Dead Duck Software is a freeware VST plugin developer run by Steve Walker, producing a catalog of audio effects and virtual instruments distributed at no cost for Windows-based digital audio workstations. The company's output is grouped into a handful of bundles, most notably the Dead Duck Free Effects collection, which spans 26 plugins covering EQ, dynamics, delay, reverb, modulation and utility tools, and the Dead Duck Synth Bundle, which packages the DDX10 and DJX10 virtual instruments.

The developer is also known for Reducktion, a 32-voice polyphonic subtractive synthesizer with three oscillators, dual filters and a modulation matrix, and Deducktion, a lighter two-oscillator polyphonic synth. A separate Classic Instruments pack reworks four legacy plugins originally written by mda, updating them for 64-bit hosts with new interfaces while preserving the sound of the originals.

Dead Duck's niche is accessible, no-cost mixing and production tools aimed at hobbyist and bedroom producers, with its plugins frequently included in roundups of notable free VST releases on sites such as KVR Audio and Bedroom Producers Blog.

Dead Duck has 4 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Virtual Instrument, Synth Plugins, and Compressor Plugins. Their gear is featured by 1 artist, with the strongest followings in Electronic, Rock, and Hip Hop. Notable users include emma essex.