Here are the best free Linn Drum VST plugin alternatives for music producers looking for a vintage drum sound. This list includes free Linn Drum plugins for Windows and Mac.
In this roundup of free Linn Drum VST plugins, I’ve included features, images, and videos to see how the plugins work.
What Is A Linn Drum VST Plugin? A Linn Drum VST plugin is an emulation of the famous Linn Drum, a classic drum machine used extensively in the 1980s. The original Linn Drum, created by Roger Linn, was one of the first drum machines to use digital samples of acoustic drums, influencing the sound of pop, dance, and electronic music of that era.
Best Linn Drum VST Plugin Alternatives
I have downloaded hundreds of free VST plugins, and these are some of the best free vintage drum emulators online.
1. JM-1 Linn Drum VST
The JM-1 VST Plugin offers an authentic experience of the classic Linn drum machine in a convenient virtual format.
This plugin delivers rich, warm, and analog-like drum sounds without needing extra processing. It’s a perfect tool for music creators looking for that classic drum machine tone in their projects.
Although it operates in 32-bit and lacks automatic output channels, its quality and ease of use make it a great addition to any music production setup.
Features
- Virtual version of the classic Linn drum machine
- Produces rich, warm, analog-like drum sounds
- It does not require additional processing for sound quality
- Ideal for music creators seeking classic drum machine sounds
JM-1 | PC
2. T.REX 1982
T. Rex 1982 by Max Project is a processed LinnDrum rompler that brings the best of the past and present to your music.
It’s great for music genres like retrowave, vaporwave, and synth.
The 64-bit floating-point mastering ensures each beat is crisp and clear. Plus, it’s user-friendly with a cool vintage look.
- 16 classic sounds with individual volume and pan controls
- Master volume for overall sound adjustment
- Built-in algorithmic reverb for added depth
- “80s Plus” effect for a unique lowpass filter touch
- Designed with a vintage-style graphical user interface
- Optimized for genres like retro wave, vaporwave, and synth-wave
T.REX 1982 | PC / Mac / AU
3. SUB
The SUB plugin is a vintage analog drum module that brings classic drum sounds to life with the addition of a sub-frequency oscillator.
It’s great for music creators looking for that raw analog sound without relying on pre-recorded samples.
SUB offers a unique blend of 18 analog drum sounds combined with a sub-bass oscillator for added depth. Its mixer features pan and volume controls, allowing for precise sound shaping.
The scalable interface ensures a great experience on various screen sizes. Unlike sample-based virtual drum machines, this module uses synthesis for sound generation, giving you more control over the sound characteristics.
This plugin is ready to use with major DAWs like Cubase, Logic Pro, GarageBand, and more.
- Analog Drums module
- 18 Analog drum sounds
- Mixer with Pan and Vol
- HD Scalable interface
- No Sequencer included
- No extra purchases are needed
- Compatible with major DAWs
- MacOS and Windows compatible
- Approximately 35MB installed
- No library installation is required
SUB | PC & Mac
4. DJinnDrum
The DJinnDrum LM-1 VSTi is a straightforward and effective plugin for music creators looking to enhance their tracks with high-quality percussion sounds.
With its selection of diverse drum samples, you can find the perfect vintage drum sound to fit your music project.
The added pitch control feature allows for fine-tuning certain sounds, ensuring your drums sound just right in the mix.
Features
- Wide selection of drum samples
- Pitch control for fine-tuning sounds
- Available in 32-bit and 64-bit versions
- Compatible with Windows and Mac OS X
- It offers a dry sound for creative flexibility
- Requires additional EQ and compression for optimal sound
- Lacks “ride” and “crash” sounds, focusing on core drum elements
Plugin | PC & Mac
5. T-Rex 606
The T-Rex 606 offers a straightforward and efficient way to bring classic drum sounds into your music. It’s a digital rompler that replicates the iconic Roland TR-606 drum machine, providing musicians with an easy-to-use virtual instrument.
This VST is compatible with various operating systems and music production software, making it a versatile tool for creating beats.
The T-Rex 606 is simple to install and use, but users may need to manually place the VST file in their computer’s VST folder. Once installed, it integrates smoothly with music production software like Reaper, Cubase, and others.
This VST stands out for its authenticity, closely emulating the sound of the original TR-606.
