Last Updated on December 15, 2020.
The H82 Harmonic Maximizer is a Multi-band enhancer that generates harmonics for adding emphasis to frequencies, from low-end punch to top-end sizzle. Macintosh® AU, RTAS, VST. Since there are so many VST plugins out there, it can be overwhelming to choose from the multitude of great plugins. We’ve done the research for you; this list provides you with reviews of the 30 best VST plugins to have in your arsenal in 2021. Here are the best VST plugins 2021: 1. FabFilter Pro-Q 3. Smart flexibility for all your EQing needs.
I love the harmonica and I even play a bit, but definitelynot as well to record it on any song since it would take me hours to recordsomething that sounds somewhat decent.
This is where some harmonica plugins can help quite a bit,especially if you don’t even know how to play the harmonica.
I found two free- and four premium ones that sound pretty damngood, so give them a try!
Here is a list of some other plugins you might be interested:
Free Harmonica VST Plugins
1. DSK Harmonica
Now, this harmonica plugin does by no means sound realistic…
It doesn’t sound too bad, to be honest, but you candefinitely tell that it’s not a real harmonica, plus it doesn’t feature toomuch customizability.
Still, since there aren’t too many free harmonica pluginsout there, it’s really nice to have!
If you don’t want to spend anything on a premium harmonicaplugin, then absolutely try this one.
Plus, even though it doesn’t sound exactly like the realthing, the type of sounds it produces can still be used for a variety ofapplications.
Find out more about the DSK Harmonica here.
2. Harmoniac by Mokafix
Harmoniac isn’t as simple to use as other plugins since youneed to load into any sequencer and feed it MIDI notes in order to use it.
You can get some convincing harmonica sounds out of it butit’s going to take some work!
But hey, it’s free!
Find out more about Harmoniac here.
Premium Harmonica VST Plugins
3. Misfit Harmonica ($38)
Misfit Harmonica sounds pretty good and realistic,especially when playing single notes.
It features a deep-sampled collection of differentharmonicas that sound raw and gritty.
You can bend up or down, add vibrato, etc. and it will soundphenomenal.
However, if you play more than one note you will be able totell that it’s not the real thing… but still, it’s a pretty good plugin.
It definitely sounds better than the free one by DSK, butyou will have to pay for it.
Find out more about Misfit Harmonica here.
4. Harmonica V.2 by Auditory Lab ($26)
Auditory Lab’s Harmonica v.2 features three different typesof Harmonicas: Chromatic, Diatonic and Tremolo. it has three instrumentchannels and each instrument is given its own controls with pan andvolume.
The main panel features 4 master knobs that controlsrelease, attack, pan and volume. The Effects panel features controllable reverband delay.
As far as realism goes, it’s not the best one on this list,but it’s definitely pretty damn good! You can actually get some prettyconvincing sounds out of it, especially after tweaking them a bit.
Just watch the video I linked; you’ll see that it can soundpretty amazing.
Here are some other tracks for you to check out:
Find out more about Harmonica v.2 here.
5. Harmonica by Sonivox Singles ($15)
This is a replication of a real harmonica that features a wide keyrange with several octaves of every note in the 12-tone scale.
The chromatic harmonica can be played in any key, allowing forversatile use throughout several different genres of music.
This instrument is widely used for playing blues, folk and countyas well as classical, jazz and pop.
With its precise articulation and definitive tone, it stands outas a pristine virtual instrument.
The sound quality is pretty good, especially in the lower notes;as soon as you start going higher it ends up sounding a bit fake, but with sometweaking you should be able to make it work.
Find out about Harmonica by Sonivox Singles here.
6. Chris Hein Chromatic Harmonica ($139)
Important: You will need the full version of Kontakt forit to work!
Now, this one is by far the best Harmonica plugin you couldever get since it sounds amazing.
The userinterface provides a multitude of functions to edit thesounds to your liking, but if you don’t want to go through all the trouble ofediting, then you can simply select from 26 different presets and move on fromthere.
Like I mentioned, this wouldbe your best choice, even though you would need to spend a lot more than on anyother harmonica VST.
Additionally, if you don’t have the full version of Kontakt, you would have to purchase that as well.
Features
- 4 octaves
- 3.5 GB uncompressed sample content
- almost 7,000 samples / 14 articulations / up to 8dynamic layers
- unique phase-alignment technique / 4 dynamic modes
- Hot keys / intelligent legato / glide mode forrealistic “live” runs
Find out more about the Chromatic Harmonica here.
My top Choice
I honestly would recommend either Harmonica V.2 or MisfitHarmonica.
