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
Common Superior Drummer Mistakes to Avoid
Seven common mistakes made when using Superior Drummer, from storage mismanagement and ignoring bleed channels to over-buying SDX expansions before learning the base library.
The Complete Guide to Analog Audio Console
Analog audio consoles remain essential tools in professional studios, offering tactile control, sonic character and reliability that digital systems cannot fully replicate.
Preset Packs for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Preset packs offer an elegant solution for beginners, providing professionally created starting points that you can use immediately in your productions.
The Best Soundtoys for the Money
Some names in this catalogue change how you mix. Others are lovely but niche. Here's the honest, value-first breakdown.
Everything You Need to Know About De Esser Plugin
A de esser plugin reduces harsh sibilant frequencies in vocals. Understand how they work, proper settings, and when to use them for professional vocal recordings.
Mastering Suite: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Choosing a mastering suite means prioritising accuracy, transparency, and professional standards over flashy features. Learn how to evaluate metering capabilities, processing quality, and workflow int...
The Complete Guide to Silent Drum Kits
Silent drum kits offer drummers a way to practise without disturbing neighbours, using mesh heads and electronic triggering to reduce volume whilst maintaining the playing experience.
Autotune for Beginners: A Complete Guide
You don't need to understand every parameter to get a good result. Here's a calm, step-by-step way into autotune for your very first session.
Serum Presets for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Serum presets give you a complete, playable sound immediately. Here is how to use them effectively from the first session, including macro controls, auditioning techniques, and editing.
Serum Plugin: A Complete Buyer's Guide
The practical guide to purchasing Serum — what the licence covers, how Serum 2 differs from the original, and whether the third-party preset ecosystem is worth your money.
Native Instruments Libraries: A Complete Guide
Kontakt, Kontakt Player, Komplete and Leap Expansions explained in plain English — what Native Instruments libraries actually are and how they fit together.
Guitar Vst for Beginners: A Complete Guide
A practical guide to using guitar VSTs for music production. Understand different guitar types, create realistic parts, and avoid common beginner mistakes.
Uad Plugins for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Forget the DSP-versus-Native debate for now. Here's the honest, practical way to actually start with UAD plugins.
The Complete Guide to 4 Track Tape Machine
The 4 track tape machine was the gateway to serious home recording. Today they live on as digital plugins and virtual instruments that capture their unique warmth, subtle compression and characterful...
Plugin Boutique for Beginners: A Complete Guide
The catalogue is huge and the flash sales are relentless. Here's how to actually get started buying plugins without overspending or downloading something you can't use.
Strings Vst: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Not all strings VSTs suit every producer. Discover how to identify your actual needs, evaluate sound quality, estimate CPU impact, and avoid expensive purchasing mistakes.
Vst Plugins: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Spending on plugins without a specific need produces unused software. Here is how to buy VST plugins that actually improve your music.
The Best Fabfilter Filters for the Money
Which FabFilter filter is "best" depends entirely on the job — here's the honest breakdown of Volcano 3, Simplon and the alternatives worth knowing about.
Midi Guitar for Beginners: A Complete Guide
MIDI guitar sounds intimidating but is simpler than you think. This beginner's guide walks you through setup, first steps, and dispels myths about MIDI technology so you can start making music immedia...
Analog Console Plugin: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Choosing an analog console plugin means balancing sonic character against cost and CPU efficiency. Learn what makes quality emulations valuable, when they're worth the investment, and how to avoid pay...
Analog Audio Console: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Your guide to choosing the right analog audio console. Learn about preamps, EQ sections, channel counts, routing flexibility, and what makes a professional console worth the investment.
Native Instruments Libraries: A Complete Buyer's Guide
The checklist to run through before buying: compatibility, system requirements, licensing and whether you need a bundle at all.
Bass Vst: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Choosing a bass VST requires understanding synthesis categories, CPU demands, and genre-specific needs. Learn how to evaluate sound quality, presets, interface design, and workflow integration to find...
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.
