Here are the best free glitch VST plugins to add audio glitch effects and distortion effects to audio, such as drums, vocals, and instruments. I’ve included glitch plugins for Windows and Mac.
This roundup of free Glitch plugins includes a list of features, images, and videos.
What Is A Glitch VST Plugin? Glitch VST plugins allow you to apply glitch audio effects over audio, instruments, and vocals in your favorite VST-supported DAW. Audio glitches sound like audio errors, such as stutter, skip, hum, static noise, and other analog distortion effects. These effects can give the audio an analog vintage feel.
Best Glitch VST Plugins
From the hundreds of free VST plugins I’ve tested, these stand out as the best free Glitch VST plugins available online.
Instructions: Click the links below to visit each Glitch VST plugin. Look around each website for the download link or button. Do not install any suspicious software.
1. Fracture
Fracture is one of the most popular glitch VSTs. It is a plugin for Windows and Mac that allows you to create glitch sounds by manipulating audio samples.
It comes with a variety of glitch effects, such as stutter, skip, and digital distortion.
You can use Fracture to glitch audio in real-time or to glitch audio that has already been imported into your project. It is a great plugin for creating glitchy-sounding drums, vocals, and instruments.
Features:
- Buffer effect, filter, LFOs, and delay
- Scalable interface
- 100 Software presets
- Automation via DAW for precise control
Pros:
- Adds glitchy textures to music
- Versatile for electronic musicians and sound designers
- Works with Win/Mac, VST3/AU, 64bit
- Intuitive interface for easy use
Cons:
- Requires specific VST3/AU host software
- Limited compatibility with older operating systems
- It needs at least 4 GB RAM and a decent CPU
Fracture | PC 64-bit / Mac
2. Danaides
It comes with a variety of glitch effects, such as bit-crushing, time-stretching, and pitch-shifting. You can use Danaides to glitch your vocals, instruments, and beats in a live setting.
Features:
- Unique Parameters
- 2 LFOs
- Pre-Filter
- Driller
- Metalizer
- Reducer
- Presets
Danaides | PC & Mac
3. Krush
Krush is a glitch VST plugin for Windows and Mac that allows you to apply glitch audio effects over audio, instruments, and vocals in your favorite DAW.
The plugin has several controls that allow you to manipulate the glitch effect. I think this is one of the most popular free options online.
This Glitch VST plugin is a top pick of mine, attributed to its clean interface and wide variety of features.
Krush | PC & Mac
4. Therapy
Therapy is one of the best free glitch plugins available. It is a plugin for Windows that allows you to glitch audio in real-time.
Therapy comes with a variety of glitch effects, such as bit-crushing, time-stretching, and pitch-shifting. You can use Therapy to glitch your vocals, instruments, and beats in a live setting.
Therapy | PC
5. Fragmental
Fragmental is a glitch plugin for Windows that allows you to glitch audio in real-time. It comes with a variety of glitch effects, such as bit-crushing, distortion, and time-stretching.
You can glitch your samples using Fragmental. The plugin is easy to use and comes with a handy preset manager for quickly loading and saving your favorite settings.
If you need a glitch plugin with lots of distortion effects and mayhem, Fragmental is a great option, as it’ll let you apply glitch effects to audio in all sorts of crazy ways.
Fragmental | PC
6. Fire
This plugin comes with a variety of glitch effects, including stutter, bit-crush, and delay.
You can also use it to modulate your audio in a variety of ways, giving you even more flexibility in your sound.
Fire | PC & Mac
7. Cyclotron X2
You must have heard this plugin’s sounds in a lot of modern trap and hip-hop songs. It is one of the most popular glitch VSTs because of its high-quality sounds and easy-to-use interface.
It allows you to easily add glitch effects to your audio tracks with just a few clicks. Also, it has a lot of presets to choose from, which makes it perfect for any type of music production.