I know I said that Chromatic Harmonica was the best one, butit’s multiple times more expensive than those two and I don’t think that it’sworth it unless you really need something that can work THAT well.
Conclusion
Try out both of the free plugins before purchasing any ofthe premium ones, especially if you’re not looking for a super realistic sound,and even then, if you take your time tweaking the sound, you should be able toget some pretty cool sounds out of them.
I hope this information was useful!
Have a nice day!
Lots of people are obsessed with the ‘warmth’ of analog studio gear. Sure—it sounds fuller, more human, more present.
But these days, modeling technology has become really good at simulating the effects of analog circuitry. Our computers and DAW apps are powerful enough to handle these VST workhorses.
So forget about spending tons of money on analog gear.
Here’s 7 VSTs (for both PC and Mac) that will give you that sweet analog warmth.
- SGA1566 Tube Preamp
- TDR Slick EQ
- Ace Amp
- Molot Compressor
- Voxengo Tube Amp
- MJUC jr. Compressor
- Softube Saturation Knob
What’s all the analog fuss about?
Ok, so what does analog circuitry do to your sound? What’s everyone so obsessed about?
What people like about analog sound are the quirks and imperfections.
So when people talk about ‘warm analog sound’ they’re referring to:
- Subtle distortion and drive
- Harmonic distortion
- Tape Saturation
- Vacuum tubes
- Preamps
What these processes do to your sound is often hardly noticeable. That’s what the magic’s about—you won’t hear them, but they’ll make a huge difference in how your track sounds and feels.
The cumulative effect of analog processes is what people are gushing about.
1. SGA1566 Tube Preamp
Shattered Glass Audio’s SGA 1566 gives you a single channel vintage tube preamp. The whole circuit is simulated in real time to get you that authentic analog sound.
Use the SGA 1566 as a saturation compressor to boost the warmth of your track. Or add a bit of grit with the tube overdrive.
The newest version is also lighter on your CPU––so no computer freak outs!!
Download the SGA 1566 for free here.
2. TDR Slick EQ
“This little guy sounds amazing” –Dave Pensado
The TDR Slick EQ is a sleek easy-to-use three-band EQ that gives you amazing sound—like all Tokyo Dawn Records plugins.
Warm up your sound by choosing a non-linear option under Output Stage. That’ll add subtle harmonic distortion and texture.
Download the TDR SlickEQ for free here.
3. Ace Amp
Ace Amp—another Shattered Glass Audio creation—is based on classic 1950s style tube amps.
Control the input, volume, feedback, output. Choose between three resampling options.
This amp plugin has simple controls and doesn’t eat up your CPU.
Hot Tip: Try it on vocals for a cool aesthetic effect.
Download the Ace for free here.
4. Molot Compressor
Vladg’s Molot is a compressor with character. Even the vintage Soviet look is on point.
Vst Effect Plugin
Molot will give your sound interesting color. I recommend reading the manual to learn how to tune it properly—it’s worth the read.
Download Molot for free here.
5. Voxengo Tube Amp
Voxengo’s Tube Amp gives you warm overdrive, fuzzy distortion and everything in between.
It imitates tube overdrive in the style of single-tube mic preamps.
Hot Tip: Use the low-pass filter to imitate the texture of lower-quality tubes.
Download Voxengo’s Tube Amp for free here.
6. MJUC jr. Compressor
Klanghelm’s MJUC jr. compressor is simple and elegant.
Use it for smooth compression or a heavier pumping effect. MJUC jr. is based on vintage compressors of the 1960s––it even looks like one.
Flip the ‘Time Constants’ switch to choose between slow, fast and auto. This changes the attack and release time. It affects other parts of the circuitry too, giving you interesting analog-style saturation.
Download the MJUC jr. for free here.
Harmonic Vst
7. Softube Saturation Knob
This Saturation Knob is one the best free analog emulation plugins out there. Even Dave Pensado gives it two thumbs up!
Use it anywhere to add some character and distortion. Drag it on your vocal track to add shimmer.
The great thing about this one is how simple it is: literally one knob and a switch. Change the switch setting to choose between the kind of distortion you’ll get.
Download the Softube Saturation Knob for free here.
Vst Effects Free Download
Fake It Till Ya Make It
These effects are the missing ingredient in your digital sound.
The key with analog emulation is to avoid overdoing it. Bring in the effect until you hear it, then dial it back a notch. It’ll still make a huge difference. Your sound will be fuller and warmer.
Use these plugins and people will be asking for your studio secrets in no time.
Make sure to grab the whole LANDR-approved free VST plugin collection: