Music Manufacturing Software program: The Definitive Information (2025)

There are literally thousands of completely different choices in relation to selecting music manufacturing software program.

So how are you going to make the precise alternative? What software program do you have to obtain? What’s finest on your wants?

Right here’s the factor: If you would like music manufacturing to be much less irritating and complicated, then it's essential to decide the precise instruments.

On this information, I’m going to indicate you the most effective music manufacturing software program and the way to decide on it.

Let’s go 👇

Desk of Contents

1. Choosing The Right DAW
2. The Best Synth Plugins
3. The Best Sampler Instruments
4. Clean mixes with the best EQ plugins
5. Balanced mixes with the best Compressor plugins
6. Adding space with the best Reverb plugins
7. Add width with the best delay plugins
8. Need some grit? Here are the best Distortion plugins
9. How to improve your music with other software (no DAWs or plugins)
10. Other helpful plugins (weird and fun)

Music Manufacturing Software program: Step 1 – Selecting The Proper DAW

Selecting a DAW doesn’t must be troublesome, so long as you consider the next:

• You can also make skilled music in any widespread DAW
• It doesn’t matter what different folks use
• Testing is best than studying

Your DAW is an important piece of music manufacturing software program you’ll personal. So let’s unpack this a bit extra.

Until you’re making ultra-complex music, you then shouldn’t have any points with any of the Huge 3. However what are the Huge 3?

Ableton Reside, Logic and FL Studio. Extra on every of these later.

The DAW you select is just not going to make or break your profession as an artist. It’s not going to be the “one factor” that will increase the standard of your music tenfold. Your DAW is just nearly as good because the effort and time you place into making music.

Secondly, don’t take note of what others use.

For each full-time, profitable artist that makes use of Ableton Reside—there’s one other one which makes use of FL Studio, or Logic. Simply goes to indicate that every one these DAWs have the identical potential.

Lastly, do not forget that testing is best than studying.

As an alternative of spending hours researching which DAW to make use of, obtain a trial model of every.

Some DAWs don’t provide trials, however Ableton and FL Studio do. So begin with them.

For those who hate the interface of 1, strive one other. For those who hate the workflow, strive one other. However spend a while with each, particularly when you’re a brand new producer. DAWs take time to be taught and develop into proficient in.

The Huge 3

Ableton Reside

Ableton Reside might be the most well-liked DAW within the digital music manufacturing house for 2 causes:

1. It’s extremely intuitive to make use of
2. It provides reside efficiency capabilities

It’s additionally the DAW we use for many of our training and education right here at EDMProd.

Ableton provides three variations of its software program: Intro, Customary, and Suite.

I like to recommend avoiding Intro (it’s severely restricted and also you’ll develop out of it shortly).

Suite is definitely worth the cash, however you may all the time improve from Customary if you really feel prepared. So, begin with the Customary model after which improve to Suite in a while when you really feel the necessity.

Listed here are the present pricing plans as of the writing of this text:

Learn more about Ableton Live

FL Studio

It’s a favourite amongst hip hop and digital music producers for just a few causes:

1. It’s straightforward to know and begin utilizing immediately (in comparison with Ableton which is extra advanced)
2. It seems nice
3. There are a number of academic assets on-line for studying FL Studio

Different professionals and cons embrace the next:

FL Studio is available in 4 completely different editions:

For those who’re severe about music manufacturing, I'd advocate the Producer Version. You get just a few extra plugins with the Signature Bundle, however they aren’t important when beginning out.

Learn more about FL Studio

Logic Professional

Logic Professional (Mac solely) is understood for its extra conventional workflow and nice mixing plugins:

Logic is price utilizing when you’re planning on doing a number of recording and/or mixing. Ableton and FL may deal with this, however in line with most, they’re much less suited to it.

Logic Professional X is available in just one model, at a value of USD 199.99. Regardless of this, you received’t end up restricted because it features a nice number of synths and results.

Learn more about Logic Pro X

Different DAWs

Moreover the Huge 3, there are just a few different DAWs price mentioning.

Cubase

Cubase nearly makes it into the massive 3, however not fairly. It’s nonetheless extremely widespread amongst producers and musicians.

A few of its professionals and cons embrace:

Cubase is available in 3 completely different variations:

For those who’re severe about music manufacturing, you would possibly discover the Parts model a bit limiting. Most notably, the variety of MIDI and audio tracks are restricted. However, the Artist model is sort of dear in comparison with its Ableton and FL Studio equivalents.

Learn more about Cubase

Professional Instruments

Professional Instruments is essentially the most used Professional Audio DAW. For those who enter an expert recording studio, you’ll possible see Professional Instruments on the display screen:

It’s the {industry} commonplace for professional audio technicians and engineers, however it’s not widespread amongst digital music producers. That is possible as a result of its MIDI modifying options pale compared to the Huge 3.

What units Professional Instruments aside from different DAWs is its subscription-based mannequin:

This makes it a a lot pricier choices than different alternate options on this listing. Nonetheless, when you plan on working as a recording or mixing engineer in an expert studio, then Professional Instruments is a should.

Learn more about Pro Tools

Cause 13

Cause capabilities in another way to most DAWs. Open it up and also you’ll see what seems nearly precisely like {Hardware} racks, which let you drag cables and arrange advanced sign flows.

For some producers and artists, it’s overwhelming and complex. For others, it’s extremely intuitive.

Nonetheless, at USD 499, Cause is a very dear choice. They do nevertheless usually have gross sales, which implies you may it less expensive 👀

Learn more about Reason

Bitwig

Bitwig was developed by two ex-Ableton builders and has shortly construct up its repute as an honest choice for artistic digital music producers:

A key characteristic that units Bitwig aside is its modularity. Principally, any management supply can have an effect on any gadget or plug-in.

Bitwig is available in 3 completely different variations:

Learn more about Bitwig

Reaper

Reaper constructed its repute as a practical, inexpensive DAW.

It’s doesn’t look or really feel superb. It doesn’t have an awesome choice of results or devices. However is inexpensive:

How a lot does it value? Properly, not a lot. For simply USD 60, this DAW is yours. So when you’re on a finances, or when you’re unsure how a lot time you’ll spend on music manufacturing, take a look at Reaper.

Learn more about Reaper

#2: The Finest Synth Plugins

Past your DAW, a synth will probably be a significant piece of your music manufacturing software program arsenal.

Whereas most fashionable DAWs have nice native synth plugins, it’s all the time price having 2-3 third-party synths in your library.

Not solely do you (often) get a high-quality sound if you purchase a third-party plugin, but when it’s a generally used synth like Serum 2, you open up a world of presets and prospects merely because of its recognition.

Producers need to promote and provides away presets to construct their model and earnings—Serum 2 is a well-liked synth, subsequently they make presets for Serum 2. That advantages us, the top consumer.

What to search for in a synth plugin

Selecting a synth plugin doesn’t must be arduous. All of it comes all the way down to your wants as a producer or musician.

There are three issues to think about when shopping for a synth plugin:

1. Price
2. Ease of use
3. Utility

Price

The price of synth plugins can vary anyplace from free (TAL Noisemaker) to costly (Omnisphere – $499)

Now, the typical producer in all probability doesn’t want Omnisphere. However additionally they in all probability need one thing extra advanced and developed than TAL Noisemaker (regardless that it’s an awesome synth).

Count on to spend anyplace from $50 – $200 for a high quality third-party synth like Serum 2 or Spire. Splice lets you buy some synths (Serum included) on a rent-to-own plan, which I like to recommend.

Ease of Use

Software program synths might be inherently troublesome to make use of and perceive when you haven’t had a lot expertise with them. There’s a studying curve regardless of which one you select.

However you continue to don’t need to buy a synth that’s unnecessarily advanced on your wants. You’ll find yourself annoyed and feeling such as you wasted cash.

Utility

Lastly, you need to select a synth based mostly in your wants.

For those who’re a musician who simply needs the odd synth sound in your observe, then go for one thing easy like Sylenth1.

For those who’re a dubstep producer who needs to create advanced, intricate sounds that impress everybody else, then Serum is a better option because of its advanced options.

Our Most Beneficial Synth Plugins

Xfer Data Serum 2

Developed by Steve Duda (Xfer Data), Serum was launched in September of 2014 and took the manufacturing group by storm. And in 2025, the much-anticipated Serum 2 was launched.

As taken from their web site:

“The dream synthesizer didn't appear to exist: a wavetable synthesizer with a really high-quality sound, visible and artistic workflow-oriented interface to make creating and altering sounds enjoyable as an alternative of tedious, and the flexibility to “go deep” when desired – to create / import / edit / morph wavetables, and manipulate these on playback in real-time.”

The wonderful thing about Serum is that after you’ve figured it out, you may create virtually any sound you want. It’s versatile.

For those who simply desire a easy pluck sound, straightforward. If you would like a posh, self-evolving, multi-layered pad? You are able to do that too.

Price

Serum 2 retails for $189, however the improve from Serum 1 is free when you already personal it. You too can get Serum 2 by way of Splice’s Hire to Personal program starting at $9.99/month (sponsored).

Ease of use

Serum is a posh, multi-faceted synth. It seems sophisticated, and might be overwhelming to these new to synthesis.