Cyclotron X2 | PC
8. Hysteresis
Most glitch plugins emulate some form of digital or analog glitch. Hysteresis is one such plugin that takes its inspiration from bit crushing and sample rate reduction.
It is one of the most versatile glitch software apps available, and its sounds can range from subtle to extreme. You can use it to add glitch audio effects to instruments and vocals or mangle entire mixes.
Features:
- Stutter Effects
- Filter FX
- Mod FX
- Delay
- Effect Presets
- Clean User Interface
Hysteresis | PC & Mac
9. BreadSlicer
BreadSlicer is a glitch software for Windows. It is a wave slicer that cuts up the waveform of an audio signal into slices and then re-assembles them in a different order. This can create glitchy effects, chopped rhythms, and abstract sounds.
BreadSlicer is one of the most popular glitch programs on the web. It’s easy to use and has a wide range of glitch sounds that can be produced.
BreadSlicer | PC / Mac / Linux
10. Glitch 2
Glitch 2 is another of the best glitch plugins available on the market. It is a free glitch effect plugin for Windows and Mac that lets you create stutter, glitch, and other analog distortion effects.
It comes with a large library of presets to get you started right away. It’s easy to use and has a very intuitive interface.
- MIDI Controller Support
- Tape Stop Controllers
- Modulator
- Randomise
- Templates
- Reverser
- Pattern Bank
- Crusher
- Gater
Glitch 2 | PC
11. Argotlunar Free Glitch VST
It’s a fairly basic plugin, but with a little bit of experimentation, you can create some amazing results.
It comes with a range of glitchy effects, including stutter, bit crushing, and distortion. It’s also great for creating unusual rhythms and soundscapes.
- Correction Matrix
- Grains
- Save & Load Presets
Argotlunar | PC / Mac / Linux
Commonly Asked Questions
What Is A Audio Glitch Effect?
Audio glitch effects are a type of sound design technique that is used to create an effect of a digital or analog data stream that has been corrupted.
This technique is often used in the field of music production, where it can be used to create an effect of malfunctioning electronics or digital devices. Audio glitch effects are also often found in video game audio and can be used to represent computer malfunctions, glitches, or other forms of corruption.
How Do You Make Your Voice Glitch?
One way to glitch your voice is to use a VST plugin. There are many glitch plugins available, both free and paid. Simply select the plugin you want to use and add it to your DAW. Then, start recording your voice and apply the glitch effects. You can also experiment with the parameters to get the desired effect.
What Is The Best Glitch VST Plugin?
Some of the best glitch plugins include BreadSlicer, Glitch 2, and Argotlunar. These plugins come with a wide range of glitchy effects that can be used to create stutter, chop, and other analog distortion effects. They’re also easy to use and have a very intuitive interface.
What Are The Best Uses For Glitch Effects?
Glitch effects can be used in a variety of ways. Some people use them to create glitchy beats, while others use them to glitch their voices or instruments.
Glitch effects can also be used to create unusual rhythms and soundscapes. The most common glitch effects include stutter, chop, and distortion.
I have covered some of the best free glitch plugins that offer a range of different effects, including stutter effects, tape stops, pitch shifters, and more.
One of the unique features of glitch software is that it often includes mutated functions that allow you to create many effects from just a few samples or MIDI notes. Using glitch apps can also help music producers and sound designers add a unique touch to their work.
The creative effects and audio degradation offered by glitch apps can help you create a glitchy sound that sets your work apart from others. Whether you use Ableton, Logic Pro, or FL Studio by Image Line, you can find a glitch plugin that suits your needs.
Finally, glitch plugins are not just an excellent tool for music producers and sound designers who want to add a unique sound to their work.
They can also be a great way to experiment with chord progressions, playback speeds, and other effects that you might not have tried before.
So experiment with the different glitch plugins and sample packs out there, and discover the unique sound that works best for you!
I hope you like this list of the best free audio glitch VST plugins.