What do you do when you’re looking for cool ways to come up with unique bass lines, leads, and melodic motifs?
Kirnu Cream is an easy-to-use yet versatile MIDI performer that you can use in both offline usage and in live performances. Additionally, Kirnu Cream provides a powerful sequencer and arpeggiator for creating bouncing bass lines, swinging drums, catching lead parts, and more.
Use an arpeggiator.
- MIDI arpegiator: - Easy realtime tweaking - User friendly pattern view - MIDI learn for every major control - Two independent CC controls with 'teach' functionality - Numerous of different scales - Hold mode.
- Download Kirnu - Cream for free. Kirnu - Cream - fKirnu Cream is a very powerful MIDI performer VST/AU/LPX MIDI FX plugin.
- Kirnu Cream is a very powerful MIDI performer VST/AU plugin for Windows and Mac. It works on both 32 and 64 bit systems. Cream is intended to be used in both live and offline DAW usage. With Cream it’s very easy to create catching lead parts, bouncing bass lines, swinging drums and lots of other cool stuff.
The best arpeggiator VSTs are capable of so much more than just cranking out static, repeating lines.
If you haven’t looked into the capabilities of the current crop of arpeggiators yet, you are in for a treat!
So this post will take a look at some of the best arpeggiator plugins on the market.
Top Arpeggiator VST Plugins
1. Cthulhu by Xfer Records
Demo & Price
Cthulhu comes from the same maker of Serum, that beast of a synth. Likewise, “One Note Becomes Many” is the intriguing tagline that greets you at Cthulhu’s product page, and it does provide an accurate description of the capabilities of this unique plug-in. Is it an arpeggiator, an instrument, or an audio processor? Like the best arpeggiators, Cthulhu is all that and more.
What Cthulhu primarily does is transform inputted chords in many interesting ways. A versatile and easy to use tool, it encourages the creation of chord progressions and musical motifs that you wouldn’t have come up with otherwise.
Specs and useful features
Although Cthulhu does a great job as an arpeggiator, it is first and foremost a chord recorder/player. This function enables you to come up with plenty of interesting chord variations by pressing single keys on your keyboard. You can play chords right into the plug-in or import chords and progressions in MIDI format.
Cthulhu is equally capable as an arpeggiator, enabling you to transform notes and chords that you input into different rhythmic variations. With no less than eight tabs in the step sequencer, you have ample options for reshaping incoming notes. Even single note lines can result in complex and uniquely memorable riffs.
User impressions
You don’t a lot of musical knowledge to come up with complex and musically interesting motifs with Cthulhu. The chord memorization feature alone is well worth the price tag, and having a very capable arp onboard makes it an even better deal.
Literally dozens of interesting variations can spring forth from even the most basic note sequences. Whether as an idea generator or a way to reinvent tired, old melodic motifs, Cthulhu has the power to consistently surprise.
Bottom-line
A chord generator and arp rolled into one, Cthulhu is a powerful creative tool no matter how you look at it. If your creative well has run dry and you need a source of inspiration, this plug-in definitely gets the juices flowing.
2. Kirnu Cream by Arto Vaarala
Demo & Price
Kirnu Cream took the MIDI world by storm when it was released in 2013. The hype and speculation had been building up to a fever pitch for months before then, and the official release proved to be everything that everyone had hoped for and then some. Cascading arpeggios, sequenced patterns, and ear-catching chord memory progression–all these issued forth from the revolutionary plug-in, and there were many options for modulating the results as well.
Cream today remains largely unchanged from its initial version, which is a testament to its design and functional excellence. Whether used for arpeggiators, lead and bass lines, and even beats, Kirnu Cream is pretty much peerless.
Specs and useful features
Cream has several features that make it as suitable as a live instrument as a studio tool. The arpeggiator is what most people will probably be drawn to. But it also has one of the most powerful pattern sequencers around, with excellent chord memory features added to the mix. Pattern data can be selected and manipulated freely, with four tracks and loopable pattern controls. These features give the plug-in a great deal of flexibility for reimagining melodies and musical phrases.
Amazingly, Cream is very easy to learn and put into use. You didn’t have to dig too deeply into its inner workings to come up with cool motifs, although there is considerable power under the hood for more in-depth tweaking.
User impressions
The many opportunities for direct interaction are what most users appreciate the most about Cream. It goes beyond the capabilities of most arpeggiators and pattern sequencers, producing musical and creative results with very little effort. Many users especially like the “arpeggio on note count” feature, which keeps the arpeggiator from starting up until a specific number of notes are played. This feature makes it possible to combine standard melody lines with arps in a musical manner.
