Best Paid Vst Plugins
15 Best Drum VST Plugins (2020) – Paid & Free. The use of VST plugins for drums has become extremely popular among musicians and music producers in recent years. Best Strings VST Plugins. As far as paid orchestral & strings VST libraries go, there are definitely a lot to choose from. I will list the ones I think are the best here, but just know that most of the paid libraries available actually do sound extremely good. Cinematic Studio Strings ($399). Top 10 VST Effects Plugin for 2020. Hello guys, hope you are doing well. Today I’ll talk about my favorite VST Effects plugins for 2020. The below listed plugins are paid and you will get all the links of their official websites. I use these plugins from around 5-6 years and now in year 2020 I recommend these plugins.
Disclosure: When you buy through our links, we may get a commission at zero cost to you.
Imagine creating music with no reverberation whatsoever, you hear the audio directly with no simulation of the sound of space (a room, hall, or a sound-reflective space), this would give you a dry signal, which is unnatural to the human ear, and this is because we are used to getting the illusion of the simulation of a real space in a mix.
Reverb is one of the tools and effects used by music producer/engineer to extract selective clarity, size, richness, wideness, etc. from the various elements of a multitrack production.
It can be used to create all sorts of effects, and can greatly make your music or mix stand out if used properly, but it can easily be misused too, typically, reverb effects can be used to…
- Create depth in a mix; pushing elements further back in a mix
- Multitrack projects are often crowded with 24, 36, and often more tracks filling the arrangement simultaneously (fighting to be heard), adding long reverb times can make certain element uncluttered in the mix
- It can be used to bring coloration to a sound
- You can use it to create drama in a track, for example, the intro can bring in a lush sound, and when the first verse begins, you can automate or dial back the lushness aggressively, making it sound not only dramatic but also pleasing to the ear.
- To create a reverse reverb, the original sound is reversed in time (flipping back), and you then add a duplication of the original track to the next bar, which when played together snap back to its original place in time, using this can be used to create suspense in a track, super useful
A before and after of a simple melody I just created, one with no reverb, and the other with a classic reverb:
You see how the reverb added more clarity and depth to the melody, wish I could show more example, I’ll leave that in your hands.
Since we know the importance of using reverb, I would be recommending some of the best reverb effects plugins in the music production scene right now.
Let’s get going…
1.) MangledVerb by Eventide
MangledVerb combines reverb and distortion to give you a stunning effect, it sends a stereo reverb into distortion, and when that is done, you get a plugin that is capable of creating lush reverbs, ripping distortion leads and sound-sculpting musical chaos.
This plugin is especially great if you are a guitarist, and if you are performing live, you’ll enjoy the RIBBON, you can program two settings for any combination of the controls and seamlessly transition between them.
The way the RIBBON work is you click on the white dot at the tip of any knob and drag it to the desired setting for the left-hand side of the Ribbon. This will program the knob and draw a blue arc from the initial knob position to the new, programmed knob position.
►Key Features:
- Create out-of-this-world soundscapes by increasing the Size and Overdrive.
- Use it as Mono-In/Mono-Out, Mono-In/Stereo-Out or Stereo-In/Stereo-Out for ultimate flexibility.
- Smoothly move from Softclip distortion to Overdrive for ripping transitions.
- Use the Wobble control to create spooky detuning effects.
- Use The Ribbon control to easily manipulate multiple parameters in a live situation.
- Program the HotSwitch to instantly change multiple parameters at once.
- Optimized for live use with MIDI control of The Ribbon and Tap Tempo for quick meta-control on the fly.
- Use Mix Lock to scroll through presets while keeping the wet-dry mix constant.
►System Requirements:
- Windows 7 or higher // 32-64bit
- macOS 10.7 or higher // 64-bit only
- 64-bit only
- AAX, VST2 & VST3 Formats for Windows, and
- AAX, AU & VST2 Formats for mac
2.) MorphVerb by United Plugins
MorphVerb is a multipurpose reverb plugin, whether you need a chamber, hall, algorithms for spring, ambience place, and a plethora of reverb effects.
The beauty of this plugin is the fact that it supports multiple reverb types, it features a lush algorithm for Spring, Ambience, Echoes, Room, Chamber, or Plate. It also features great spaces like Hall or Cathedral and your reverb can even be Infinite.
Another interesting feature of this plugin is that you can blend smoothly between any two neighboring reverb types. So you can get 20% Chamber and 80% Hall. MorphVerb fills the gaps between reverb styles and gives almost infinite possibilities.
►System Requirements:
Mac
- macOS 10.10 and newer
- 64-bit only
- Intel/AMD processor with SSE2 support
- VST2, VST3, AAX, or AU compatible host
Windows
- Windows 8-10
- 32-bit or 64-bit
- Intel/AMD processor with SSE2 support
- VST2, VST3 or AAX compatible host
3.) XenoVerb by Audiority
XenoVerb is a superb Multi-Algorithm Reverb plugin with a sleek and intuitive GUI, I really love the interface of this plugin but it doesn’t only thrive in that aspect. It also features both classic and creative reverb algorithms delivering a wide range of reverbs with a clean and simple interface.
►Key Features:
- 10 Reverb Algorithms:
- Room, Hall, Plate 1, Plate 2, Springy, Glass, Flow, Shimmer, Bode, Formant
- Over 250 presets
- Pre Delay
- Diffusion
- Modulation
- Tone Control
- Reverb Freeze
- Soft Limiter
►System Requirements:
PC
- Windows XP SP3 or later
- Intel i3 or higher
- 2GB RAM
- Screen resolution: 1024×768
- VST2, AAX 32-bit or 64-bit host
MAC
- OSX 10.7.5 or later
- Intel i3 or higher
- 2GB RAM
- Screen resolution: 1024×768
- VST2, AU, and AAX 32-bit or 64-bit host
4.) Perfect Room by denise
Perfect room plugin is a re-implementation of the classic algorithmicreverb, denise ditched the method of using a combination of short feedbacking delays to create the illusion of reverberation, they instead created TXVerb™ technology.
This technology doesn’t use delays for the tail and will enhance the character and coloration of any audio you run through it in an extremely natural way, whether you are using it for drums, vocals, and any other instrument, you’ll absolutely enjoy the mechanism and sound quality of this plugin.
►System Requirements:
Mac:
- OSX 10.7 to macOS 10.14 (64-bit only)
- VST, VST3, AU, AAX
Windows:
- Windows 7 or newer (64-bit only)
- VST, VST3, AAX
5.) GrainSpace by Audiority
GrainSpace is a granular processor by Audiority that focuses on real-time granularization and reverberation of the incoming audio signal.
GrainSpace provides dynamic grain generation (up to 32 per channel), 7-grain parameters, 4-grain modulators (including two 11 waveforms LFO), smearing, chord resonator, and reverb to create crazy sound effects, rich textures, and much more.
System Requirements:
- Windows XP SP3 or later // OSX 10.7 or later
- Intel i3 or higher
- 2GB RAM
- Screen resolution: 1024×768
- VST2, AAX 32-bit or 64-bit host
6.) Spring by Eventide
Eventide Spring is an easy reverb that models the sound and character of the popular artificial reverb found in guitar amplifiers, with an additional tube amp style tremolo.
It doesn’t only model the sound and the character, but also allows you to make a further tweak to physical parameter controls not readily available in the real unit.
One thing that struck me with this plugin is the intuitiveness and play-ability. You can easily adjust the knobs or specifically, you can use the RIBBON to program two settings for any combination of the controls and seamlessly morph to any sound between them.
► Key Features:
- Artist presets by Matt Lange, Nick Hook, and Nu-Trix.
- Tempo Sync reverb decay to your DAW
- Craft original sounds by changing the number of springs and damping frequency
- Alter overall resonance by selecting the size of the spring tank
- Tube-amp-style tremolo that can be routed pre- or post-reverb
- Create chorus-like effects by altering Modulation Level
- The Ribbon controller allows for dynamic modification of several knobs at once to easily morph between settings
- Programmable Hotswitch provides the ability to jump instantly to an alternate sound at the push of a button
- Mac/Windows plug-in version works as VST, AU, AAX
► System Requirements:
- Windows 7 or higher
- macOS 10.7 or higher
- 64-bit only
- AAX, VST2 & VST3 Formats for Windows, and
- AAX, AU & VST2 Formats for mac
Note: Eventide tests their plugins in Ableton Live, Cubase, FL Studio, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, and Studio One. However, their plugins should work with any compatible host.
Useful Related posts:
No matter what level you’re currently at with recording, it’s important to have a variety of Virtual Studio Technology (VST) to utilize. In this article, we’re looking at some of the Best VST Free and Paid Instrument Plugins.
