Most modern digital audio workstations (DAWs) come equipped with a variety of built-in plugins and instruments, providing a solid foundation for music production.
While these tools are sufficient for getting started and even completing many projects, as your skills and experience grow, you’ll likely find yourself yearning for more advanced options to enhance your sound. That’s where our curated list of essential VST audio plugins comes in.
These plugins are designed to expand your creative possibilities and elevate your music production to new heights. Whether you’re looking to add depth to your mixes, create unique soundscapes, or streamline your workflow, these must-have plugins are here to help you achieve your artistic vision.
Table Of Contents:
- Best VST Audio Plugins in 2024: Free and Paid
- Understanding the Power of VST Plugins
- FAQs About Best VST Audio Plugins
- Conclusion – Best VST Plugins for Producers
Best VST Audio Plugins in 2024: Free and Paid
Understanding the Power of VST Plugins
VST plugins revolutionized music production, offering a wide range of virtual instruments and effects that integrate seamlessly into a digital audio workstation (DAW). They can emulate vintage hardware, create unique sonic textures, shape sounds creatively, and enhance workflow. A plugin host can really maximize the possibilities of your DAW.
Types of VST Plugins
Two primary categories of VST plugins exist: virtual instruments and audio effects. Within these categories are numerous subcategories, each focusing on different aspects of sound design.
Virtual Instruments
Virtual instruments, or VSTi, replicate the sound of traditional instruments or introduce new electronic sounds.
These are a few key types of virtual instruments:
- Samplers: These use recorded audio samples, allowing you to play realistic-sounding instruments.
- Native Instruments Kontakt 7 is widely celebrated for its powerful sampling features.
- Synthesizers: These plugins generate electronic sounds, offering a vast palette from classic analog warmth to modern digital soundscapes.
- Xfer Serum, known for its clean and impactful sound, reigns supreme in the EDM scene.
- Diva by u-He stands out for its incredibly warm and authentic analog emulation.
- Drum Machines: Designed for rhythm and beats, drum machine plugins offer realistic acoustic kits, classic drum machine emulation, and experimental percussive sounds.
- Native Instruments Battery 4 gives you amazing control over individual drum sounds within your kit.
Audio Effects
Audio effect plugins manipulate audio signals’ sonic qualities, including dynamics, frequency content, spatial placement, and more. Let’s delve into sound libraries a bit more. Sound libraries are collections of pre-recorded audio files that you can use in your music. These libraries can contain anything from individual instrument samples to fully produced loops and phrases. VST instruments often come with built-in sound libraries or allow you to load external ones, providing a vast sonic palette for your productions.
Here are some must-have audio effects categories:
- EQ (Equalization): EQ plugins shape your tracks’ frequency balance by boosting or cutting specific frequencies. FabFilter Pro Q-3 is well-respected for surgical precision.
- Compression: Compressors smooth out a signal’s dynamic range, controlling loudness, adding punch, or gluing elements together in a mix. Klanghelm’s DC1A compressor plugin stands out for its incredible simplicity.
- Reverb: This category adds virtual spaces to your music, from realistic rooms to otherworldly soundscapes. Consider Altiverb 8 by AudioEase if you want truly top-tier, hyperrealistic reverbs.
- Delay: This category lets you create repeating echoes of a sound, thickening the audio signal using timed delays. If you need flexible delay with awesome quality, look no further than Sigmund 2.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing VSTs
Before buying, let’s consider some key factors to narrow your search for VSTs. Choosing the right plugins can significantly impact your productions, influencing your workflow and the final sound you achieve. Modulation capabilities in plugins can drastically alter sounds.
Sound Quality
Prioritizing plugins known for exceptional sound quality is paramount. After all, you want your music to sound its best.
CPU Usage
Consider a plugin’s processing power demand. Some plugins are more demanding than others. Choosing plugins that won’t overload your system is vital, ensuring smooth and efficient music production. This is essential to avoid performance issues in your DAW.
User Interface and Workflow
A user-friendly interface significantly enhances your workflow, helping you unlock a plugin’s creative potential. Seek intuitive plugins. Look for plugins with well-designed interfaces that make it easy to access parameters and features.
Exploring Free vs. Paid VST Audio Plugins
There are excellent options for VST audio plugins in both the free and paid categories. Each has its pros and cons. Understanding the differences can help you make informed decisions when building your plugin arsenal.
Free VST Audio Plugins
Free plugins are an excellent option for beginners or budget-conscious producers who want to explore different sounds without spending money. Some offer comparable quality to paid counterparts.
