14 Best FREE Ethnic VST Plugins For 2024!

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.

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.