In the world of music production, plugins are essential tools that help create the perfect sound. They are software programs that can be added to a digital audio workstation (DAW) to enhance the production process. Choosing the right software plugins can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. In this article, we will explore the 10 best plugins for music production in 2021 that will help take your music to the next level. Whether you’re a music producer, mixing engineer, or mastering engineer, these plugins will help you achieve the desired sound quality, compatibility, user-friendliness, and cost-effectiveness.
Table of Contents
Types of Plugins for Music Production
Plugins are essential tools that producers use to create music. They allow producers to manipulate audio tracks and add creative effects to achieve a polished, professional sound. The most common types of plugins used in music production workflows include virtual instruments, effects processors, mixing and mastering tools, and synthesizers.
Virtual Instruments
Virtual instruments are software versions of traditional musical instruments that producers can use to create realistic-sounding instrument tracks without recording live instruments. Some popular virtual instruments include:
- *Native Instruments Kontakt*: This plugin is one of the most popular virtual instruments on the market, allowing producers to create realistic-sounding orchestral and electronic instrument tracks.
- *Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2*: This plugin is a favorite among producers for its wide range of sounds, including atmospheric pads, basses, and synths.
- *Xfer Records Serum*: This plugin is a powerful wavetable synthesizer, allowing users to create unique sounds and manipulate them in real-time.
Effects Processors
Effects processors are plugins that allow producers to manipulate their audio tracks and add creative effects. Some of the most popular effects processors include:
- *Waves SSL E-Channel*: This plugin is a classic compressor and equalizer modeled after the SSL E-Series console, giving producers a vintage sound.
- *Fabfilter Pro-Q 3*: This plugin is a powerful equalizer with a wide range of features, including dynamic EQ and mid-side processing.
- *Soundtoys 5*: This plugin bundle includes a variety of creative effects, including delay, distortion, and modulation.
Mixing and Mastering Tools
Mixing and mastering plugins help producers achieve a polished, professional sound. Some of the best mixing and mastering plugins include:
- *iZotope Ozone 9*: This plugin is an all-in-one mastering suite, allowing producers to achieve a balanced and polished sound.
- *Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor*: This plugin is modeled after the SSL G-Series console, giving producers a classic sound for their mix busses.
- *Fabfilter Pro-L 2*: This plugin is a powerful limiter with a transparent sound, allowing producers to achieve loud and dynamic mixes without sacrificing clarity.
Synthesizers
Synthesizers are electronic instruments that can create a wide range of sounds. Some of the most popular synthesizer plugins include:
- *Arturia V Collection 8*: This plugin bundle includes software versions of classic analog synths, such as the Minimoog and Prophet-5.
- *u-he Diva*: This plugin is a powerful analog-modeling synthesizer, allowing producers to create vintage-sounding patches.
- *Korg M1*: This plugin is a software version of the classic Korg M1 synthesizer, popular in the 80s and 90s for its wide range of sounds.
These plugins are essential tools for any music producer looking to create quality music. They can help you manipulate audio tracks, create unique sounds, and achieve a polished, professional sound.
Criteria for Choosing the Best Plugins
When you’re looking for the best plugins for music production, there are several key factors that you should keep in mind. These include the sound quality, compatibility with your DAW, user-friendliness, and cost.
Sound Quality
The most critical factor to consider when choosing plugins is the sound quality. Producers and musicians want plugins that can create realistic sounds and add high-quality effects to their tracks. It’s crucial to research plugins and read reviews to ensure that they have excellent sound quality.
Compatibility with DAWs
Compatibility with your DAW is another essential factor to consider when selecting plugins. Your plugins must work seamlessly with your digital audio workstation to be effective. Before investing in any plugin, make sure to check its compatibility with your DAW to avoid any compatibility issues.
User-Friendliness
In addition to sound quality and compatibility, user-friendliness is another critical factor to keep in mind. Plugins should be easy to use and navigate, allowing producers to focus on creating music rather than getting bogged down in complicated menus. Producers should look for plugins that have intuitive interfaces and well-designed controls to ensure a seamless workflow.
