Ever since the VST first made its way into the music production world, VST instruments dramatically increased the capabilities of DAWs.
It’s truly incredible how this technology that remains relatively unchanged from its first versions in the late 90s, continues to shape modern music production as we know.
There are 1000s of VST instruments on the market today, including some great free ones.
- This suite of free VST instruments is really the best starter tool kit for any aspiring producer. This production weapon stands out by its 16 pro-grade synths and sampled instruments, effects, but also loops and samples. It includes over 2,000 customizable sounds, such as drums and percussion, basses, acoustic instruments, synths, pads.
- The Best VST Instruments 2021. Thanks to increasing demand and technological advances, today’s market is flooded with the kinds of plugin instruments, FX units and time-saving software that would have been seen as impossibly advanced just a few years ago.
- Best Violin Vst Free Download Windows 7. Get producing music straight away with free VST plug-ins and samples in KOMPLETE START, taken from our leading production suite, KOMPLETE. Get REAKTOR PLAYER, KONTAKT PLAYER, KOMPLETE KONTROL, free effects VST plug-ins, free synth plug-ins, and sampled instruments to use in your own productions, as much.
- Feb 25, 2012 8Dio Solo Violin is a virtual instrument (VST) containing over 4.200 phrases of the solo violin. The library is designed to get the optimal amount of content our of the phrases and the options are. Today I would like to tell you a little bit about my favorite solo violin library in the World.
If you are looking for a plugin that offers solo string instruments in high quality, you’ll be happy to hear about the Chris Hein Solo Strings Complete by Best Service. It features 14 instruments in total: 4 violins, 3 violas, 4 cellos and 3 double basses.
But freeware plugins can only take you so far. The top tone tools for music production are still commercial products that come with a price tag.
When it comes to paid synth plugins, knowing where to put your money is hard. Which is why LANDR now offers rent-to-own plugins—to bring you the tools you need at affordable prices.
With all the options out there, it doesn’t have to be scary or expensive if you’re able to pick the best synth plugin that’s right for your music production needs.
Let’s take a look at VST instruments that are responsible for iconic tracks and sounds you can’t get anywhere else.
Here’s the essential list of the best VST instruments and synth plugins
- Lethal Audio
- Spectrasonics Omnisphere
- Xfer Serum
- Native Instruments Massive
- Native Instruments FM8
- Arturia V Collection
- Native Instruments Kontakt 6
- Reveal Sound Spire
- u-he Hive
- REFX Nexus 2
Use this list to choose the best synth plugins from the cream of the crop.
1. Lethal Audio Lethal
Price: $199
Lethal by Lethal Audio is a ROM based powerhouse that includes thousands of sounds and presets and 24 genre-specific expansions.
It’s also the first rent-to-own plugin from LANDR…
We know, we know: we’re a bit biased. But we had to put it first on this list because we’ve been enjoying it so much in our own productions lately.
Lethal by Lethal Audio is a ROM based powerhouse that includes thousands of sounds and presets 24 genre-specific expansions.
This soft synth puts some of the most in-demand tones in modern production right at your fingertips with it’s easy to use preset browser.
From there’s plenty of room to sculpt them with effects and powerful synthesis features.
Plus its light enough on your processor that you can create an entire track using just Lethal.
If you’re looking for simplicity and great value, Lethal is the perfect synth for you.
2. Spectrasonics Omnisphere
Price: $499 USD
Spectrasonics Omnisphere is one of the biggest names in software synthesizers. This massively powerful instrument packs an almost overwhelming amount of functionality.
There’s so much going on under the hood in Omnisphere that it might be a little intimidating to new users.
But there’s a super helpful community around this synth to guide you on your journey—and plenty of resources available if you’re feeling stuck.
If all else fails you could get lost in the sheer number of presets and discover some incredible sounds without ever once needing to do any tweaking.
Omnisphere is a powerful experience!
Omnisphere is a powerful experience!
3. Xfer Serum
Price: $189 USD
Xfer Serum is usually next on the list of the most essential soft synths.
Serum is a wavetable synthesizer. Unlike the hardware synths of the past that rely on wavetable technology, Serum has no processing limitations—and it shows.
Serum’s wavetable tech is incredibly powerful. Even for simple waveforms, its expertly implemented wavetables sound ultra-clear and clean.
