Add effects, synths, samplers and processors to your DAW with plugins and virtual instruments for any studio setup.
- 119 topics
- 378 articles
- Music Software & DAWs
Inside Plugins & Virtual Instruments
All 119 topicsThe 12 most-searched of 119 topics. The full index is at the foot of the page.
Serum
Serum is a leading wavetable synth for UK producers, used for basses, leads, pads and advanced sound design.
Childrens Drum Kits
Children's drum kits help young players learn rhythm comfortably with smaller, beginner-friendly setups.
Instruments Strings
Virtual string instruments and libraries for detailed arrangements, cinematic writing and expressive production.
Spitfire Audio
Spitfire Audio offers cinematic sample libraries for orchestral writing, scoring and richly detailed music production.
Drum and Rhythm Machine
Find drum and rhythm machines for beat making, songwriting and live performance with fast, hands-on control.
Vital
Explore a powerful wavetable synth with clear sound design tools, deep modulation and versatile modern tones.
Sample
Samples are the building blocks of modern production, used for beats, hooks, textures and creative arranging in any genr...
3 topics
Fabfilter
FabFilter delivers high-end EQ, compression and mastering plugins with precise control and clear workflow.
1 topic
Soundtoys
Soundtoys plug-ins add analogue-style colour, movement and creative effects for distinctive mixes and sound design.
Plugin Types
Explore the main kinds of music software plug-ins, from effects and instruments to mixing, mastering and creative tools.
Autotune
Pitch correction and vocal effect software for polished, modern music production.
1 topic
Izotope
Professional mixing, mastering and repair software for cleaner, faster and more polished productions.
Articles on Plugins & Virtual Instruments
All news
The Ultimate Guide to Superior Drummer
Superior Drummer is Toontrack's professional drum production plugin. This guide explains what it does, how its library system works and why it is widely used.
The Ultimate Guide to Chorus Plugins
Chorus plugins add width and lushness to vocals, guitars, and synths by subtly duplicating, detuning, and delaying your signal. Understanding chorus settings and creative applications transforms your...
Virtual Instruments for Beginners: A Complete Guide
The best place to start with virtual instruments is what you already have — and it's probably more than you think. This guide helps beginners find their footing without spending a penny.
Serum Vst Explained: Features, Types and Tips
Serum Synth Explained: Features, Types and Tips
Xfer Serum for Beginners: A Complete Guide
The interface looks complicated at first glance, but the core workflow is straightforward once you know where to start. This guide takes beginners through the essentials.
Free Sample Packs for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Free sample packs are the fastest way for beginners to start making music. Learn where to find them, how to use them, and the mistakes to avoid.
Common Uad Audio Plugins Mistakes to Avoid
UAD plugins are excellent, which is exactly why bad habits are easy to blame on the plugin instead. Here's what actually trips people up.
Everything You Need to Know About Vst Choirs
A choir VST can transform your arrangements, but choices range from free pads to professional orchestral libraries. Discover how to pick the right one for your needs.
Kontakt for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Kontakt looks intimidating from the outside, but you don't need to understand any of it to get a lovely sound out of it today. Here's the gentle, step-by-step start.
The Complete Guide to One Compressor
A compressor plugin is the most essential mixing tool. Learn how compression works and how to apply it confidently across your mix for professional results.
Delay Plugin for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Confused by delay plugins? Start with just two controls, get real results, and build confidence mixing with delay. This beginner-friendly guide simplifies the effect.
Kontakt Library for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Kontakt libraries bring professional instrument sounds into your productions. This beginner's guide covers getting started, first sessions, and common mistakes to avoid.
The Best Drum Samples for the Money
The best drum samples depend on genre and workflow. This guide picks the top options across hip-hop, acoustic, rock, electronic and budget categories.
Antares Autotune for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Pitch correction is not complicated once someone explains what each bit does — here is the beginner-friendly version, covering only what you actually need to know.
4 Track Tape Machine: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Four tracks force creative decision-making and often lead to tighter recordings. This guide covers hardware vs. software, price tiers, and what to check.
The Best Superior Drummers for the Money
A practical guide to the best Superior Drummer configurations by budget and genre, from the base New York Studios library through to specialist SDX expansion packs.
The Best Valhalla Plugins for the Money
Every Valhalla plugin costs the same $50, so here's the range ranked by what each one is genuinely best at, starting with the free tier.
Vocal Samples for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Xfer Serum: A Complete Guide
Xfer Serum has been the dominant wavetable synthesiser in electronic music production since 2014. Here's what it does, how its architecture works and why it occupies the position it does.
Spitfire Audio: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Try before you buy, know your use case, and check your system first — the sensible order for choosing a Spitfire Audio library.
Plugin Types: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Before you add another plugin to your collection, it's worth checking whether you need it at all. Here's the honest buying checklist.
The Best Native Instruments for the Money
The best value in NI's catalogue isn't the biggest bundle. Here's the honest rundown, picked by use case, of what genuinely earns its price.
Virtual Tape Machines: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Overwhelmed by virtual tape machine options? This buying guide breaks down specs that matter, price tiers, and common pitfalls to help you choose the right plugin.
Plugins and virtual instruments for every studio
Plugins & Virtual Instruments cover the tools you load inside a DAW to shape, enhance and perform music. This category includes effects, synthesizers, samplers, drum machines, amp simulators and mixing processors.
Expand your sound palette
Plugins and virtual instruments let you add new tones, textures and processing power without changing your main software. They are essential for mixing, sound design, beat-making, composing and building realistic or experimental instrument parts.
Compatible with modern production workflows
Most plugins and virtual instruments are designed to work across popular DAWs, making them a practical upgrade for home studios and professional setups alike. For UK musicians, they are one of the easiest ways to customise a production environment.
