VST plugins are a fantastic tools to add sound effects, background ambience, and other auditory sensations to your music productions.
They’re also a great way to get creative with your recordings while increasing their flexibility. Since they’re simply software instruments that run inside your DAW, VSTs are accessible from just about any platform or computer. This means you can use them no matter what gear you own or what operating system you prefer.
To make things even better,z they come at very little cost. By using VST plugins instead of standalone instruments or sample libraries, you can greatly reduce the cost of your music production projects.
With all these benefits, it’s no wonder so many producers and musicians have jumped on the VST plugin bandwagon in recent years. However, not everyone knows exactly which ones to choose from…
What are VST plugins?
VST stands for “Virtual Studio Technology,” and it’s a relatively new computer-based audio technology that allows you to add virtual instruments to any DAW (like Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, or any other software that supports VST plugins).
VSTs include all the necessary components to create a synthetic sound. These components include a virtual instrument, virtual effects, and a virtual mixer.
Now, you might be wondering, why would you want to use a VST plugin instead of, say, using an actual instrument in your DAW? The truth is that VST plugins can be more versatile than real hardware.
Not only can you use them in any DAW you have installed, you can also use them on mobile devices such as Macs, PCs, and Android devices.
Best vst plugins 2024
Now that you know what VSTs are, let’s talk about which ones you need to get on your priority list. Whether you’re looking to add some ambience, create some lush textures, or add some noise to your tracks, these five plugins will help you take your production to the next level.
1 - Kilohearts Phase Plant
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Imagine the possibilities
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2 - Xo XLN Audio
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XO - XLN Audio - Explore sounds and Make Beats A revolutionary new way of exploring sounds and making beats. XO collects all your one-shot drum sounds and sorts them by similarity, in the XO Space. XO allows you to seamlessly explore your samples, regardless of where or how they are stored. |
3 - Chordjam Audio Modern
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Chordjam - The Ultimate Chord Machine The Creative real-time compositional assistant for Mac and PC. Chordjam is an innovative plugin that builds chords and progression patterns through intuitive user-guided randomization. |
4 - FRMS Ganular Synth
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FRMS - Granular Synthesizer FRMS is a versatile hybrid synthesizer that combines Granular, FM, Subtractive and Additive synthesis using a flexible layering system. |
5 - D16 Nepheton 808 emulation
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D16 Nepheton - Superb TR-808 emulation Nepheton contains 17 fully synthesized instruments perfectly emulating the famous 808 drum machine. All the nuances details of the instruments sounds are captured perfectly. |
What is the Most Used VST?
One of the most used VST plugins across various music production environments is Native Instruments' Massive. Known for its powerful and flexible sound engine, Massive is a staple in the electronic music production community. It offers a vast array of presets and an intuitive interface, making it a go-to choice for producers looking to create everything from heavy bass lines to intricate lead sounds.
Who Makes the Best VST Plugins?
Several companies are renowned for producing top-quality VST plugins. Native Instruments, FabFilter, and Spectrasonics are often cited as industry leaders.
Native Instruments offers a broad range of plugins that are highly regarded for their versatility and sound quality. FabFilter is known for its exceptional EQs and dynamics processors, while Spectrasonics is celebrated for its high-end synthesizers like Omnisphere, which is used by many professional musicians and producers.
What Plugins Are Worth Buying?
When considering which plugins are worth buying, it often depends on your specific needs and the type of music you produce. However, some universally acclaimed plugins include:
- FabFilter Pro-Q 3: A top-tier EQ plugin known for its precise control and high-quality sound.
- Spectrasonics Omnisphere: A powerhouse synthesizer that provides a vast range of sounds suitable for any genre.
- Soundtoys Decapitator: An analog saturation plugin that adds warmth and character to your tracks.
- Valhalla VintageVerb: A highly versatile reverb plugin that is both affordable and powerful.
- UAD Plugins: Universal Audio’s plugins are known for their impeccable emulations of classic analog gear.
Investing in these plugins can significantly enhance the quality and creativity of your music production.
