Free guide · By Ismail Farooq, founder · Updated
How do I make a song or beat sound lo-fi?
The answer
To make a song sound lo-fi, lower its bit depth and sample rate (for example 12-bit at 26 kHz) for sampler grit, add tape wow and flutter with soft saturation and less treble, and add a little vinyl crackle or hiss. The free SongUp AI Lo-Fi Effect below does all of these in your browser: choose the file, pick a preset such as 90s sampler or Full lo-fi chain, adjust each stage by ear and download MP3 or WAV. In a DAW, a bitcrusher plus a tape or vinyl plugin does the same job.
At a glance
| Stages | Sampler (bit depth, sample rate), Tape (wow & flutter, saturation, high cut, hiss), Vinyl (crackle), Hard clipper |
|---|---|
| Files you can use | MP3, WAV, M4A, FLAC, OGG, or the sound of an MP4 video |
| You get | An MP3 (192 kbps) or WAV file |
| Is the file uploaded? | No. It is processed in your browser |
| Price | Free with a free account, no limit |
Do it here: the free Lo-Fi & Vintage Sampler Effect
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Sampler into tape into vinyl: the whole dusty lo-fi sound.
Want just the drums? Split the song first with the Stem Separator, or make a whole lo-fi song with AI.
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Step by step
- 1
Choose the beat or song
MP3, WAV, M4A, FLAC or a video file. Drums or a sample loop give the most classic result.
- 2
Pick a sound
Start from a preset: 90s sampler, Cassette tape, Dusty vinyl, Hard clipper, Full lo-fi chain or Crushed 8-bit.
- 3
Shape it by ear
Turn each stage on or off, then set bit depth, sample rate, wow and flutter, saturation, hiss, crackle and clipping. Use Mix to blend in the original.
- 4
Make it and download
Press Make it lo-fi, listen, then save MP3 or WAV.
Tips
- Less is often more: 12-bit and a little wow already sound vintage; 8-bit is an effect, not a texture.
- For a lo-fi hip-hop track, also slow it a little with the Slowed + Reverb maker.
- Give the drums human swing with the free Drum Swing & Humanizer.
Other free ways to do it
Checked 15 October 2026 on each tool’s own site. Free plans change, so check there before you rely on them.
| Tool | Free? | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| iZotope Vinyl | Yes | A long-standing free plugin for vinyl noise, wear and warp inside a DAW. |
| XLN Audio RC-20 Retro Color | No | A popular paid plugin with noise, wobble, distortion and bit-reduction modules. |
Questions
What is the difference between lo-fi and slowed and reverb?
Lo-fi changes the texture: grit, tape wobble, noise and a softer tone. Slowed and reverb changes the speed and adds space. Many lo-fi edits use both.
What sample rate sounds lo-fi?
Around 22 to 26 kHz gives a gentle, classic grit; 11 kHz sounds clearly crunchy. Combine it with 12 bits for the 90s sampler sound.
Is it free?
Yes. It is completely free, with a free account: no limit and no watermark. It runs in your browser, so your audio stays on your device.
Create music with SongUp AI. Publish it everywhere. Earn from your streams.
Related: Open the free Lo-Fi & Vintage Sampler Effect full page · How do I make a slowed and reverb version of a song · How do I add swing to drums · All free music tools · All free how-to guides