Here are the best free Ethnic VST plugins for music producers looking for sounds inspired by cultures around the world.
In this roundup of free ethnic VST plugins, I’ve included features, images, and videos for you to see how the plugins work.
What Is An Ethnic VST Plugin? An Ethnic VST plugin is a virtual instrument that replicates the sounds and instruments of various global cultures. Ethnic virtual instruments allow you to emulate instruments from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and other regions.
Best Ethnic VST Plugins
- MONSTER Ethnica
- DSK Indian DreamZ
- Medicine Bell
- DSK Asian DreamZ
- Syntar
- Varazuvi Indian Flute
- World StringZ
- Thumb Piano
- Kalimba
- Cloudrum
- SIM-GYIL
- Nu Guzheng
- Zourna
- SIM-MIJWIZ
I have downloaded hundreds of free VST plugins, and these are some of the best ethnic options.
Instructions: Click the buttons to visit each ethnic VST. Look around each website for the download link or button. Do not install any suspicious software.
1. MONSTER Ethnica
Monster Ethnica is a free virtual plugin for those who want to add diverse world instrument sounds to their music tracks.
This plugin lets you discover a variety of global ethnic instruments with excellent sound quality. Experience the sounds of the Indonesian Gamelan, the deep resonance of African percussion, and the captivating Scottish Bagpipes.
Although it mainly features Indonesian instruments, it invites contributions of ethnic instruments from around the world. This enriches its library for international artists.
Features
- Includes a wide variety of world instruments
- Incorporates melodies from the Indonesian Gamelan
- Regularly updated with new sounds
- Contains complimentary music samples donated by musicians
Pros
- Plenty of worldwide instruments are available
- Delivers excellent sound quality
- Frequently updated with new sounds
- Free samples of Indonesian instruments
Cons
- Primarily focuses on Indonesian instruments
- Depends on instrument donations for library growth
View Website | Windows / Mac
2. DSK Indian DreamZ
The DSK Indian DreamZ offers a unique set of features designed for music creators. The software features six Indian instruments: the Sitar, Sarod, Veena, Tar, Tampura, and Tabla.
Music creators can explore an Amp envelope and micro-detuner function. This feature allows for sound adjustments and fine-tuning to suit individual preferences.
Features
- 6 Indian instruments
- Velocity response
- Amp envelopes
- Includes Micro-Detuner
- Incorporates Highpass and Lowpass Filters
Pros
- Includes 6 distinct Indian instruments
- Offers velocity response
- Amp envelope and micro-detuner
- Highpass/Lowpass filter
- MIDI automation support
Cons
- Restricted to just Indian instruments
- Lacks information on compatibility
Indian DreamZ | Windows
3. Medicine Bell
The Medicine Bell stands out as a versatile chime and bell instrument known for its flexibility. It produces a wide array of sounds.
You can create unique sounds by adjusting the impact, wave strength, and speed settings.
Features:
- Chime and Bell Instrument Design
- Wide Sound Range
- Suitable for a Broad Range of Notes
- Capable of Producing Chime Effects
- Ideal for Ambiance and Lead Sounds
- Deep Waves in Lower Octaves
- Adjustable Impact and Wave Strength
- Speed Control
Download Here | Windows / Mac
4. DSK Asian DreamZ
The DSK Asian DreamZ is a musical tool that offers seven Asian instruments. These are Pipa, Pipa tremolo, Luan, Guzhen, Erhu, Ban di, and a percussion kit.
The plugin reacts to the intensity of your touch (velocity response) and includes handy features such as an amp envelope and tuning enhancements.
If you want to adjust sounds, this tool offers high and low pass options (HP/LP Filter).
Features:
- Offers 7 Asian instruments
- Contains Pipa, Pipa tremolo, Luan, Guzhen, Erhu
- Equipped with velocity response feature
- Comes with an amp envelope and micro-detuner
- Features HP/LP Filter
- Allows MIDI automation
- Customizable instrument sounds
Asian DreamZ | Windows
5. Syntar
The Syntar is a VST instrument specializing in delivering top-notch sitar sounds. With continuous bass notes and a higher melody line, you can achieve excellent results.
The Syntar also boasts built-in soft distortion, delay, and flanger effects.
- Sitar sound features
- Continuous bass notes
- Higher melody line feature
- Built-in soft distortion
- Included delay effects
- Available flanger effects
- Easy sound adjustment
Find Out More | Windows
6. Varazuvi Indian Flute
The Varazuvi Indian Flute is an excellent tool, ideal for music creators. The plugin accurately captures and delivers authentic sounds of an Indian Flute in high resolution.
You can take complete control over parts like attack, decay, sustain, release, volume, and reverb, making them match their preferred sound.
- Authentic Recordings of an Indian Flute
- Control over various sound parts
- High resolution for a dynamic experience
- Two octaves of layered tracks
- Three diverse playing styles
- 24 Bit 48khz sample rates
- Six varying effects
- Allows for diverse and realistic sounds
View Website | Windows
7. World StringZ
The Varazuvi Indian Flute is an excellent tool, ideal for music creators. The plugin accurately captures and delivers authentic sounds of an Indian Flute in high resolution.
You can take complete control over parts like attack, decay, sustain, release, volume, and reverb, making them match their preferred sound.
- Authentic Recordings of an Indian Flute
- Control over various sound parts
- High resolution for a dynamic experience
- Two octaves of layered tracks
- Three diverse playing styles
- 24 Bit 48khz sample rates
- Six varying effects
- Allows for diverse and realistic sounds
Find Out More | Windows
8. Thumb Piano
The Thumb Piano is a distinctive musical instrument from Africa, also recognized as the Mbira.
The plugin creator has personally recorded, edited, and tailored each musical note specifically for this tool. It comes with extra sound-crafting instruments like ADSR, chorus, and pitch shifter to increase versatility.
- ADSR controls
- Chorus feature
- Pitch shifter
View Website | Windows
9. Kalimba
The plugin offers 8 layers of processed Kalimba sounds. These different versions provide quick access to a broad selection of colors, tones, and results in music.
The ESW Kalimba comes with 20 distinct and creatively formulated presets. These can spark pure creativity across various music styles.
The plugin also presents 20 handcrafted presets. These are designed to inspire your creative thinking process and music production.
- Features 8 Layers of Processed Kalimba Sounds
- Comes with 20 Distinct Presets
Kalimba | Windows / Mac
10. Cloudrum
The Cloudrum provides a calming and distinct sound through its steel tongue drum structure, which covers a three-octave range.
The plugin offers dual microphone positions, with settings available for both stereo and mono modes.
The Cloudrum features a Customized Parameters Control (CPC), which allows any controller to be adjusted through MIDI CC or Automation.
- Three-Octave Range
- Dual Microphone Positions, Stereo and Mono Mode Options
- Includes Open, Mute, Opened Release, Muted Release for Articulation
- MIDI CC For Automation
- Different Samples at Left & Right Channels
Get Details | Windows / Mac
11. SIM-GYIL
The SIM-GYIL replicates the sound of the African Gyil instrument.
This version of a xylophone works by using dried gourds as sound resonators.
The SIM-GYIL can adjust the sound model for a varied selection of instrument simulations with the included presets.
- Replicates African Gyil Instruments
- Uses Sound of Dried Gourds
- Incorporates Buzzing Sound
- Produces Distinct Sound due to Percussive Quality
- Contains Presets
Get Details | Windows / Mac
12. Nu Guzheng
The Nu Guzheng is a musical plugin instrument that utilizes sound samples from the Guzheng, a traditional Chinese string instrument.
The recording process used advanced Blue Spark condenser microphones, resulting in a clear, authentic sound. This sound was initially recorded in high-quality 32-bit and, after that, reduced to 24-bit for the plugin version.
The Nu Guzheng provides a single Guzheng instrument sound with five diverse sound variations. It carries features like a multi-LFO and a highpass/lowpass filter. It also encompasses amplitude range controls.
- Guzheng Instrument Sound
- 5 Sound Variations
- Multi-LFO
- Highpass Filter
- Lowpass Filter
- Sound Effects: Distortion, Delay, Chorus, Reverb
- Amplitude Range Controls
- Voice Modes: Polyphonic, Monophonic, Legato
Nu Guzheng | Windows / Mac
13. Zourna
The Zourna is a downloadable plugin for musicians and music producers. This unique tool can be adjusted to play quarter tones.
Zourna | Windows
14. SIM-MIJWIZ
The SIM-MIJWIZ is a synthesizer that replicates the sound of an Arabic wind instrument. It can also mimic the Arghul and Sipsi.
The plugin also allows you to select from a huge variety of tones, giving you a broad range of choices.
- Replicates the Arabic Wind Instrument
- Works for Arghul and Sipsi Simulation
- A broad selection of tones is available
SIM-MIJWIZ | Windows
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Ethnic VST Plugins?
These are specific types of VST plugins that mimic the sound and characteristics of musical instruments from different ethnicities worldwide, helping musicians incorporate global sounds into their musical projects.
Why Use Ethnic VST Plugins?
Ethnic VST plugins provide a way for musicians and producers to add a unique and authentic touch to their music by introducing traditional sounds and rhythms from different cultures worldwide.
Are These Ethnic VST Plugins Compatible with All DAWs?
While most standard DAWs tend to support VST plugins, it is always recommended to check the individual compatibility of each plugin with your specific DAW, as there can be exceptions.
I hope you found this rundown of free Ethnic VST plugins useful for your music projects.