This gives the synth a crisp and clean sound that can be quite intense!
4. Native Instruments Massive
Price: $149 USD
Native Instruments’ Massive has been around since the early days of softsynths, but it’s an all-time favourite for a reason.
This synth is designed to make basses. Massive basses—and it works.
Its easy to use virtual-analog subtractive design will seem familiar and intuitive, even to new users.
Its extremely fat sound has defined a generation of producers and continues to be a great option for plugin synthesis.
Hot Tip: Massive has just received a significant update with NI Massive X.
Massive X is an entirely new synth plugin reimagined from the ground up to bring the classic VST into the modern era of music production. It just might end up being more legendary than the original!
5. Native Instruments FM8
Price: $149 USD
Native Instruments FM8 is another longtime favourite soft synth from the classic plugin manufacturer.
FM8 uses frequency modulation synthesis like the iconic Yamaha DX-7 that defined the sound of the 80s.
FM8 uses frequency modulation synthesis like the iconic Yamaha DX-7 that defined the sound of the 80s.
This method can seem complicated, but FM8 focuses on putting all the control you need at your fingertips.
Plus, FM8 takes FM synthesis much further than classic hardware.
All the delicate, crystalline bells and keys you might associate with FM are there, along with all kinds of inspiring new sounds and textures—FM is cool!
6. Arturia V Collection
Price: 499$
The Arturia V Collection is truly incredible because it gives you access to a library of legendary vintage synths.
It’s hard to express just how incredible it is that you can download and emulate genre-defining synths like the CS-80 or the ARP 2600.
Having access to a literal library of classic synths opens up your production capabilities to levels that producers of eras past could only dream about.
7. Native Instruments Kontakt 6
Price: $519
Kontakt 6 is a collection of sample-based instruments from Native Instruments.
It’s essentially a platform that plugs into your DAW and gives you access to its three Play Series synths, Retro Machines MK2 and its original Factory Library.
The Play Series synths come with three synth engines—Analog Dreams for classic analog-style synths, Ethereal Earth for atmospheric pads and Hybrid Keys for interesting Rhodes style sounds.
Retro Machines is Native Intstruments’ retro synth offering that gives access to 16 re-creations of classic vintage hardware.
And of course, the Factory Libary comes with 1000s of stock samples you can freely use in your tracks.
8. Reveal Sound Spire
Price: $189 USD
Reveal Sound Spire is a hybrid synthesizer that covers everything from analog modelling to “HardFM.”
Spire’s powerful unison modes allow for up to 9 unison voices per oscillator
And its internal effects system is like a built-in sound design tool, complete with its own LFOs and matrix slots.
Onboard mixing tools like EQ and compression make Spire a one-stop-shop for designing tones that work great in a mix.
9. u-he Hive
Price: €149 Euro
u-he Hive is a sleek and lightweight multipurpose synth with tons of functionality. Hive’s effective workflow can get you started creating great sounding patches right away.
It’s ability to support microtunings and unique mix of synthesis styles makes it unique and it’s extensive modulation matrix and function generators make it flexible.
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But at heart Hive is a two oscillator subtractive synth. That means that even if you’re still getting comfortable with the basics of synthesis, there’s nothing here you can’t handle.
10. REFX Nexus2
Price: $249 USD
Nexus has made its way into the studios of some pretty big names, but the sound quality speaks for itself.
REFX Nexus2 is another ROM based plugin with an extensive library that’s fully loaded for EDM production.
Nexus has made its way into the studios of some pretty big names, but the sound quality speaks for itself.
Nexus is expandable via a huge amount of downloadable content and expansions on REFX for every style of music.
Synthetica
Synthesizer plugins are one of the most exciting parts of digital music production.
No matter what sound you’re chasing, there’s a soft synth out there that will help you get it.
These are the best synth plugins to check out next time you’re GAS-ing for a powerful new plugin to add to your arsenal.
Orchestral Strings for you?
Do you want a high quality orchestral strings VST library?
Perhaps your first high end string library, or simply a new one to expand your composer toolkit?
In this quick guide I have compiled a list of great string libraries.