However regardless of how highly effective and complicated Serum is, it’s comparatively straightforward to choose up and be taught. There’s loads of YouTube tutorials that can assist you, together with the well-written handbook.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5t8WIFDOqY[/embed]

Utility

I like to recommend Serum for each kind of producer and musician. It’s a key a part of my workflow, and plenty of others can say the identical.

Learn more about Serum

Important (FREE)

If folks don’t really feel like splurging on Serum 2, then we routinely advocate them Important:

Why? Properly to start out, it’s completely free. That means you get 100% of Important’s options free of charge. No paywall, no annoying 5 seconds of silence each jiffy.

Secondly, it’s nearly as highly effective as Serum.

I say nearly as a result of for the reason that launch of Serum 2, the 2 synths aren’t as comparable as earlier than. Serum 2 has built-in so many new options that it's now a way forward of Important. Nonetheless, you’ve received to do not forget that Important is FREE.

For 99% of producers on the market, you’ll be capable of get the identical sounds out of Important as you'd from Serum. And when you really feel restricted at any level by Important, you may all the time resolve to maneuver to Serum then.

Native Devices Huge X

Earlier than Serum was a factor, Huge was the “go-to” synth amongst digital music producers (subsequent to Sylenth1 which we’ll get to in a second).

It’s a wavetable synth that boasts a ton of nice options, together with a complete LFO and performer module (permitting you to create intricate patterns and evolving sounds), excellent-sounding wavetables, and a few useful FX.

Lately, they overhauled the synth to compete with newer wavetable synths like Serum, and it’s fairly darn cool.

Price

NI Huge X retails for $199, however look out for infrequent reductions when you’re (on the time of this writing, there’s a 50% low cost going 👀).

Ease of use

Huge X has a barely steeper studying curve than Serum (in my view), however I believe that is largely as a result of interface. It’s a bit tougher to know and also you get much less visible suggestions. That stated, when you get it, you get it.

Just a few tutorials and a few studying of the handbook will get you on top of things very quickly.

Utility

Earlier than the X version, Huge was widespread amongst dubstep/bass music producers because of its wavetables. It’s controversial that Serum has “changed” Huge on this regard, and when you’re caught on the fence, we advocate Serum over Huge.

Learn more about Massive X

Lennar Digital Sylenth1

For those who’re searching for a easy synth that sounds nice, does the job, and doesn’t overwhelm you with tons of intricate options—Sylenth1 is the synth for you.

It’s been round for years, and continues to be a favourite even when it’s missing in options in comparison with Serum and Huge. That is principally because of its analog-like characteristic set, giving it the texture of an old-school synth.

Price

Sylenth1 sells for 139 euros (~$160 USD), however you can too pay this in installments.

Ease of use

Sylenth1 is extremely straightforward to make use of. It’s subtractive synthesis at its best. We extremely advocate this to new producers or anybody who wants a easy resolution.

Utility

Sylenth1 received’t be capable of offer you the advanced, intricate sounds that may be created in Huge or Serum, however for the rest? It’s nice.

I like to recommend this to each producer who’s not curious about buying Serum or Huge (because of their complexity) however nonetheless needs a high-quality synth.

Learn more about Sylenth1

Reveal Sound Spire

Spire was launched in 2015 as the primary actual, fashionable competitor to Sylenth1. We predict it simply that, because it’s been tailored by a ton {of professional} producers.

It has a implausible oscillator part fueled by a robust waveshaping matrix, in addition to a robust modulation matrix that provides you complete management over the synth.

Spire has a robust and uncooked sound that gives a definite sonic palette, making it comparable (however not essentially higher or worse) than Sylenth1.

Price

From USD 189 (excl. VAT)

Ease of use

Spire is a superb device for newbie and professionals alike. It might take just a few days to get used too, however when you’re inside it’s extraordinarily intuitive and straightforward to make use of.

Utility

Spire is nice for giant, fashionable EDM sounds. It’s not the best choice for bass-heavy sound design, however an awesome choice for highly effective chords, leads, and basses.

For that reason, it’s develop into highly regarded with trance and progressive home producers.

Learn more about Spire

Audiaire Zone

Zone is a brand new entry into the aggressive synth market, however provides sure options that different synths can’t contact.

It’s a sequencer pushed synthesizer that lets you map almost each parameter to a sequencer. It additionally accommodates the entire options you’d count on from a contemporary highly effective synthesizer.

Price

Audiaire has been acquired by Splice, which implies Zone is now only available through Splice’s rent-to-own program, at USD 9.99/month for 14 months.

Ease of use

Zone’s lovely GUI can take a while to get used to, however that’s partly by design. It’s a synth constructed for producers who need to get their arms soiled with advanced sound design.

Utility

As highly effective as Zone is, it’s sonic palette isn’t for everybody. Reasonably than inform you who it’s for, we’d quite you take a look at the demo sounds and listen to for your self.

Learn more about Zone

u-he Diva

Dubbed “the spirit of analog”, Diva is an especially highly effective digital analog synthesizer. It fashions the oscillator and filter sections of 8 of essentially the most well-known classic synths.

For those who’re want of a heat, classic texture in your music, you merely can’t go unsuitable with DIVA.

Price

179€/$203

Ease of use

Diva can take a while to get used to, particularly when you’ve by no means handled an analog or digital analog synth earlier than. Nonetheless, the interface itself is straightforward to navigate.

Utility

Diva shines the brightest with heat, classic sounds. Whether or not you want a lead, chords, or a baseline, Diva has received you coated.

Learn more about Diva

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#3: The Finest Sampler Devices

On the subject of music manufacturing software program, sampler devices provide a sonic flexibility that merely isn’t attainable with synthesizers.

As an alternative of straight synthesizing sound (as with synthesizers), sampler devices include recorded samples that you may playback.

This lets you deliver the realism and dynamic behind acoustic devices into your DAW.

From orchestral devices to grand pianos to analog synths, sampler devices offer you hit-ready sounds out of the field.

What to search for in a sampler instrument

The standard and scope of sampler devices is nothing lower than extraordinary. For just a few hundred bucks, you may have entry to a professionally recorded orchestra on the click on of a button.

Given this, it’s useful to establish why you desire a sampler library.

Would you like lifelike sounding string libraries? Try NI Kontakt and the East West libraries.

Would you like radio prepared EDM synths? Try Nexus.

Would you like artistic, distinctive sampled devices? Try Omnisphere 2.

Price

Sampler libraries can get dear shortly. Most sampler devices include inventory libraries, and you should purchase extra libraries from both the developer or third-party corporations.

In different phrases, if you would like just a few extra pianos for Kontakt, it’ll value you.

Ease of Use

Since sampler devices are pattern based mostly (duh), the final playback will probably be straightfoward.

Most devices offer you a streamlined interface up entrance with detailed management behind the hood.

Utility

As talked about above, sampler devices are a good way to deliver lifelike acoustic components into your music.

Our High 5 Beneficial Sampler Devices

Native Devices Kontakt 6

Kontakt is the industry-leading sampler instrument. Its inventory library options 55+ GB of professionally sampled devices with highly effective modifying capabilities.

Kontakt’s boasts an especially huge library – guitars, symphonies, orchestral drums, classic keyboard synths, brass devices, choirs, and rather more. It additionally serves as the inspiration for a lot of native and third-party sampler libraries.  

Price

$399 outright or as a part of the $599 Komplete 12 Bundle (hold a watch out for gross sales)

Ease of use

The front-end interface of Kontakt is extraordinarily pleasant. People who need extra management can get misplaced behind the hood, the place Kontakt offers you detailed management over the expression of its devices.

Utility

Kontakt 6 is ideal for producers who need to add a way of dynamic realism to their music.

Learn more about Kontakt

Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2

Omnisphere 2 is among the most succesful and versatile digital devices on the planet. Whereas it’s $500 scares off many producers, it’s worth is past unimaginable.

It boasts a robust synthesis engine, over 14,000+ sounds, and 57 on board results. Only a few devices sound as out-of-the-box good as Omnisphere’s.

Price

$499 / €399

Ease of use

Omnisphere 2 will get a 8/10 in my e book for ease of use. The preset browser could be very straightforward to navigate, however dialing in a exact sound can take a while to come up with.

It’s a type of plugins the place even seasoned veterans be taught one thing new every single day – there may be a lot greater than meets the thought with Omnisphere.

Utility

It doesn't matter what style you produce, odds are {that a} handful of Omnispheres 14,000+ sounds can add to your sonic palette.

Its strategy to sampling and synthesis isn’t straight down the center. In different phrases, you’re not going to get a clear live performance piano, you’ll get a classic piano dropped down a nicely airplane by thumb piano.

Learn more about Omnisphere 2

East West Composercloud X

ComposerCloud X is a subscription service that provides you entry to 40,000+ devices throughout 63 completely different merchandise. It options fantastically recorded pianos, drums, orchestral devices, guitars, choirs, and rather more.

Price

$19.99 – $29.99 per 30 days

Ease of use

The design of their sampler devices are a bit dated however pretty simple.

Utility

ComposerCloud is designed extra for Hollywood film scores than EDM bangers however is ideal for producers seeking to incorporate lifelike textures into their music.

Learn more about ComposerCloud

reFX Nexus3

reFX Nexus3 is the most well-liked rompler for EDM producers. A rompler is an instrument that performs again audio sampler, quite than synthesizing them (like Serum or Sylenth1 do).

The benefit of romplers is their sounds are designed to sound nice out of the field. The sounds in Nexus3 are simply that – high quality preset and preset.