This will help you determine which of these programs are best for you since there’s a ton of options to choose from.
Hopefully, it’ll relieve you of the overwhelming feeling of trying to determine which of these programs is best for you.
Best VST Free Instrument Plugins
As noted, down below are ten of our favorite free VST (or audio plug-in) on synthesizers and samplers.
If you’re a beginner or want to learn how to use these products, then you should definitely consider some of these free variations.
2getheraudio Cheeze Machine
First on our list of free variations of VST for synthesizers and samplers, we have a product from 2getheraudio (together audio get it?).
Their completely free VST is deemed as the “Cheeze Machine”. The name represents exactly what the system does. It’s fun, and something everyone will love.
Overall, this is something that is surprisingly versatile. Besides the synth variations, the actual product itself includes an expanded oscillator section, convolution reverb, a vintage ensemble chorus, and 64-bit compatibility for VST, AU, AAX and other applications.
Also included, it has a bonus preview presets for Cheeze Machine Pro. Cheeze Machine Pro is an upcoming release with additional filters, pitch envelopes, and performance controls. Sweet!
All in all, this is a great product. Especially since it’s free! Consider downloading it and see how you like it for yourself.
Ample Sound Guitar M LITE II
Next up, we have a fantastic product from Ample Sound. This is a very simple and easy to use plug-in.The synthesizer itself works as an emulator for a Martin D-41 acoustic guitar. Other than that, it doesn’t do much of anything else.
However, since it’s completely free, it doesn’t hurt to download it and check it out. The reality is, having a synthesizer that emulates an acoustic guitar will be more useful to you than you might realize.
It works great and does everything you might expect it to do. Other than that, there isn’t much else to say.
Give it a download and check it out for yourself.
DSK The Grand
Next up, we have a fantastic system from DSK music. Just like the other systems in this section of the article, it’s an easy and free download.The system itself is a Grand Piano VST instrument. Very simple and easy to understand. There isn’t much beyond that.
It features 4 velocity layers, 4-6 samples/notes, has ADSR envelope control, has a reverb fx included.
Just like all of the products on this list, it’s available for Windows and Mac OS (32 and 64 bits).
If you want a simple, but fun piano VST, check it out! The free download won’t take long and you’ll be on your way to using it.
Full Bucket ModulAir
Next up, we have a fantastic product from Full Bucket Music. Deemed as the “ModulAir”, it’s a surprisingly versatile and great unit for being completely free.It’s a modular polyphonic software synthesizer for Microsoft Windows (VST) and Apple macOS (VST/AU). It’s meant as a way for high performance and low computer consumption.
Some of the features include up to 18 modules per patch, 51 module types available, polyphonic voicing, up to 64 voices polyphony, and much more.
For something completely free, you get a ton of stuff with it.
Give it a download and try it out yourself. I assure you that it’ll be totally worth the simple download.
HY-Plugins HY-Mono
Next up, we have a great product hy-plugins. Hy-plugins is a solely dedicated website for different plugins for DAWs.Making it a great source for instrument or effect plug-ins. They have easy to understand instructions for all of their plug-ins and a few different options for free versions.
As for their instrument plug-ins, this one specifically is great and free. For being completely free, it provides a decent amount of versatility.
Besides the overall functionality, it’s an easy download and you should check it out. The few seconds or minutes it takes to download are definitely worth it.
While you’re at it, check out some of their other downloads and see if anything else might interest you.
Matt Tytel Helm
Next up, we have a product from Matt Tytel deemed as “Helm”. Helm is an open-source VST synth. That means you’re free to install it anywhere on anything and edit the code to your liking.Meaning that if you’re experienced enough, you can manipulate the code to the point of creating something to exactly what you want.
This has a ton of advantages behind it. The ability to create, edit, and execute is almost endless. That is the advantage of something being open source.
As for the actual functionality, it works great if you’re not afraid to have a bunch of trial and error. Not everything will work how you want it right away, but it will if you can persevere.
All in all, give it a download. It’s definitely worth it and you might be surprised at what you might find.
ML PG8X
Next up, we have a product from KVR Audio. KVR Audio is a website dedicated to all things DAW oriented. Meaning it’s a great source to explore different options for recording.As for this specific product, it’s great. Just like everything else on this list, it’s a VST instrument plug-in. It was inspired by the JX-8P. The GUI is modeled after the pg-800, which is the external editor for the JX-8P.It has a ton of different features, such as 6 to 12 voice polyphony, an HP filter, stereo chorus, and much more.
