Here are the best free cello VST plugins to use with your favorite digital audio workstation. We have included Cello plugins that work with Windows and Mac computers.
What Is A Cello VST Plugin?
A Cello VST plugin is a virtual instrument that allows you to add the sound of a cello to your music. It can be used to create classical music or add accents and texture to modern pop and rock songs.
These plugins come with various features and settings that allow producers to play them without any prior experience with cello instruments easily.
You can use these cello plugins for popular music production programs like FL Studio, Ableton Live, and Cubase.
Explore our comprehensive list of free VST plugins and discover new sounds.
Best Cello VST Plugins
Check out the list to find the best cello VST plugins you can download for free. These cello plugins are compatible with Windows and Mac computers.
- Sonatina Cello
- Cellofan
- DSK Overture
- The Free Orchestra
- VSCO 2
- Amplified Cello Quartet
- DSK Strings
- Cello Freebie
- DSK Virtuoso
- Karoryfer x bigcat Cello
- pocketBlakus Cello
- LABS Cello Moods
- Real Cello Mayhem
- Intimate Strings LITE
Instructions: Click the links below to visit each Cello VST plugin. Look around each website for the download link or button. Do not install any suspicious software.
1. Sonatina Cello
Sonatina Cello is a sampled cello with an incredibly realistic sound. The four groups of samples: solo cello, celli sustain, celli staccato, and celli pizzicato, have been edited from the Sonatina Symphonic Orchestra sample library, and they sound fantastic.
If you’re looking for a cello VST plugin that sounds realistic and is easy to use, Sonatina Cello is a great option. It will add a touch of realism to your music that most cello VST plugins simply cannot achieve.
- Celli Staccato
- Solo Cello
- Celli Sustain
- Celli Pizzicato
Sonatina | Windows / Mac
Sonatina Cello Preview
2. Cellofan
Cellofan is a cello VST plugin of which there aren’t many in the world. It provides cellists with attack and release controls for sound production, and slide for expressive qualities.
You’ll be able to use this instrumental as an addition to any cellist’s arsenal or as the primary tool while playing cello as a solo act. If you are a cellist, you owe it to yourself to check out this cello VST plugin.
- Attack
- Release
- Slide
Plugin | Windows
3. DSK Overture
DSK Overture is a cello VST plugin that comes with four layers and a wide range of features. It includes an amp envelope, MIDI channel selector, panorama control, level control, gain control, filter amp envelope, MIDI automation, and velocity response.
Additionally, the plugin comes with effects such as reverb, delay, and chorus. These features make it an excellent cello VST plugin for those looking for a comprehensive and versatile cello sound.
The plugin offers realistic cello sounds and can be used for a wide range of music genres. You can use the cello sound in classical, jazz, rock, pop, and more. This cello plugin is also great for film and game scoring.
DSK Overture is one of the best free cello VST plugins if you are looking for a versatile and comprehensive cello sound. It is sure to meet your cello needs and provide you with high-quality cello sounds.
- 40 Instruments
- Amp Envelope
- Panorama Control
- Multimode Filter
- Filter Amp Envelope
- Audio Effects: Reverb, Chorus, Delay
- Midi Automation
- Velocity Response
DSK Overture | Windows
4. The Free Orchestra
The Free Orchestra plugin is a must-have for any cellist, cello enthusiast, or cello player. It includes a cello, an amplifier, and a cello library. The cello library is full of different cellos to choose from, each with its unique sound.
The cello amplifier gives you the ability to control the volume and tone of your cello, and the cello plugin is exceptionally user-friendly. You can even create your cello sound with the cello editor.
- 12 Cinematic Instruments
- 1 GB Library Size
- Soft String Sounds
- Easy-To-Use Interface
- Works with Free Kontakt Player
The Free Orchestra | Windows / Mac
5. VSCO 2
VSCO 2 is one of the best cello VST plugins available. It was initially released as raw samples. Over the years, many individuals and companies have created variations on VSCO 2.
VSCO 2 is an excellent plugin for cellists looking to create professional-sounding cello tracks. It’s easy to use and provides a wide range of cello sounds, making it perfect for cellists of all levels.
If you’re looking for a cello VST plugin with great sound quality and easy use, then VSCO 2 is your plugin. It will become one of your go-to cello plugins for all your cello tracks.
- 3 GB of Samples
- 3,152 Samples
- Cello Section
- Concert Harp
- Solo Violin
- Violin Section
- Viola Section
- Solo Contrabass
VSCO 2 | Windows
6. Amplified Cello Quartet
Amplified Cello Quartet is one of the best cello plugins out there. It was recorded by Christian Henson Harry Wilson, with the celli in one room and the amps in another.
