Choosing the Right VST Instrument Plugins: A Comprehensive Review

VST instrument plugins should be in every music producer’s arsenal of tools. The right music production plugins will spark your creativity and improve the quality of your productions. But how do you choose your VST plugins? We’re going to share some important factors to consider, but first, let’s take a closer look at how these plugins work.

Understanding VST Instrument Plugins

VST instrument plugins are designed to integrate with your digital audio workstation (DAW). They expand your instrument library, allowing you to get more creative with your compositions.

These plugins generate audio that sounds just like the real instrument or like it was created by a synthesizer. Many plugins can recreate sounds from rare instruments or vintage synthesizers that are cost-prohibitive to buy.

Instrument plugins are valuable tools that give you more creative freedom.

Factors to Consider When Choosing VST Instrument Plugins

Every producer should have instrument plugins, but with so many options, you may find yourself overwhelmed when choosing one.

Your Needs

One of the first things to consider is your needs. Instrument plugins are pretty straightforward. You can find plugins for specific synthesizers or instrument models (like Taylor 410CE acoustic guitar), or you can find bundles that include multiple instruments.

Know what you need before you start comparing. If you’re just getting started, bundles may be a good option for you. But if you have a specific instrument in mind, consider what type and style you’ll need.

If you know what you want before you start looking, you can narrow down your options right from the start.

Your Budget

Along with knowing what you need, it’s important to consider your budget. Plugins can be pricey, especially if you’re looking at bundles or unique instruments.

Consider whether the plugin offers enough value to make it worth it, or if you’re just suffering from gear acquisition syndrome (GAS).

Keep in mind that you can also find free plugins for a variety of instruments. If you’re just getting started with music production, then free plugins will allow you to experiment and see what you want or need before you make an investment.

Top VST Instrument Plugins for Different Genres

Music production plugins have a place in every genre. Whether you prefer electronic, house, R&B or something else, you’ll find options that can make your tracks sound better. Segmenting plugins by genre doesn’t work well because most can be used across genres.

The leading plugins include:

• ANA 2: One of the leading voice synthesizer options in the world is the ANA 2. Fun, advanced tools and five hours of tutorials will help you start using this plugin like a pro, with multiple parameter options and 500+ presets.
• LANDR Chromatic: Begin using professional loops that you can manipulate in real time. The plugin uses real producers to build up its library of sounds, and they continue to add loops into the mix.
• Spectrasonics Omnisphere: A pro plugin with the cost to justify it. This synthesizer is one of the strongest plugins in the world, with functionality that you never knew existed before.
• KICK 2: Low-quality drums can completely derail your track. KICK 2 empowers you to create stunning sounds and kicks using drop-and-drag functionality, 230+ kicks and 180+ clip examples.

You’ll find dozens of great plugins that didn’t make the list, but these are some of the most popular in 2023.

Tips for Comparing of VST Instrument Plugins

VST instrument plugins are integral to your track’s final production. If you’re trying to compare plugins, you’ll want to consider:

• Free plugins that are available. You can and should try to find free plugins to learn how they work and see if they work well for your production. However, free plugins come with no guarantee that they’ll keep working or that they will be high-quality.
• Premium or paid plugins are often the best. Developers spend a lot of time creating top-tier plugins, and they want to be paid for their hard work and effort. Often, premium plugins offer the best effects and sounds.

Unless you have an unlimited budget, you can’t compare each plugin that’s available. However, many of the leading VST plugins do have free trial options.

You should try the free trial to:

• Learn how the plugin works
• Determine if the sound enhancement is worth the cost

Many of the premium versions have hundreds of presets and a few macros, so you can completely transform your track in minutes.

If you spend time comparing the leading VST plugins, you’ll find ways to create (or recreate) your sound design. Plugins simply help add elements to your audio, such as punchy sounds, to bring your sound to professional levels.

Image Credits: Unsplash

In Conclusion

VST plugins work with digital audio workstation applications, allowing artists to enhance audio in new, exciting ways. If you want to polish your final production and make sure it’s ready for commercialization, plugins can help.