Best String Machine VST Plugins
- Labs Synth Strings
- Nabla
- Cheeze Machine 2
- Deputy Mark II
- Horus
- Orpheus
- Horus mkII
- Performer Free
- easy-mr. stringer
- Surya
- Esline
- Strings Q3
- Orpheus II
- D-String
- Tapeotronic
Instructions: Click the links below to visit each String Machine VST plugin. Look around each website for the download link or button. Do not install suspicious apps.
1. Labs Synth Strings
LABS Synth Strings VST Plugin is a free string synthesizer created by the well-known Solina String Ensemble of the 70s, used on numerous popular disco and rock records.
It offers a range of textures – from soft and fuzzy to sharp and vibrant – all beautifully captured by Harry Wilson & Hannah Roberts-Owen in Spitfire HQ.
A range of sample modulation and processed pads are available, making the plugin suitable for anything from classic Herbie Hancock funk tracks to modern Blade Runner sci-fi soundscapes. This is one of my favorites on the list.
- Simple Interface
- Good Sound Quality
- Additional Filters
Website | PC / Audio Unit
2. Nabla String Machine VST Plugin
The Nabla plugin emulates the renowned KORG Delta DL-50 Strings Synthesizer of 1979.
Nabla features four band-limited frequency divider-driven signal generators, an additional noise generator, a 4-pole zero-delay feedback bandpass/lowpass filter, and more.
Nabla | PC & Mac Os
3. Cheeze Machine 2
Cheeze Machine 2 is an incredibly popular virtual instrument developed by Big Tick Audio and remastered by 2getheraudio. Known for its vintage sound, it provides over 60 patches of synth string ensembles, pads, leads, brass, basses, effects, and more.
Users can also access expanded oscillator controls, convolution reverb effects, and chorus controls. Cheeze Machine 2 offers 64-bit compatibility across VST, AU, AAX, and Standalone applications.
Features
- 60 patches
- Sounds: Synth string ensembles, pads, leads, brass, basses, effects, and more.
- Oscillators
- Convolution Reverb
Cheeze Machine 2 | PC & Mac
4. Deputy Mark II
The Deputy Mark II plugin is a powerful software instrument created for Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS that embodies the classic string instrument and early polyphonic synthesizer sound.
It offers a range of features like a polyphonic and monophonic synthesis, an ensemble effect, a phaser effect, flexible keyboard assignment, and more.
The poly section provides up to 61 voice polyphony and two band-limited frequency divider-driven oscillator banks with sawtooth/PWM waveforms, a 2-pole multi-mode filter per voice, and a global ADSR envelope for its modulations.
To top it all off, the Deputy plugin has a resonator bank with three zero-delay feedback filters.
Features
- Polyphonic and monophonic synthesis
- Ensemble and phaser effects
- 61 voice polyphony
- Two oscillator banks
- Resizable interface
Pros
- Classic string instrument sound
- Flexible keyboard assignment
- Supports Windows and macOS
- Control parameters with MIDI
Cons
- It may be complex for beginners
- Requires understanding of the synthesis
- Specific to string and poly sounds
Deputy Mark II | PC & Mac
5. Horus Strings Synthesizer
The Horus VST plugin is a powerful and versatile audio tool, allowing users to create creative and unique sounds. Combining strings with polysynth capabilities, Horus lets producers generate impressive pads with up to 64 voices of polyphony.
There are four available oscillators with numerous effects: chorus, auto-wah, static formant filter, LP filter, LFO (sine), phaser, and stereo delay. All these parameters can be tweaked with full MIDI learn features to control for easy customization.
Features
- 64 Voices
- 4 Oscillators
- Phaser
- Chorus
- Stereo Delay
- 1 LFO
Horus | PC
6. Orpheus
Orpheus by B Serrano gives you the sound of strings and organs in one handy instrument. It features two generators with three string types and an organ, as well as 128 voices of polyphony and unison mode.
There are also drift and mono features with portamento plus vibrato for added texture.
Orpheus includes three-band resonators with LFO control and randomize buttons, low/high EQ, chorus, delay, auto-pan, and tremolo – all of which come together to create authentic organ and string sounds.
Features
- 128 Voices Polyphonic
- 2 Generators
- 3 String Types + Organ
- Mono Mode
- Vibrato
- 3 Bands Resonators
- LFO
- Randomize Button
- Low & High EQ
- Chorus
- Delay
- Auto-Pan
- Tremolo
- Patch Management
Orpheus | PC
7. Horus mkII
The Horus mkII plugin is a remade version of the original Horus string machine, with added features such as waveform choice for Strings and LFO, a Phaser’s speed coefficient, Mono mode with portamento, Vibrato by Mod-wheel, Breath or pedal, and patch management.
