Pitch Drift by Baby Audio is a really easy-to-use pitch modulation effect. It introduces organic sounding fluctuations that give digital instrument a bit of analog character you might call flutter or wobble. I find this particularly effective on hi-hat or snare samples – used very subtly it adds some ear-friendly variation to each hit. Get Pitch Drift (and three other great free effects) here.

TAL Chorus emulates the iconic chorus effect found on the infamous Roland Juno 60 synthesiser. You can add this to pretty much anything for instant width, richness and warmth. Easy to dial in just the right amount thanks to the wet / dry control. Loads of 80’s flavour but versatile and timeless as well. Get it here.

Saturation Knob by Softube is a distortion plug-in that can be used to add overtones to kick drums or bass, meaning the low end will sit easier in the mix. Use it in small doses and keep an eye on the gain for that punchiness and sparkle you’re looking for, or go hard and destroy those drums. Download it here.

Supermassive by Valhalla is a really inspiring delay and reverb effect that is absolutely loaded with options. The 20 “Modes” all have different tonal qualities, and you’ll get sounds from this plug-in that you haven’t heard before. I have a load of delays and reverbs that I’ve paid for but I often come back to this freebie for its unique sounds.

Here it is.

Fresh Air by Slate Digital adds smooth clarity to sounds without introducing harshness. It’s easy to use with only two knobs and a handful of really useful presets to get you to a good starting point. Makes claps, hats and vocals shine through the top end of a mix and will make you feel like you’re cheating.

Download it here.