Best Live Instrument Vst

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If you make music of any kind, you need to know about the best synth VST plugins available in 2021. Every year more bedroom producers are making great records using no more than a laptop, DAW, and soft synths. You don't need a major label budget to create amazing music, and we are here to help you get on track. We have chosen our top 10 synth VSTs, including paid and free plugins, so no more excuses! Get started now.

Search results showing free instrument VST Plugins, VST3 Plugins, Audio Units Plugins (AU), AAX Plugins and Rack Extension Plugins for Windows and MacOS. The results are sorted by most popular with KVR members (Data from MyKVR 'Favorites' Group). Second to last on our best vst plugins of 2021 list, we have the Piano category. We know that, finding great Piano emulations can be extremely difficult. So we decided to try and test the very best virtual instruments, in search of the most realistic emulations of Piano plugins available.

Here are the best synth VST plugins 2021:

1. Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2

The king of VST synthesizers

Omnisphere 2 had to be number one because it's the king of soft synths, as has been for some time. At the time of writing, Omnisphere is on version 2.6, which comes with some extensive updates. It now comes with over 14,000 sounds that cover just about every genre of music you can imagine.

The real beauty is in how deep into the sound design you can go, with up to 20 oscillators per patch. Oscillators can be DSP or sample-based, and there are over 500 DSP waveforms for the synth oscillator. There are also eight LFO's per patch and 12 envelopes with ADSR or multi-breakpoint interfaces. Sounds can be layered, too, up to four layers per patch.

Omnisphere is the only soft synth with hardware synth integration. What that means is that if you own any of the supported 65+ classic hardware synths, you can use it as a controller for Omnisphere, so you have a hands-on workflow. Other updates include the unique arpeggiator with chord voicings, new step modifiers, and dividers; it's huge.

Omnisphere is a very powerful granular synth as well, which is fantastic for adding texture variation to your patches. You can import audio files as a sound source for many Omnisphere tools, but it's especially interesting with the granular synthesis. On top of everything else, there are 58 FX units, up to 34 filter algorithms in series or parallel, and much more.

Image credit: SpectrasonicsCheck Sweetwater
  • Hardware synth integration.
  • As in-depth as it gets.
  • Infinite sound design.
  • Over 14,000 preset sounds.
  • Advanced arpeggiator.
  • Granular synthesis.

It's impossible to cover everything that Omnisphere 2 has to offer in a short overview. Microsoft office 2016 free download for windows. The depth of this soft synth is truly incredible, and with each update, it seems to get better and better. New features like the hardware synth integration and granular synthesis open it up to a new type of user. Even if you are a dedicated hardware enthusiast, Omnisphere 2 will make your production better.

We said it's used by many, and some see that as a sign that they should find something different, but it's so big, you can always find your unique sound. It does come at a cost, but if you have the money, it's worth it. Omnisphere 2 is the best synth VST out there right now.

2. Arturia Pigments 2

The best newcomer

Arturia is renowned for incredible attention to detail, so when they say Pigments was 20 years in the making, you can expect it to be one of the best synth plugins money can buy.

The first thing that we loved about Pigments is the colorful, easy to use interface. Too many soft synths have such convoluted UI's that put you off even starting, that's not the case here. Pigments utilizes a twin audio engine, which lets you combine virtual analog and wavetable oscillators with a sample engine. That's the starting point for your patch; from there, you have three envelopes, thee LFO's, and three function generators to at your disposal.

Pigments 2 has three main screens, the synth page, the effects page, and the sequencer page. Everything is clean and well positioned for a super-fast workflow. The second version of Pigments has some significant upgrades, most notably, the new sample engine. With the new sample engine, there are hundreds of useable samples, plus you can upload your own. There are six upload slots with six different playback modes and numerous modulation options.

The new synth mode then lets you take those samples and transform them into unique granular synth patches. Also updated for Pigments 2 is the sequencer, which now allows you to add randomness to your sequence without losing its original form. So, in live performance, this tool lets you add some excitement to a phase then return to the original version. The built-in effects have also been overhauled, and now include the iconic Buchla Easel low pass gate amongst other awesome updates.

