Pro Tools uses a proprietary plug-in format called RTAS (Real Time AudioSuite) which is equivalent to the open source VST plugin format used in other sequencers such as Logic and Cubase. As anyone can create their own VSTs and release them to the public, there are literally thousands of VST plugins out there, ranging in price from free to remarkably expensive. As there is no quality control system on these plugins, their usefulness also varies a lot – but at least for the free plugins, you don’t have much to lose by giving them a go. For Pro Tools users, however, there are still a few ways to expand your RTAS plugin arsenal on the cheap…
(from DAW)

• Pro Tools Vst Folder
• Audio Tools Vst
• Free Pro Tools Vst Plugins
• Free Vst Pro Tools 10.5
• Vst Pro Tools 12

Free RTAS Plugins – Yes, They Do Exist

Although thin on the ground, there are a few free RTAS plugins to be had if you know where to look.

Pro Tools does come with some nifty plugins out of the box, but if you want to grab a few more then try these:

Fabfilter pro q VST free download. Multimedia tools downloads - FabFilter Pro-Q by FabFilter Software Instruments and many more programs are available for instant and free download. If you are looking for some FREE Pro Tools plugins, then here’s the list, they often also work in any DAW that supports AAX, AU and VST, including Pro Tools, Studio One, Logic Pro X and many more. The list features FREE Pro Tools plugins from some top brands and is updated regularly. This is a searchable database; you can search for free. Free audio plugins. Download our collection of free audio plugins. Designed with the same care and attention to detail as our main collection. SK10 Sub Kick Simulator. SnareBuzz Snare Rattle Simulator. Cassette Transport Tape start / stop. Crafting innovative and evocative audio tools.

The 2.0.1 version of Auto-Tune EFX VST is available as a free download on our software library. The actual developer of the program is Antares Audio Technologies. Our built-in antivirus scanned this download and rated it as 100% safe. The file size of the latest downloadable installer is 31.7 MB. I’ve decided to update editor Justin Colletti’s ”The Big List of Free Pro Tools Plugins”, originally posted here back in 2012. Here’s a new, even bigger list, each plugin is AAX 64-bit compatible. Blue Cat Freeware Plug-ins Pack II.

• The Bad Habit RTAS Plugin List
• Blue Cat Audio Freeware Plugin Pack Nice bundle, including a useful analyser.
• Brainworx – bx_cleansweep Free filtering goodness.
  Brainworx – bx_solo Mid/side processing tool.
• Digidesign – Structure Free – Free sampler.

  Digidesign – SignalTools – Metering and analysis.
  Digidesign – Xpand! – Sampler-performance instrument..
  Digidesign – D-Fi – Lo-fi sound designer.

  Digidesign/Bomb Factory – Free Bomb Factory Plug-ins – Bomb Factory plug-ins now free for Pro Tools users.
  Digidesign/TL Labs – TL Utilities – Metering and monitoring utilities.
  Digidesign/TL Labs – TL AutoPan – Panning effects.

• Elysia – Niveau Filter – Another filtering option for your arsenal.
• Flux – BitterSweet II – Transient designer with a sweet sound.
  Flux – Stereo Tool – Get your panning in order.
• FXpansion – Orca – Free synth with some good options.
  FXpansion – ClapOMatic – Not exactly essential, but an interesting addition.
• Izotope – Vinyl – Make your recordings sound like olde vinly.
• JK Plugs – JK-Pipe – Utility for Macs.
• Massey – Massey Tools – Massey RTAS plugins.
• Native Instruments – Kontakt Player – plays Kontakt sound packs.

  Native Instruments – Kore Player – Sadly discontinued, but still useful.
  Native Instruments – Reaktor Player – Plays Reaktor soundpacks.
  Native Instruments – Guitar Rig 4 Player – Guitar effects processor.

• Ohm Force – Frohmage – Cheesy filter sounds.
  Ohm Force – Cohmpost – For some sound decomposition.

  Ohm Force – Symptohm: Melohman PE – More synth fun.

• Prosoniq – NorthPole – 4 pole filter.
• PSP Audioware – PSP Vintage Meter – Metering.
• Sonoma Wire Works – DrumCore Free – Free drum kit action.
• SPL – Attacker – Transient designer.
• Studio Devil – Studio Devil BVC – Amp modeling.
• UVI Sound Source – UVI Workstation – Sample playback.
• ValhallaDSP – ValhallaFreqEcho – Frequency shifter and echo.

