The Most Underrated Free Synth Plugins
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In the 102nd episode of Audionautic's Audio Nautic Deep Space Network, hosts Curtis and Eon Lake dive deep into three underappreciated free VST plugins from UHI: Triple Cheese, Podolsky, and Tyrell N6. The episode begins with a lighthearted chat about technical delays and community engagement, featuring live interactions with regulars like Lars and Bendu. The core focus is on showcasing how these free tools—despite being lightweight and processor-friendly—deliver rich, organic, and highly creative sound design possibilities. Triple Cheese stands out for its three-oscillator architecture and lush pads, ideal for thickening mixes. Podolsky excels as a minimalist arpeggiator-focused synth with a unique 'post-identity' dial, perfect for evolving sequences. Tyrell N6, a full-featured analog-style synth, shines in bass and textured lead work, with responsive envelopes and modulation options. The hosts emphasize that these plugins are not just budget alternatives but powerful creative tools that inspire innovation. The episode closes with a preview of Semiotic Ghosts’ new ambient noise EP, 'In 1970, Play Moonlight Sonata on the Moon,' celebrated for its immersive, otherworldly aesthetic. The community-driven spirit of the show is highlighted throughout, with calls to share creations in the Discord and support independent artists.
Triple Cheese is a free, three-oscillator VST ideal for creating lush pads and subtle textures that enhance mix depth without dominating the sound.
Podolsky’s strength lies in its intuitive 16-step arpeggiator and 'post-identity' dial, making it perfect for generating evolving, melodic sequences with minimal setup.
Tyrell N6 delivers high-quality analog-style bass and leads with responsive envelopes and modulation, proving that free VSTs can rival paid synths in sonic depth.
Using free plugins like these encourages creative experimentation and breaks workflow stagnation—especially when you 'break it and see what sound it makes.'
The Audionautic community is a vital creative ecosystem; sharing projects in the Discord fosters inspiration and collective growth.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Welcome & Technical Warm-Up
The hosts open the episode with a lighthearted acknowledgment of technical delays and a warm welcome to the audience, setting a community-focused tone. Regulars like Lars, Bendu, and Survey Channel are greeted, and the chat is buzzing with excitement.
Introducing UHI's Underrated Free Plugins
“They're not the most processor intensive, but they sound great. The free ones sound great.”
Deep Dive: Triple Cheese
“It's really good for a thickening agent in a mix where you know it's not necessarily a major feature, but you'd feel something was missing if it wasn't there.”
Podolsky: The Arpeggiator Powerhouse
“The strength of Podolsky is its arpeggiator. But what's nice is that it's a single oscillator on this left-hand side that you can see here and it doesn't have kind of like a defined identity.”
Tyrell N6: Analog Depth on a Budget
“You don't have to dirty it up with whatever it happens to be. This is something where you don't. Straight away you've got a nice really thick bass sound coming through.”
“If you don't like it, break it and see if you like it.”
“If you don't like the sound that something is making, then I try to break it and see what sound it makes then.”
“You don't have to dirty it up with whatever it happens to be. This is something where you don't. Straight away you've got a nice really thick bass sound coming through.”
Hosts
Guests
Eon Lake
person
Curtis
person
UHI
organization
Lars
person
Triple Cheese
other
Tyrell N6
other
Podolsky
other
Survey Channel
person
Semiotic Ghosts
other
Discord
other
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