Image credit: ArturiaCheck Plugin Boutique
  • Fantastic UI.
  • Intuitive speedy workflow.
  • Granular Synthesis.
  • Performance-friendly sequencer.
  • Great artist presets.
  • Fairly expensive.
  • Not as expansive as Omnisphere.

Even though it's relatively new, Pigments 2 is one of our favorite soft synths ever. The main reason we like it so much is that it bridges the gap between basic synths and Omnisphere so well. It offers more than most plugins, yet does so in a way that's incredibly easy to use. If you are ready to take the step from free plugins to something serious, Pigments 2 is perfect.

3. Arturia V Collection 7

Iconic hardware synths beautifully recreated

Arturia's V Collection7 is their flagship VST, and it's absolutely huge. Since it came on the scene,it has been one of the most popular software synths amongst professionalmusicians.

It's something a little different from the rest of the synths we have chosen, in that it offers acoustic instruments as well as synthesizers. The V Collection 7 consists of 24 immaculately sampled classic keyboard instruments. Acoustic instruments include grand pianos, electric pianos, and the iconic B3 organ. The Synths cover decades of electronic progression with the Prophet 5, Modular V, DX7 V, and more.

So, let's take a look at some of the synths, starting with the Prophet 5. The Prophet 5 is one of the most iconic synths ever made; this plugin mimics the analog Prophet 5 and the digital Prophet VS. Dave Smith's Prophet 5 was the very first fully programmable synth that paved the way for modern polysynths today. It is a two-oscillator synth that was famous for its analog warmth. The Prophet VS is powered by digital vector synthesis and provides an entirely different soundscape. On their own, each of these synths is incredible, but the ability to blend the two is something that even hardware purists have to admit is pretty special.

Arturia partnered with synth legend Bob Moog to recreate the synth that started it all. The Modular V takes us back to the days of ELP and Keith Emerson in stunning detail. Arturia's True Analog Emulation is showcased here in digitally reproducing one of the most complex analog circuits in all its glory. This synth is too vast to go into everything, but something that stands out is the insanely accurate recreation of the iconic Mg 24dB low-pass filter. It really captures that warm, smooth bottom end that only comes from a Bob Moog synth.

The DX7 V is pretty easy, to sum up, if you have heard any hit records from the '80s, you have heard the DX7. It is undoubtedly one of the most prolifically used synths on chart-topping records. As a 16-voice polysynth, the DX7 blew away much of its competition in 1983 when it was first introduced. It covers everything from slap-bass patches, stunning electric pianos, to funky leads. If you want to capture the sound of a DX7, just think of Beverly Hills Cop's Axel F theme tune, that's the one!

Image credit: ArturiaCheck Plugin Boutique
  • Extremely versatile.
  • Incredibly accurate.
  • Acoustic instruments.
  • Intuitive UI goes beyond the hardware versions.

Arturia's V Collection 7 is an industry-standard, any studio with VSTs most likely has it. The detail in which these classic keyboard instruments have been recreated is mind-blowing. If you aren't interested in the acoustic instruments, you can purchase individual synths, but the best value for money comes in buying the full collection. It's the closest you will get to owning iconic hardware synths without spending thousands of dollars.

4. Korg Collection Special Bundle v2

All your favorite Korg's in one place

Korg's VST Collection brings its most iconic synths together in plugin form. There are eight synths in total, which are the Triton, ARP Odyssey, MS-20, Polysix, M1, Wavestation, Mono Poly, and MDE-X.

The Triton is to Korg what the Motif is to Yamaha; it's an absolute powerhouse that changed the recording industry. So much care was taken in developing this plugin that the original Triton developers even supervised it. It comes with over 4,000 radio-ready preset sounds, and eight-part multi-timbre combis.

The Triton was well-known for its arpeggiator, and that is brought to life here with 307 arpeggiator patterns that create instantly useable phrases. The UI is nice and simple, with a quick search function for sounds or characters.

Korg's ARP Odyssey is another synth that changed how many artists and producers approached making music. Through their proprietary Component Modeling Technology, Korg has replicated the true analog feeling of this synth in remarkable detail. But, they didn't just stop there, they also made some improvements that are only possible through software. For example, higher polyphony and new built-in effects that make this a vintage synth with modern functionality.