The drawback is that this limits your management over the sound since they’re solely samples.

This implies you’re working inside the field of sounds different folks have created, versus designing sounds from scratch, making them your personal.

Price

• $249 for the Starter bundle
• $499 for the Worth 10 bundle
• $4209 for the Full bundle

Ease of use

Simplicity is what’s Nexus3 is all about – high quality sounds in only a few clicks.

Utility

The sooner model, Nexus2, was popularized among the many EDM bubble producers because of its low effort, high-quality sounds. Nexus3 is much less widespread than it was 5 years in the past, however it’s nonetheless a staple device in lots of producers’ artistic arsenals.

Learn more about Nexus

Spectrasonics Keyscape

From the identical crew that constructed Omnisphere 2, Keyscape is a phenomenally sampled digital instrument library that includes a number of the finest pianos and keyboards you’ve ever heard.

Price

$399

Ease of use

Keyscape interface is pleasant and simple. It’ll be straightforward to combine it into your manufacturing workflow.

Utility

Keyscape is all about artistic and dynamic expression. For those who’re a piano participant, you’ll actually respect the realism these devices offer you.

Total, it’s good for producers who desire a top-quality choice of each commonplace and unorthodox keyboard libraries.

Learn more about Keyscape

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#4: The Finest EQs (Equalizers)

Equalizers are some of the vital mixing instruments for producers. Whereas inventory EQs can get the job finished, third-party EQs can usually get the job finished higher.

Many professionals attain outdoors of the DAW for EQ’ing, utilizing third-party equalizers to make their mixes cleaner, fuller, and heat.

Whether or not you’re searching for digital readability or analog heat, it’s worthwhile investing in a third-party equalizer if you’re searching for music manufacturing software program.

What to search for in a EQ

Equalizer plugins usually fall into one in every of two classes: analog-modeled or digital.

Analog-modeled equalizers are precisely what they sound like – equalizers modeled after widespread outboard gear. These plugins emulate the controls and capabilities of outboard equalizers, hoping to seize their analog heat and character.

Digital EQs are targeted on providing you with enhanced management over the frequency response of a sound. These plugins are targeted on high-quality processing, paired with an easy-to-use interface.

Price

The worth of an EQ can vary from free (there are many nice free and inventory EQs) to $300+.

Ease of Use

Performance is essential with all plugins, EQs particularly. Whereas analog-modeled EQs have a heat, easy sound, they’re not as intuitive as some digital EQs.

Each plugin on this listing is a superb plugin, however not each single one will combine nicely into your workflow.

Utility

Since every EQ provides its personal distinctive set of options, it’s vital to ask your self what you want in an EQ.

Do you want a exact digital EQ to assist with sound design and artistic processing, or would you like a heat, musical EQ to offer your observe extra of an analog really feel?

Our High Beneficial Equalizers

Fabfilter Professional-Q 3

Fabfilter’s Professional-Q 3 is among the hottest EQs in the marketplace, and for good cause: it pairs a fantastically designed interface with extraordinarily excessive sound high quality.

It provides the entire primary options you’d count on from an EQ, in addition to extra superior options comparable to linear section and dynamic section modes, a dynamic EQ mode, mid/aspect processing, soloing, and extra.

Price

$179

Ease of use

Professional-Q 3’s tagline sums it up properly: “Highest attainable sound high quality, unrivalled interface workflow”.

Utility

Whether or not your shaping a person observe, a bunch bus, or your grasp bus, Professional-Q 3 has received you coated. It’s many producers’ default EQs for a cause.

Learn more about Pro-Q 3

DMG EQuilibrium

DMG EQuilibrium is an amazingly versatile and versatile EQ. You'll be able to absolutely customise to UI to assist construct your personal workflow. It’s feature-packed, sonically clear, and CPU pleasant.

Price

£174.99 (~$221)

Ease of use

Since you may absolutely customise the UI of EQuilibrium, you’ll discover it straightforward to work into your workflow. The visible suggestions can also be a number of the finest within the recreation.

Utility

DMG’s plugins are usually designed as swiss military knives, which means it could actually deal with nearly an EQ job you throw at it.

Learn more about EQuilibrium

Photosounder SpineEQ

SplineEQ in a linear section EQ with a artistic strategy to filtering. As an alternative of the standard bells and notches, they use “spline curves” which let you primarily draw within the form of every filter.

Because the photograph above shows, this provides you unparalleled management over the form of a sound.

Price

$29 (There may be additionally a free model with solely 4 bands)

Ease of use

Spline’s strategy to equalizing is exclusive, so it could actually take just a few moments to get used to its interface. Outdoors of this, its interface is nicely designed and straightforward to make use of.

Utility

Spline is an especially highly effective equalizer, making it nice for intense sound design and post-processing.

Be cautious of the added latency, as with all linear-phase EQs. The automated make-up acquire additionally takes a bit to regulate as soon as drawing in new curves.

Learn more about Spline

iZotope Ozone 9 Dynamic EQ

Whereas not an EQ in a conventional sense, iZotope’s Dynamic EQ is a superb device to have in your mixing arsenal. Dynamic EQ’s mix the precision of an equalizer with the processing of a compressor.

iZotope’s Dynamic EQ offers you targeted, detailed management over the spectral dynamics of a sound.

Price

$249 through Ozone 9 Customary (has occasional gross sales)

Ease of use

As with all Ozone modules, the dynamic EQ has a easy, intuitive interface.

Utility

Dynamic EQs are precision mixing instruments, helpful for each mixing and mastering.

Learn more about Ozone 9’s Dynamic EQ

Sound Radix SurferEQ2

“SURFEREQ is a ground-breaking pitch-tracking equalizer plugin that tracks a monophonic instrument or vocal and strikes the chosen bands with the music.

SURFEREQ tracks the pitch of a monophonic instrument or a vocal supply and may adapt its bands’ frequencies relative to the music in real-time, sustaining the pure harmonic stability of the sound supply and making it attainable to form the supply’s timbre relative to the notes being performed..” (through SoundRadix)

In different phrases, if it's a must to make frequency changes, however you need it to observe the pitch of your sound (i.e. notching out a resonant tone from every be aware), then this EQ is the best choice.

Price

$199

Ease of use

Nice UI that’s straightforward to know.

Utility

SurferEQ2 is nice for producers searching for an additional edge of their mixdowns and sound design.

Learn more about Surfer EQ

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Many widespread mixing plugins are emulations of basic {hardware} items. For the subsequent few plugins, we’ll do a roundup of the highest emulations of basic {hardware} equalizers.

Many engineers and producers favor analog-modeled EQs as a result of they course of sound in a really pure and musical manner, in addition to including distinctive forms of refined saturation/distortion to your sign.

SSL Fashion EQ’s

Our first grouping of EQs are emulations of EQ discovered on basic SSL 4000 analog mixing console.

SSL type EQs are recognized for being surgical and aggressive. They’re helpful instruments so as to add character and tone to a combination.

Our 3 Favourite SSL-Fashion EQs

Waves SSL G-Equalizer ($199)

Slate FG-S ($14.99 per 30 days through their VMR subscription)

SSL Native Channel Strip ($329 or $14.99/$4.99 a month through their subscription bundle)

Many widespread mixing plugins are emulations of basic {hardware} items. For the subsequent few plugins, we’ll do a roundup of the highest emulations of basic {hardware} equalizers . Many engineers favor analog-modelled EQs as a result of they course of sound in a really pure and musical manner.

Pultec Fashion EQ’s

Our 3 Favourite Pultec-Fashion EQs

UAD Pultec Passive EQ Plugin Collection ($299)

Softube Tube-Tech PE 1C “Pultec” Equalizer ($199 through the Tube-Tech Equalizer Assortment)

Waves PuigTec EQs ($299)

API Fashion EQ’s

API-style EQs are a balanced center floor between the surgical SSLs and the sleek Pultecs. They can be utilized as each downside solves (reducing out nasty frequencies) and enhancers.

Our 3 Favourite API-Fashion EQs

Waves API 550 ($199)

Slate FG-A ($19 per 30 days through their VMR subscription)

UAD API 500 Series EQ Collection ($299)

Neve 1073 Fashion EQ’s

The tone of the Neve EQ and Preamp is among the most wanted within the {industry}. It’s provides a wealthy, heat character that's current on numerous hit information

Our 3 Favourite SSL-Fashion EQs

UAD Neve 1073 Preamp & EQ Collection ($299)

Slate FG-N ($14.99 per 30 days through their VMR subscription)

Scheps 73 ($199)

Maag Audio EQ4

The Maag EQ4 is one other analog emulation of a basic {hardware} equalizer. It’s extensively recognized for its “air” band that provides top-end sheen with out the harshness.

Price

$229 (Plugin Alliance repeatedly has gross sales and offers)

Ease of use

The 6 band EQ is straightforward to choose up and apply to your workflow.

Utility

The Maag EQ4 is a “musical eq”, which means it does an awesome job including tone and colour. As talked about above, it’s air band is definitely worth the price ticket alone.

Learn more about Maag Audio EQ4

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#5: The Finest Compressors

Software program compressors are important instruments that may form the tone and dynamics of a combination. Each DAW comes with just a few inventory compressors, however most engineer’s want utilizing third celebration compressors.

Why?

Third-party builders put extra time into making their compressors smoother and extra musical. Most emulate the compression types of basic analog gear, providing you with entry to classic type tones strictly within the field.