It’s praised for its lightweight CPU usage, allowing for multiple instances to be run without significant strain on your system.
The built-in adjustable reverb adds depth and character to the seven classic drum samples.
While it doesn’t feature accents, round-robin sampling, or multiple outputs, the T-Rex 606 delivers a faithful reproduction of the TR-606’s iconic sounds, suitable for various music styles.
- Master volume control
- Reverb effect
- Seven classic drum samples
- Lightweight on CPU
- Compatible with various DAWs
- Simple installation process
- Authentic TR-606 sound emulation
- Adjustable reverb settings
T-Rex 606 | PC & Mac
6. The Drum Source
The Drum Source is a user-friendly and efficient drum machine that stands out for its use of high-quality samples.
The Drum Source comes equipped with a sequencer and an intuitive sample browser, allowing for seamless navigation through your drum samples.
You can hear your chosen sample instantly as you select it, streamlining the process of finding the perfect sound for your music. The sequencer remains active during sample selection, so you never lose your rhythm. The Drum Source is quick to set up, enabling you to dive right into crafting your beats without delay.
- Supports multiple sample formats, including WAV, AIFF, and FLAC
- Built-in sample browser for easy sample management
- 24 sequences available for intricate pattern creation
- Resizable GUI to fit your screen perfectly
- Each channel features controls for pan, volume, pitch, length, and swing
- Includes a high-quality sample package by Mats Lindfors
- Quick buttons for efficient sample navigation
- 12 individual output channels for each sample
- RUN mode for sequencer play independent of host playback
- SYNC mode for sequencer synchronization with the host
- MIDI mode for playing samples via a MIDI keyboard
- Clean and distraction-free interface with context menus for simplicity
Plugin | PC
7. Tromine GT
The Tromine GT drum VST plugin is a digital emulation of the iconic TR-808-style analog drum synthesizer. It’s crafted for music creators who appreciate the classic analog drum sounds.
The plugin features 16 analog drum synthesizers, including a diverse range from bass drums to open hi-hats, providing a rich palette of percussion sounds.
This tool is equipped with 9 separate outputs, allowing for detailed mixing and sound shaping.
It supports MIDI CC, enabling users to control it with external MIDI devices. Additionally, the Tromine GT offers automation support, making it easier to integrate dynamic changes into your music projects.
- 16 Analog drum synthesizers: Bass drum, Snare drum, Low tom / Low conga, Mid tom / Mid conga, High tom / High conga, Claves, Rimshot, Maracas, Handclap, Cowbell, Crash cymbal, Closed hi-hat, Open hi-hat
- 9 outputs for versatile mixing
- MIDI CC support for external control
- Automation support for dynamic music creation
- Crafted for replicating the TR-808 sound
- User-friendly interface for easy navigation
- Flexible for various music genres
- Ideal for both beginners and experienced music creators
Tromine GT | PC
8. SD 2100
The SD 2100 Virtual Drum Machine is a digital version of the classic Emu SP 1200 Beatbox, recreated by Acquit Music.
This software lets you craft beats with the iconic sound of one of the most beloved drum machines in music history.
The SD 2100 brings the unique feel and tone of the SP 1200 to your digital workspace, making it easier for music creators to add that classic touch to their tracks.
- Emulation of the Emu SP 1200 Beatbox
- Created by Acquit Music
- Delivers classic drum machine sounds
- Suitable for various music genres
- User-friendly interface
- Compatible with digital audio workstations
- It helps add a vintage touch to modern tracks
SD 2100 | PC
9. Roland TR707
The Roland TR707 Drum Machine VST Plugin is a 16-sample drum kit recorded from the Roland TR707 virtual drum machine.
- LP filter
- Chorus Controls
- Distortion Effects
- Synch delay
TR707 | PC
10. RVK-808
The RVK-808 is a dynamic drum machine designed to replicate the iconic TR-808 sounds.
This tool is packed with 272 high-quality samples, allowing for a diverse range of drum sounds. With 17 different drum kits included, users have ample choices to explore and create unique drum sequences.
Features
- 272 high-quality samples
- 17 different drum kits
- Assignable outputs
- MIDI compatible
- User-friendly interface
- Ideal for live performances
- Supports a wide range of music genres
RVK-808 | PC & Mac
I hope you found this list of free Linn drum VST plugin alternatives helpful. They are great free alternatives to the classic drum machine.
