The best lo-fi VSTs for music production from Native Instruments

Lo-fi VST plugins are essential to making a lo-fi song. A lo-fi VST is a virtual plugin or instrument you can use inside your DAW to give your tunes a vintage vibe. Think vinyl record crackles, tape hiss, and other old-school quirks. lo-fi VSTs let you mess with your music in all sorts of creative ways—like making it sound like it's playing on an old record player or tweaking it to have a warm, fuzzy tape feel.

Whether you’re cooking up lo-fi hip hop beats or producing lo-fi house music, the lo-fi VSTs below are sure to bring a vintage vibe to any track.

Best lo-fi VST instruments

Lo-fi VST instruments enhance music production by offering a range of character-rich, retro-inspired sounds, enabling producers to infuse their tracks with a distinct vintage ambiance and artistic depth. These synths and sampler libraries are the secret sauce of many lo-fi producers, so let’s dive in!

Super 8

The Super 8 synth is an absolute gem for crafting that dreamy, lo-fi atmosphere. It's like having a vintage analog synth at your fingertips, but with all of the modern conveniences. Super 8 offers intuitive controls and a user-friendly interface, making it a breeze to experiment and tweak sounds on the fly.

Whether you're dialing in some wobbly, pitch-drifting keys or experimenting with textured pads, this synth's got your back. And when it comes to that signature lo-fi imperfection, Super 8 delivers, thanks to its built-in tape and chorus effects. It's the kind of synth that invites happy accidents and creative exploration, making it an ideal tool for crafting those laid-back, lo-fi vibes effortlessly. If you're looking to infuse your music with some retro synths, Super 8 is the way to go.


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Kontakt

Kontakt is a game-changer when it comes to crafting lo-fi music that oozes with character and depth. This powerhouse sampler VST comes with a massive library of vintage, dusty, and textured sounds perfect for creating lo-fi music. Plus, with tons of free lo-fi instruments for Kontakt, you can easily transport your listeners to a bygone era of nostalgia and relaxation. It's a must-have in the toolkit of any serious lo-fi music maker.


Get Kontakt 7

Lo-fi Glow

Lo-fi Glow is like a lo-fi producer's dream come true. It's your sonic time machine to the days of vinyl records and tape decks. With its collection of warm, crackling, and beautifully aged sounds, it's tailor-made for crafting that cozy, lo-fi ambiance. From tape hiss to wobbly pitches, this instrument brings all the authentic imperfections that make lo-fi music so inviting.

This lo-fi VST instrument is part of the Kontakt Play Series, so it runs within the free Kontakt 7 Player and comes with over 150 playable presets that are perfect for hip hop, electronica, house, and more. Created in partnership with MSXII, this instrument was made by recording vintage keys, guitars, synths, organs, and basses and then processing them through tape decks and old-school samplers like the SP-404 — resulting in a full collection of lo-fi sounds to bring that effortlessly chill quality to your tracks.


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Homage

Homage is another killer addition to the Kontakt Play Series and is perfect for producing grainy, lo-fi hip hop. Packed with plenty of warped textures, Homage pays tribute to the LA beat scene and the boundary-breaking hip hop productions that helped to define the lo-fi genre. Compatible with the free Kontakt 7 Player, this lo-fi VST allows you to layer high-quality recordings with noise samples in order to dial in just the blend of vintage character you need. If you wanna create some dusty lo-fi hip hop, Homage has everything you need.


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Hybrid Keys

Hybrid Keys is fantastic for crafting soothing lo-fi vibes. It’s like having a studio full of vintage keyboards and electric pianos right at your fingertips. This lo-fi VST instrument's diverse selection of sounds (from warm Rhodes to dusty Wurlitzers) lets you effortlessly infuse your music with that timeless, lo-fi charm. Since it runs within the free Kontakt 7 Player, it combines the best of analog and digital worlds, giving you the warmth of classic gear with the convenience of modern sampling.

