STEP 1: Add a VST Plugin to a MIDI Track. Add an instance of your favorite third party instrument or effect to a new MIDI track – for this example, we’re using iZotope Iris. If you’re following along in the Live Set, and you don’t have Iris, you can replace it with any plugin that you do have. /nord-lead-vst-plugin.html. 4 Best Free Ableton Plugins. If you are still looking to improve the features of the Ableton which you are currently using, or add to its functionality, then you can undoubtedly go for plugins. The best way to start is to go for free Ableton plugins, and that way, you can know whether you want to spend money and buy a plugin for it or not.

Mac OS

  1. Click on Live in the main menu and select Preferences
  2. Select the File Folder tab and make sure Audio Units are enabled, click to Rescan if the Audio Unit list is not automatically updated. If you are using the VST-version, make sure that the VST path is set to your VST folder, and that you have enabled VST2.
  3. Close the Preferences window, your XLN Audio plug-ins will now be available in the plug-ins list in the top left.
  4. Double click or drag the desired plug-in into Ableton Live.

Watch the video below for a visual guide:

Windows

  1. Open up the XLN Audio Online Installer and click on the Advanced button in the top section.
  2. Go to the VST64 tab
  3. Make note of the plug-in installation path
  4. Launch Ableton Live, click on the Options menu and select Preferences.
  5. Go to the Plugins tab
  6. Enable the Use VST2 Plugin Custom Folder option
  7. Click Browse next to 'VST2 Plugin Custom Folder'
  8. Navigate to the path from step 3 and click OK

XO will now be available in the plug-ins list in Ableton Live. Double-click on XO to load it on a new midi track.

Here's a visual guide:

Ableton Live is a digital audio workstation, which is also known as a digital audio workstation (aka DAW).

This workstation allows the musicians to create and to mix music tracks by using various tools and sounds.

It has been around since 2001, and Ableton has used revolutionary interfaces to help and manage the audio workflow, unlike other DAW applications.

What Are Ableton Plugins?

Plugins are additional software components and help to enhance or add to the functionality of the application.

When it comes to Ableton, the plugins help to add instrumentation or effects.

Do You Need Plugins For Ableton?

Ableton has quite a lot of useful features for your music projects.

This fact may make you wonder, then, whether you need plugins in the first place.

It all depends on what types of music projects you are working on and what sounds work for you.

Ableton is already packed with plenty of features and has sound generating tools, for example, wavetable, echo, and drum bass.

Digital musicians can use these for creating perfecting sounds for music projects.

4 Best Free Ableton Plugins

If you are still looking to improve the features of the Ableton which you are currently using, or add to its functionality, then you can undoubtedly go for plugins.

The best way to start is to go for free Ableton plugins, and that way, you can know whether you want to spend money and buy a plugin for it or not.

How To Add Vst Plugins To Ableton Live 9bleton Live 9

There are some great free Ableton plugins available which you can choose from, as mentioned below.

Guitar Rig 5

This product is an instrumental VSY from Native Instruments.

It's great for guitar studio and is suitable for all kinds of sounds such as metal, jazz, rock, and more.

There are two versions of this plugin; the Guitar Rig 5 is the free one while the Guitar Rig Pro is the full, paid version.

Check it out here.

Digital Suburban Dexed

This product is a freeware FM synthesizer that mirrors the classic Yamaha DX7, and it puts all the legendary functions and sounds of the original synthesizer in one deal.

It makes the traditional six operators FM synthesis easier for understanding and for programming more than it was ever with the hardware.

This feature is ideal for percussive sounds like mallets and ties and has a great free synth VST and is suitable for aggressive, distortedbasses.

Check it out here.

DiscoDSP OB-Xd

The Oberheim OB-X is one of the most popular instruments in analog synth history.

It’s entirely free and allows the user to access the brilliant sound of the OB-Xd right in your DAW.

It is a great new addition for your plugin folder for enveloping analog pads and for searing leads and deep basses.

Check it out here.

TAL Noisemaker

This noisemaker synth proves that VSTs do not need to be complicated to work well on a track.

It is quite a straightforward synth and has a sturdy, compact, and sound, along with a lightweight interface.

It T5is equipped with a visual editor, which are unique and handy onboard effects, which also includes TAL's and bit crushers‘ emulation of the Juno chorus effect.

Check it out here.

Conclusion

There is no need to get pricey gear for making a track, which sounds good.

With plenty of these synth plugins, it proves that there are a lot of tools, which are capable of producing brilliant music, which looks great even on a tight budget.

How To Add Vst Plugins To Ableton Live 9.2

Everything is available, whether you want deep sound design tools or classic vintage tones.

All you need is to choose an excellent synth to get started, and the list above should inspire you and help you!