What is an Auto-Tune? 1) Auto-Tune Pro (Paid) 2) Waves Tune (Paid) 3) ReTune (Paid) 4) Melodyne (Paid) 5) MAutoPitch (Free). Best Free Compressor VST. A compressor is a must have plugin for any producer or engineer. Fortunately, some of the free plugins we’ve listed below are pretty much at the same level of the state of the art paid plugins made by waves and others. Our favorites are the Density mkIII and the Klanghelm MJUC Jr. Which are the best Vst Plugins Paid available today on the market? The information available on this site is authentic and trustworthy and are picked up from an authoritative, reliable source. This is essential since it directly affects your purchase; we aggregated a product reviews from various trustworthy sources, authority websites, buying.
- Best Paid Vsts
- Best Paid Vst Plugins
- Best Vst Plugins Paid Software
- Synth Vst Plugin
- Best Vst Plugin Packages
No matter what level you’re currently at with recording, it’s important to have a variety of Virtual Studio Technology (VST) to utilize. In this article, we’re looking at some of the Best VST Free and Paid Instrument Plugins.
This will help you determine which of these programs are best for you since there’s a ton of options to choose from.
Hopefully, it’ll relieve you of the overwhelming feeling of trying to determine which of these programs is best for you.
Best VST Free Instrument Plugins
As noted, down below are ten of our favorite free VST (or audio plug-in) on synthesizers and samplers.
If you’re a beginner or want to learn how to use these products, then you should definitely consider some of these free variations.
2getheraudio Cheeze Machine
First on our list of free variations of VST for synthesizers and samplers, we have a product from 2getheraudio (together audio get it?).
Their completely free VST is deemed as the “Cheeze Machine”. The name represents exactly what the system does. It’s fun, and something everyone will love.
Overall, this is something that is surprisingly versatile. Besides the synth variations, the actual product itself includes an expanded oscillator section, convolution reverb, a vintage ensemble chorus, and 64-bit compatibility for VST, AU, AAX and other applications.
Also included, it has a bonus preview presets for Cheeze Machine Pro. Cheeze Machine Pro is an upcoming release with additional filters, pitch envelopes, and performance controls. Sweet!
All in all, this is a great product. Especially since it’s free! Consider downloading it and see how you like it for yourself.
Ample Sound Guitar M LITE II
Next up, we have a fantastic product from Ample Sound. This is a very simple and easy to use plug-in.The synthesizer itself works as an emulator for a Martin D-41 acoustic guitar. Other than that, it doesn’t do much of anything else.
However, since it’s completely free, it doesn’t hurt to download it and check it out. The reality is, having a synthesizer that emulates an acoustic guitar will be more useful to you than you might realize.
It works great and does everything you might expect it to do. Other than that, there isn’t much else to say.
Give it a download and check it out for yourself.
DSK The Grand
Next up, we have a fantastic system from DSK music. Just like the other systems in this section of the article, it’s an easy and free download.The system itself is a Grand Piano VST instrument. Very simple and easy to understand. There isn’t much beyond that.
It features 4 velocity layers, 4-6 samples/notes, has ADSR envelope control, has a reverb fx included.
Just like all of the products on this list, it’s available for Windows and Mac OS (32 and 64 bits).
If you want a simple, but fun piano VST, check it out! The free download won’t take long and you’ll be on your way to using it.
Full Bucket ModulAir
Next up, we have a fantastic product from Full Bucket Music. Deemed as the “ModulAir”, it’s a surprisingly versatile and great unit for being completely free.It’s a modular polyphonic software synthesizer for Microsoft Windows (VST) and Apple macOS (VST/AU). It’s meant as a way for high performance and low computer consumption.
Some of the features include up to 18 modules per patch, 51 module types available, polyphonic voicing, up to 64 voices polyphony, and much more.
For something completely free, you get a ton of stuff with it.
Give it a download and try it out yourself. I assure you that it’ll be totally worth the simple download.
HY-Plugins HY-Mono
Next up, we have a great product hy-plugins. Hy-plugins is a solely dedicated website for different plugins for DAWs.Making it a great source for instrument or effect plug-ins. They have easy to understand instructions for all of their plug-ins and a few different options for free versions.
As for their instrument plug-ins, this one specifically is great and free. For being completely free, it provides a decent amount of versatility.
Besides the overall functionality, it’s an easy download and you should check it out. The few seconds or minutes it takes to download are definitely worth it.
While you’re at it, check out some of their other downloads and see if anything else might interest you.
Matt Tytel Helm
Next up, we have a product from Matt Tytel deemed as “Helm”. Helm is an open-source VST synth. That means you’re free to install it anywhere on anything and edit the code to your liking.Meaning that if you’re experienced enough, you can manipulate the code to the point of creating something to exactly what you want.
This has a ton of advantages behind it. The ability to create, edit, and execute is almost endless. That is the advantage of something being open source.
As for the actual functionality, it works great if you’re not afraid to have a bunch of trial and error. Not everything will work how you want it right away, but it will if you can persevere.
All in all, give it a download. It’s definitely worth it and you might be surprised at what you might find.
ML PG8X
Next up, we have a product from KVR Audio. KVR Audio is a website dedicated to all things DAW oriented. Meaning it’s a great source to explore different options for recording.As for this specific product, it’s great. Just like everything else on this list, it’s a VST instrument plug-in. It was inspired by the JX-8P. The GUI is modeled after the pg-800, which is the external editor for the JX-8P.It has a ton of different features, such as 6 to 12 voice polyphony, an HP filter, stereo chorus, and much more.
Just like a lot of these free variations, you’ll be shocked at how much this can do. Definitely give it a download and see for yourself.
Ohm Force SymptOhm PE
Next up, we have a product from Ohmforce. Deemed as the “symptom PE”, this is a performer edition version of one of their other products.In simple terms, if you need a synth that isn’t overly complicated, then this is the product for you.The free performer edition gives you access to all of its for purchase version’s presets and a few other customizing options.
Sounds pretty cool right? For beginners, this is a great product for you to download and learn. It’s simple, easy to use, and allows you to fully understand this subject in the recording world.
Go ahead and give it a download. You won’t be disappointed!
Seaweed Audio Fathom Mono
Next up on our list, we have a product from Seaweed Audio. Deemed as the “Fathom Synth”, this is exactly what you expect it to be.A synth that is easy to use, free, and surprisingly versatile. If you want more, they have an option that provides more for a price.The Fathom is a modular VST synth that is great for crafting original waveforms with advanced modulation. Sounds great right?
However, the mono version of Fathom is what is completely free. Don’t be discouraged by this, you can accomplish a lot with the mono version.
Other than that, there isn’t much else to say. It’s great, free, and easy to use. What more could you want? Try it.
u-he Zebralette
Last our list, we have a product from Zebralette. Zebralett’s “Mini Zebra”, this is a smaller and free version of Zebra2.As noted, it’s a free synthesizer and is a basic introduction to Zebra2.
This is free for the main purpose of persuading you to try Zebra2 and upgrade.Citing that if one oscillator is as powerful as it is, imagine how much better the top-tier version is. Not to mention all the other features provided with it.
Definitely download it for yourself, and check it out! You won’t be disappointed.
Best VST Paid Instrument Plugins
For those of you who don’t know, a VST is an audio plug-in software interface that combines a software synthesizer and effects in a digital audio workstation (DAW).
In simple terms, they use a digital signal to emulate a real instrument in a digital workplace. Pretty cool right?
Down below, we’ve listed ten of our favorite for purchase VSTs and ten of our favorite free VSTs.
Spitfire Audio BBC Symphony Orchestra
First up on our list is a product from Spitfire Audio. Upon your first analysis, you may be scared away from the price of it all. However, trust me when I say that the price is worth it.
You have 55 instruments to choose from alone. This in and of itself should make the entire package worth it.
In simple terms, this is a top tier VST. The versatility of it all is staggering and will leave you with countless options to choose from. You simply can’t go wrong with this system. I don’t really know what else to say.
Definitely check it out, especially if you’re a professional recording engineer or have the ambition of becoming a professional.
Xfer Records Serum
Next up on our list, we have a product from Xfer Records.
Without going too in-depth, this system works beautifully. This wavetable synthesizer deemed as “Serum” allows for the controller to work at a rate of comfortability.
Something that is important in this work form. Factors such as high-quality sound and workflow with a sense of creativity and ease.
All in all, you can’t go wrong with this product. It works great, looks flawless, and does everything you want it to do and more.
If you can’t afford the entire price right at once, there is a very affordable monthly option that is available.
Definitely check it out, you won’t be disappointed.
Spectrasonics Keyscape
Next up on our list, we have a product from Spectrasonics. Spectrasonics has a huge list of VSTs to choose from; especially in the synthesizer world.
Make sure you look through each model to determine which one is best for you, or buy one of the box set options to get a bunch of them. It’s completely up to you, but all of them work great.
With ten years in the making, Spectrasonics crafted something special. The product features one of the largest selections of collector keyboards and it doesn’t disappoint.
All in all, you can’t go wrong with Spectrasonics. You won’t be disappointed and it’s certainly something that pro-level recording engineers need. Try it.
Kilohearts Phase Plant
Next up on our list, we have a product from Kilohearts. They refer to their VST as “Phase Plant” and they insist that it’s a versatile system for beginners or professionals.
Meaning that it operates at a rate that is comfortable, yet sophisticated enough for a professional to use. Something that is essential for this type of work.
As for the price, it’s extremely reasonable. Compared to other VSTs of a similar caliber, this certainly delivers similar results.
All in all, you can’t go wrong with this system. It does everything you need it to do and more.
I highly recommend it, and be sure to check out some of Kilohearts other products they offer.
Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2.6
Next up on our list, we have another product from Spectrasonics. Similar to their other product on our list, this is a fantastic system.
Deemed as the “Omnisphere”, it operates at a rate of sufficiency and excellency.
The versatility behind Omnisphere is incredible. Especially since it’s one of the only software synths to feature a hardware synth integration.
Meaning it can transform over 65 well-known hardware synthesizers. Besides that, there are a ton of different sounds and options you can capture with the system.
Making it one of the best VSTs available to the public.
For the price, you certainly get what you pay for, so don’t be afraid of the price.
All in all, check it out! You definitely won’t be disappointed and you’ll be blown away by it.
Arturia Pigments 2
Next up on our list, we have a fantastic product from Arturia. Arturia doesn’t disappoint with “Pigments 2”. This system works beautifully and can do everything you want it to do and more.
Since we’re focusing on synthesizers and instruments, the actual synth mode works great. It adds another element to your overall sound.
It transforms the design of your sounds with the samples it provides. All at the simple touch of a button you can adjust the density, envelope, size, and the ability to randomize parameters.
Causing you to fully dive into the system first-hand. Leaving you with an abundance of happiness knowing what you can accomplish.
The price is very reasonable; especially with what it comes with besides the synth options.
Definitely check it out, you won’t be disappointed.
Native Instruments Reaktor 6
Next up, we have a fantastic product from Native Instruments. Deemed as “Reaktor 6”, this system delivers what you need and more.
As for the actual synth options, you can’t go wrong with this unit. You have the ability to build custom synths and designate them exactly how you want them.
Leaving you with countless options and abilities to accomplish everything you want and more.
Besides the synth options, you can discover over 70 different included instruments and thousands of different sounds in the user library.
What more could you want? It gives you everything you need and more.
As for the price, it’s very reasonable and you won’t be disappointed. Try it.
Native Instruments Massive X
Next up, we have another system from Native Instruments. Deemed as “Massive X”, this united delivers the ability to control and change sound in a way that might not seem possible.
The synth options are great. You have the ability to create incredible sounds and have complete freedom for your advance sound design.
The entire system is built for the future. Meaning that it’s built for modern-day and the future of technology in the music world.
Similar to their other products, it’s very reasonable. You don’t have to spend too much money on this system to feel accomplished.
Go ahead and check it out. I assure you that you’ll be more than satisfied with it.
Softube Modular
Next up, we have a fantastic unit from Softube. Softube created a VST called “Softube Modular” and it certainly delivers.
Creating a product with the knowledge of modular synthesizers being a way of life in the music world. Noting the endless possibilities, and creation of unique and interesting sounds as the backbone of their products.
As for the actual features of the unit, it comes with seven essential modules and 50 stock modules that allow a certain utility and mixing ability of the product.
The price is fantastic. It’s extremely affordable and delivers more than what you might expect.
Go ahead and check this fantastic product out. You won’t be disappointed, especially because of how affordable it is.
iZotope Iris 2
Last, but not least on our for purchase VST list, we have a system from iZotope. Deemed as the “Iris 2”, this is exactly what you want from a VST.
It’s simple, easy to use, and just works. The company deems the product as being something very special.
They note it as an inspiring sample-based synthesizer. Meaning it has the power of a sampler and the flexibility of a traditional synth. Something that is common and works great for these types of VSTs.
All in all, you can’t wrong with something like this. You can either buy Iris 2 for a very reasonable price, or you can buy a package deal that comes with a variety of products they offer.
Check it out!
Conclusion
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Hopefully, you were able to determine the best free and for purchase VST (or audio plug-in) on synthesizers and samplers.
Other than that, you should be able to have a general understanding of this subject in general and why they’re needed for a studio setting. With factors such as versatility and budget in mind.
For a quick recap, we went over ten of our favorite for purchase VSTs. We went over why we liked each product and some basic features of each one.
After that, we went over ten of our favorite free VSTs. We also went over why we liked each of these products and a few basic features of each one.
It’s important to determine what you want to accomplish with a system like this. If you’re looking to do a lot then you shouldn’t be scared to invest a decent amount of money into it.
If you’re a beginner or just want to learn, then you should start out with one of the free products. The free versions of these systems will allow you to understand how they work and why they’re important.
In conclusion, you should be more comfortable with deciding what free or for purchase VST (or audio plug-in) on synthesizers and samplers is for you.
Whether you’re a home producer or work at a major recording studio, Autotune and other pitch correction software can help deal with a weak vocal performance.
In a hurry? I love Melodyne 4 Studio from Celemony. It’s sounds incredible, leaving little to no artifacts on vocals recorded in a treated space, but are in need of a little fixing.
But Autotune isn’t reserved exclusively for pitch correction. T-Pain popularized the hard-straightened pitch, even going as far as releasing an iOS app called “I Am T-Pain.”
Pitch correction software can also be utilized for other instruments as well. I’ve even used VariAudio (the “Autotune” built into Cubase) on bass guitar parts that were slightly out of tune. The result was surprisingly excellent, with little to no audio artifacts.
There’s a lot you can do with Autotune and similar software.
With so many options for producers, how can you decide on which one to use? Fortunately, I’ve had the experience working with many pitch correction plugins to weed out the good from the bad.
I’m going to include both free and paid options, so please read on!
Have an interest in virtual instruments? Don’t miss my other roundups!
Table of Contents
1) Antares Auto-Tune Pro (Paid)
Auto-Tune is the original pitch correction software. It’s so popular that its name is synonymous and is more of a colloquial term.
Antares gives you a couple of options to pick from depending on your needs — Pro, Artist, Access, or EFX+. As you’d guess, the price moves up the more features there are.
Auto-Tune is very hands-off. I’d even go as far as to say that it’s the most straightforward plugin for correcting pitch.
Pros
- Easy to use for beginners
- Lightweight on memory
- Great-looking user interface
Cons
- AUTO mode is limited
- Difficult for beginners to use GRAPH
- A little outdated compared
When using Auto-Tune on a vocal track in AUTO mode, set the key, the retune speed, and the amount of humanization. You should be able to hit the playback button now and hear hopefully great results.
Because it’s simplicity, I find that it doesn’t perform as well as others (when using the quick settings) that require more fine-tune vocal editing.
To fix an abysmal vocal performance, use the graph mode and hand tune each note to your liking. This process is much more complicated but yields a far better result.
I am not huge on Auto-Tune (I know many are), but it can deliver exceptional results. If you take the time to learn how to use it properly, you’ll have great-sounding vocals with ease.
Auto-Tune from Antares is available at Plugin Boutique.
2) Steinberg VariAudio — Cubase Pro (Paid)
Steinberg’s VariAudio is a pitch correction software included in Cubase Pro. It’s not a standalone plugin, so you won’t be able to use it if you don’t own Cubase Pro.
But, for those of you with Cubase who didn’t realize your DAW has pitch correction, rejoice!
I love VariAudio — so much so that I couldn’t imagine switching DAWs. I’ve been on Cubase for ten years, so I know my way around, but VariAudio is the one thing that will keep me as a forever customer.
Pros
- Integrated into Cubase
- Quick to edit any clip
- Very fast and no CPU
Cons
- Audio artifacts are very noticeable if not careful
- Limited cutting resolution
- Not intuitive at first
VariAudio functions similar to Melodyne and Auto-Tune’s graph mode. Double-clicking on a clip opens up the editor, where you can choose to enable VariAudio — no plugin required.