Bottom-line
With so much power onboard, you would expect Cream to be difficult to use. While you will have to do a bit of fiddling around to unlock its full potential, this never gets in the way of its sheer power and capability.
3. Thesys by Sugar Bytes
Demo & Price
Sugar Bytes is known for its plug-ins that serve as creative instruments and unique audio and MIDI processors. Thesys is a prime example, covering many of the company’s strengths in an intriguing step sequencer that is also a pretty kick-ass arpeggiator.
Thesys utilizes the venerable–and still-popular–step-programming paradigm in enabling you to manipulate your music in various interesting ways. Whether for heading off into uncharted musical territory or simply breathing new life into tired, old material, Thesys provides a direct path to creative musical expression.
Specs and useful features
Unlike other plug-ins that lock you into a specific way of working, Thesys lets you work the way you want to work. You could paint in sequences with your mouse, which is a fast and intuitive way of working. If you prefer a more traditional approach, you could input notes from a MIDI keyboard. There is a built-in synthesizer for this purpose, letting you hear inputted notes and the resulting sequence without having to patch in a third-party synth plug-in.
The Randomizer is an especially useful feature, helping you avoid the predictability that often results from step-sequencers and arpeggiators. With this feature, you can come up with interesting variations of your melodic material or head off into wild and wonderful new directions.
The Velocity and Gate Sequencer sections are where you will likely do most of your tweaking. These sections let you finesse riffs and arpeggios into impressive musical phrases without a lot of fiddling around.
User impressions
Thesys delivers far more capabilities than your average arpeggiator plug-in. Users found it to be just as useful live as in a studio setting. This is one plug-in that cranks out more than what you put in, and many users find it a sheer joy for livening up drab MIDI passages.
Bottom-line
Thesys is more than just an arpeggiator or a step sequencer. It is practically a full-blown MIDI workstation, and its sheer power and flexibility will definitely win you over.
4. Consequence by Sugar Bytes
Demo & Price
Consequence is Sugar Bytes’ simpler offering in the arpeggiator category, but it is still pretty capable at transforming inputted notes in interesting new ways. It creates note sequences based on chords that you play in, with numerous options for interpreting the incoming data.
You can load up to three instruments into Consequence, each of which has its own envelope. You can play these instruments via the onboard 32-step sequencer and create very complex rhythms and textures pretty easily. There is even a multi-fx unit onboard for adding extra spice to your creations, and a four-on-the-floor kick drum pattern that helps you keep your grooves locked tight.
Specs and useful features
The chord sequencer is where most of the action takes place. Here, you could store up to 16 chord “snapshots”, and trigger them in any combination you please. The results are never static, with five sequencers enabling you to control various aspects of the groove. There is also a comprehensive modulation section that provides even more options for controlling the three synthesizer parts, the filter, and the FX unit.
As an arpeggiator, Consequence is about as versatile as they come. You can set each of the sequencer steps to “Arp”, “Chord”, “Octave”, or “Tie”, enabling you to go well beyond the capabilities of most arpeggiators. You can even control the play direction in various ways, which lets you create pretty impressive melodies from even the most basic motifs.
User impressions
Consequence strikes many users as a fun and inspirational alternative to most standard arpeggiators. It is especially appealing to those looking for a fresh and creative approach to coming up with melodic ideas. For many users, Consequence has proven value as a songwriting and production tool.
Bottom-line
Like most Sugar Bytes plug-ins, Consequence provides a unique way of working with source material. Even if you already have a well-spec’d arpeggiator in your arsenal, Consequence is still worth adding to the pile for its unique workflow.
5. Audiaire Nuxx
Demo & Price
On paper, Audiaire Nuxx looks pretty intriguing. Billed as a multi-FX processor with an onboard parameter sequencer, it seems like a handy solution for livening up static sounds and sequences. But digging deeper into its features reveals a very capable processing tool that can twist and warp audio in many creative ways.
Useful Features
Kirnu Cream Vst Free Download Windows 7
Audiaire Nuxx essentially lets you modulate up to three parameters of six effects at a time via macro controls. There are 30 effects on-board, including compression, distortion, decimator, chorus, delay, flanger, two flavors of phasers, high, low, and band-pass filters, and more.
Nuxx has a slick and modernistic interface, with all the sections laid out clearly for ease of use. The GUI is scalable and comes with a variety of lane modification tools. The plug-in’s unique interface makes it easy to manipulate sounds quickly and easily and even perform detailed audio editing.