All three generations of the ARP Odyssey synth are represented here, each with their own filter characteristics. The arpeggiator has been enhanced with new parameter programming options, and can now be tempo-synced to the LFO via external MIDI.

Image credit: KorgCheck Korg Shop
  • Every synth included is iconic.
  • Korg's CMT recreates each synth in stunning detail.
  • Functionality has been enhanced through software.
  • Simple UI.

This collection is similar to Arturia's V Collection 7, in the way that it models hardware synths. The one downside is that it only includes Korg synths, obviously. That isn't a bad thing, they are all fantastic, but if you want more versatility, then it might not be for you. However, if you are a Korg fan, and we are, you will go nuts for these plugins! As one of the newest synthesizer plugins, it's yet to be seen if it will last the test of time, but right now it looks very good indeed.

5. Native Instruments Massive X

The dubstep monster

Massive from Native Instruments is the plugin that fuelled the dubstep movement. Artists like Skrillex and Rusko latched onto Massive as soon as it was released, and it become the go to source for that growling wobble bass.

Massive X is the long awaited sequel to Massive, although it's not a direct replacement. At heart, it's still a wavetable synth, actually, it's arguably the best wavetable synth VST there is. It has two oscillators rather then three found in the original Massive. The good news is, those two oscillators sport over 170 wavetables, far more than the original.

Included in those wavetables are remastered versions of some Massive classic like Crusher and Scrapyard. It also had double the number of wavetable modes as the original Massive with 10.

There are two noise generators that house over 100 looping samples, ranging from analog noise to mechanical sounds, and everything in between. Massive X has just a single filter, although it has nine types to choose from, and each type has multiple modes. The filter types are absolutely stunning, in particular the Asimov low-pass is gorgeous.

While Massive X has fewer filters and oscillators than the original Massive, there is the option to load more in one of the insert FX slots. Modulation is the area where the newer Massive X comes into its own. It offers up to 17 modulators assignable per parameter, which is, well, massive.

One of the stars of the new Massive X is the enhanced performers, which are monster step/curve sequencers. These are perfect for creating extended parameter movements. For live use, sequences can be up to eight bars in length, and each performer can hold up to 12 at a time. As far as effects go, Massive X allows three insert effects and three stereo master effects.

Image credit: Native InstrumentsCheck Native Instruments
  • One of the biggest virtual synths available.
  • Outstanding bass patches.
  • Over 170 wavetables.
  • Eight bar sequences.
  • Modulation for days.
  • Gorgeous oscillator and filter types.
  • Relatively expensive.
  • Should have more effects.
  • No wavetable import.

Massive X is an absolute monster, just like the original Massive. It's huge, and it outperforms its predecessor in a few key areas, like the modulators, especially the performers.

It does have its flaws, too, for example, you can't upload your own wavetables, and you'd expect more effects with a synth of this stature. You could argue that with over 170 wavetables available, there's no need to upload your own, but the option would be nice. All in all, this soft synth is another huge hit from Native Instruments.

6. TAL NoiseMaker

The perfect introduction to VST synths

TAL's NoiseMaker is the first free synth to make it onto our list, yes that's right, it's free! It's our highest-rated free synth VST!

NoiseMaker comes in VST and AU plugin formats, and works with DAWs on both Windows and Mac OS. It features two oscillators (with sub-oscillator), two LFO modules, a multi-mode filter, and some nice built-in effects.

Oscillators one and two can sync to the sub-oscillator to create some massive sounds. It offers up to six voices with mono and poly modes available. If you just want to get straight into playing, there are 256 presets, some of which are surprisingly good.

The UI is very simple as you'd expect from a free plugin, but that's good, it makes it easy to use. The main screen is very clean, with oscillators, LFOs, and envelope controls clearly labeled. As well as the main envelope section (ADSR), there is a fully editable envelope that can be used as a modulation source for different parameters. For example, it can be used to create some pretty nasty bass wobbles using filter automation, think Skrillex at his filthiest.