What to search for in a compressor

Hottest compressors excel at just a few particular duties. Some sound nice on vocals, others on drums, and others on group busses.

The hot button is to establish the place within the manufacturing course of you want the next high quality compressor. When you’ve received that down, discover a compressor who can fill that position and who’s sound you want.

Price

The worth of an compressor can vary from free (there are many nice free compressors) to $300+.

Ease of Use

Most compressors are simple and straightforward to make use of (given you really know the way compression works).

Utility

As talked about above, slim down the place your mixing wants essentially the most assist. Is it your drums? Is it your vocals? Is it your combine buss?

Our High 10 Beneficial Compressors

Fabfilter Professional-C 2/Professional-MB

Fabfilter Professional-C 2 and Fabfilter Professional-MB are two of the most well-liked plugins in the marketplace. Much like their Professional-Q 3 counterpart, they pair a robust and succesful sound with a fantastically designed interface.

Professional-C 2 is Fabfilter’s prime quality compressor. That includes 8 completely different compression modes, it’s a versatile compressor that excels at each refined and aggressive compression.

Professional-MB is a fantastically designed and intuitive multiband compressor. It takes the guesswork out of multiband compression, making it simpler to dial within the tight, managed mixes.

Price

Professional-MB – $199, Professional-C 2 – $179

Ease of use

As with all Fabfilter plugins, Professional-C 2 and Professional-MB are intuitively designed, making it straightforward to combine them into your workflow. You additionally get nice visible suggestions on the show.

Utility

These are fashionable, highly effective compressors that may be understood by learners and are utilized by the professionals.

Learn more about Pro-C2

Learn more about Pro-MB

Klanghelm MJUC

The Klanghelm MJUC is a top-quality compressor at an unbeatable value. It's a “frankenstein” compressor, that includes coveted options from three basic eras of compressors.

It provides three completely different compressor fashions, providing you with enhanced management in a single easy interface.

Price

24€ (~$27)

Ease of use

MJUC provides a modern, straightforward to make use of interface.

Utility

The three distinctive compressor fashions make it able to tackling nearly each compressor job.

Learn more about MJUC

Waves Renaissance Vox

Renaissance Vox is an easy, streamlined compressor designed particularly for vocal tracks. Whereas the plugin interface would possibly look primary, its sound is just not – it’s been a go-to alternative for award-winning engineers since its launch.

Price

$79

Ease of use

With three controls (one in every of which is output acquire), it’s straightforward to dial in nice vocal sounds.

Utility

For that full, current, skilled vocal sound, you may’t go unsuitable with RVox. I can’t inform you why precisely, however it works.

Learn more about RVox

Oeksound Soothe

Soothe is unimaginable new plugin can easy lower harshness and resonance from a sound. Billed as a “dynamic resonance suppressor”, soothe can assist clear up vocal sibilance, fret noise, synth brightness, and extra.

Price

149.00€ (~$170)

Ease of use

Soothe’s interface is clear and easy, making it straightforward to dial within the sound you’re searching for

Utility

As talked about, sooth is designed to chop out mid and excessive harshness from sounds.

Learn more about Soothe

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Many widespread mixing plugins are emulations of basic {hardware} items. For the subsequent few plugins, we’ll do a roundtop of the highest emulations of basic {hardware} compressors.

Many engineers favor analog modeled compressors as a result of they course of sound in a really pure and musical manner.

LA-2A Fashion Compressors

LA-2A type compressors are easy, versatile compressors that sound nice on vocals, guitars, and drums. They characteristic a heat and clear sound that may add texture and vibe to almost any sound.

Our 3 Favourite LA-2A Fashion EQs

UAD Teletronix LA-2A Classic Leveler Plug-In Collection ($299)

Waves CLA-2A Compressor / Limiter ($249)

Native Instruments VC 2A ($149 through the Classic Compressors bundle)

1176 Fashion Compressors

1176 type compressors are recognized for his or her character and punch. Most emulations characteristic pre-amp modelling that may introduce extra saturation and harmonic to a sound.

Whereas they shine the brightest on drums, they sound nice on nearly every little thing.

Our 3 Favourite 1176 Fashion Compressors

Waves CLA-76 ($249)

UAD 1176 Classic Limiter Collection ($299)

Slate FG-116 ($14.99/month through their VMR subscription)

API 2500 Fashion Compressors

The API 2500 Bus Compressor is on of essentially the most extensively used stereo bus compressors. They’re recognized for his or her skill to attach mixes collectively, giving them each heat and vitality. Whereas they’re proper at dwelling on a combination bus, they can be utilized to sculpt particular person tracks.

Our 3 Favourite API 2500 Fashion Compressors

Waves API 2500 ($299)

UAD API 2500 Bus Compressor ($299)

Fairchild Fashion Compressors

Fairchild type Compressor/Limiters can add that sought-after tube heat and character to your mixes. They will add presence and heat to vocals, drums, and stereo busses.

Our 3 Favourite Fairchild Fashion Compressors

UAD Fairchild Tube Limiter Collection ($299)

Waves PuigChild Compressor ($349)

IK Multimedia Vintage Tube Compressor/Limiter Model 670 ($99.99)

SSL Fashion Compressors

SSL type compressors are recognized for his or her skill to “glue” mixes collectively. They’re an awesome device to make use of in your stereo bus, in addition to on particular person teams (particularly drum teams).

For those who’re wanting so as to add tightness and cohesion to your combine, look no additional than an SSL.

Our 4 Favourite SSL Fashion Compressors

Waves SSL G-Master Buss Compressor ($249)

UAD SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor ($299)

Slate Digital FG-401 ($19.99/month through their VMR subscription)

Cytomic The Glue ($99)

Notice: when you’re an Ableton Reside consumer, the Glue Compressor is an SSL-style compressor, which is made by the identical individuals who make The Glue.

EL8 Distressor Fashion Compressors

The Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor was a “late” arrival to the blending world, launched within the early 90s (versus its 60’s counterparts). It’s a artistic device that can be utilized to radically form the character and dynamics of a sound.

Our 3 Favourite EL8 v Fashion Compressors

Empirical Labs Arousor ($199)

UAD Empirical Labs EL8 Distressor ($299)

Slate Digital FG-Stress ($14.99/month through their VMR subscription)

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#6: The Finest Reverbs

Reverb is among the most vital items of music manufacturing software program at your disposal. It’s central to including depth and house to a combination.

Since mixes rely the cautious use of reverb, its worthwhile investing in just a few high-quality third celebration reverbs.

Third celebration reverbs will make it simpler so as to add density, dynamics, and readability to your mixes.

What to search for in a reverb

Hottest compressors excel at just a few particular duties. Some sound nice on vocals, others on drums, and others on group busses.

The hot button is to establish the place within the manufacturing course of you want the next high quality compressor. When you’ve received that down, discover a compressor who can fill that position and who’s sound you want.

Price

Prime quality reverbs vary from $49 (Valhalla Room) to $995 (Altiverb XL).

Ease of Use

Whereas most fashionable reverb algorithms are high-quality, it’s your job as a producer to make that work nicely in context.

Which means a pleasant UI is crucial to integrating a reverb into your workflow.

Utility

Merely put: the picture and house of your combine is dependent upon reverb. A high-quality reverb is a straightforward option to degree up your mixes.

Our High 10 Beneficial Reverbs

ValhallaDSP ValhallaRoom

“ValhallaRoom is a flexible, true stereo algorithmic reverb. It options twelve unique reverberation algorithms (together with the newest Darkish reverb modes, Nostromo, Narcissus, Sulaco and LV-426), and produces a variety of pure reverberation sounds.  

Sounds vary from tight ambiences and rooms, by way of conventional corridor and plate sounds, all the way in which as much as huge modulated areas. The algorithm designs have been influenced by a number of the “basic” room simulation packing containers, in addition to cutting-edge fashionable concept.” (ValhallaDSP)

ValhallaRoom is among the hottest reverbs in the marketplace. Since many inventory reverbs come off sounding low-cost, third celebration reverbs are utilized by most professionals.

ValhallaRoom is an excellent algorithmic reverb at an awesome low-price. It’s a simple, high quality reverb that enables you dive in deep for extra versatile sounds.

Price

$49

Ease of use

It’s clear interface offers you 5 massive sliders for an important controls, making it easy to shortly dial in the precise settings.

Utility

ValhallaRoom is nice for wealthy, dense, hyperrealistic reverbs.

Learn more about Valhalla Room

Fabfilter Professional-R

Fabfilter Professional-R is a wealthy, highly effective reverb offered by the basic user-friendly Fabfilter interface.

It provides a extra “musical” strategy to reverb, giving customers management over settings comparable to brightness, character, and distance.

Professional-R options an {industry} first “Decay Charge EQ” that lets you set EQ dependent decay occasions.

Price

$199

Ease of use

Professional-R’s distinctive options will take some getting used to, however as all the time with Fabfilter the interface is elegant and well-designed.

Utility

Professional-R is a dynamic, versatile reverb able to almost any manufacturing process.

Learn more about Pro-R

D16 Toraverb 2

Toraverb is a “idea algorithm reverb”, which means it incorporates a new algorithm that isn’t based mostly off a basic reverb unit, comparable to a corridor, spring, or plate reverb.