Nuxx can be set up to work as a simple effects unit, with the sequencer bypassed and hidden out of sight. But inputting different values into each step of the sequencer is what truly unlocks the plug-in’s sonic potential. With 27 lanes, independent sequence lengths, step mutes, swing, and probability controls, you have plenty of leeway to mangle your sounds.
User Impression
Users love the sheer variety of sounds that are possible with Audiaire Nuxx. Although it works well enough as a filter and distortion unit to add warmth to cold digital tracks, it especially excels at creative modulations of the 30 effects processors. A potent sound-design tool, Nuxx is also useful for coming up with fresh and inventive ideas when inspiration runs dry.
Bottom-line
Audiaire Nuxx is a simple but surprisingly powerful audio processing tool. Ideally suited for creative sound design, it is made especially useful by the inclusion of some excellent effects with well-thought-out control over the most important parameters. Its onboard sequencer lets you cook up some outrageous and wacky sounds, from liquid filter burbles and rhythmic delays to wild pitch squeals and grinding distortion, and more. Not your garden-variety arpeggiator, Audiaire Nuxx is a hugely entertaining sound design tool.
Bonus Mention: Numerology 4 Pro by Five12
Info & Price
Numerology is something of a dark horse in the music production world, attracting an almost fanatical army of devotees. But it offers a totally different approach to idea generation, programming, and music production.
You could certainly use Numerology merely as an arpeggiator if you wish, even at this comparatively basic task. But its features makes it more of a complete music production solution than a mere arpeggiator plug-in.
Specs and useful features
Numerology is essentially a modular system, providing several options for sequencing audio, MIDI, and even control voltage (CV) signals. The matrix sequencer is your ticket to arpeggios, although you could certainly use it for more subtly melodic material if that’s what you need.
One of the best things about Numerology is that you can modulate almost any parameter. Like an extremely well-spec’d synthesizer, you can route anything to almost anything else, in this case to compositional parameters.
Bottom-line
Numerology is a beast of a plugin. Perhaps it is a bit unfair to lump it in with ‘mere’ arpeggiator plug-ins, but it does such a great job at that role that we simply had to add it to the lineup.
About Arpeggiator VSTs
An arpeggiator is a feature found on many synthesizers, vintage and modern, hardware and software. Often referred to simply as an “arp”, it lets you play a string of notes via a single key press or a single played chord. Even when playing a relatively simple phrase, arpeggiators can produce complex and impressive melodies and repeating motifs.
To learn more about what an arpeggio is, check out this Wikipedia entry.
Arpeggiators typically produce characteristic repetitive motifs that serve as the backbone for countless synth-based tracks. Used on such classic rock tracks as The Who’s “Baba O’Riley” and Pink Floyd’s “On the Run”, it is also the most recognizable element in Donna Summer’s seminal “I Feel Love”.
In its simplest iteration, arpeggiators simply play back the individual notes of a chord in sequence. In older synths, arpeggiators provided the option to play the note sequence from high to low, low to high, and little else. Many modern arpeggiators provide many more options for setting play direction, note length, and more. With some of the arpeggiator plug-ins reviewed above–and some advanced arpeggiators on hardware synths–the results can be far removed from the typical robotic lines of a primitive arpeggiator.
All arpeggiators are able to play back the notes in a held chord. But more advanced arpeggiators can store note patterns, and even chords, providing you with even more options to come up with fresh and inventive parts. Some even allow for layering of different arpeggio patterns, polyrhythms, and random triggering. When you add the capability to modulate the output in many different ways, there is no reason why arpeggiators should simply be relegated to churning out basic, repeating lines.
At the very least, you will want an arpeggiator that gives you a few different options for playing back notes. Extensive modulation options are also good to have, as is the ability to send the note data out as MIDI.
Last Updated on January 5, 2021.
Here’s a quick list about the best free arpeggiator VST plugins.
Note: most free arpeggiation plugins are mostly available for Windows PCs, while only a handful of them work on Mac, or even Linux.
However, I will also include 3 premium ones which are absolutely amazing that work on both Windows and Mac without any problems!
Let’s get started with my Nr.1 recommendation, which is;
Kirnu by Arto Vaarala (Windows, Mac)
Kirnu is a VST MIDI arpeggiator plugin that could also be considered a step sequencer, and it is designed with real-time tweaking and usability in mind.
It’s not the easiest plugin to use, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll love it, and it comes with all the features one would expect from a plugin like this.
If you’re looking for an even more advanced version of Kirnu, then check out it’s updated version “Cream“.
Note: Cream is not free, but for $35 it’s definitely considered a budget option.