The built-in effects include some reverbs, delay, a bitcrusher, and a dual chorus. As far as free plugins go, NoiseMaker has a fairly advanced synthesis engine. It can be used to create anything from warm analog-sounding pads to absolutely chaotic, screaming lead patches.

Image credit: TALCheck Plugin Boutique
  • It's free.
  • Simple UI is great for learning.
  • Useable built-in effects.
  • Versatile.

For anyone who wants to learn how to use synth VST plugins, NoiseMaker is a great way to start. It's a very simple synth, with a simple UI that will teach you the basics very well.

If we put this next to a synth that costs hundreds of dollars, there will be no comparison; it's not a high-end plugin. But that's not to say it can't sound good and serve you very well in your music production. Considering it's free, it punches well above its weight; there is absolutely no reason not to own NoiseMaker. Get it while it's available.

7. TAL BassLine-101

The vintage synth bass master

We had to include this synth because it's so cheap, and we just love some bass! BassLine-101 doesn't officially share anything in common with Roland, but it's incredibly similar to Roland's legendary SH-101 bass synth. What's even better is that it recreates that iconic sound so well for such a low price.

The UI showsindividual level sliders for pulse, saw, noise, and the sub-oscillatorwaveforms. Like the SH-101, the sub-oscillator is limited to two pulse widths,which are one or two octaves below the primary oscillator. Despite seeming likea simple setup, with some creative mixing, you can come up with some veryinteresting waveforms.

BassLine-101's filter is a 24dB resonant low-pass, self-oscillating filter. It can be modulated via the envelope generator, LFO, or keyboard. The envelope is pretty standard (ADSR), and stays true to the SH-101. Despite only having one envelope, you can modulate the amp separately if yo switch to gate mode.

The LFO offers saw, square, random, and noise shapes, again just like the SH-101.

Image credit: TALCheck Plugin Boutique
  • It's cheap.
  • Easy to use.
  • Iconic SH-101 sound.

If it were purely about value for money, BassLine-101 might be the best soft synth in our top 10. It's harsh to say anything negative about this plugin. We mentioned that it only has a single envelope, but the same can be said about the SH-101, and it's one of the things that give it a unique sound.

There are a lot of synths, that we won't name, that try to emulate the SH-101, and they don't all get it right. TAL got it right with BassLine-101, and provide it at a ridiculously low price. If you like synth bass at all, you should own BassLine-101.

  • Our in-depth TAL BassLine-101 video review

8. Dexed by Digital Suburban

The FM sounds of the 80s

Dexed is a popularfree synth VST that in no way looks like a free synth plugin. This Yamaha DX7emulator comes with a UI that would look at home on most paid synths.

Digital Suburban arethe developers behind Dexed, and it's come a long way since it's debutappearance. The stylish UI that we mentioned wasn't always present; it startedoff as a very cheap and dull-looking interface that we are glad to see changefor the better.

Best

There are quite a few FM synth VSTs out there, like Native Instruments FM8, or Arturia's DX7 V. It's not outrageous to say that Dexed might be the most feature-packed, easiest to use, and the most stable of the lot. It comes with a large number of presets, which make it easy to get started straight away. There are 32 sound banks that each contain 32 presets, from electric pianos, to synth brass, and more.

Dexed was originally intended to be a software partner for the hardware DX7 synth. It still works as a program editor for the hardware Yamaha synth, which is handy if you have one. FM synth plugins are sometimes a bit tedious, but Dexed lets you get to the sounds you want easily.

Image credit: KVR AudioCheck KVR Audio
  • It's Free.
  • It sounds authentic.
  • The UI has been enhanced.
  • One of the easiest FM synth plugins available.
  • Lots of presets.
  • Exceeds expectations.

Dexed is a free synth that could probably sell for around the $50 mark, so there is no downside to it. If you are a fan of that classic DX7 sound, then you should already own Dexed; if not, you should get it now. If you aren't a fan of that sound, get it anyway, it's free and as a producer, the more options you have, the better.

9. Surge Synthesizer

The almost perfect free synth

Surge was firstreleased in 2006 and sold for over $100 back in the day. Now, it's available asa free download, and it's packed with some pretty impressive features.