The amps were driven incredibly hard, allowing you to turn your strings up to 11. You can also use effects pedals to get the sound you want. This plugin is excellent for beginners and pros alike.
If you’re looking for a cello plugin that will give you the best sound possible, this is for you. It is sure to provide you with hours of enjoyment.
Amplified Quartet | Windows / Mac
7. DSK Strings
DSK Strings is a powerful cello VST plugin with two layers and 22 waveforms. The cello comes with effects like delay and flanger that can be controlled with MIDI automation. You can select an octave and use the micro-detuner for fine-tuning.
If you’re looking for a cello VST plugin that is simple to use and sounds great, then DSK Strings is a good option. It will add a lot of depth and richness to your cello tracks.
- 2 Instrument Layers
- 22 Waveforms
- Octave Select
- Micro-Detuner
- Delay & Flanger Effects
- MIDI Automation
- 4 Instrument Groups
DSK Strings | Windows
8. Cello Freebie
This is a cello VST with a 1,372 sample pool and 4 round robins. This allows for the cello to be played with a more realistic and human feel, as each time the cello is played, the sound will be slightly different.
This cello VST is easy to use and great for beginners and pros alike. It has a realistic and natural sound, making it perfect for those who want to add a cello to their music without hiring a cello player.
Cello Freebie is one of the best cello VST plugins available if you’re looking for a realistic human cello sound. It will add a new dimension to your music that you never knew was possible.
Plugin | Windows
9. DSK Virtuoso
DSK Virtuoso is a must-have plugin for cellists, composers, and producers looking to get the perfect cello sound. It features 40 cello instruments in 6 categories with ADSR, level, and pan controls.
You can also assign each layer to a different MIDI channel, making it easy to create cello parts that sound realistic and lifelike. It will quickly become one of your go-to cello VST plugins.
The plugin also has two send effects (chorus & delay) and one master reverb effect, giving you even more control over your cello sound. The velocity response feature is also nice, ensuring that your cello parts sound natural and realistic.
- 6 Instrument Layers
- Assignable MIDI Channel
- ADSR Controls
- Level & Pan Controls
- 40 Instruments
- 6 Categories
- Chorus & Delay Effects
- 1 Master Reverb
- Velocity Response
DSK Virtuoso | Windows
10. Karoryfer x bigcat Cello ( Kontakt)
This is a cello VST plugin with an extensive range of features. The cello sounds realistic, and the sustains and pizzicato are convincing. The plugin has four velocity layers that respond to how hard they’re struck or plucked against strings in different ways, which helps make them sound more realistic.
The staccato is also sampled with four round robins to avoid repetition, and the vibrato and legato controls are well-scripted. The plugin also includes harmonics, slides, and percussive noise samples.
This is one of the best free cello VST plugins if you’re looking for a realistic cello sound. Adding a cello VST to your music can add a lot of depth and realism. Most other VST plugins don’t come close to providing the same level of detail and realism. If you’re looking for a way to add some extra richness and realism to your music, this cello plugin is definitely worth considering.
Karoryfer | Windows / Mac
11. pocketBlakus Cello ( Kontact )
This is a free cello VST plugin that can be used in any DAW to give your cello tracks a real human feel. It was recorded with a Rode K2 valve mic, and it comes with two patches – a “legato” patch for long sustained notes and a spiccato patch for short, choppy notes.
The spiccato patch has one dynamic layer with velocity-controlled dynamics to control phrase expression reasonably. Unconnected notes give an “on the bow” staccato feel, whereas connected notes give a more airy “off the bow” sound.
The library was recorded dry, so you can add your reverb to give the cello your own sound. This free cello VST plugin is an excellent option if you’re looking for a realistic and human cello sound.
PocketBlakus | Windows
12. LABS Cello Moods
Cello Moods is a powerful plugin that allows you to transform your music with the dynamic sounds of cellist Alice Allen. With four unique moods to choose from, you can easily create the perfect sound for your projects.
Cello Moods is focused and easy to use, featuring slider controls for expression, dynamics and a knob that can be customized to a musician’s workflow.
- 4 Moods
- Cello Dynamics
- Clutter-Free Interface
Labs | PC / Mac
13. Real Cello Mayhem ( Kontact )
Real Cello Mayhem is the perfect way to add atmosphere and beauty to your tracks.
This free Kontakt library is simple to use but provides a variety of sounds that will result in energetic and intriguing tracks.
The four different recordings provide solo dry, dry stereo, drop it low, and six cello patches that give you a wide range of options to work with.
