After making a list of the best freeware spectrums analyzers, the next logical step was to find and list the best freeware oscilloscope plugins in VST/AU format.
Elysia niveau filter from Plugin Alliance. Plugin Alliance is responsible for four of the free downloads.
Follow the links for screenshots & download info:
My favorite VST plugin in this category is used to be Oszillos-Mega-Scope, without any doubt. It’s BPM-synced, supports multiple inputs, works both on Windows and Mac, has a resizeable GUI, it’s free… simply put, the perfect oscilloscope VST. The plugin is still (officially) free to download, but you’ll need to join the beta program first.
At the moment, the best pick for all platforms (32-bit and 64-bit on both Windows and Mac OS) seems to be MOscilloscope (thanks to our reader Huib for the suggestion!), shortly followed by Oscarizor. If you’re on 32-bit Windows, though, s(M)exoscope is still the undisputed champion of freeware oscilloscope plugins.
And, as always, if you happen to notice that I’ve missed listing a good oscilloscope VST in the list above, please feel free to post your suggestions and tips in the comments section. Thanks for the support!
Last Updated on February 12, 2021.
An oscilloscope uses a two-axis graph to give a visualrepresentation of a waveform over time; the horizontal axis represents time andthe vertical axis represents the amplitude.
In musicproduction, oscilloscopes are usually placed last in the chain and are used toto assist dynamics processing and sound synthesis.
The point of placing it last in the signal chain is so that itanalyses the cumulative effects of any plugins placed before it.
However, you can place it anywhere you like to view the signalat that precise point.
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s more on to theplugins!
MOscilloscope is a powerful oscilloscope equipped witha pitch detector.
This would be my top oscillator choice of this list, bothfor 32-bit and 64-bit Windows and Mac systems.
Download it here.
Related: Here’s a huge list of the 225 best Free VST plugins available!
Oscarizor is a free oscilloscope VST/VST3/AU plugin for Windowsand Mac.
Despite not having as many features as the Pro version, whichI will link later on, Oscarizor is still a very functional oscilloscope that offersa lot of value.
Download it here.
Oscillos-Mega-Scope is an oscilloscope plugin that synchronizesto your music’s tempo.
It’s a great tool for learning what other VSTs do to yourtracks; you can insert one instance of it before the effect plugin and anotherone after it to get an accurate visual representation of what’s happening.
It’s got a feature that is currently in beta which isdesigned to let you measure and see information about the musical notes andamplitude.
Note: To be able to use it you’ll need to create anaccount.
Download it here.
Related: Here’s a list about the best Free Mastering VSTs.
S(M)exoscope has always been considered by many to be thebest free oscilloscope out there, the issue is that it only works on 32-bitsystems.
Now, if you’re still using a 32-bit system, then absolutelyget s(M)exoscope since it’s the absolute best choice.
Download it here.
This is a free stereo oscilloscope VST/AU plugin that issuper simple to use, with a resizable UI, and more.
Download it here.
Oscilloscope Multi letsyou visualize the content of several audio tracks on the same screen andcompare them thanks to its X-Y view.
The plugin offers stereo ormid-side channels waveform extraction as well as several synchronization modes.
The zooming and precisemeasurement capabilities let you analyze the waveforms in details, and the XYphase scope view will help you track phase issues within an effect chain orwhile recording with multiple microphones.
Find out more about Oscilloscope Multi here.
I mentioned the free version of Oscarizor previously, whichshould actually be more than enough for almost anyone.
However, the Pro version syncs to the tempo of your song,which is always nice.
Additionally, it comes with a sidechain input with parallelwaveform comparison for up to 16 audio channels which would allow you to, forexample, send a complete drum mix to a separate sidechain inputs and compareany two tracks you’d like.
The Pro version sells for $49.95 + Taxes.
Download it here.
Like I mentioned, Moscilloscope would be my top choice.
However, Oscilloscope by SocaLabs is still a greatcontender that you should check out!
Have a wonderful day!