The result's a novel, distinct sound that's extremely programmable. It’s an awesome device for producers who need extra artistic management over the house of their combine.

Price

€69

Ease of use

Toraverb’s UI seems nice however it’ll take a while to completely alter to it.

Utility

Toraverb is an especially versatile and dynamic reverb. It received’t develop into your go-to vocal reverb, however it’s dense, wealthy sound is bound to discover a manner into your workflow (Tycho, who’s recognized for his lush, heat mixes, is a giant fan of Toraverb).

Learn more about Toraverb2

Lexicon 224 Fashion Reverbs

“From the second it was unleashed in 1978, the Lexicon 224 Digital Reverb — with its tactile, slider-based controller and famously lush reverb tail — single-handedly outlined the sound of a whole period.

From Speaking Heads’ Stay In Gentle to U2’s The Unforgettable Fireplace, the Lexicon 224 stays some of the widespread digital reverb items of all time.” (through Common Audio)

Given the 224’s recognition, a number of builders have launched plugin emulations. I’ve rounded up my favourite emulations beneath.

Our Favourite Lexicon 224 Emulations

UAD Lexicon 224 Digital Reverb ($349)

Native Instruments RC24 ($149)

Slate Digital Verbsuite Classics FG-224 ($14.99/month through the Slate Every part Bundle)

Waves H-Reverb

“H-Reverb is a pioneering FIR reverb based mostly on revolutionary Finite Impulse Response reverberation expertise, offering richer, deeper reverb tails that sit fantastically within the combine whereas respiratory crisp air into your tracks.

The FIR engine that powers H-Reverb permits you to form and customise the reverb decay envelope past the usual linear kinds, leading to completely gated, actual reverse, and dense reverb tails that don’t muddy up the combination.

Taking issues one step additional, H-Reverb incorporates Waves’ superior analog modeling together with a drive management, providing sign habits that till now was discovered solely in high-end {hardware} reverb gadgets. This distinctive design additionally allows enter drive, a way favored by many high engineers.” (Waves)

Merely put, H-Reverb is the most well-liked reverb from some of the widespread plugin corporations for a cause.

Price

$329 – however it’s usually on sale (it’s $29 as I’m penning this)

Ease of use

Personally, H-Reverb takes a number of the guesswork out of tweaking reverb parameters. Its visible GUI present you ways changes have an effect on its sound in actual time.

Utility

H-Reverb is nice for lush, wealthy tones. On account of its distinctive modeling engine, it’ll work on almost any sound.

Learn more about H-Reverb

Audio Ease Altiverb 7

“Altiverb 7 is the {industry} commonplace convolution reverb plug-in for Mac OS X and Home windows. It options high quality samples of actual areas to create reverb, starting from Sydney Opera Home to the cockpit of a Jumbo Jet.

Altiverb 7 is environment friendly on the CPU, provides many parameters to tweak the reverb, it's complete recall automatable, and it has 64-bit assist.” (Audio Ease)

Whereas I disagree with it being CPU-efficient, Altiverb is a behemoth of a plugin. Convolution reverbs permit your put your audio into almost any conceivable house. They characteristic impulse responses from classic reverb gear and wealthy musical areas, in addition to extra experimental responses.

Price

From €499

Ease of use

Altiverb’s consumer pleasant UI offers you quick access to the controls it's essential to dial in the precise parameters.

Utility

Given the pliability of convolution reverb, Altiverb can produce an astounding vary of sounds that sound fascinating and pure.

Learn more about Altiverb

Audio Injury Eos 2

“Eos consists of 4 high-quality custom-designed reverb algorithms, made with the trendy manufacturing setting in thoughts.

Three completely different plate simulators and our personal Superhall algorithm offer you a broad palette of reverb, and the easy-to-understand interface makes adjusting the algorithms to fit your observe extremely easy.

Desire a conventional darkish plate reverb? Eos can try this. How a couple of brief, dense room sound on your drum buss? Not an issue. However the place Eos actually is available in to its personal is if you drop Superhall in your piano or synthesizer tracks.

The extremely lengthy modulated corridor sounds of Eno-style atmosphere are the place Eos thrives, one thing that's not attainable with convolution ‘verbs.” (Audio Injury)

If you would like massive, clear reverbs, then you may’t get a lot better than Eos 2.

Price

$59.00

Ease of use

Eos is among the best reverbs in the marketplace to make use of.

Utility

Eos makes a speciality of plate and corridor reverbs, which means its can assist add heat and colour to the house of a combination.

Learn more about Eos 2

UAD AKG BX 20 Spring Reverb

“Launched within the late Sixties, the AKG BX 20 reverb was a high-water mark for AKG’s esteemed engineers. An ingenious meeting of mechanical and digital componentry, the BX 20 provided the fantastic depth and colour of spring reverb with none of the constraints.

The AKG BX 20 Spring Reverb plug-in for UAD-2 {hardware} and Apollo interfaces is solely endorsed by AKG Acoustics, Austria and envelops your sources in gorgeously darkish, dense atmosphere that solely spring reverb can present.” (UAD)

Need that dubby, metallic reverb sound? That is the closest emulation to the unique factor.

Price

$199

Ease of use

If you recognize your reverb fundamentals, it received’t take you lengthy to get operating with this reverb.

Utility

Spring reverbs provide a novel, heat character that differentiates itself from different forms of reverbs. It sounds nice on vocals, guitars, percussion, and extra.

Learn more about AKG BX 20

UAD EMT 140 Traditional Plate Reverberator

The UAD EMT 140 is an emulation of the legendary EMT 140 plate reverb. Plates are recognized for his or her wealthy, heat sound, and few are as coveted because the sound of the EMT 140.

Whether or not it’s added to vocals, devices, or percussion, it’ll add a wealthy density and texture to your combine.

Price

$199

Ease of use

EMT 140 is straightforward to choose up and work into your workflow.

Utility

Plate reverbs have a definite sonic character that's the a part of many artists sounds. It’s not an “all-purpose” reverb, however it does it’s job extraordinarily nicely.

Learn more about EMT 140

ValhallaDSP Valhalla Shimmer

“ValhallaShimmer is an algorithmic reverb designed for BIG sounds, from live performance halls to the Taj Mahal to the Halls of Valhalla. All the sliders have been designed to be tweaked in actual time and have a smoothed response to keep away from clicks when altering settings or automating the controls.

On the identical time, the algorithm has been extremely optimized, so that you get an enormous reverb sound with out straining your CPU.” (ValhallaDSP)

No written clarification of Shimmer’s sound can do it justice. It’s mixture reverb/delay/pitch-shifter that produces some implausible sounds.

Price

$49

Ease of use

Shimmer options clear, pleasant interface per all Valhalla plugins.

Utility

Shimmer is nice for wealthy, dense soundscapes. I really like utilizing it so as to add texture and atmosphere to my mixes.

Learn more about Shimmer

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#7: The Finest Delays

Much like reverb, delay is a vital device for including house and dimension to a combination.

Whereas inventory delay gadgets work nicely, third-party delays provide enhanced artistic management over the house of a observe.

Whether or not you’re search for a classic analog type delay or a contemporary artistic delay, this listing of software program and plugins has you coated.

What to search for in a delay

Most delay plugins characteristic a number of delay algorithms, providing you with the tone and sound of a number of delays in a single plugins.

Additionally, many characteristic artistic post-processing results comparable to phasing, chorusing, and pitch shifting.

The hot button is to search out an interface that’s straightforward to navigate and a tone that matches your sonic pallete.

Price

Prime quality delays vary from $49 (Izotope DDLY) to $199 (EP-34 Tape Echo)

Ease of Use

Nearly extra vital than the sound of a plugin it’s the friendliness of it’s UI. Obtain just a few demo’s and discover a plugin that matches your workflow.

Utility

Much like reverb, the picture and house of your combine depends closely in your use of delay.

Our High 10 Beneficial Delays

Soundtoys Echoboy

Echoboy is a wealthy and versatile analog modeled delay plugin. It options 30 completely different echo types modeled after classics {hardware} gadgets. It additionally contains a number of analog-inspired results comparable to tape saturation, tape flutter, and refrain.

Echoboy has develop into and {industry} commonplace that’s utilized by the most important names in music.

Price

$199, or $499 as part of the Soundtoys 5 bundle.

Ease of use

Echoboy’s interface is easy and straightforward to make use of. Soundtoys additionally has a streamline model referred to as Echoboy Jr, which can also be included within the Soundtoys 5 bundle.

Utility

Vocals, guitars, synths, you identify it – Echoboy has you coated.

Learn more about Echoboy

Waves H-Delay

“From actual old skool PCM42-style results like filtering, flanging, and phasing, to slap-back echo, ping-pong delay, and tempo-sync with modulation, H-Delay delivers the products, managed by a brilliant intuitive interface that permits you to get proper all the way down to enterprise.” (Waves)

H-Delay is nice as a result of it could actually produce clear, fashionable delay in addition to analog, lo-fi impressed delays. It’s the delay of alternative for loads of high mixing engineers.

Price

$179

Ease of use

H-Delay’s pleasant UI makes it straightforward to dial within the good delay parameters for a sound.

Utility

H-Delay shines brightest on vocals, but in addition sound nice on guitars, synths, and percussion.

Learn more about H-Delay

Native Devices Replika XT

“5 deeply modeled delay modes span crisp digital repeats, analog heat, and experimental textures. Superior choices provide quick methods to open up your combine with pinpoint artistic management.

