Here are the best free Handpan VST plugins for Windows and Mac. We have put together video demos, feature lists, pros, cons, and plugin ratings.
How we rate plugins: We rate each handpan plugin based on sound quality, design/interface, performance, features, usability, and compatibility.
Table of Contents
Free Handpan VST Plugins
| Plugin | Quick Summary | OS | Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ample Cloudrum | Realistic and relaxing | Windows / Mac | |
| Virtual Handpan | 57 Playable Notes | Windows / Mac | |
| Sim Handpan | Custom tuning controls | Windows | |
| H-Drum | Amp and filter envelopes | Windows |
Related: Free Percussion VST Plugins
I have spent over 15 years testing and comparing hundreds of free and paid VST plugins, supported by hands-on demos on our YouTube channel with 11,000+ subscribers.
1. Ample Percussion Cloudrum
The Ample Percussion Cloudrum is a Steel Tongue Drum plugin that produces relaxing tones.
This plugin offers two microphone positions, offering both stereo and mono modes. The Cloudrum includes four types of articulation and a Customized Parameters Control feature. Which allows you to control any controller with MIDI CC or automation.
Audio Demo
Features
- Steel Tongue Drum With 3-Octave Range
- Size: 760 MB
- Two Mic Positions: Stereo and Mono Modes
- Open, Mute, Opened Release, Muted Release Articulations
- MIDI CC & Automation
- OS: Windows & Mac
Rating
Pros
- Unique Steel Drum Sounds
- Offers a range of 3 octaves
- 2 Microphone positions for a variety
- Several articulation options
- Enhances repetitive notes
Cons
- Large file sizes
- Limited to 3 octaves
Hands-On Demo
This video shows how to use the free Cloud Drum instrument from Ample Sound and highlights its built-in effects and great default sound. It also demonstrates a simple trick for adding attack transients to Serum plucks for extra character and punch.
2. Virtual Handpan
The Virtual Handpan is a special plugin. It mimics the calming, harmonic sound of a handpan. It contains 57 playable notes, far more than a standard handpan 9-note limit.
This plugin not only imitates the sound of a handpan, but also offers features such as various audio effects, volume controls, and 3 voice modes.
Audio Demo
Features
- Melodic Percussion Instrument
- Used for Relaxation & Meditation
- 57 Playable Notes
- Multi-LFO
- High-pass & Low-pass Filter
- 3 Voice Modes
Rating
Pros
- Unique, artistic, meditative sounds
- Expands the standard handpan’s range
- 4 effect types
- Standalone version available
Cons
- User experience may differ by Os
- Only one handpan sound is sampled
- Requires some learning
- Requires updated Kontakt software
- Not all functions are available in every version
Hear It for Yourself
Update: This plugin has changed from being free, to costing $1 by the developer.
3. H-drum
The H-Drum is a virtual hang drum plugin designed for producers. It provides amp and filter envelopes, control of velocity, and a tone set for sound quality tweaks.
With H-Drum, you can select your MIDI channel. You can also set the bend range, host sync vibrato, and delay options. It also offers a tuning feature and MIDI learning controls.
Features
- Amp & Filter Envelopes
- Velocity Control
- Tone Section
- MIDI Channel Select
- Bend Range Select
- Host Sync Vibrato Section
- Host Sync Delay Section
Rating
Pros
- Controls to change tone and shape
- Velocity changes the sound
- Includes vibrato & delay that sync
- MIDI learn & tuning options
- Small file size
Cons
- Only works on Windows 32-bit
- Some users say it sounds fake
- Some users report crashes
- Not very realistic compared to sampled hand drums
Audio Preview
Here is a short preview to check out how the plugin sounds.
4. SIM-HANDPAN
The Sim-Handpan is a synth handpan plugin by Quilcom. With Sim-Handpan, music producers can create handpan melodies in their favorite music software.
Features
- Good selection of sound controls
- Comes as 32-bit and 64-bit VST versions
- Small file size
- Select custom tuning and notes
- GU Port: Decay, Pitch, Bend
Rating
Pros
- Flexible tuning options
- Low CPU usage
Cons
- Windows only
- Users report stability issues
Sound Demo
This video shows the features, sound design options, and playability of the plugin, showing how it simulates handpan techniques, scales, harmonics, and resonances.
Handpan Plugins Compared
| Plugin Name | Ample Cloudrum | Virtual Handpan | Sim Handpan | H-Drum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Score | ||||
| OS | Windows / Mac | Windows / Mac | Windows | Windows |
| Download Size | 651 MB | 38 MB | 28 MB | 33 MB |
| Developer | Ample Sound | Sample Science | Quilcom | Samsara Cycle Audio |
| MIDI Learn | Yes | Yes | ||
| Formats | VST, AU, RTAS | VST, VST3, AU | VST | VST |
| 64-bit? | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Effects Included | Distortion, delay, chorus, reverb | Delay | ||
| Features / Controls | 2 Mic positions, 4 Articulations | Amplitude ADSR, Amp Range, Multi-LFO, Filters, Glide, Tune, 3 voice modes | Key, Stretch, Width, Strike, Decay, Pitch | Amp and filter envelopes, Bend Range, Tune, Pan, Velocity Control, Sync Delay |
| Sample-Based? | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Standalone? | No | No | No | No |
Our Favorite Handpan Plugin
Our top pick for the best free handpan plugin is Ample Cloudrum by Ample Sound. It offers the most realistic sound, helpful controls, and it’s available for both Windows and Mac.
| Plugin | OS | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ample Cloudrum | Our Top Pick! | Windows / Mac |
How to Use Handpan Plugins
Here are 6 tips for using a handpan plugin for music production:
- Explore Presets: Start by exploring the built-in presets of the handpan VST. These presets can give you a quick idea of the range of sounds and tones the plugin can produce.
- Adjust Velocity Sensitivity: Handpans have a wide dynamic range. Adjusting the velocity sensitivity in the VST can help you mimic the nuanced playstyle of a real handpan player.
- Layering: Layer the handpan VST with other instruments such as pads or strings to create a fuller, more textured sound. This can enhance the ambient and meditative qualities of your music.
- Experiment with Effects: Apply reverb, delay, and other effects to the handpan sounds. Subtle use of effects can enhance the handpan’s natural resonance.
- MIDI Mapping: Take advantage of MIDI mapping to assign different notes or scales to your MIDI controller. This can make it easier to play the handpan plugin in a way that feels intuitive and expressive.
- Automation: Use automation to vary the intensity and dynamics of the handpan sounds throughout your track. Gradual changes in volume, pan, and effects can add movement to your tracks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Handpan VST Plugins?
Handpan VST plugins emulate the sound of the handpan musical instrument. A percussive instrument known for its ethereal, calming sounds. You can install these plugins in music software to add handpan sounds to music projects.
Why Are Handpan VST Plugins Useful for Music Production?
Handpan plugins allow music creators to add handpan sounds to their music without having to learn or buy a real handpan instrument. It also provides the flexibility to tweak the sound in ways that would be difficult or impossible with a physical handpan.
What Music Genres Are Handpan VST Plugins Typically Used For?
The handpan’s ambient sound makes it great for a wide range of music genres. This includes meditation, chill-out, ambient, new-age, world music, and even pop.
I hope you found this list of handpan plugins helpful. Experiment with the different options to see which ones best meet your needs.