Some of these are actually demo or trial versions, but it’s a start.

Free RTAS Plugins From VST – Time To Wrap Up

If you really want to use VST plugins with your Pro Tools rig, there is a way – you can get yourself a wrapper program that acts as an interface between the VST and Pro Tools itself.

You can buy this program from FXpansion for about €75, and once it’s installed then you can call up your VSTs in Pro Tools just like you would your usual RTAS Plugins.

You can read about my experience with the Fxpansion wrapper program in this post about my VST to RTAS wrapping adventures.

The drum machine changed music. There’s no getting around it.

Every DAW software these days comes with some sort of sampler or drum machine built right in. They’ve become a pillar of modern music production.

But picking a sound can be tough when you have infinite possibilities at your fingertips.

That’s why these drum VST plugins are so great. They impose some limitations to help you corral the creative juices a bit.

So here’s the 10 best free drum VST plugins for making your drums pop.

1. T.REX 606

The name says it all. The T.REX 606 is a compact rompler modelled after the iconic Roland TR-606 drum machine.

The simple interface keeps things basic. Which is nice these days when so many VSTs are needlessly complicated.

It’s just volume, reverb and 7 classic sounds. Easy peasy.

Download it here for free

2. Djinndrum

The Linn LM-1 is a classic drum machine. It’s been used by everyone from Peter Gabriel, to Prince, to Michael Jackson.

But let’s face it, these days they’ve gotten a bit pricey for what they are.

No problem, The Djinndrum has you set for all that classic sound that the LM-1 packs in.

Download it here for free

3. Drum PRO

Drum Pro has 20 built in drum kits, 12 pads and global effects, what more do you need from a drum machine plugin?

The Drum Pro has you covered no matter what you’re making. Big EDM? Check. Techno? Check. Everything else you need for sweet drums? Check that too.

Download it here for free

4. Line of Legends

This plugin may not look as technical as others. But don’t let the looks of Line of Legends fool you.

This plugin boasts 47 high quality samples, 8 individual output channels, and punch, release & attack knobs for some serious tweakage.

Heads up: you may have to set up the output channels in your DAW if it’s only showing one channel. So check your DAW manual to figure out how.

Download it here for free

5. Sean Pandy Drums

Sean Pandy Drums is based on a sample pack made by heavy metal drummer Sean Pandy. So if you’re looking for a heavier drum sound on your mix, this VST will definitely give you it.

The ‘Sub Blower’ is especially good and certainly lives up to its name…

Download it here for free

6. KickMaker

2 of the most important elements in any track that thumps is the kick and bass. So they deserve some serious attention.

That’s what makes KickMaker so great. It’s a plugin built for crafting the perfect kick. So what’re you waiting for? Get kickin’.

Download it here for free

7. Beat Factory Drums

Beat Factory Drums is easy to use, sounds great, and packs a serious punch.

It has fully tweakable ADSR parameters so you can customize each and every kit to your sound. Not bad for a FREE plugin.

All you have to do is enter your email and that’s it.

Download it here for free

8. MT Power Drum Kit 2

MT Power Drum Kit 2 isn’t just a plugin for drums. In addition to top notch drum sounds that cut through any mix, it also has a fully pre-programmed groove library.

It’s wicked for composing your own patterns, or stringing together grooves for the drum accompaniment you need.

Download it here for free

9. Dub Turbo DrumTROOP

The DrumTROOP drum machine is big both in its sound and what it offers. It’s a powerful tool for everything from EDM to house and back again.

Their website calls it a “weapon of mass production.” I can’t really disagree with that. It’s definitely massive is every respect.

Download it here for free

Pro Tools Vst Folder

10. Single Cycle Vintage Drum Elements

Vintage Drum Elements has a nice, warm analogue sound that so many vintage drum machines have.

The 12 pad interface is easy to use and tweak, and the preloaded samples are all top notch.

Name your price or enter your email to grab it on the Single Cycle Bandcamp.

Audio Tools Vst

Download it here for free

Drumming up the perfect sound

Free Pro Tools Vst Plugins

Nothing beats a banging drum track. They’re the backbone of tons of top notch songs.

And the drum machine is a superb way to hone in on a specific sound for your tracks.

Free Vst Pro Tools 10.5

Vst Pro Tools 12

So grab these sweet plugs and program away!

Already set for drums? Grab some of our other favourite free VSTs.