Cost
Plugins can vary widely in price, from free to hundreds of dollars. While it’s important to invest in high-quality plugins, producers should also consider their budget when choosing plugins. It’s essential to strike a balance between quality and cost, so make sure to do your research and find plugins that offer the best value for your money.
Top 10 Music Production Plugins for 2021
After exploring the different types of plugins for music production and the criteria for choosing the best ones, we present our top 10 picks for music production plugins in 2021. These plugins offer a range of features and capabilities that can help you achieve the perfect sound for your music productions.
1. Native Instruments Kontakt
- Features: With over 55GB of sound content and advanced scripting capabilities, this plugin is a go-to for music producers who need realistic orchestral and electronic instrument tracks.
- Pros: Kontakt offers high-quality sounds, an intuitive interface, and a wide range of editing options.
- Cons: This plugin can be resource-intensive, which could be problematic for those with slower computers.
2. iZotope Ozone 9
- Features: This is an all-in-one mastering suite with AI-powered features that make it easier than ever for music producers to achieve a polished professional sound.
- Pros: iZotope Ozone 9 offers high-quality mastering tools and it’s easy to use.
- Cons: It can be expensive compared to other plugins on the market.
3. Waves SSL E-Channel
- Features: This plugin is modeled after the SSL E-Series console and provides a classic sound that is perfect for adding compression and equalization to tracks.
- Pros: The Waves SSL E-Channel offers vintage sound and a well-designed interface.
- Cons: It can be CPU-intensive, which could slow down your computer.
4. Fabfilter Pro-Q 3
- Features: This dynamic EQ plugin has mid-side processing capabilities that allow music producers to precisely shape the sound of their tracks.
- Pros: The Fabfilter Pro-Q 3 offers a wide range of features and provides a transparent sound.
- Cons: It is comparatively expensive compared to other plugins.
5. Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2
- Features: This plugin offers a wide range of sounds and a powerful synthesis engine that allows music producers to create atmospheric pads, basses, and synths.
- Pros: The Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2 provides unique sounds and is easy to use.
- Cons: It is comparatively expensive compared to other plugins.
6. Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor
- Features: This plugin is modeled after the SSL G-Series console and provides a classic sound that is perfect for adding compression to mix busses.
- Pros: The Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor offers a classic sound and a well-designed interface.
- Cons: It can be CPU-intensive, which could slow down your computer.
7. Soundtoys 5
- Features: This plugin provides a variety of creative effects and powerful modulation capabilities.
- Pros: The Soundtoys 5 offers unique effects and is easy to use.
- Cons: It can be expensive compared to other plugins.
8. u-he Diva
- Features: This plugin provides powerful analog-modeling synthesis capabilities and a vintage sound.
- Pros: The u-he Diva offers high-quality sounds and is easy to use.
- Cons: It can be CPU-intensive, which could slow down your computer.
9. Arturia V Collection 8
- Features: This plugin provides software versions of classic analog synths.
- Pros: The Arturia V Collection 8 offers high-quality sounds and is easy to use.
- Cons: It is comparatively expensive compared to other plugins.
10. Fabfilter Pro-L 2
- Features: This plugin provides transparent limiting with true peak limiting capabilities that allow music producers to achieve loud and dynamic mixes without sacrificing clarity.
- Pros: The Fabfilter Pro-L 2 provides a transparent sound and an intuitive interface.
- Cons: It is comparatively expensive compared to other plugins.
These top 10 music production plugins offer a range of capabilities and features that can help music producers achieve the perfect sound for their music productions. In the next section, we will explore the must-have plugins for any home recording studio.
Must-Have Plugins for Music Production
If you’re starting out in music production, it can be overwhelming to know which plugins to invest in. While the plugins listed above are excellent choices for any producer’s toolkit, there are a few essential plugins that every home recording studio should have. These plugins will help you achieve a more polished and professional sound in your tracks.