It's a hybrid-subtractive synth with a dual synth engine, and three oscillators per voice. There are eight oscillator algorithms, including analog, FM, and wavetable. It has a whopping 183 wavetables, and two filters with eight filter types, along with 12 customizable LFOs per voice. You can see straight away; there's a lot to play with here, especially for a free plugin.

Best Live Instrument Vst Instruments

Adding to the sound design potential are eight FX slots with 10 FX types and a modulation matrix. As well as the quite extensive sound-shaping options, there are 1,010 presets with some absolute gems in there.

The UI isn't the easiest to navigate, which is why it isn't higher on our list. Although the massive amount of presets are organized into categories for quick browsing, which helps a lot. The issue is that the interface is relatively small, and requires more menu-diving than you'd want. Previously, Surge was only available for Windows, but thankfully, Mac OS is now supported.

Image credit: Surge SynthesizerCheck GitHub
  • Massive sound shaping potential.
  • Huge preset library.
  • High-quality preset voices.
  • It's free.

It's hard to believe that such a monster of a synth is available as a free plugin. However, the UI is an issue; it's not the most intuitive interface, to say the least. But, when you get it for free, you can't complain too much. Despite the UI being quite fiddly, some of the presets are worth the effort. To sum it up, it could have been the best free synth VST, but expect to get frustrated with the UI, so use it sparingly.

Best Live Instrument Vst Plugins

10. VCV Rack

The ultimate modular plugin for beginners

Don't be fooled by VCVRack placing last on our list; this virtual modular synth is well worth a look.

Modular synthesis is a vast and expensive world, VCV Rack is the closest you will get to modular gear in software form without spending any money. The most significant aspect of modular gear is the workflow, and this plugin captures it better than most.

The workflow of any VST relies on a solid UI, and with virtual modular synths, the patch cables hanging everywhere can make it very messy. Thankfully, VCV Rack mages to maintain a very clean/clear interface.

The quality of the individual modules that make up VCV Rack isn't anything spectacular. In truth, the oscillators, filters, and so on are very average. So, don't expect to create patches that sound like high-end hardware, because it's not even close.

The reason we have included VCV Rack in our top 10 is that it's a fantastic learning tool. In the past, VCV Rack was only available as a standalone application, but it's now functional as a plugin inside your DAW.

Image credit: VCVCheck VCV
  • Fantastic interface.
  • Great learning tool.
  • It's free.

It might seem a little hasty to include this synth in our top 10. Especially since we don't have anything too good to say about how it sounds, but there is method to our madness. Hardware modular synths can be very expensive, and very addictive once you get started. It's a good idea to know what you are doing before you start throwing your hard earned money around.

What better way to learn the basics that with a free VST with a fantastic interface? Even if you rarely (or never) use it on a final mix, it's well worth spending some time practicing on VCV Rack. It will save you time and money later on.

Conclusion

When we thought about choosing the 10 best VST synth plugins, we wanted to take into account different budgets, requirements, and ability levels. So, do we have the 10 best VST synth plugins overall? Probably not (although our top 5 certainly fit that category). But, we do have the best mix of sound quality, user-friendly GUIs, value for money, and potential to learn/progress as a producer. That means our top 10 has something for everyone, and we love every one of these awesome synths.

James is a writer and musician with a passion for audio production. He is a lover of all things tech, especially the latest keyboards, synths, DAW's, virtual instruments, and effects plugins. Musical interests include jazz, funk, hip hop, blues, and rock.

HomeVSTsVST Plugins Guide: The Best VST Effects and Instruments

While this term may seem alien to most, you would not have escaped VST plugins if you are a part of the ever-increasing group of people who spent time recording and producing music on their computers.

You could be a small, bedroom-sized studio owner who just does this on the side as a hobby, or you could be running a professional studio that produces music for others as well.

There is no way for you to produce real quality content without using the many different VST plugins that are easily available across platforms.

If you are looking for a guide that will help you understand VST plugins, all you need to do is keep reading!

VST Effects and VST Instruments
VST Effects
The Best EQ VST Plugins for Instruments and Vocals
VST Instruments

What Is VST?

VST is the short form commonly used for Virtual Studio Technology.