And a sublime interface places new prospects proper earlier than your eyes. From single devices to whole mixes, REPLIKA XT will add new character to your music.” (Native Devices)

Replika XT options 5 fantastically modeled delay modes paired with a sublime UI. It contains seven highly effective on board results, comparable to a refrain, flanger, pitch shifter, and frequency shifter.

Price

$49

Ease of use

Replika XT incorporates a clear, simple interface that’s straightforward to choose up and use.

Utility

Replika’s highly effective delay engine and artistic onboard results make it an awesome device to craft extra distinctive and fascinating areas.

Learn more about Replika XT

Soundtoys Crystallizer

“Crystallizer is an otherworldly artistic impact that transforms devices utilizing a mixture of pitch shifting and reversed echo.

Based mostly on the Eventide H3000’s revolutionary “Reverse Shift” algorithm, Crystallizer brings granular echo slicing, old-school pitch shifting and highly effective new options collectively into one inspiring device.” (Soundtoys)

In different phrases, Crystallizer is a delay plugin that permits you to repitch the delayed unites. It’s an awesome artistic device that I personally use in each observe.

Price

$149

Ease of use

Crystallizer’s 200 presets make it straightforward get a grasp of its sound and capabilities (such because it’s reverse delays).

Utility

Crystallizer isn’t your on a regular basis instrument or vocal delay. It’s a implausible artistic device that may flip primary sounds into wealthy, textures soundscapes.

Learn more about Crystalizer

Fabfilter Timeless 2

“FabFilter Timeless 2 is just not solely a superbly modelled basic tape delay. Its distinctive high-quality filters and plenty of artistic choices flip it into the final word sound-mangling machine! Create echo, refrain, flanger, phaser, scratch results and rather more.” (FabFilter)

Price

$129

Ease of use

Timeless’ characteristic packed interface could make it powerful to dive proper into.

Utility

Timeless is an especially versatile and versatile device that serves because the go-to delay for a lot of engineers.

Learn more about Timeless 2

Izotope DDLY Dynamic Delay

“DDLY Dynamic Delay responds to your observe’s musical dynamics to create versatile and intriguing delays. It’s a one-of-a-kind results plug-in that delays the sign in another way relying on the character of the sound, with out turning your observe to aural mud.

Regulate the edge to separate your sign based mostly on transients, then ship it down two separate analog or granular delay paths.” (iZotope)

I really like DDLY as a result of it’s not one other commonplace analog modeled delay plugin. It’s dual-delay capabilities can add an additional degree of depth and dynamics to a combination

Price

$49

Ease of use

DDLY’s presets make it straightforward to get your arms on this out-of-the-box delay plugin.

Utility

DDLY can work as both a regular on a regular basis delay or as a dynamic artistic impact.

Learn more about DDLY

D16 Repeater

“Repeater options 23 genuine emulations of basic delay machines starting from basic oil cans and tape machines to classic digital designs – it’s filled with sounds and new options that may add depth to your mixes, and it comes with a consumer interface that’s instantly straightforward to know and tweak..” (D16).

This can be a tremendous enjoyable delay unit, and it sounds nice! Extremely advocate this one.

Price

€89 (~$99)

Ease of use

For those who’re acquainted with analog modeled plugin interfaces, Repeater will probably be straightforward to choose up.

Utility

With 23 distinctive delay algorithms, Repeater is an especially versatile delay gadget.

Learn more about Repeater

Audio Factor Outer House

Outer House is an emulation of the Roland House Echo RE-201. This delay unit is extremely coveted for it’s twin tape echo and spring reverb.

Tape Echo is a devoted emulation that fashions the heat and tone of the unique gadget.

Price

$69

Ease of use

Tape Echo’s pleasant UI makes it straightforward to dial in settings you want.

Utility

Tape Echo lends itself in the direction of classic tones, whether or not it's on guitars, vocals, or synths.

Learn more about Outer Space

Softube Tube Delay

“Softube’s Tube Delay is “a tasty echo impact that may go from clear to impolite by overdriving its three modeled tube levels. Create something from lifelike room echoes to rockabilly type slap backs—or take all of it the way in which into dub reggae echo insanity.” (Softube)

If you would like these lengthy, feedback-driven delay tails, Tube Delay works like magic and sounds creamy but crunchy.

Price

$89

Ease of use

Tube Delay offers you the sound of an old style delay with a clear fashionable interface.

Utility

Tube Delay is nice for wealthy, classic delay tones.

Learn more about Tube Delay

UAD EP-34 Tape Echo

“The EP-34 Tape Echo plug-in for UAD-2 {hardware} and Apollo interfaces offers you an exacting emulation of the legendary tape echo gadget utilized by Jimmy Web page, Brian Might, Chick Corea, Eddie Van Halen, Eric Johnson, and Andy Summers.

Classic Echoplexes are legendary for his or her idiosyncrasies — together with distortion, wow and flutter, self-oscillation, squelch results, and different random analog goodness. The EP-34 Tape Echo plug-in emulates all of this, and extra.” (UAD).

So far as unique {hardware} emulations go, UAD are all the time going to be among the best. And their EP-34 Tape Echo plugin isn't any exception.

Price

$199

Ease of use

The EP-34 interface isn’t essentially the most intuitive, however fortunately there aren’t too many controls to get misplaced in.

Utility

The EP-34 has been utilized by a number of the best guitarists of all time. Whereas it’s mostly used on guitars, loads of different sounds may benefit from its heat, classic tone.

Learn more about EP-34 Tape Echo

Wavesfactory Echo Cat

“Invented in 1958 by Charlie Watkins, the Copicat delay was an instantaneous hit. Featured in numerous albums from the 60s and 70s and utilized by nice bands like The Shadows and Pink Floyd. Primarily designed for guitar, it’s now a wanted piece of apparatus in studios all over the world.

Echo Cat brings again the sound and behavior of the unique unit with genuine tape simulation and three playback heads. With added additional options that any fashionable delay plugin ought to have. These embrace M/S processing, tempo sync delay occasions, filters on the suggestions path, varispeed, modulation and ducking.” (Wavesfactory)

In case you haven’t realized by now, there are such a lot of previous delay and echo machines. However every of them have their very own character, therefore why Echo Cat exists.

This can be a enjoyable tape echo that provides you a thick and wealthy sound.

Price

€79

Ease of use

Because it’s an analog-modelled delay, there aren’t heaps of capabilities to be taught (apart from the extra fashionable tweaks like M/S processing). Nonetheless, it capabilities a bit in another way out of your commonplace delay – which means you may need to mess around with it to completely perceive the way it works.

Utility

Much like the EP-34, this delay was historically used loads on guitar. That being stated, you possibly can use this on results in thicken them up, and even on pads to house them out.

Learn more about EP-34 Tape Echo

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#8: The Finest Distortion & Saturation Plugins

As our pal Hyperbits places it, “saturation is THE handiest manner so as to add analogue edge and heat to your music – usually which means the distinction between sounding digital, flat, & useless, versus analogue, heat & alive.”

Whether or not you’re searching for some analog heat or digital grime, it’s worthwhile investing in just a few third celebration saturation and distortion plugins.

For the reason that heat and vitality of your combine is dependent upon saturation, you need the most effective instruments at your disposal to deliver your combine to life.

What to search for in a saturation or distortion plugin

I wish to group saturation and distortion plugins into two classes: heat and colour.

Some plugins are designed so as to add analog-style heat to a sound. In essence, they make a sound much less ‘flat’ and ‘digital’.

The opposite aspect of distortion is colour. These are plugins that remodel a sound, taking a boring noticed wave and turning into and gnarly bass sound.

You’ll probably need instruments that may add each analog heat and digital colour to a sound.

Price

There are many nice free saturation and distortion plugins, comparable to Softube’s Saturation Knob and Camel Audio’s CamelCrusher. High-of-the-line saturators will value you nearer to $200.

Ease of Use

Saturation and distortion plugins come in several sizes and shapes. There loads of nice plugins with barely any controls (e.x. Sausage Fattener, Faturator), in addition to others with detailed, exact management (e.x. Trash 2, Saturn).

Utility

Every saturation and distortion plugin has its specialty, so it’s vital to know what you’re searching for.

Many of the plugins on this listing include a free demo, so see for your self when you genuinely just like the workflow and sound of that plugin.

Our High 10 Beneficial Saturation/Distortion Plugins

iZotope Trash 2

Trash 2 is among the most highly effective and succesful distortion plugins on the planet.

It’s a multiband distortion plugin, which means it lets you course of particular person frequency bands individually. Trash 2 options 60+ distortion algorithms, providing you with a variety of tones and textures.

It additionally options two filters, a convolution reverb, multiband compression, and a delay. These mean you can push the dynamics and tone of a sound even additional.

Price

$99 (has common gross sales on Plugin Boutique)

What it’s good for

Trash 2 is an absolute powerhouse for heavy, transformative distortion. Subtlety is just not its sturdy go well with.

Learn more about Trash 2

Soundtoys Decapitator

Decapitator is among the hottest distortion plugins because of its easy interface and wealthy, heat sound.

It options 5 completely different saturation fashions, providing you with a variety of analog-style tones, comparable to tape, tube, triode valve distortion, and extra.

Few plugins actually seize the “heat” of analog gear as does Decapitator.