Whether you're laying down chill melodies or creating dreamy, atmospheric backgrounds, Hybrid Keys has the perfect tones to set the mood for your lo-fi tracks. It's a must-have for anyone looking to add lo-fi keys to their music.


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Analog Dreams

The Analog Dreams Kontakt instrument is yet another Play Series instrument and is known for its ability to capture the warm, vintage sounds of classic analog synthesizers. This lo-fi VST instrument offers a wide range of preset sounds inspired by iconic analog synthesizers from the past few decades, including lush pads, fat basses, classic leads, and dreamy arpeggios. Analog Dreams was designed to provide you with the rich, textured tones associated with analog gear, making it a versatile tool for adding nostalgic synths to your lo-fi music.

Whether you're looking to recreate the sounds of your favorite vintage synthesizers or explore new sonic territories, Analog Dreams is a fantastic resource for adding analog warmth and character to your lo-fi music productions.


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40s Very Own Keys

40's Very Own Keys comes loaded with 150 presets of electric piano, grand piano, and classic synth sounds — making it the best lo-fi piano VST for recreating the iconic, downsampled sound of Noah “40” Shebib. This Kontakt Play Series instrument runs within the free Kontakt 7 Player and could be your new go-to lo-fi VST instrument for making lush pads, dreamy harmonies, and leads that sing.

Every preset included in this lo-fi VST comes with a dedicated range of creative effects (plus a special “40” macro) so that you can customize the presence and shape of the sounds to make them your own. This is a must-have lo-fi keys instrument for anyone looking to produce lo-fi hip hop!


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Karriem Riggins Drums

One of the newer additions to the Kontakt Play Series, Karriem Riggins Drums features tons of one-shot samples and drum kits crafted by world renowned hip hop producer, Karriem Riggins. Compatible with the free Kontakt 7 Player, this lo-fi drum kit VST is the ideal tool if you’re looking to make lo-fi hip hop beats with a jazzy sound.

With this drum VST, you can create your own kits or browse through the huge amount of presets and groove patterns included. One extra cool feature is that you can use the swing and tightness controls to give your beat some “sway”—making it the best lo-fi VST for making head-nodding lo-fi hip hop beats.


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Soul Sessions

Full of keys, live guitar, bass, sax, trumpets, and vintage synths, Soul Sessions is great for adding soul-drenched melodics and bass to your lo-fi productions. This Play Series Kontakt instrument allows you to further sculpt your tones and create new hybrid layers, making it perfect for crafting your own unique, lo-fi sound. It runs within the free Kontakt 7 Player and is great for bringing a loose, laid-back tone to your lo-fi tunes.


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Vintage Organs

Vintage Organs is a versatile and authentic collection of classic organ sounds, making it an ideal choice for lo-fi music producers. With meticulously sampled organs from different eras, it offers warm, retro tones that align perfectly with the nostalgic ambiance of lo-fi music. This Kontakt library's attention to detail captures the organic nuances and imperfections of these vintage instruments, providing a rich sonic palette. Whether you're aiming to add a touch of nostalgia, or experiment with unique textures, Vintage Organs offers ease of use, enabling you to shape and customize organ sounds effortlessly for your lo-fi compositions.


Get Vintage Organs

Scarbee Vintage Keys

Scarbee Vintage Keys is a highly regarded Kontakt instrument library that specializes in vintage keyboard sounds, including electric pianos, clavinet, and more. It's an excellent choice for making lo-fi music because it provides access to a wide range of vintage, soulful, and character-rich keyboard tones. It’s one of the best lo-fi piano VSTs on the market for creating the nostalgic and cozy vibes that define lo-fi music.

This library truly captures the warmth and imperfections of many classic key instruments. Whether you're after the smooth sounds of a Rhodes or the gritty textures of a Wurlitzer, Scarbee Vintage Keys offers a user-friendly interface to customize and craft perfect, vintage-inspired, lo-fi soundscapes with ease.