This technology was developed to replace the traditional audio recording hardware with the help of software that could do the job in a much easier manner. This interface standard works to connect synthesizers and effects to editors and recording programs focused on audio.

The main difference in the process — when you compare the traditional methods with VST — is that you don't have to bother about routing the audio out of the computer to the units made especially for hardware effects and then get it back to the computer. Instead, all of it is done internally.

There are two types of VST plugins that you absolutely need to know about if you are into recording and producing music — VST effects and VST instruments. Within each of these categories, there are tons of different options for you to choose from. All of these may perform similar or vastly different functions.

Let's delve deeper into both these types of plugins in the next section.

VST Effects and VST Instruments

In this section, we will be looking at the two main types of VST plugins that you can incorporate into your audio recording, editing and producing process.

The first of these is the VST effects, which also include a large number of different sub-categories within the larger category of effects.

Similarly, the second type of plugins are VST instruments, which also cover a wide range of categories, some of which will be discussed in greater detail below.

VST Effects

The first type — VST effects — work like most other types of audio effects and can be used to process audio in a more effective manner, as it gives you the option of using it in real-time. VST effects work best when they are used in combination with the right low-latency soundcard

If there is a particular audio effect found in the form of hardware, there will definitely be a VST option for the same.

The different effects can be split into many different categories, the most popular of which are mentioned below: 3utools dmg download.

  • Modulation effects — For example, Chorus, Flanger, and Phaser.
  • Time-based effects — For example, Reverb, Delay, and Echo.
  • Spectral effects — For example, EQ and Panning
  • Dynamic effects — For example, Compression and Distortion
  • Filters — For example, Low-pass, High-pass, Band-pass, and
    Band-reject

Let's look at some of these in greater detail now.

EQ

The first type of VST plugins to be discussed here are the ones that concentrate on EQ. With the EQ plugins, you have control — digitally 0 over the frequency of the audio signals, which you can then adjust according to your requirement. There are many different types of EQ plugins available but their efficiency and utility will depend on your individual need for equalizing. Using these plugins, you can put together some simple adjustments and then customize the audio to fit your exact needs. The plugins may include many different multiple filters that help in either boosting or cutting off the different levels of frequencies.

The Best EQ VST Plugins for Instruments and Vocals

Looking to level up on your beats? Make sure you are always EQing everything with some of these free and paid eq vst plugins.

Best Vst Instruments 2019

Reverb

The second type is the reverb VST plugins, which are basically tools that help you create the surroundings — including the specific reflections — in which any instrument is being placed. These are wonderful when it comes to giving a natural feel to the audio, as they put together the right amount of delay, as well as the response frequency so that an accurate recreation of the natural setting can be created. There are different types of reverb plugins that you can turn to, but you must remember that the performance of these can vary to a great extent.

Delay

If you are looking for specific plugins that will record an audio signal and replay it after a decided interval of time till it fades out completely, you can get your hands on delay VST plugins. There are a ton of ways in which you can play with these VST effects and all of them will end up giving you vastly — or marginally — different end results. There are a number of controls that are typically found in delay plugins, for example, dry/wet — which can be used to decide whether you want the actual audio with repetitions or just the repetitions — delay time — which determines the time for the replays — as well as feedback controls, which help in deciding how long the replays are going to be.

Compressor

Sometimes the difference between the louder and the softer sounds can get too jarring and the overall audio needs to be compressed to achieve a more balanced sound. Compressor VST plugins have been specially designed for situations like these, where their main purpose is to react to the audio signals and condense the sounds. These are different from EQ plugins, as they simply reduce the range of sounds that are coming in. There are many different types of compressor plugins, but the most basic ones usually come with a variety of adjustment controls like threshold, ratio, attack, release, knee, and more. These are in charge of the different aspects of the compression of sound signals.

Filter

Another set of plugins that work in a manner that is similar to EQs, in essence, are filters. These help in tuning frequencies that go out of a particular limit that has been set as the cut-off frequency. This includes both frequencies that go over it or stay under it. You have the option of making the most out of the different bands on which these plugins function and operate. While there are many different varieties available, there are three main ones that you should know about — high-pass filter, low-pass filter, and band-pass filters. While a high-pass filter will just disable frequencies below the cutoff, low pass will disable the ones that go above the cutoff. Band-pass filters will keep only those that fit in the specified band.