Strings VST Libraries – Top List
- Cinematic Studio Strings
- NOVO Modern Strings
- Spitfire Symphonic Strings
- Century Ensemble Strings
- Cinestrings Core
- Berlin Strings
- Soaring Strings
- Symphony Series Strings
- CH Ensemble Strings
- LA Scoring Strings (LASS)
- Afflatus Strings
Hello Composers! =)
My name is Mike, founder of professionalcomposers.com, music composer and sound designer since 1998, old school nerd, and coffee addict. So grab a cup of coffee, and let’s check out some Orchestral String VST Sample Libraries! =)
Recorded in position in Australia’s premiere scoring stage, which gives it a natural, lush cinematic sound.
Made by the same company that made the highly praised “Cinematic Strings 2” which to be honest has been a staple in my own composer toolbox.
All-in-one string library with all the essential articulations, and great playability.
My Favorite Highlights
- Amazing Legato Engine
- Very Simple & Effective GUI
- Classic String Ensemble Sound
- Includes all Fundamental Articulations
- Great Room Sound from the Scoring Stage
Is Cinematic Studio Strings for you?
If you need an all in one string library if you need a classic hollywood style string ensemble, recorded with a fairly dry sound in a scoring stage, with all the essential articulations in one package…well then Cinematic Studio Strings is a great choice.
A strings library with a modern sound, and with the added ability to design and shape the strings to pads, pulses, or anything you desire.
NOVO includes both traditional instrument presets, as well as a sound designer section, as well as a loop designer.
Recorded at the famous Eastwood Scoring Stage at Warner Bros. Studios.
My Favorite Highlights
- Amazing Sound Shaping Tools
- Very Inspiring and Creative Interface
- The Macro Controls are super powerful
- Rich and powerful string sounds
Is NOVO Modern Strings for you?
If you want strings with a modern and cutting edge sound, and the ability to create hybrid sounds from creative sound design tools…then NOVO might be just the library for you.
Spitfire Audio has made many orchestral libraries, but this has to be one of their top achievements.
Featuring 16 1st Violins, 14 2nd Violins, 12 Violas, 10 Cellos & 8 Basses sampled with over 175 articulations, including 59 shorts, 94 longs, and 5 legato patches. All recorded in the legendary Air Studios in London.
My Favorite Highlights
- The incredible amount of Articulations
- Great Dynamics and Round Robins
- The Creamy Flautando and Super Sul Tasto
- The Ostinatum Engine
Is Spitfire Symphonic Strings for you?
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If you need a massive string library with lots of articulation, great expressive control, and don’t mind high use of disc space and RAM…then this library might become a fundamental tool in your composer arsenal.
8dio gives you lots of articulations, and lots of control over shaping the sound and expression.
Century Ensemble Strings is a big “all-in-one” string library for anything between lush chords to sharp ostinato patterns.
Lots of user control over things like dynamics, expression, speed, release tails, vibrato and even legato volume.
And also great control over the microphone mix, with both main microphones and spot microphones.
My Favorite Highlights
- Great Microphone Mix Controls
- The Speed Control Feature
- Lots of Short Articulation Options
- The Arcs sound Amazing
Is Century Ensemble Strings for you?
If you like lots of user control in shaping the sound, room and expression, and you are a sucker for great short string articulations and control for ostinatos etc…then this library will be a good choice for you.
Cinesamples have a reputation of making instruments that are instantly playable, with a great sound out of the box. And Cinestrings Core will give you just that…and more.
I especially like their mapping page where you can customize how the instrument responds to your performances.
They also have a great microphone mixer page, where you can customize the overall sound.
My Favorite Highlights
- The Amazing Playability
- The Microphone Mix Control (including the mixer presets)
- The Mapping Page to Create your own Performance Control
- Very nice for lush legato lines and melodies
Is Cinestrings Core for you?
If you want instant playability with a lush lyrical sound, plus the ability to map the performance controls to respond to the way you record and perform your string parts…then Cinestrings Core will not let you down.
This is a mountain of a string ensemble library, not only in size, but also in the amount of details, dynamics, round robins etc. For example, spiccatos have up to 24x round robins!
Their legatos are amazing, including 4 different legatos in their adaptive legato engine, and 3 different vibrato types.
