.io
Paid
– Gig Performer 3
– BloXpander
– Patchwork from Blue Cat
– FruityLoops 20
– FreeStyle
– Element Pro
– Akai VIP 3.1
João Camacho
onI forgot NanoHost from Tone 2. It’s only for one VST. But with a plugin like Modular or other, it’s very stable. As filters and some nice features as patches, etc. https://www.tone2.com/nanohost.html
Maro
on+1 for Element by Kushview. Works flawlessly to me on every live gig.
Tomislav Zlatic
onYes, Element is fantastic. This article is getting a full update very soon and Element will be the #1 pick.
Eric
onWhich of the lightweight hosts will listen to midi clock from the controller and pass it on to the plug-ins? I really need a common clock between my synth and my plugins. Thanks!