Distortion

The last set of VST effects plugins to be discussed on this list are the ones aimed at distortion. If you choose such plugins and apply them to your audio, it will be intensified to a degree that makes it sound closer to what the same audio would sound in an analog setting. While in the past you didn't have too much control over such distortion, now you can adjust all the different parameters that are in front of you to get a customized end result. Some parameters include multi-band, bit-crushers, phase, dynamic distortions and so much more. These can add a lot of character to the sound.

VST Instruments

Often referred to as VSTi, VST instruments can come in the form of either synthesizers or sampler units that you can play in real time. The other way to use them — if you are looking at live performances — is with MIDI. Regular instruments are physical pieces of hardware that can be bulky and unwieldy, but VST instruments are just the software versions of these, which makes them very handy for people working out of studios. Some of the more popular VST instruments will be discussed in greater detail below. Having these plugins loaded onto your computer eliminates the requirement of physically carrying around instruments.

Drum

As we mentioned before, VSTi plugins are going to give you all the benefits of having access to hardware without some of the associated disadvantages. With the help of a large number of VST drum plugins that are available — both for free and at some reasonable cost — you can get some authentic sounds in a virtual format. There are two types of drum plugins here. The first category of plugins is capable of mimicking the sound produced by the drums but with a few additional features for more depth. The second gives you many more options to create and innovate.

Bass

Bass is one of those elements that can make a world of a difference to the end result of your production. If you are looking for a virtual tool that will help you create a sound that is similar to the sound that is produced by analog tools, bass VST plugins can be the solution to your problems. As there are many different types of bass plugins available at any given time, you may have to choose what suits your requirements in the best possible way. Most, however, will give you a wide range of low-end variations and a chance to customize them according to your needs. The libraries included with these plugins are very impressive.

Synth

If you use the regular hardware synth instruments in your studio but want to switch them out for virtual software options, turning to synth-based VST plugins is always a good idea. These plugins help in creating the digital waveforms that emulate the sound that is produced by the physical instruments. With the help of these plugins, you can pick and choose which qualities you want to add while isolating and manipulating the basics. Synth-based VST plugins can help you get sounds that are similar to the ones created by instruments as well as the environment.

Piano

A piano is a large instrument that you possibly cannot lug around wherever you go. Therefore, VST plugins make for great alternatives that give you the right sound quality coupled with convenience. When it comes to piano VST plugins, there are two types that you must keep in mind. In the first category are those plugins that work with the help of sample sounds from an actual piano. The real instrument is used to record sounds and you will be required to use your computer as well as a MIDI keyboard controller to gain full access to its functionality. The second type use specially designed algorithms that mimic the sound produced by a piano.

String

If you need software that emulates the sound created by some of the popular stringed instruments that are used in the music industry, you should try to choose a good set of string VST plugins. With the help of high-quality processors and specialized parameters that are aimed at some of the more advanced utilization of the sound produced, these plugins help emulate the sound produced by a bunch of different stringed instruments like the guitar, violin and so on.

Orchestral

The final set of VST instrument plugins to be discussed on this list are orchestral plugins. Their functionality is not limited to just one or two instruments but covers a full collection of instruments, usually more in line with the classical form of music. The aim is to produce a sound that mimics an actual orchestra set up and performance by giving you access to libraries of samples that are extraordinary in terms of quality.

While it is easy to get overwhelmed by the number of options that are in front of you when it comes to VST plugins, there are some things that you must keep in mind before giving in to the hype. First and foremost, check the system requirements, as there are some plugins that may not go well with your CPU. Additionally, it is important to know the source of the plugins, as these are third-party elements that may put your system in danger if you don't look at the makers and their reputation. There may be free plugins but you may have to pay anywhere between a few dollars to a few hundred dollars for the plugins.

If you have been putting off using VST plugins, it is recommended that you try to incorporate these into your audio development process and just see the massive difference that they make to the quality of output. This is something that you just can't avoid if you want the best out of your system!

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