EQ Plugin
An EQ (Equalizer) plugin is a must-have for any mixing or mastering workflow. It allows producers to adjust the frequency balance of their tracks, making them sound more balanced and polished. Some popular EQ plugins include:
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Fabfilter Pro-Q 3: This plugin is a favorite among many producers for its precision and user-friendly interface. Its high-quality filters and spectrum analyzer make it easy to identify and adjust problem frequencies.
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Waves SSL E-Channel: This plugin is modeled after the channel strip of the legendary SSL 4000 console. It provides a classic analog sound and is particularly useful for shaping the tone of individual tracks.
Compressor Plugin
A compressor plugin is used to reduce the dynamic range of audio tracks, making them sound more balanced and controlled. Many compressor plugins also have unique sound characteristics, making them useful for adding color to tracks. Some popular compressor plugins include:
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Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor: This plugin is modeled after the master buss compressor of the SSL 4000 console. It provides a classic analog sound and is particularly useful for gluing together a mix.
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iZotope Neutron 3: This plugin goes beyond traditional compression and allows you to shape the tonal balance and dynamic range of your tracks using AI-powered technology.
Reverb Plugin
A reverb plugin is used to add space and depth to audio tracks. It can make tracks sound more natural and realistic, or create unique, creative effects. Some popular reverb plugins include:
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Valhalla Room: This plugin is known for its lush and realistic sounding reverbs. It provides a wide range of controls to adjust the size, decay, and frequency response of the reverb.
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Fabfilter Pro-R: This plugin is a favorite among many producers for its transparent and natural-sounding reverbs. Its intelligent algorithms adapt to the audio material to create a perfect balance between clarity and reverberation.
Delay Plugin
A delay plugin is used to create echoes and repeats of audio tracks. It can be used to create rhythmic patterns or add depth to tracks. Some popular delay plugins include:
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Soundtoys EchoBoy: This plugin is known for its versatility and warm, analog sound. It provides a wide range of delay types, including tape, digital, and pitch-shifted delays.
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Waves H-Delay: This plugin provides a classic analog sound and a simple, intuitive interface. Its filters, modulation, and feedback controls allow you to create a wide range of delay effects.
Best Virtual Instruments for Music Production
Virtual instruments have revolutionized music production by allowing producers to create realistic-sounding instrument tracks without needing to record live instruments. Here are our top picks for the best virtual instruments for music production that every producer should consider adding to their toolkit:
1. Native Instruments Kontakt
Native Instruments Kontakt is one of the most popular virtual instruments among music producers. This software instrument has a vast library of over 55GB of sound content, including orchestral instruments, pianos, drums, and synths. One of its most significant advantages is its advanced scripting capabilities, which allow users to create custom instruments and effects. The intuitive interface makes it easy to use, even for beginners.
Pros:
- High-quality sounds
- Intuitive interface
Cons:
- Can be resource-intensive
Best for:
- Creating realistic orchestral and electronic instrument tracks
2. Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2
Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2 is a powerful virtual instrument that offers a wide range of sounds, including atmospheric pads, basses, and synths. Its synthesis engine is one of the most advanced on the market, making it a popular choice among music producers. The software is easy to use, and the unique sounds it produces make it stand out from its competitors.
Pros:
- Unique sounds
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Expensive
Best for:
- Creating atmospheric pads, basses, and synths
3. Arturia V Collection 8
Arturia V Collection 8 consists of software versions of classic analog synths such as the MiniMoog, ARP 2600, and Prophet-5. This virtual instrument is popular among music producers for its high-quality sounds and ease of use. The vintage sounds produced by Arturia V Collection 8 are perfect for creating retro-style tracks.
Pros:
- High-quality sounds
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Expensive
Best for:
- Creating vintage-sounding patches
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced music producer, these virtual instruments are essential for creating high-quality music tracks. However, keep in mind that the best virtual instrument for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Essential Plugins for Home Recording Studio
Every home recording studio should have a few essential plugins in addition to the must-have ones. These plugins can help to improve the quality and character of your recordings, as well as give you more creative freedom.
Saturation Plugin
A saturation plugin is a powerful tool used to add warmth and color to audio tracks, making them sound more vintage and analog. This type of plugin can also add subtle edge to digital recordings, which is useful for creating a more dynamic sound. If you’re looking for a good saturation plugin, some popular options include Soundtoys Decapitator and Waves Abbey Road Saturator.