Remember that free plugins often have limitations in features, support, or future updates. Nonetheless, they provide an accessible entry point into using VSTs. Plus, you can’t beat free.
| Plugin | Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Vital | Synthesizer | Wavetable synthesis, powerful modulation, user-friendly interface |
| Momentum | Sampler | Sample slicing, time-stretching, extensive loop libraries |
| OTT | Multiband Compressor | Aggressive upwards/downwards compression, ideal for EDM |
| Wider 2 | Stereo Widener | Mono-to-stereo expansion, phase coherence, frequency control |
| Fresh Air | High-Frequency Processor | Smooths high frequencies, adds sparkle, vintage-inspired sound |
Paid VST Audio Plugins
Investing in paid VSTs often provides cutting-edge features, polished sound quality, reliable updates, and dedicated support. You’re also more likely to get access to a wider range of presets and sound libraries, giving you a head start in your productions. Paid plugins are an investment in your music production journey.
Best VST Audio Plugins: Free for Creative Exploration
Add these awesome free plugins to your toolkit to expand your sound design possibilities without spending a dime.
Vital
The wavetable synthesizer Vital has taken music production by storm. Why? Firstly, it’s FREE to use. And secondly, it is packed with powerful features comparable to renowned paid synths.
Whether new to wavetable synthesis or a seasoned sound designer, Vital’s user-friendly interface lets you unlock a world of sonic possibilities. Tons of free preset packs will keep your sound design inspiration flowing. Vital lives up to the hype.
Momentum
Developed by Big Fish Audio, Momentum goes beyond the basics of a typical sampler. With features like sample slicing, time-stretching, key-changing, and powerful sound manipulation capabilities, it offers a comprehensive creative toolkit.
Transform your samples effortlessly with the 18 slice-specific effects. Access Big Fish Audio’s renowned loop libraries within the plugin for endless possibilities.
Best VST Audio Plugins: Investing in Professional Sound
While free plugins rock, investing in paid VST audio plugins can significantly elevate your production value. You often get what you pay for regarding audio quality and advanced features.
FabFilter Pro-Q 3
When it comes to precision and clarity in EQ, the FabFilter Pro-Q 3 reigns supreme. It consistently earns its spot as an essential plugin for audio editing and sound shaping. It’s a versatile tool for any serious producer.
This dynamic EQ becomes an extension of your ears with its intuitive interface and unmatched sound quality. Experience its surgical precision, extensive features, and user-friendly design – you’ll understand why countless audio professionals rely on it.
Native Instruments Kontakt 7
Want to unlock a world of sonic possibilities? Native Instruments Kontakt 7 is the gold standard for sampling. Trusted by industry professionals worldwide, its reputation for flexibility, performance, and sound quality is unmatched. Kontakt is a must-have if you’re serious about using sample libraries in your productions.
Kontakt 7 offers exceptional built-in sounds, but its true power is as a platform for third-party sample libraries. The intuitive browser makes exploring sounds a breeze. You’ll have no problem finding the perfect sound for your project.
FAQs About Best VST Audio Plugins
Who Makes the Best VST Plugins?
No single answer exists, as different developers excel in different areas. It all depends on your needs. However, industry giants like Native Instruments, FabFilter, and Waves consistently deliver high-quality plugins. Don’t overlook smaller, innovative companies; they make incredible plugins.
What VST Do Professionals Use?
You’d be surprised how many pros swear by rock-solid free plugins. However, paid VSTs from reputable developers like FabFilter’s Pro-Q 3 for EQ, iZotope Ozone for mastering, and Waves plugins are common in pro studios.
What Plugins Do Professional Producers Use?
Professional producers gravitate toward plugins offering a specific sound or workflow advantage. For example, the Waves Scheps Omni Channel 2 is popular in the pro world, known for its warm analog vibe and intuitive workflow.
Which VST Instrument is Best?
A high-quality sampler like Native Instruments Kontakt 7 offers versatility and realism, opening up a universe of sounds. Ultimately, the “best” VST instrument depends on the music you want to make. There’s something out there for every music producer. Explore and experiment to discover your favorites.
Conclusion – Best VST Plugins for Producers
In the constantly changing world of music production, having a great set of VST audio plugins is a must. Experiment with free options and invest in paid plugins that align with your needs and budget. By carefully curating your plugin collection, you can add depth and achieve professional sound quality in your music.
As you explore these top picks, consider joining our Mix Elite Academy to further enhance your music production journey. Membership includes access to premium courses, over 500 in-depth lessons, top-tier sample and preset packs, student discounts of up to 50% on thousands of plugins, and entry into an exclusive community of like-minded music enthusiasts. Take your craft to the next level with the unparalleled resources and support at Mix Elite Academy—join us today!