Price

$199

What it’s good for

Decapitator may give you mixes heat, physique, colour, each in a refined and a dramatic vogue. Engineers throw in on actually every little thing, from vocals to synths to drums to combine busses.

Learn more about Decapitator

Fabfilter Saturn 2

FabFilter Saturn 2 is an industry-favorite multiband distortion and saturation plugin.

It’s some of the versatile saturation plugins, providing every little thing from refined tape saturation to heavy guitar amps to bit-crushing.

Whereas the idea of multiband distortion would possibly scare some folks off, Saturn brings this idea inside attain to the lots. And with model 2, the interface is extra lovely than ever, making the plugin a pleasure to make use of.

Price

$154/€129

What it’s good for

Saturn is a implausible all-around distortion unit. As talked about above, it could actually present refined, heat tones in addition to heavy, aggressive tones.

Learn more about Saturn 2

PSP VintageWarmer2

Because the identify would possibly give away, PSP’s VintageWarmer is all about including analog heat to a sound.

It’s a easy, efficient device for including colour and saturation to a sound. It really works nicely on particular person sounds in addition to on teams and busses.

Price

$199

What it’s good for

VintageWarmer provides a novel type of analog-style heat. That is principally as a result of multiband mode, which applies tonal shaping to the 2 bands individually, permitting heat but clear driving.

Whereas it’s not my private go-to saturator, it nonetheless finds its manner into most of my mixes, significantly on busses and the grasp.

Learn more about VintageWarmer2

Dada Life Sausage Fattener

For those who’re searching for a plugin that’s additionally a meme, look no additional than Dada Life’s Sausage Fattener.

Developed in partnership with the manufacturing duo, Sausage Fattener is an easy however highly effective distortion plugin.

Whereas the manufacturing could seem to be a gimmick, I’m all in favor of easy instruments that may make a sound higher.

Its lack of options is what makes this plugin nice. Sausage Fattener is an easy plugin that may assist velocity up your manufacturing workflow and obtain the identical outcomes as a posh plugin chain may.

Price

$39

What it’s good for

Any sound that wants “fattening”. Drums. Bass. The grasp.

Learn more about Sausage Fattener

Ohm Drive Ohmicide

Ohmicide is a bit dated, however it’s nonetheless a robust, nicely designed multiband distortion unit.

That includes testimonials from Skrillex and Armin Van Buuren, it’s a mixture multiband distortion, EQ, filter, and compression plugin.

With over 80 distortion algorithms, you’re signature sound could be hiding someplace within the depths of this plugin.

Price

$112/€99

What it’s good for

Whereas this plugin isn’t as highly effective or visible as Trash 2, I see that as an excellent factor. It’s a robust plugin that gives a novel and distinct sound.

Learn more about Ohmicide

CamelAudio CamelCrusher

CamelCrusher is a fan-favorite distortion unit as a result of it’s free, straightforward to make use of, and sounds nice.

Whereas the plugin would possibly look easy, its sound is just not. CamelCrusher and its massive sibling CamelPhat are utilized by high {industry} professionals.

The creators (CamelAudio) now not exist, however you may nonetheless obtain this plugin elsewhere.

Price

$0!

What it’s good for

CamelCrusher is nice for each refined saturation and heavy distortion. Much like Sausage Fattener, it’s a easy plugin with an awesome sound. Flip by way of the presets, or begin transferring some knobs!

Learn more about Camel Crusher

kiloHearts Faturator

Faturator is one other “easy however efficient” distortion plugin. It’s useful gizmo for including fashionable, heavy distortion to a sound.

Its playful, enjoyable interface makes it straightforward to dial in the precise parameters for a sound.

Price

$59

What it’s good for

Faturator is nice for something that wants heat, fuzzy distortion. I particularly find it irresistible on basses.

Learn more about Faturator

D16 Devastator 2

“For such a easy plugin, Devastor 2 produces all kinds of results and sounds nice on nearly any sign. 94 presets showcase a few of this potential, however you may take it a lot additional.

Whether or not used for stylised mixing results (damaged radios, broken megaphones, and many others), parallel-processed oomph, aural pleasure or straight-up signal-crunching, it’s a robust weapon with many purposes in each style. Simply bear in mind that if modulation is in your guidelines, you’ll must look elsewhere.” (through MusicRadar)

This can be a versatile multiband distortion unit and can colour any sound with quite a few completely different choices.

Price

€49/$55

What it’s good for

Devastator 2 is a superb alternative for heavy, amp type distortion.

Learn more about Devastator

Native Devices Crush Pack

The Native Devices Crush Pack is a mixture of three highly effective distortion plugins.

• “Chunk” is a high-quality bit crusher. It’s nice for including sampled grit and crunch to a sound.
• “Dust” is a robust and stylish distortion unit. It’s a contemporary strategy to a basic sound
• “Freak” provides three completely different modulation varieties. Its sound ranges from lo-fi type modulation to intense metallic textures.

Price

$69

What it’s good for

The Crush Pack packs up three basic results into three elegant and highly effective plugins.

Learn more about the Crush Pack

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#9: The Finest Mastering Plugins

Correct mastering is what turns an excellent high quality combine into a sophisticated, launch prepared observe.

As a result of mastering is so vital, many builders provide plugins designed plugins particularly for each mixing and mastering.

These are plugins that react nicely to a number of transients, function at an especially high-quality, and may add refined changes to a sound.

For that reason, mastering plugins like limiters are a staple piece of music manufacturing software program.

What to search for in mastering plugin

Every mastering-focused plugin serves a selected objective. You’ll discover bus compressors, high-quality limiters, clear EQs, and extra.

It’s vital to establish what mastering points you will have, then to search out the precise instruments to resolve these points.

Many corporations providing mixing/mastering plugin bundles, providing you with a variety of instruments at a deep low cost.

Price

Mastering targeted plugins are inclined to value greater than the typical plugin. Standalone plugins will probably be round $100-200, whereas complete bundles can run into the 1000's.

Ease of Use

Simply because (insert artist right here) makes use of a selected plugin doesn’t imply it’ll give you the results you want. Obtain the demo’s and see when you like each the sound and workflow of a plugin.

Utility

It’s not that inventory plugins can’t be used within the mastering course of, it’s that third celebration plugins usually will do a greater job.

Our High 10 Beneficial Mastering Plugins

iZotope Ozone 9

Ozone 9 is an industry-standard mastering suite. It accommodates 16 top-quality modules that cowl the entire mastering necessities – a number of EQs, a number of saturators, a number of compressors, and imager, and a limiter.

Ozone 9 is extraordinarily widespread as a result of it sounds implausible and it’s straightforward to make use of, particularly with newer options just like the ‘grasp rebalance’, which adjusts your observe’s frequency response for optimum high quality.

Its modules are designed with the trendy producer in thoughts, providing exact, detailed management with an intuitive, pleasant interface.

Price

$499 for Ozone 9 Superior or $249 for Ozone 9 Customary

What it’s good for

Ozone 9 is an all-in-one mastering suite that may deal with each stage of the manufacturing course of. Though some could disagree, you may actually do all of your mastering on this one plugin.

Learn more about Ozone 9

Fabfilter Professional-L 2

FabFilter has made it almost each chapter on this information, so it’s no shock seeing them once more right here.

Professional-L 2 is a high-quality, clear mastering limiter. It accommodates 8 completely different limiting algorithms, every with its personal character and tone (Trendy is my favourite).

As with all FabFilter plugins, its clear UI is filled with useful metering data, comparable to LUFS and peak values.

Price

$199

What it’s good for

Professional-L 2 is a contemporary, clear mastering limiter. This and the Ozone 9 Maximizer are the 2 commonest limiters in digital dance music.

Learn more about Pro-L 2

A.O.M Invisible Limiter G2

The Invisible Limiter G2 is arms down some of the clear brick-wall limiters in the marketplace.  Merely put, it lets you push the enter acquire an astonishing quantity earlier than the enter closely distorts.

It’s options embrace 128x oversampling, handbook assault/launch occasions, a dry/moist combine, and rather more

Price

$199 or $49 for a yr lease.

What it’s good for

The Invisible Limiter 2 is nice for in your face dance music loudness.

Learn more about Invisible Limiter

UAD Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor

The Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor plug-in is among the most revered compressors on the planet.

It’s an outstanding grasp compressor, taming transients and wild dynamics with ease. Belief me, this plugin sounds higher than it seems (and it seems fairly modern).

Price

$299

What it’s good for

The Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor is a superb device for including glue, colour, and cohesion to a combination.

Learn more about Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor

UAD Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder

“The ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder plug-in for UAD-2 {hardware} and Apollo interfaces can present the ultimate “analog polish” to your music, turning songs, into albums. Absolutely authenticated by the Ampex Company, the ATR-102 plug-in faithfully captures the distinctive dynamics, colourful frequency response, and tape saturation of the unique {hardware}.” (UAD)

Since I bought this plugin, I haven’t mastered a single observe with out it. It’s a “secret sauce” mastering plugin if there ever had been one.

Price

$349

What it’s good for

The Ampex ATR-102 can add colour, physique, and tone to a grasp, in contrast to some other plugin can.

Learn more about Ampex ATR-102

Sonnox Oxford Inflator

The Oxford Inflator is a one-of-a-kind plugin that will increase loudness with out sacrificing dynamics. It’s a easy however highly effective device for including heat and energy to a combination.