Kirnu Cream Arpeggiator Vst Free Download
You can download Kirnu here.
Related: Here’s a list of the best free DAWs that will allow you to use these new free plugins.
BlueARP by Oleg Mikheev (Windows, Mac)
BlueARP is a MIDI Arpeggiator plugin with a patternsequencer style, designed for electronic music genres.
It is based on hardware groove boxes and arpeggiators likeKorg Electribes, Novation Nova, etc.
BlueARP can also be characterized as: a pattern arpeggiator,step sequencer style arpeggiator, arpeggiator with pattern input.
You can download BlueARP here.
Related: List of the best Sequencer VST/AU plugins.
Hypercyclic by Mucoder (Windows, Mac Linux)
Hypercyclic is an LFO-driven MIDI arpeggiator as well as agate effect and step sequencer.
The main use for hypercyclic is to generate midi that can berecorded and/or sent to other plugins.
However, it also features a simple built-in synth fortesting purposes.
You can use two tempo-synced LFOs to modulate variousparameters for creating interesting rhythmic effects and chord variations
A unique feature is the possibility to modulate thesequencer step size itself, which is useful for creating glitchy stutteringeffects.
Another thing you can use is a groove function for playingslightly off the beat.
The groove parameters can also be modulated over time by theLFOs, adding to the rhythmic variation.
You can download Hypercyclic here.
Related: If you’re looking for a huge list of all the best free VST plugins out there, then check out this article I wrote.
RandARP by CodeFN42 (Windows Only)
RandARP is an arpeggiator plugin with many randomizationfeatures, allowing incoming notes or chords to be manipulated in various ways.
All standard arpeggiator parameters like number of octaves, notelength and note order are included…
But the plugin also offers complete randomization of thevelocity, gate, shift and swing parameters.
In addition, you can specify a note probability andrandomize the note order, the octave order, and the number of octaves.
All the randomization features allow you to create moreinteresting and unpredictable arpeggiated sequences.
You can download RandARP here.
Podolski by U-He (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Podolski is a free and straightforward CPU-efficient virtualanalogue synthesizer.
It features one oscillator, one filter, one envelope and an arpeggiator/sequencer section that comes packed with features.
Overall, it might take you some time to learn how to operate this plugin, but once you do, you’ll love it!
You can download Podolski here.
Related: Here’s a list of the best free Drum VST plugins.
Arppe2600vs by Glen Stegner (Windows Only)
Arppe2600va is a great softsynth that features a multitudeof Frequency Modulation options which enable it to create some truly awesomesound effects:
PWM, Sample & Hold, virtual Spring Reverb, RingModulation, and a dedicated Noise Generator are all there!
Also, there is Oscillator Sync and Filter Color.
Arppe2600va is completely patchable via a designed Mod Matrix!
You can have up to 12 patch routings with a veryuser-friendly drop-down menu interface, instead of messy virtual patch cablescluttering up the screen.
It can be both used as a standalone synth or loaded in any DAW.
You can download Arrpe2600va here.
Related: Here’s a list of the best free Modulation Plugins.
Arpimedes By Tobybear Productions (Windows Only)
If you want an insanely simple arp sound without having to deal with an overloaded and confusing interface, then Arpimedes is definitely for you.
It’s the easiest arpeggiator to learn on this list, and you can only set the speed, number of steps, number of octaves, and the mode.
That’s basically it!
If you have no prior experience with arpeggiators, thendefinitely give Arpimedes a try!
You can download Arpimedes here.
Note: It’s part of the MIDIBag bundle, which you needto download in order to get Arpimedes.
Related: Here’s a list of the best free delay VST plugins.
ODsay by Elektrostudio (Windows Only)
ODSay, as its name implies, is inspired by the Arp Odyssey.
It is a Duophonic synth with 2 sync VCO (6 waveforms), 1noise generator, Sample and Hold, 1 sine or square wave LFO, 2 filters (LP andHP), 1 VCA and 2 envelopes (1 ADSR and 1 AR), portamento and so on.
Everything is editable, tweakable and that gives manypossibilities.
The sound is excellent, easy to modulate, with a niceanalogue touch.
From noises to fat and full leads, it is a must-have.
You can download ODsay here.
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Tonus by KBplugs (Windows Only)
Tonus is an emulation of the ARP 2600.
This emulation is only inspired by the circuitry of the realunit, but it’s not really trying to emulate it and sound identical, but ratherhave its own personality.
There are no presets, just like on the real arp.
You can download Tonus here.