Get Scarbee Vintage Keys

Session Guitarist Series

The Session Guitarist series is a collection of Kontakt instrument libraries featuring professional studio guitarists' performances. These are an exceptional choice for crafting lo-fi music due to their versatility and authentic guitar tones. These libraries offer a wide range of guitar styles, from acoustic fingerpicking to electric riffs, all with a high level of realism and expressiveness.

lo-fi music often incorporates mellow guitar textures, and the Session Guitarist series provides the perfect tools for achieving that laid-back, nostalgic sound. With easy-to-use interfaces and customizable parameters, you can effortlessly create dreamy, guitar-driven lo-fi compositions, making these guitar VSTs an invaluable resource for producers seeking genuine and emotive guitar elements in their music. Whether you go with Picked Acoustic, Electric Vintage, Picked Nylon, Electric Mint, or you get them all together in the Komplete 14 Ultimate bundle, these guitar VSTs are perfect for adding realistic guitar elements to any lo-fi track.


Get Session Guitarist

Retro Machines MK2

Retro Machines MK2 is a versatile Kontakt instrument library that captures the essence of iconic vintage synthesizers. It's an excellent choice for crafting lo-fi music as it offers a rich palette of warm and nostalgic sounds. This library includes classic analog synths, electric pianos, and vintage drum machines — all essential elements for creating the dreamy and timeless atmospheres often found in lo-fi tracks.

With its user-friendly interface, authentic sound quality, and 16 different synths to choose from, this lo-fi VST allows you to effortlessly infuse your music with vintage charm, making it an indispensable tool for lo-fi producers looking to evoke a sense of nostalgia in their compositions.


Get Retro Machines MK2

Lo-fi VST Expansions

Lo-fi VST Expansions from Native Instruments elevate music production by providing a diverse palette of vintage-inspired sounds, textures, and effects, infusing tracks with a distinct lo-fi charm and creativity.

Drift Theory

The Drift Theory Expansion is full of versatile lo-fi kits and patterns for eclectic hip hop productions. It comes with 59 BATTERY kits, 10 Monark presets, 50 Maschine kits, 391 loops, and 427 one-shots — all infused with analog hardware and cassette character. This Expansion’s kits have been carefully curated to make it a breeze to lay down lo-fi beats full of grit and swing.


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Faded Reels

The Faded Reels Expansion captures the hazy aesthetics of lo-fi hip hop with its 50 MASCHINE kits and 59 BATTERY kits. It comes with plenty of live bass, synths, keys, and guitars — all processed using tape and hardware samplers to give every sound that lo-fi vibe. With fuzzy chords, cozy keys, dusty drums, and pastel textures, Faded Reels comes loaded with tons of sounds for crafting the perfect, lo-fi aesthetic.


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Crate Cuts

Crate Cuts is another great lo-fi Expansion pack, offering the loose sound of classic funk, jazz, and soul for your lo-fi productions. With 20 MASSIVE presets, 12 MONARK presets, 45 MASCHINE kits, and over 500 loops, Crate Cuts is packed with original, royalty-free recordings on reel-to-reel tape, sampled on vintage gear, and chopped up into custom kits. This lo-fi Expansion is ideal if you’re looking for that dusty, crate-digging vibe.


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Burnt Hues

Burnt Hues comes with plenty of keys, synths, guitars, and basses — all sliced from original tracks and then processed using iconic hardware. With 50 MASCHINE kits, 59 BATTERY kits, 466 loops, and 408 one-shots, this Expansion pack captures the sample-heavy style of underground hip hop and allows you to easily fuse your lo-fi productions with funk, jazz, soul, and more. Check out the video below to learn how to make a chill lo-fi beat using the Crate Cuts and Burnt Hues Expansions.


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Best lo-fi VST plugins

Lo-fi VST plugins add a warm, vintage texture to music, enriching it with nostalgic character and a cozy, analog feel. If you’re looking to give your productions a bit of extra character, these plugins can help you get there.

