A while back we reported on both Moog and Korg releasing some of their products for free to help synth fans stay entertained while self-isolating. The rapid spread of the coronavirus around the world has wreaked havoc on events and functions with everything being canceled or postponed. Self-isolation has also become the new norm as everyone tries to do their part in curbing the spread of the virus. For some, this means being able to work from home while others have no found themselves with a lot of unexpected free time on their hands. Thankfully some more brands have decided to step up and follow the examples of Moog and Korg by making their software free for a limited time. The aim is to help make self-isolation a little more bearable and hopefully prevent people from going out in public unnecessarily. Check out our roundup of what is currently available.

Analog Dreams by Native Instruments

Link: Native Instruments

If you are a fan of 70s and 80s vintage synthesizers, then chances are good that you already know about the Analog Dreams collection by Native Instruments. This collection combines vintage synth sounds with some creative effects to offer original, modern patches that can add some retro flavor to any track. Basses, pads, leads, percussive sounds or just quirky effects, you'll find all of these and more in Analog Dreams. It is a 3.6 GB download with 150 sounds and 100 presets that would usually set you back $50 or require you to purchase the full version of KONTAKT 6. However, Native Instruments has decided to make this download completely free until March 31st, 2020, to help out all the musicians stuck at home due to the COVID-19 epidemic.

If you don't have an account yet you need to download Native Access for Windows or Mac and then create one. Afterward, you'll find Analog Dreams under the "Not Installed" tab. If you already have a NI account you can log in and request your free copy of Analog Dreams. Since the free Kontakt Player plug-in is required for Analog Dreams, we highly recommend grabbing the Komplete Start package, which comes with Kontakt Player as well as a whole bundle of instruments and effects. Grab your free copy of the Komplete Start package HERE (https://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/bundles/komplete-start/).

Voltage Modular Nucleus by Cherry Audio

Link: Plugin Boutique

Cherry Audio released a statement that like everyone else they are all staying at home and making sure that their families and loved ones are safe. Since they know what it is like to be affected by the COVID-19 outbreak they want to do their part to help, so for that reason, they are making their Voltage Modular Nucleus free for everybody for the foreseeable future. It is a very comprehensive package and with 22 modules and more than 130 presets, it should keep most musicians busy for quite some time. Voltage Modular Nucleus is available for OSX and Windows and can be downloaded from the Cherry Audio website or Plugin Boutique. This package has been getting very good reviews since it was first released and definitely has some useful stuff no matter what type of music you enjoy making. Also, check out the Cherry Audio Helping Hand 2020 sale, which will run through April 17, 2020. Cherry Audio, along with many of their partners, has slashed prices by up to 50% for the sale, so there is no better time to get your hands on bundles by PSPaudioware.com, MRB, nekomatic, Vult, and m*4.

Isolation Loops Soundpack by Hainbach

Link: Bandcamp

Hainbach has released the Isolation Loops soundpack for free on his Bandcamp page to give people something to get inspired from as more of the world goes into COVID-19 quarantine. it features some of his favorite instruments such as the Metasonix D1000 drum machine, the Juno60 as well as his beloved Ciat-Lonbarde modular. Hainbach has stated that the soundpack is free until the crisis is over, but those who have the means to contribute can also set their own price. As a performing musician, he has also been hit hard by the crisis and has seen a lot of his yearly income evaporate. This soundpack has no licensing fee, so you can use it in your music as you like.

Conclusion

Let us know on the forum or in the comments below what you will be doing during this time of crisis and if you have found any synth related goodies online to lift your mood during isolation.