Filters can be used for all sorts of things – the most common are to remove unwanted frequencies, create dynamics, enhance textures and generate rhythmic or moving elements. This post covers 5 free filter plugins with various filter types and modulation options, that without any financial investment, will make your next productions more compelling and dynamic.

Filtron

Filtron by Polyverse Music is the first of our free filter plugins featuring a 12dB state variable filter with low-pass, band-pass, and high-pass modes. Capable of self-oscillation at high resonance levels, it also includes a built-in saturation algorithm for a warm, fat sound, and an overdrive stage with two modes — “Cold” for aggressive distortion and “Hot” for a warmer, fuzzier tone. Filtron supports stereo modulation through control voltage (CV), making it compatible with external modulation sources and or through Polyverses own specisalised CV generator Gatekeeper.

TAL-Filter-2

TAL-Filter-2 by TAL Software is a host-synced filter with different filter types, designed to create dynamic modulation effects. Filter types you can modulate include low-pass (LP), band-pass (BP), high-pass (HP), along with panorama and volume modulation options.This makes it ideal for creating tremolo, trance gate effects, or stereo panning for more complex rhythms and sound design. The plugin features a super clean SVF filter with diode clipping, capable of self-oscillation, and includes a spline editor for precise control over modulation curves.

Filterjam

Filterjam by AudioThing is a free, multiband resonant filter plugin designed for creating unique filtering effects. It splits the audio signal into four bands that are then summed or multiplied together according to the selected mode. This is then processed through a multi-band resonant filter, which delivers weird ring-mod style sounds, and allows for unusual and creative sound manipulation. The result is a distinctive, vintage-style character that can range from subtle enhancements to extreme, experimental effects.

Filter

Filter by Kilohearts is as simple as it gets! Its easy-to-use, bare-bones interface gives you quick access to change a range of different filter types, filter cutoff, Q, gain and filter slope settings. If you’re looking for a lightweight, CPU-efficient and simple filter plugin with no-added-frills, then this is the one for you!

Filterstep

Filterstep by Audiomodern is a creative motion filter plugin designed to add rhythmic, sequenced movement and variation to your audio. It offers a step sequencer that modulates the filter’s cutoff, allowing you to create evolving, rhythmic filter patterns. The plugin features three filter types: low-pass, high-pass and band-pass with adjustable resonance and cutoff parameters. Filterstep also includes randomisation options for generating unpredictable sequences and a sync-to-tempo feature to ensure that the modulations stay in time with your project.

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