My Favorite Highlights
- The Adaptive True Legato Engine (slurred, agile, fast and portamento)
- Bow Stroke Control (soft, immediate, accented)
- Up to 3 different vibrato expressions
- The Dynamics and amount of Round Robins
Is Berlin Strings for you?
If you are looking for ultimate control over the details in your performance, an amazing legato engine, a smaller string section sound, and you have the computer resources to run this massive library…then Berlin Strings is a wonderful choice.
This library excels in melodic, lyrical and of course “soaring string lines”. Great legato and vibrato was their intention when creating this library.
It was recorded with medium sized ensembles on a scoring stage, in traditional seating arrangement.
My Favorite Highlights
- Four dynamics of legato (p < fff), including true FFF sampling
- True Bow-Change Repetition sampling
- Molto expressivo vibrato across the upper dynamic range
Is Soaring Strings for you?
If you want a string library that focuses on lyrical legato, expressive vibrato and a very soaring sound that is playable out of the box…then Soaring Strings might be what you are looking for.
Based on a bigger sized string section (30 violins, 12 violas, 10 cellos and 8 basses) this library can create that powerful, rich and big sound.
Recorded in Budapest in a large orchestral studio with high ceilings and a big beautiful room sound.
Lots of articulations to choose from and map in the articulations setup page, as well as nice features like auto divisi and polyphonic legato.
My Favorite Highlights
- The Articulation Setup Page (lots to choose from)
- Microphone Mixer with all the independent controls
- Auto Divisi
- Polyphonic Legato
Is Symphony Series Strings for you?
If you want that big and lush sound for your orchestral strings, and appreciate auto divisi and polyphonic legato…Symphony Series Strings may be a perfect choice for you.
This library has a very a different approach than most other developers. It was not recorded in section, but rather perfectly tuned individual instrument recordings.
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Then the vast sample pool of 120.000 samples was carefully detuned, time shifted and positioned in the stereo field to make up all the sections and articulation controls.
This approach makes for a final result that is way more customizable than ordinary string ensemble libraries.
My Favorite Highlights
- The Clean Overall Sound due to the specific production method
- The Tight vs Loose control on many articulations
- The choice between Full or Small ensemble size
Is CH Ensemble Strings for you?
If you are looking for a string library without the occasional performance errors on some notes and dynamics, and superior control over aspects like loose vs tight etc…then this will be a great choice for you.
This library seem to be either love or hate. Simply because it is very dry, and not instantly playable.
Instead their focus have always been on extreme control over details and realism.
My Favorite Highlights
- The Dry Recordings (if you prefer adding reverb yourself)
- The Stage & Color controls
- Micro Tuning and real-time performance of tuning
- ARC (Audiobro Remote Control) for controlling all sections from a single window
Is LA Scoring Strings for you?
This is a library for composers that like realism, lots of detailed control over the sound, and are not afraid to dive in and adjust settings, automate etc. It takes more effort, but the end results is amazingly realistic, and the amount of sound shaping and user control is superb. Perhaps that composer is you?
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Afflatus strings has a very original approach, in that it focuses on themes and moods in every aspect of the library, instead of the classic instrument sections, articulations etc.
This approach has made this library have a very diverse range of tone, mood, character, playing style and overall sound. You can switch from romantic to aggressive to battle sound in your strings…super quick and easy.
My Favorite Highlights
- The Focus on Mood and Sound Character
- Polyphonic True Legato on some Presets
- Switchable Divisi on some Presets
Is Afflatus Strings for you?
If you want a string library that truly inspires you, much more than simple preset names like “staccato 8 violins” can do, and if you love instant playable strings in a huge range of tone, style and mood…then Afflatus Strings is perfect for you.
- VSL Strings
Huge range of strings libraries, with superb user control. If you are used to Kontakt libraries, VSL will have a bit of a learning curve, but the amount of detail in their product range is amazing. - EastWest Hollywood Strings
Available in their “Composer Cloud”, and if you don’t mind their Play Engine, you can get a huge variation in articulations, tone and control.
I decided to only include 1 orchestral string library per developer in this comparison. But you should definitely go ahead and check out their other string libraries in their respective product range.
Here are some of the top developers that have more Orchestral Strings product to choose from:
- Spitfire Audio
- Orchestral Tools
- Cinesamples
- 8dio
- Musical Sampling