Purchasing all the latest and greatest synth software and hardware can be costly, so seeing the occasional free release is always welcome. This month both Spitfire Audio and Native Instruments have released unique new virtual instruments that can be snapped up at no cost.

Uilleann Pipes
By Spitfire Audio

Link: https://labs.spitfireaudio.com/uilleann-pipes

Spitfire Audio has released Uillean Pipes as a free dedicated plugin that can be used directly in your favorite DAW and does not require Kontakt. The plugin was made in collaboration with Hannah Peel, an award-winning composer who featured it in her score for the National Theatre production of “Dancing at Lughnasa.” Uillean pipes, which are also known as the Irish Bagpipe, make use of multiple drones, regulators, and chanters, which according to Spitfire Audio are capable of producing acres of sonic possibilities. 

One thing is for sure, it is an instrument that is very rarely sampled and is great for adding texture and interest to contemporary music in an unconventional way. Check out the trailer for Uilleann Pipes below and visit the official website to download it for free in VST2, VST3, AAX, or AU format. Uilleann Pipes is compatible with Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 10 as well as Mac OSX 10.13, Mac OS 11 Intel, and M1 Macs. 

Oliver Patrice Weder from Spitfire Audio has also posted a walkthrough for Uilleann Pipes which can be viewed below. 

IRISH HARP
By Native Instruments

Link: https://www.native-instruments.com/en/specials/komplete/irish-harp/

Native Instruments has released a “free summer gift” in the form of their new KONTAKT instrument, IRISH HARP. According to Native Instruments, it packs a palette of plucks and is perfect for laying the foundations or adding the final decorations to your productions.

IRISH HARP offers warm, lush rich tones, all of which were captured from a 34-string neo-Irish harp. Users have access to a range of scales and phrases as well as effects and controls. IRISH HARP is free to download until July 3, 2023, and requires free KONTAKT PLAYER version 7.3.0 and higher or KONTAKT version 7.3.0 and higher. 

Check out the video below for a full walkthrough of IRISH HARP by product specialist Brian Kullas from Native Instruments.