Just like a lot of these free variations, you’ll be shocked at how much this can do. Definitely give it a download and see for yourself.
Ohm Force SymptOhm PE
Next up, we have a product from Ohmforce. Deemed as the “symptom PE”, this is a performer edition version of one of their other products.In simple terms, if you need a synth that isn’t overly complicated, then this is the product for you.The free performer edition gives you access to all of its for purchase version’s presets and a few other customizing options.
Sounds pretty cool right? For beginners, this is a great product for you to download and learn. It’s simple, easy to use, and allows you to fully understand this subject in the recording world.
Go ahead and give it a download. You won’t be disappointed!
Seaweed Audio Fathom Mono
Next up on our list, we have a product from Seaweed Audio. Deemed as the “Fathom Synth”, this is exactly what you expect it to be.A synth that is easy to use, free, and surprisingly versatile. If you want more, they have an option that provides more for a price.The Fathom is a modular VST synth that is great for crafting original waveforms with advanced modulation. Sounds great right?
However, the mono version of Fathom is what is completely free. Don’t be discouraged by this, you can accomplish a lot with the mono version.
Other than that, there isn’t much else to say. It’s great, free, and easy to use. What more could you want? Try it.
u-he Zebralette
Last our list, we have a product from Zebralette. Zebralett’s “Mini Zebra”, this is a smaller and free version of Zebra2.As noted, it’s a free synthesizer and is a basic introduction to Zebra2.
This is free for the main purpose of persuading you to try Zebra2 and upgrade.Citing that if one oscillator is as powerful as it is, imagine how much better the top-tier version is. Not to mention all the other features provided with it.
Definitely download it for yourself, and check it out! You won’t be disappointed.
Best VST Paid Instrument Plugins
For those of you who don’t know, a VST is an audio plug-in software interface that combines a software synthesizer and effects in a digital audio workstation (DAW).
In simple terms, they use a digital signal to emulate a real instrument in a digital workplace. Pretty cool right?
Down below, we’ve listed ten of our favorite for purchase VSTs and ten of our favorite free VSTs.
Spitfire Audio BBC Symphony Orchestra
First up on our list is a product from Spitfire Audio. Upon your first analysis, you may be scared away from the price of it all. However, trust me when I say that the price is worth it.
You have 55 instruments to choose from alone. This in and of itself should make the entire package worth it.
In simple terms, this is a top tier VST. The versatility of it all is staggering and will leave you with countless options to choose from. You simply can’t go wrong with this system. I don’t really know what else to say.
Definitely check it out, especially if you’re a professional recording engineer or have the ambition of becoming a professional.
Xfer Records Serum
Next up on our list, we have a product from Xfer Records.
Without going too in-depth, this system works beautifully. This wavetable synthesizer deemed as “Serum” allows for the controller to work at a rate of comfortability.
Something that is important in this work form. Factors such as high-quality sound and workflow with a sense of creativity and ease.
All in all, you can’t go wrong with this product. It works great, looks flawless, and does everything you want it to do and more.
If you can’t afford the entire price right at once, there is a very affordable monthly option that is available.
Definitely check it out, you won’t be disappointed.
Spectrasonics Keyscape
Next up on our list, we have a product from Spectrasonics. Spectrasonics has a huge list of VSTs to choose from; especially in the synthesizer world.
Make sure you look through each model to determine which one is best for you, or buy one of the box set options to get a bunch of them. It’s completely up to you, but all of them work great.
With ten years in the making, Spectrasonics crafted something special. The product features one of the largest selections of collector keyboards and it doesn’t disappoint.
All in all, you can’t go wrong with Spectrasonics. You won’t be disappointed and it’s certainly something that pro-level recording engineers need. Try it.
Kilohearts Phase Plant
Next up on our list, we have a product from Kilohearts. They refer to their VST as “Phase Plant” and they insist that it’s a versatile system for beginners or professionals.
Meaning that it operates at a rate that is comfortable, yet sophisticated enough for a professional to use. Something that is essential for this type of work.
As for the price, it’s extremely reasonable. Compared to other VSTs of a similar caliber, this certainly delivers similar results.
All in all, you can’t go wrong with this system. It does everything you need it to do and more.
I highly recommend it, and be sure to check out some of Kilohearts other products they offer.
Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2.6
Next up on our list, we have another product from Spectrasonics. Similar to their other product on our list, this is a fantastic system.
