Audio production can be expensive work, even if you go the virtual route with a digital audio workstation (DAW) and virtual instruments. Working with virtual studio technology (VST) plugins is incredibly useful, but many of the best VST plugins out there are very expensive.

If you want to expand your library of VST instrument (VSTi) plugins or tweak your mixes with awesome effects or MIDI effects VST plugins, you can do it for free. You just have to know where to look.

We’ve rounded up the top 13 free VST plugins that can take your music to the next level. Since they’re free, you can grab them all and hear how they sound without having to open your wallet.

What it does: This virtual analog synth is inspired by the Clavia Nord Lead 2 synthesizer. It’s one of the most versatile free soft synths you’ll find, and it’s a great choice if you want to get started making retro music like synthwave without spending a ton of money. It comes with a number of standard presets, and there are also a bunch of additional free soundbanks available.