Its basic technical specifications include 64 polyphonic voices, four oscillators ranging from 4′ to 32′, chorus effects including an Auto Wah, a Static Formant Filter LP filter, and one LFO with a phaser command and a stereo delay effect.
It also has full MIDI learn capability so that users can fully customize their experience.
- 64 Voices Polyphonic
- Mono Mode
- Vibrato Mod-Wheel
- 4 Oscillators
- Chorus Effects
- Static Formant Filter
- LP Filters
- Patch Management
- 1 LFO
- Phaser Effects
- Stereo Delay
- MIDI Learn
Horus mkII | Windows
8. Performer Free
Performer Free is a digital plugin replicating the classic vintage instrument, the Crumar Performer. It harnesses the power of physical modeling simulation technology to reproduce its sound accurately.
Available in VST2, VST3, and StandAlone format. This stripped-down version of the original plugin still offers top-notch performance while adapting to lower-resolution displays.
Performer Free | Linux
9. easy-mr. stringer
The Easy-Mr. Stringer plugin is a unique string synthesizer developed by easytoolz, boasting twelve voices and sixteen presets for ease of use.
It uses two oscillators with seventeen various string waves, five octave-tuning and level controls, two filters, one LFO with ADSR velocity modulation, Glide, Phaser, and Double Delay with Pan LFOs. Using a Mono/Poly mode, you can shape the sound to their preference and make captivating melodies.
- 16 Presets
- 12 Voices
- 2 Oscillators
- Octave Tuning
- 2 Filters
- 1 LFO
- OSC Tuning
- Phaser
- Double-delay
- ADSR
- VCA
- Mono/Poly Mode
- Glide
easy-mr. stringer | PC
10. Surya
Surya is a free string synthesizer created by Samsara Cycle Audio. It uses subtractive synthesis and two-step oscillators to produce warm, textured, and beautiful string sounds.
This plugin allows various effects like a 12dB filter, vibrato, Chorus, and Reverb to be layered over the strings. The user interface is intuitive and user-friendly, offering all the essential functions on one page with clear labeling to make navigating simple.
Surya | PC
11. Esline
The Esline VST plugin is a digital emulation of the vintage Arp Solina String Ensemble. It recreates the 6-voice polyphonic sound made popular during the late 70s and 80s, featuring strings, trumpets, horns, and more.
Along with 16 patches custom designed by Elektrostudio, Esline also features the Cello, Violin, Trumpet, Bass Viola, and Horn selectors for turning on monophonic bass triggered by your lowest key presses.
You can utilize MIDI learn features and audio effects such as phaser, echo, chorus, and more for extra flavor.
- 16 Patches
- Patches: Cello, Viola, Violin, Trumpet, Bass, Horn
- MIDI Learn
- Automation
- Phaser
- Echo
- Chorus
Esline | PC
12. Strings Q3
STRINGS Q3 is an exciting strings synth plugin that offers users a wealth of features to craft a unique sound experience.
The plugin comes with three sounds: Pads, Strings, and Orchestra. Combined with Attack and Release controls, three-band EQ, rotary, spatial, chorus, reverb, and full stereo.
- 3 Sound Patches
- Attack & Release Controls
- 3-Band EQ
- Chorus
- Reverb Controls
- Full Stereo
- Velocity Control
STRINGS Q3 | PC
13. Orpheus II
The Orpheus II Plugin is an impressive analog synthesizer that allows users to produce unique sounds. With two ensembles and an impressive 128-voice polyphonic capability, users also have access to unique features such as unison and drift control, vibrato, formants, three-band resonators, chorus, and delay.
There’s also a phaser, reverb, auto-pan, tremolo, and mod matrix to equip producers with everything they need to make their musical visions come alive.
The embedded patch management system makes saving the best sounds a breeze, while automatic bend and mono mode with portamento gives it versatility beyond measure.
- 128 Voice Polyphonic
- 3-Band Resonators
- 2 Ensembles
- Unison
- Auto Bend
- Mono Mode
- Vibrato
- Chorus
- Delay
- Phaser
- Reverb
- Tremolo
- Mod Matrix
- Patch Management
Orpheus II | PC
14. D-String String Machines
D-String is a free plugin from EFM that brings richness and complexity to various string machine instrumentation. One noteworthy feature is adding a slightly higher resonance value on the filter, which further adds depth and clarity to the sound generated.
D-String | Windows
15. Tapeotronic String Synths
Tapeotronic is a creative plugin from Elektrostudio featuring the emulation of a tape keyboard. It enables users to create lush string and choir sounds, as well as flute tones, easily.
With its 16 patches, users can play around with the knobs and apply bias tape sound effects for more variety. Even more impressively, Tapeotronic also includes MIDI learn / automation for greater control over your track and a truly unique sound.
Tapeotronic | PC
I hope you found this list of free string machine VST plugins helpful.
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