Satin

Satin allows you to build your own custom tape machine with individually modeled components. With both modern and vintage modes available, Satin delivers a wide range of sonic flavors. Whether you use one of the 120+ factory presets, or you build your own from scratch, this tape simulation plugin allows you to breathe life into your recordings by adding in a bit of perfect imperfections.


Get Satin

Vintage Compressors

The Vintage Compressors bundle gives you digital versions of three of the most heavily-used compressors in studio history, right at your fingertips. The VC 76, VC 2A, and VC 160 are all fantastic at emulating the warmth and character of classic compressors, but each comes with their own unique character and specific advantages. Plus, with sidechain abilities, these Vintage Compressors are even better than the originals!


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Guitar Rig 7 Pro

Guitar Rig 7 Pro is an entire inspiration suite, packed with guitar and bass amp simulators, studio effects, and pedals—making it perfect for adding instant flavor to your lo-fi tracks. Plus, this latest version comes with four new lo-fi components to help you add analog warmth to your instruments. Try out the new Tape Wobble effect to create a “warbling” effect. Layer in some extra tones like cassette tapes, VHS tapes, electrical hum, and vinyl using the Noise Machine. Or, you can even recreate the vibrato found in vintage rock organs by using Vintage Vibrato. However you use it, Guitar Rig 7 Pro is sure to bring some added retro color to your lo-fi tracks.


Get Guitar Rig 7 Pro

iZotope Vinyl

iZotope Vinyl is a free lo-fi VST that serves as the secret sauce for adding that cozy, nostalgic vibe to your lo-fi music productions. It's like a time machine for your tracks, letting you dial in that warm, crackly goodness that instantly transports you back to your grandma's living room with her old record player.

Whether you want to sprinkle some vinyl dust on your beats or go all-in with the warp and wear effects, iZotope Vinyl has your back. It's user-friendly, too, so even if you're not a tech wizard, you can easily tweak your sound to perfection. If you're aiming for that dreamy, vintage sound in your lo-fi tracks, iZotope Vinyl is your go-to tool to give your music that authentic, old-school charm. Plus, it’s totally free!

Get iZotope Vinyl

Unfiltered Audio LO-FI-AF

Unfiltered Audio's LO-FI-AF is a lo-fi plugin for enthusiasts seeking genuine audio character from the past. Create cherished audio artifacts, from vintage vinyl warmth to the quirks of MP3s and more. LO-FI-AF goes beyond traditional saturators and bit crushers, offering unique sound effects such as the chatter of cell phone interference.



LO-FI-AF includes four distinct modules, allowing for 24 unique signal paths. Add analog grunge to your music, simulate a damaged microphone, or mimic a scratched CD. Use this plugin to infuse nostalgia into your beats and transport your recordings into the past.

Get Unfitlered Audio LO-FI-AF

Best bundle of lo-fi VST instruments and plugins from Native Instruments

Now, what if you want to stock up on a ton of lo-fi VST tools all at once? Take a look at the best lo-fi instrument and plugin bundle below.

Komplete 14

Komplete 14 is the ultimate playground for lo-fi music producers. With a gazillion virtual instruments, effects, and samples, it's got everything you need to cook up those chill lo-fi vibes. From lush pianos and dreamy synths to dusty vinyl emulators and crispy drum samples, Komplete 14's got it all.



With Komplete 14, it’s like having a whole lo-fi band at your fingertips. Plus, the variety means you can experiment and find that unique sound that makes your lo-fi tracks stand out. So, if you're serious about crafting some seriously cozy tunes, grabbing Komplete 14 is a no-brainer.

Get Komplete 14

Start using lo-fi VST plugins and instruments

Now that we’ve covered tons of great lo-fi VST options, it’s time for you to start using some lo-fi VSTs for yourself! Whether you pick and choose some of the products above, or get tons of ‘em in a bundle with Komplete 14, we’re sure the lo-fi VST instruments and plugins on this page will take your lo-fi productions to the next level!

Get Komplete 14
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