Stereo Imaging Plugin
A stereo imaging plugin is a must-have tool that allows you to adjust the stereo balance of your audio tracks. It can be used to create a wider stereo image, or narrow the stereo image for a more focused sound. This type of plugin can be especially useful for creating a sense of space and depth in your recordings. Popular stereo imaging plugins include iZotope Ozone Imager and Waves S1 Stereo Imager.
Autotune Plugin
An autotune plugin is a great tool for correcting pitch issues in vocal recordings. It can be used to create a polished, professional sound, or create unique, creative effects. With an autotune plugin, you can easily fix pitch issues and improve the overall quality of your recordings. Some popular options for autotune plugins include Antares Auto-Tune and Waves Tune Real-Time.
Compressor Plugin
A compressor plugin is another essential tool for any home recording studio. This type of plugin is used to control the dynamic range of your audio tracks, making the loud parts quieter and the quiet parts louder. This is useful for creating a more balanced and polished sound in your recordings. Some popular compressor plugins include FabFilter Pro-C and Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor.
EQ Plugin
An EQ plugin is used to adjust the frequency balance of your audio tracks. It allows you to boost or cut certain frequencies, which can help to improve the clarity and tone of your recordings. With an EQ plugin, you can easily shape the sound of your tracks to fit your desired aesthetic. Some popular EQ plugins include FabFilter Pro-Q and Waves SSL E-Channel.
Frequently Asked Questions
As a music producer, you may have some frequently asked questions about software plugins for music production. Here are some of the most common questions along with their answers:
What are the differences between free and paid plugins?
Free plugins are usually less feature-rich and may not have the same level of sound quality as paid plugins. However, some free plugins can still provide excellent results depending on the producer’s specific needs. Paid plugins generally have more advanced features, better sound quality, and customer support. They can be expensive, but often provide a better value in the long run.
Can I use plugins with any DAW?
Plugins are designed to work with specific digital audio workstations (DAWs). It’s important to check the compatibility of the plugin with your specific DAW before purchasing. Most plugins will list which DAWs they are compatible with, so make sure to check this information before making a purchase.
How do I install and use plugins?
The installation process for plugins can vary depending on the plugin and the DAW being used. Generally, plugins come with installation instructions that guide you through the process. Once the plugin is installed, it can be used like any other software within the producer’s DAW. Simply open the plugin and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to start using it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, software plugins have become an essential part of music production, allowing producers to create professional-sounding tracks in their home recording studios. By considering factors such as sound quality, compatibility, user-friendliness, and cost, producers can choose the right plugins that fit their needs. Our top 10 picks for the best plugins for music production in 2021 offer a diverse range of virtual instruments, effects processors, mixing and mastering tools, and synthesizers to help producers elevate their music to the next level.
Among the top plugins are Native Instruments Kontakt, a popular virtual instrument that offers a wide range of sounds and textures; iZotope Ozone 9, an all-in-one mixing and mastering tool that helps producers achieve a polished and professional sound; Waves SSL E-Channel, a versatile channel strip that adds warmth and character to any mix; and Fabfilter Pro-Q 3, a powerful equalizer with a customizable interface that makes it easy to shape the sound of your tracks.
Other top plugins include Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2, a popular synthesizer that offers a vast library of sounds and textures; Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor, a classic bus compressor that adds glue and cohesion to your mix; Soundtoys 5, a bundle of creative effects that add character and depth to your tracks; u-he Diva, a versatile synthesizer with a warm and analog sound; Arturia V Collection 8, a collection of vintage synthesizers and keyboards; and Fabfilter Pro-L 2, a transparent and versatile limiter that helps producers achieve optimal loudness levels without sacrificing dynamic range.
Whether you’re a seasoned producer or just starting out, these plugins offer a wide range of features and capabilities to help you achieve your creative vision. So, what are you waiting for? Check out our other content for more tips and tricks on music production and take your skills to the next level!
