Production strand: Free software

[mkb]

http://www.karmafx.dk/

Add to that my #1 freebie VSTfx plugin, the NorthPole Filter (I use it on
nearly EVERY track I've done since finding the plugin)
http://www.prosoniq.com/html/freebies.html (Mac and PC available)

There's also the Tritium bass synth
http://www.kvraudio.com/get/60.html

And LinPlug's FreeAlpha (Mac and PC)
http://www.linplug.com/Products/FreeAlpha/freealpha.htm