Deemed as the “Omnisphere”, it operates at a rate of sufficiency and excellency.
The versatility behind Omnisphere is incredible. Especially since it’s one of the only software synths to feature a hardware synth integration.
Meaning it can transform over 65 well-known hardware synthesizers. Besides that, there are a ton of different sounds and options you can capture with the system.
Best Paid Vst Plugins 2019
Making it one of the best VSTs available to the public.
For the price, you certainly get what you pay for, so don’t be afraid of the price.
All in all, check it out! You definitely won’t be disappointed and you’ll be blown away by it.
Arturia Pigments 2
Next up on our list, we have a fantastic product from Arturia. Arturia doesn’t disappoint with “Pigments 2”. This system works beautifully and can do everything you want it to do and more.
Since we’re focusing on synthesizers and instruments, the actual synth mode works great. It adds another element to your overall sound.
It transforms the design of your sounds with the samples it provides. All at the simple touch of a button you can adjust the density, envelope, size, and the ability to randomize parameters.
Causing you to fully dive into the system first-hand. Leaving you with an abundance of happiness knowing what you can accomplish.
The price is very reasonable; especially with what it comes with besides the synth options.
Definitely check it out, you won’t be disappointed.
Native Instruments Reaktor 6
Next up, we have a fantastic product from Native Instruments. Deemed as “Reaktor 6”, this system delivers what you need and more.
As for the actual synth options, you can’t go wrong with this unit. You have the ability to build custom synths and designate them exactly how you want them.
Leaving you with countless options and abilities to accomplish everything you want and more.
Besides the synth options, you can discover over 70 different included instruments and thousands of different sounds in the user library.
What more could you want? It gives you everything you need and more.
As for the price, it’s very reasonable and you won’t be disappointed. Try it.
Native Instruments Massive X
Next up, we have another system from Native Instruments. Deemed as “Massive X”, this united delivers the ability to control and change sound in a way that might not seem possible.
The synth options are great. You have the ability to create incredible sounds and have complete freedom for your advance sound design.
The entire system is built for the future. Meaning that it’s built for modern-day and the future of technology in the music world.
Similar to their other products, it’s very reasonable. You don’t have to spend too much money on this system to feel accomplished.
Go ahead and check it out. I assure you that you’ll be more than satisfied with it.
Softube Modular
Next up, we have a fantastic unit from Softube. Softube created a VST called “Softube Modular” and it certainly delivers.
Creating a product with the knowledge of modular synthesizers being a way of life in the music world. Noting the endless possibilities, and creation of unique and interesting sounds as the backbone of their products.
As for the actual features of the unit, it comes with seven essential modules and 50 stock modules that allow a certain utility and mixing ability of the product.
The price is fantastic. It’s extremely affordable and delivers more than what you might expect.
Go ahead and check this fantastic product out. You won’t be disappointed, especially because of how affordable it is.
iZotope Iris 2
Last, but not least on our for purchase VST list, we have a system from iZotope. Deemed as the “Iris 2”, this is exactly what you want from a VST.
It’s simple, easy to use, and just works. The company deems the product as being something very special.
They note it as an inspiring sample-based synthesizer. Meaning it has the power of a sampler and the flexibility of a traditional synth. Something that is common and works great for these types of VSTs.
All in all, you can’t wrong with something like this. You can either buy Iris 2 for a very reasonable price, or you can buy a package deal that comes with a variety of products they offer.
Check it out!
Conclusion
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Hopefully, you were able to determine the best free and for purchase VST (or audio plug-in) on synthesizers and samplers.
Other than that, you should be able to have a general understanding of this subject in general and why they’re needed for a studio setting. With factors such as versatility and budget in mind.
Best free mellotron vst. For a quick recap, we went over ten of our favorite for purchase VSTs. We went over why we liked each product and some basic features of each one.
Synth Vst Plugin
After that, we went over ten of our favorite free VSTs. We also went over why we liked each of these products and a few basic features of each one.
It’s important to determine what you want to accomplish with a system like this. If you’re looking to do a lot then you shouldn’t be scared to invest a decent amount of money into it.
If you’re a beginner or just want to learn, then you should start out with one of the free products. The free versions of these systems will allow you to understand how they work and why they’re important.
Best Paid Vst Plugins
In conclusion, you should be more comfortable with deciding what free or for purchase VST (or audio plug-in) on synthesizers and samplers is for you.