From here, it’s simple as using Pitch Quantize and Straighten Pitch on each clip. Cutting clips also helps pitch only individual sections of a waveform.
The newest version of VariAudio introduced some incredible options for adjusting pitch that make the software even more valuable.
I highly recommend considering Cubase Pro if you plan to switch DAWs — for VariAudio exclusively!
Steinberg’s Cubase Pro is available from Plugin Fox.
3) Celemony Melodyne (Paid)
We’re moving up the price ladder, but for a good reason. Melodyne from Celemony is one of the most utilized pitch correction plugins used by professional vocal editors and producers.
Melodyne offers (to my ears) the most accurate and musical sounding algorithm, leaving no tuning artifacts that are easily recognizable to the untrained ear.
Pros
- Incredible-sounding algorithm
- Tons of flexibility when vocals sound poor
- Zero audio artifacts in most cases
Cons
- Difficult for new users
- Rather expensive
The software has incredible note detection allowing for more accurate tuning. I find that in VariAudio, there are times that the software cannot understand individual notes, so they are omitted. It’s not too often this occurs, but Melodyne does it better.
Melodyne is available at Plugin Boutique.
4) Waves Tune (Paid)
Waves Tune operates similarly to Auto-Tune and Melodyne. Before you begin tuning, the software scans the audio track and displays audio waveforms.
The process of editing is quite similar as well, though the interface is slightly dated.
Pros
- Included in many of Wave’s plugin bundles
- Relatively lightweight on CPU
Best Paid Vsts
Cons
- Outdated
- Difficult to use
I have never enjoyed using Waves Tune but figured it needed a mention since Waves is one of the most popular audio plugin companies.
5) Waves Tune Real-Time (Paid)
Best Paid Vst Plugins
While cheaper than the regular version of Tune, Tune Real-Time offers a quick and user-friendly experience for tuning vocals. I’d compare this plugin to using Auto-Tune on AUTO mode.
Note transition is iffy at best and artifacts are present throughout (at least when I used it). The plugin isn’t smooth sounding at all, and there aren’t many parameter changes available.
I’d recommend Real-Time for two different scenarios. The first being someone new to audio production looking to fix a vocal without technical knowledge of tuning vocals. You won’t get the most professional sound, but it will be acceptable.
The second scenario is for producers working with singers in the studio who struggle to sing on pitch.
Using a pitch-correction software can boost the confidence of the singer in the booth, though I can’t say for sure if this will lead to a better sounding vocal take.
Despite the marketing of Waves Tune Real-Time, claiming instant vocal tuning, I could envision latency becoming an issue in some home studio settings.
Free Auto-Tune VST Plugins
If you’re on the fence about which one to get or want to save a little cash, try some of these free pitch correction plugins I’ve listed below.
Things To Consider When Choosing a Pitch Correction Software Plugin
Despite all the choices I’ve laid out, you still may be confused on the correct option. Here are some things to consider before making a decision.
Does the software maker provide a trial?
If so, take the trial and check out the software! There’s nothing more frustrating than buying a plugin only to find out that it’s non-refundable.
Do you need graph editing functionality?
Graph editing, like seen in Melodyne and VariAudio, is for advanced vocal editors. If you need a quick tuning for a little enhancement of a track, you may not need to edit each note.
If you want to draw in the notes physically, a more advanced pitch correction software will be necessary.
Best Vst Plugins Paid Software
Further features you may desire are formant control, MIDI input (for vocoder), and note straightness. These types of effects are often essential in a lot of today’s popular music.
Does your DAW already have pitch processing?
Synth Vst Plugin
Mine does — that’s why I’ve included VariAudio in this list. Digital audio workstations like Propellerhead’s Reason and MOTU Digital Performer also come with their native pitch correction software.
Best Vst Plugin Packages
Wrapping Up
Which one do I like most? If I didn’t have VariAudio included in Cubase, I’d most likely be using Melodyne exclusively. It sounds incredible, and the workflow is so intuitive.
So there you have it — my list of the best Auto-Tune/pitch correction VST plugins. Which one do you currently use in the studio? I’d love to hear from you down below in the comments. Thanks for reading!