Price

$179

What it’s good for

As Common Audio places it, the Oxford Inflator is “the skilled commonplace for including energy and punch — with out squashing.”

Learn more about Inflator

Slate Digital Digital Buss Compressors

The Slate Digital Digital Buss Compressors are a mixture of three highly effective mix-bus compressors.

Reasonably than put all your cash into one mix-bus compressor, Slate supplies you with three in a single modern interface.

It options emulations of the SSL 4000 G-Collection Buss Compressor, the Focusrite Crimson 3 Compressor/Limiter, and the Fairchild 670

Price

$149/yr or $14.99/month through the Slate Every part Bundle

What it’s good for

The Slate VBC bundle is a trio of three highly effective analog-modeled buss compressors.

Learn more about Slate VBC

Waves Kramer Grasp Tape

“Developed in affiliation with Eddie Kramer, the Kramer Grasp Tape plugin is modeled on a uncommon classic 1/4” reel-to-reel machine. With adjustable tape velocity, bias, flux, wow & flutter, and noise parameters, the Kramer Grasp Tape supplies complete management over the contours of your sound.

And to high it off, we’ve added a versatile slap & suggestions delay, ultimate for rock, dance, dub, you identify it. For recording, mixing, mastering, and extra, deliver the richness and heat of actual tape saturation to your DAW with the Kramer Grasp Tape plugin. It’s the reel deal.” (Waves)

Warms and rounds-off any combine with ease. A staple in lots of producers’ studios.

Price

$249

What it’s good for

The Kramer Grasp Tape plugin is a superb device to offer you grasp that “analog” polish.

Learn more about Kramer Master Tape

Slate Digital FG-X

The FG-X is a high-quality loudness maximizer with phenomenal transparency.

It contains options comparable to “Clever Transient Preservation”, which makes use of seems forward at your combine and optimizes its saturation curve for incoming transients, in addition to “Lo Punch” and “Element”, two useful controls that may add low-end or high-end element again into your combine.

Price

$149/yr or $14.99/month through the Slate Every part Bundle

What it’s good for

Slate’s slogan sums it up properly: “loud, punchy masters with out the mush”.

Learn more about FG-X

Brainworx bx_masterdesk

‘The creation of Brainworx proprietor Dirk Ulrich, bx_masterdesk offers you a excessive finish analog mastering system in a single plugin.

Containing each part it's essential to create skilled outcomes, bx_masterdesk lets you grasp your personal materials with a minimal studying curve. Even if you're not an expert mastering engineer!

With a clearly outlined workflow and pre-tuned processing chain, you’ll discover the complete mastering course of extraordinarily intuitive. From setting the right degree and compression settings to dialing in the precise tone on your combine, utilizing bx_masterdesk is as straightforward as 1-2-3.” (Brainworx)

Nice at controlling your combine buss and grasp, this plugin can deliver life right into a flat combine.

Price

$299

What it’s good for

The bx_masterdesk is a top quality mastering chain in a easy plugin.

Learn more about bx_masterdesk

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#10: Different Useful Plugins

Whereas the earlier chapters cowl the majority of the software program market, there are many helpful plugins that don’t fall nicely into any of the earlier classes.

This contains software program like drum synthesizers, drum samplers, MIDI instruments, quantity instruments, modulators, multi-FX plugins, and extra.

Let’s take a look at a roundup of the most well-liked plugins we’ve missed thus far.

Drum Synthesizers

Sonic Academy Kick 2

Kick 2 is a completely customizable kick synthesizer. Its pleasant UI lets you simply alter the amplitude and pitch of the kick. It additionally options 3 separate click on areas that mean you can add pattern clicks to the kick.

Different options embrace compression, limiting, a number of distortion varieties, and a sub-harmonic generator.

Price

$63.21/£49.95

What it’s good for

Kick 2 is nice for punchy, dance ground prepared kicks. And you are able to do it multi function plugin – no loopy processing required!

Learn more about Kick 2

D16 Punchbox

PunchBox is an especially intuitive and highly effective bass drum synthesizer.

Beginning with a  basic bass drum emulation or a {custom} pattern, you should use PunchBox’s highly effective built-in results to form and sculpt your sound.

Price

$90

What it’s good for

For those who’re seeking to dive deep into the drum design rabbit gap, look no additional than D16’s PunchBox.

Learn more about Punchbox

Vocal Processing

iZotope Nectar 3

Nectar is an all-in-one vocal processing device from the crew at iZotope. It accommodates highly effective, fashionable results that may add skilled readability and polish to vocal.

It additionally features a characteristic referred to as Vocal Assistant that listens to your audio and applies a {custom} processing preset.

Price

$249

What it’s good for

Nectar is a complicated vocal processing device designed for the trendy bed room producer.

Learn more about Nectar 3

Waves CLA Vocals

Waves options just a few all-in-one vocal processing plugins, the most well-liked of which is CLA Vocals.

Designed in collaboration with grammy-winning engineer Chris Lord-Alge, it accommodates all the results it's essential to give a vocal that skilled polish.

Price

$149

What it’s good for

The CLA Vocals plugins is an expert high quality vocal processing plugin at a Waves-friendly value (i.e. it’s repeatedly on sale, solely $49 as I’m penning this).

Learn more about CLA Vocals

iZotope VocalSynth 2

VocalSynth 2 is a robust, artistic vocal processing device.

5 completely different modules mean you can fully change the sound of a vocal (or the rest actually).

It accommodates basic results comparable to a vocoder and a talkbox, together with results that mean you can management a sound’s pitch, timbre, nasality, and extra.

The sign chain rounds off with seven stomp field type results, permits you a variety of within the field sounds.

Price

$199

What it’s good for

VocalSynth is nice for artistic and unorthodox vocal manipulation.

Learn more about VocalSynth 2

Soundtoys Little Alterboy

Little Alterboy is an easy however highly effective formant and pitch shifting plugin.

Function comparable to arduous tuning and tube saturation (from Decaptitor) make this a helpful little plugin.

Price

$99, however it’s usually on sale.

What it’s good for

Little Alterboy is a superb & easy vocal pitch and formant-shifting plugin. Nice for robotic and uncanny sounds, in addition to refined shifts.

Learn more about Little AlterBoy

Utility

Xfer Data LFO Device

LFO Device lets you create {custom} LFO shapes and apply them to parameters comparable to quantity, panning, or a {custom} filter.

Its commonest use is as a “sidechain” filter, permitting you to design a {custom} LFO form to duck a sound towards a kick.

Price

$49

What it’s good for

Aside from “side-chaining”, LFO Device can be utilized as an auto-pan, trance-gate, tremolo, and extra.

Learn more about LFO Tool

You too can take a look at our video information beneath:

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Cableguys VolumeShaper5

“VolumeShaper permits you to form the degrees of any audio sign in pinpoint element.

From multiband sidechain compression results to excessive gating, from tempo-synced stutter to specific sample-shaping — VolumeShaper supplies a wealth of artistic musical results with a visible strategy to quantity.

VolumeShaper options multiband waveform-based modifying, a complete choice of preset curves, a exact oscilloscope, a giant spectrum view, and an up to date preset library. It runs sample-accurate in sync along with your DAW, in Hz mode as much as the audible vary or retriggered through MIDI “. (Cableguys)

Cableguys make some nice, out-of-the-ordinary plugins, and their ShaperBox suite is the right instance.

Price

$199

What it’s good for

VolumeShaper is a artistic, musical device able to detailed volume-ducking and a complete lot extra.

Learn more about VolumeShaper

Pitch-Shifting & Correction

Antares Auto-tune Professional

Auto-tune is the industry-standard vocal manufacturing device used on numerous hit information.

You realize the sound, now you the know the plugin that’s accountable for it.

Price

$399

What it’s good for

Auto-tune is the {industry} commonplace pitch and time correction device.

Learn more about Auto-Tune Pro

Melodyne 4

Melodyne is the industry-standard pitch correcting plugin. It permits surgical management over the pitch, size, timing, vibrato, and timbre of vocals.

Price

$99-$399/€99 – €699

What it’s good for

Whereas autotune is extra suited to “normal” vocal tuning, Melodyne is best for detailed, exact vocal tuning and manipulation.

They’re two completely different plugins with completely different specialities.

Learn more about Melodyne 4

MIDI Results

Plugin Boutique Scaler 2

The newest reply to the MIDI pack craze is Scaler 2.

As an alternative of utilizing MIDI information, Scaler 2 offers you full management so you may create your personal.

Price

$59

What it’s good for

If you wish to make expressive chord progressions with out enjoying them out or drawing them in, then that is what you’ve been ready for. You’ll additionally be taught slightly little bit of concept as you utilize it.

Learn more about Scaler 2

Xfer Data Cthulu

Cthulu is a chord generator and arpeggiator from the creator of Serum (though Cthulu proceeded Serum by just a few years).

Its an inspirational plugin that accommodates an awesome assortment thrilling chords.

Price

$39

What it’s good for

Cthulu is a fast and straightforward option to get down fascinating and distinctive chord progressions.

Learn more about Cthulu

Captain Chords 2.0

Captain Chords is an intuitive, easy-to-use plugin that helps you craft fascinating chord progressions. A easy drag and drop interface lets you craft chord progressions with ease.

Price

$79

What it’s good for

Captain Chords is nice for “rushed” producers that may’t be bothered to be taught songwriting.

Learn more about Captain Chords