Plus, all of the samples are royalty-free so use them in your tracks without worry.
Free cello library for the Native Instruments Kontakt Player.
- Royalty-Free Cello Samples
- 6 Different Cello Recordings
- Solo Dry
- Dry Stereo
Real Mayhem | PC / Mac
14. Intimate Strings LITE ( Kontact )
Intimate Strings Lite comes with four virtuoso string players, each lending their own unique, expressive voice to the mix. Whether you use it as a standalone instrument or to supplement other string sounds, you get the sound of a string quartet for free.
With three round robin neighbor borrowing and true legato, this library gives you unparalleled realism and flexibility in your music. So why not add a little class to your tracks today? Download Intimate Strings Lite.
- 4 Virtuoso String Players
- Custom Kontakt Scripting
- 3 NKI Files
- 718 WAV Files
Intimate Strings LITE | PC / Mac
What Is The Best Cello VST Plugin?
The best cello VST plugin is the one that meets your specific needs. If you’re looking for a realistic cello sound, then any of the plugins on this list will work great.
But if you’re looking for a cello VST with a more human feel, then Cello Freebie or Karoryfer x bigcat Cello ( Kontakt ) are your best bet.
No matter what cello VST plugin you choose, you’re sure to add depth and realism to your music that you never knew was possible.
So go ahead and download one of these plugins today and see for yourself how they can take your cello music projects to the next level.
What Is the Best Solo Cello VST For Cello Sounds?
The best-paid solo cello VST plugins are Spitfire Solo Strings, Spitfire Solo Cello, Chris Hein Solo Cello, and the Contemporary Soloist. Sonatina Cello, Cellofan, and the Real Cello Mayhem Kontact library are the best free options.
But the answer to this question depends on what you are looking for in a Solo Cello VST. Some important factors to consider might be the sound quality, the range of articulations and playing styles that the VST can capture, and how easy it is to use.
But the solo cello VST plugins mentioned will give you some great cello sounds.
What Is A Cello?
A Cello is a bowed string musical instrument that belongs to the violin family. It is typically played as part of an orchestra or chamber music group. The cello has four strings and is generally tuned in fifths, starting with C-G-D-A.
The cello is held upright between the legs of the seated player, and bow hair is drawn across the strings to produce sound.
How to Use Cello Plugins
Using a cello VST plugin to create music can be a great way to get that deep, rich sound that you may be looking for. Here are a few tips on how to get started:
1. Start by exploring the different sounds and presets that are available with the cello VST plugin. You may find some preset combinations that you really like and that work well together. Experimenting with different sounds is part of the fun of creating music, so don’t be afraid to try out new things!
2. Once you’ve found a few sounds that you like, start thinking about how you want to arrange them. What parts will the cello play? How will the other instruments complement the cello? Arranging your sounds is an integral part of creating a great piece of music.
3. Once you have your arrangement worked out, it’s time to start recording! Most cello VST plugins will let you record directly into your digital audio workstation. This makes it easy to get a great sound without having to worry about setting up microphones or anything like that. Just hit record and let your creativity flow! Consider layering multiple string instruments to help make your music project sound more realistic.
4. After recording your cello tracks, it’s time to add the finishing touches. This is where you can really bring your music to life with things like effects and EQ. Play around with different settings until you get the sound you’re looking for.
5. Finally, don’t forget to save your work! Once you’ve got a great-sounding track, you’ll want to be able to share it with the world. Your DAW program will let you export your tracks as WAV or MP3 files, so make sure to choose a format that will be compatible with your digital audio workstation.
Now that you know how to use cello VST plugins, create some beautiful music!
In conclusion, the cello is a beautiful instrument with a signature sound that has been utilized in classical music for centuries.
Thanks to modern technology, virtual instruments, and string plugins can now offer realistic and rich tones that accurately replicate the sonic variations of a solo cello.
With multiple articulations, dynamic layers, and convolution reverb, these virtual cello instruments can be used to create solo strings in modern styles or as part of orchestral libraries.
Whether you’re a professional cellist or a music producer, a cello library is a must-have in your virtual library for creating stunning and realistic stringed instruments.
These free cello plugins are excellent free alternatives to paid cello plugins like Emotional Cello by Best Service, Bohemian Cello, Spitfire Solo Strings, Spitfire Solo Cello, SWAM Cello by Audio Modeling, Chris Hein Solo Cello, Contemporary Soloist, and Tina Guo Acoustic Cello Legato by Cinesamples.
Cellos are a great addition to any type of music. They provide a deep, rich sound that can really set the mood for your song.
We hope you found this list of free Cello VST plugins helpful.
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