Syntler by Syntler (Windows Only)
Syntler is a groove and arpeggio synth, playable with ajoystick.
Move the joystick arund and play the virtual keybord orMIDI.
For scratch and fx play, press the “scratch”button.
For groove play, press the “groove” button, thenclick “REC” and move the joystick around.
In my opinion, it’s one of the best sounding free Arpeggiatorsout there!
Features
- 3 oscilators: 2 tones oscilators, noiseoscilator.
- Unique joystik control with speed sensitivity.
- Groove and scratch/fx mode.
- LFO.
- MIDI keybord control.
- Tempo sync delay.
- 32 editable presets.
You can download Syntler here.
Crio by Solcito Musica (Windows Only)
Crio is a virtual analog/FM synthesizer that canmake arpeggios, bass, solos, leads, FX-style sounds.
The aim was to make an instrument with minimal controls andmaximum functionality that could be easy to learn and use while still beingable to sound awesome.
Features
- 1 monophonic oscillator with noise generator and3 voices, including sub oscillator.
- 1 LFO with functions of wave quantization andtempo synchronization.
- 2 filters: typical state variable filter andcomb filter.
- 1 envelope generator.
- 1 amplifier with booster and saturation.
- slide tone control that applies to keyboard andtone modulation from LFO.
- MIDI learn in most of the controls.
You can download Crio here.
Moving on…
Premium Arpeggiator Plugins
After you’ve tried some of the free ones, I think that it’sa good idea to move over to some arpeggiators that are actually more powerful.
In most cases they will cost you a bit of money, but most ofthem are extremely affordable.
Here are three which I consider to be excellent!
Cthulhu by Xfer Records (Windows, Mac)
Cthulhu is a Chord and an arpeggiator plugin.
The chord module allows you to play one note and Cthulhuwill automatically create chords off of that one note.
This is great for when you’re trying to compose a song butcan’t come up with new ideas.
You can press any key and Cthulhu will automatically play achord that fits perfectly within that scale.
It comes with loads of chord presets, and it also allows youto create your own chord presets and save them.
If you import MIDI or record chords straight in, Cthulhu isable to analyze the chords you play and allow for various sorting options like;
Circle of 5ths, Chromatic, low note,etc…
Allowing for easy access over your chords.
The other half of Cthulhu is a unique pattern-based arpeggiator,allowing incoming notes or chords to be manipulated in various rhythmic ways.
For instance, starting on the lowest note and ending up onthe highest (when it runs out of notes, it starts back on the first one).
You can choose whichever pattern you like, sequence them inno time and that’s it… you have the basic structure of a song.
Additionally you can get the ADSR bundle which comes with over 140 chord presets and 50arpeggiation presets which are quite good.
This Plugin is great, really fun and easy to use…
The only down side is that it´s not free (It costs $39), andthe ADSR bundle also costs a bit of money ($24).
You can get Cthulhu here.
Looking for free EQ VST plugins? Here are the best ones.
ARPG8R by Pentacom (Windows, Mac)
ARPG8R is an amazingly simple, yet powerful MIDIarpeggiator.
It’s super straightforward and does exactly what you hope itwill do.
Not only that but it takes any VST and transforms it into afully programmable sequence.
It’s much easier to use than most built-in VSTi arps, andthis turns any arp-less synth into an instant rhythmic powerhouse!
If used right, this arpeggiator has the power to enhance anykind of music that has a beat.
It’s not limited to electro genres only… it can actually beused on many genres.
You can also simply engage and adjust the shuffle feature if you want a more natural feel.
Additionally, they have pretty good online tutorials onYouTube, which is always nice.
Here’s a link to one.
You can find out more about ARPG8R here.
Cream by Kirnu Interactive (Windows, Mac)
Kirnu Cream is a very powerful MIDI performer VST/AU/LPXMIDI FX plugin for Windows and Mac.
With Cream it’s very easy to create catching lead parts,bouncing bass lines, swinging drums and lots of other cool stuff.
With simple and clever design, it has been made easy tolearn and operate.
You can easily create cool performances by tweaking onlycouple of controls.
If this is not enough for you there are so many ways you cancontrol Cream that you never feel bored with it.
Kirnu Cream is good for everybody; hobbyists, professionals,producers, composers, mamas, papas… whoever needs a good MIDI performer to maketheir songs awesome!
You can read check Cream out here.
Conclusion
Get Kirnu, no questions asked!
I also like Podolski and BlueArp, but Kirnu is the best one overall.
Once you feel like you need a upgrade, go with Cream and have fund!
I hope this information was helpful and that you have a great day!