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 Best Serum Synths for the Money
Spectrasonics Keyscape: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Considering Spectrasonics Keyscape? Here's everything you need to decide if this vintage keyboard library is the right investment for your workflow.
Sample Library for Beginners: A Complete Guide
A sample library is your creative ingredient drawer for music production. This beginner's guide shows you how to find, import, and use samples creatively without confusion.
The Complete Guide to Omnisphere Plugin
Omnisphere combines an enormous preset library with serious synthesis depth. Learn what makes it essential for many producers and when it's the right choice.
Everything You Need to Know About Piano Vst
Piano VST plugins deliver authentic piano emulations within digital audio workstations, enabling professional composition and recording without acoustic instruments.
Spectrasonics Keyscape for Beginners: A Complete Guide
A beginner-friendly introduction to Spectrasonics Keyscape, covering setup, essential controls, practical first steps, and common mistakes to avoid when starting with this powerful keyboard plugin.
Everything You Need to Know About Drum Vst
Drum VST plugins are essential for modern music production. This guide explains acoustic versus electronic drum VSTs, key features, CPU performance, and how to select the right drum VST for your needs...
Spitfire Audio for Beginners: A Complete Guide
A patient, step-by-step introduction to Spitfire Audio's libraries for anyone who has just opened their first instrument.
Drum Samples Explained: Features, Types and Tips
Drum samples are the backbone of modern music production. This guide explains what they are, how they're recorded, the difference between one-shots and loops, and how they integrate with DAWs and samp...
Valhalla Reverb: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Six Valhalla plugins, one decision — here's exactly which Valhalla Reverb to buy first, and which to leave until you actually need them.
Slate Digital: A Complete Buyer's Guide
The catalogue is huge and the marketing is convincing — here's how to actually work out if a Slate Digital subscription is worth it for you.
Uad Plugins Explained: Features, Types and Tips
UAD isn't one plugin format — it's a whole ecosystem. Here's how the DSP, Native and Spark sides actually differ.
Common Mpc Sample Mistakes to Avoid
Most MPC Sample problems aren't a hardware fault — they're a handful of habits. Here's what trips people up, and the quick fix for each.
Cinematic Vst for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Cinematic VST libraries promise impressive results fast, but beginners often misuse them. This guide explains what cinematic VST really is, where it works best and how to use it without getting lost i...
Toontrack Ezdrummer for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Toontrack EZdrummer makes drum production accessible for complete beginners. This guide covers first steps, writing patterns, and building a workflow.
Virtual Preamp Collection: A Complete Guide
Classic preamp character without the rack of hardware: how Slate Digital's Virtual Preamp Collection models tone, and where its limits actually are.
Omnisphere Explained: Features, Types and Tips
What Omnisphere actually is under the hood, how its hybrid synthesis and four-layer patches work, and tips for better results.
Analog Mixing Console for Beginners: A Complete Guide
An analog mixing console looks complex at first, but it operates on simple principles. This beginner's guide walks you through the essentials: gain, faders, and basic EQ. Start mixing real tracks quic...
Vst Massive: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Complete guide to purchasing VST Massive, covering licensing options, system requirements, synthesis capabilities, and whether it suits your workflow.
Vocal Amp for Beginners: A Complete Guide
New to vocal amplification? Learn why you need a vocal amp, how to choose the right wattage, select quality microphones, prevent feedback, and build confidence for your first performance.
Everything You Need to Know About Digital Live Sound Mixing Consoles
A live mixing console is the operational heart of professional sound reinforcement. This guide explores what makes a mixing console indispensable, how to select one for your needs, and the fundamental...
Midi Guitar: A Complete Buyer's Guide
MIDI guitar converts your playing into MIDI data to control virtual instruments. This buying guide covers the types of systems available, the specs that matter, and which solution suits your needs.
Everything You Need to Know About Uad Audio Plugins
Detailed hardware modelling on real analogue gear, in two genuinely different flavours. Here's what UAD plugins actually are and how they work.
How to String Musical Instruments
Learning how to string musical instruments correctly is an essential skill for any musician. This comprehensive guide walks you through the process of stringing various instruments, enabling you to re...
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.
