April 2022 has been a good month for musicians on a tight budget, thanks to several companies' release of some free software. Some of these are entirely free, while others are only free for a limited amount of time. Check out the roundup below for details on what is available and where to get them while they are still free.

Software: Augmented Strings Intro

Free Until: April 30th, 2022

Link: https://www.arturia.com/products/software-instruments/augmented-strings-intro/overview

Arturia has released a dynamic hybrid string instrument, called Augmented STRINGS Intro, that can be downloaded free until April 30th, 2022. It features two sound layers within each preset, two sound sources per layer, and a detailed string sample library. The samples were captured using 22 musicians who performed as soloists and as an ensemble. Over 60 articulations were captured across double bass, cello, viola, and violin using world-class microphones and preamps in various positions.

According to Arturia, Augmented STRINGS Intro combines rich sampled strings with state-of-the-art synthesis and provides modern produces with immediate access to a comprehensive range of authentic, abstract, and evocative string sounds. Furthermore, it is built around a streamlined interface, allowing users to access the exact sound they seek in as little time as possible. Whether you need authentic, cinematic, pop, urban, electronic, or ambient sounds, Augmented STRINGS Intro has a string palette that covers what you need. Listen to the Augmented STRINGS Intro below and visit the official website before April 30th, 2022, to grab your free copy.

Software: Neutron Elements, Ethereal Earth, Black Box Analog Design HG-2, Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor, Ampeg SVT Emulation, bx_masterdesk, bx_oberhause, bx_console Focusrite SC

Free Until: April 26th, 2022

Link: https://www.native-instruments.com/en/specials/2022/soundwide-offer/

Native Instruments and iZotope have announced that the name of their parent company is now Soundwide and that it will also include a few new brands. These brands include Plugin Alliance, the audio plug-in platform, as well as the audio software company Brainworx and Sound Stacks.

Soundwide is celebrating the event with free downloads that are available until April 26th, 2022. In addition, they are also offering 10% off selected products for a limited time by using the code SOUNDWIDE2022 at checkout.

Neutron Elements by iZotope is described as a more innovative way to mix your tracks with ease and confidence. It features assistive technology such as Track Assistant and EQ Learn that not only gives you a head start on your mix but can also help you to become a better mixer. In addition, it has four powerful audio processors, Compressor, EQ, Exciter, and Transient Shaper, that can quickly improve the overall sound of your tracks.

Next up is ETHEREAL EARTH by Native Instruments, which can be used to create new, atmospheric soundscapes and textures that transcend the ordinary. It combines worldwide acoustic instruments, ranging from swarms of sitars to synthesized gongs, while also adding creative processing for unique sonic environments. ETHEREAL EARTH has ample presets to get users started and one-knob blend control, and robust built-in effects for customizing your sound.

Finally, a six plug-in bundle from Plugin Alliance and Brainworx is also available for free. It includes Black Box Analog Design HG-2 and Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor for analog saturation and compression, while Ampeg SVT emulation brings the amp sound that changed low-end tone forever. For a complete analog mastering desk inside your DAW, there is bx_masterdex while bx_oberhausen and bx_console Focusrite SC delivers on iconic analog synthesized sound and rare console sounds.

Software: Retro Cazio

Free Until: Forever

Link: https://www.samplescience.info/2022/04/retro-cazio.html

Sample Science has released Retro Cazio, which is a great rompler for anyone who has fond memories of the old Casio MT-100 toy keyboard from the eighties. They have sampled all of the MT-100 sounds using high-end recording equipment, so everyone can enjoy the digital sound that was generated with the NEC D931 chip once again.

Retro Cazio has 20 retro toy keyboard sounds, one drum kit, multi-LFO, a highpass/lowpass filter, and amplitude range controls. It also features reverb, glide, and three voices modes - polyphonic, legato and mono. Listen to the audio demo below to hear the sounds of Retro Cazio.

Software: Ableton Bowed Saw Instruments

Free Until: Forever

Link: https://expandingsound.gumroad.com/l/bbfmm

Anyone who wants to add some atmospheric, ethereal sounds to their music will appreciate the Ableton Bowed Saw Instruments pack, available for free at ExpandingSound.com. It was recorded in the basement of a club and delivers sounds that range from haunting to plucky. Listen to the sounds below and head over to ExpandingSound.com for the free download and the story behind the recording.