We live in a time where you no longer need expensive analog gear to produce quality tracks. In fact, there are digital emulations of just about every legendary analog gear that ever existed. there’s a paid plugin for just about every synthesizer, eq module, compressor, reverb, or mixing console that ever existed. Oftentimes, there are even several different paid plugins that do the same thing but are made by different companies.
That being said, I completely understand why it can be hard to decide which paid plugins to buy. Let’s be honest, while these paid plugins are certainly cheaper than their analog counterparts, they can still be pricey.
Over the years I’ve spent a small fortune on paid plugins. It’s sort of a habit of mine and something I still do to this day. Some of these paid plugins weren’t worth it at all. However, some of these paid plugins are absolutely amazing and helped me produce my best tracks. In this article, I am going to share with you the 5 best paid plugins for music production of these plugins that I use in almost every project. If you know of other paid plugins not mentioned in the article, feel free to let us know in the comments.
So what are the TOP 5 BEST paid plugins for music production I use in my projects?
- SERUM PLUGIN ( Download Here )
Serum comes stacked with a massive library of top-notch presets that cover a wide range of genres and styles. Whether you’re into rich and dreamy pads, gritty and punchy basslines, or mind-blowing leads that make heads turn, Serum has got you covered. And if that’s not enough, you can also dive into third-party preset packs created by industry pros, giving you access to even more mind-blowing sounds that will make your tracks stand out from the crowd.
Now, let’s talk about the real magic happening under the hood. Serum brings some seriously advanced features to the table that will make your jaw drop. We’re talking about unison, FM/RM/AM synthesis, and a modulation system that will unlock new dimensions in sound design. And did I mention the built-in effects section? It’s a game-changer, my friends. From lush reverbs to mind-bending delays and gritty distortions, you’ll have everything you need right there in Serum, saving you precious time and keeping your creative flow in the zone.
Serum is the epitome of groundbreaking technology and creative freedom. With its intuitive interface, extensive preset library, advanced features, and optimized performance, Serum is an awesome tool that can unleash your full potential, elevate your sound and help you break boundaries. To help you take advantage Serum, I teach a full online masterclass showing you step-by-step how to design your own sounds from scratch using the plugin. Check out the course here >>> (view course).
And if sound design isn’t your thing and you just want to start jamming away, I have a preset pack with powerful professional sounds that will quickly get you going right out of the box. Download the pack here >>> (Serum Preset Pack)
- Sylenth (Download Here)
Sylenth1, is a classic and iconic plugin that has earned its legendary status in the music production world. Developed by LennarDigital, this powerhouse synth delivers unrivaled sound quality, offering rich and detailed tones that bring your tracks to life. Its intuitive interface makes sound shaping a breeze, while the four oscillators and insane modulation options unlock endless sonic possibilities. With built-in filters and high-quality effects, Sylenth adds a pro touch to your music, all while without abusing your CPU. Regardless of your skill level, this synth is a powerful plugin to have in your toolbox.
I recommend taking my masterclass where I go over everything there is to know about this synth and teach you how to design sounds from scratch. Properly learning this synth will set you apart from everyone else and help you fully take advantage of it. Check it out here >>> ( Sylenth Sound Design Course )
- DIVA PLUGIN ( Download Here )
Diva, developed by u-he, is a groundbreaking plugin that takes us back to the golden age of analog synthesis. This masterpiece plugin is the closest you can to that warm and rich sound of vintage analog hardware.
Let’s talk about sound quality, and trust me, Diva is in a league of its own. From fat and punchy basslines to luscious pads and searing leads, every note played through Diva resonates with a very distinct, soulful warmth and rich sound.
Of course, there are other plugins out there that attempt to emulate classic analog hardware but what sets Diva apart is its careful attention to detail in recreating every component of analog synthesis. From the oscillator circuits to the filter stages and beyond, Diva captures the essence of iconic analog synthesizers flawlessly. The result is an unmatched level of authenticity that leaves analog hardware nerds in awe.
In conclusion, Diva is a dream come true for those seeking the genuine sound of vintage analog synthesizers without having to spend their life’s savings on buying the actual hardware.
- FABFILTER PRO-Q 3 PLUGIN (Download Here )
The Pro-Q 3 Equalizer by FabFilter is an absolute gem. I seriously use this in every single project. This plugin offers tons of features designed to give you complete control over your audio. With up to 24 bands of equalization, dynamic EQ capabilities, per-band mid/side processing, and advanced spectrum analysis, you have the tools to shape your sound with precision. The intuitive interface makes it easy to fine-tune your mix, while the transparent sound quality ensures your audio remains untouched and true to its original character.
My favorite features of this plugin are The dynamic EQ and mid/side processing capabilities. The dynamic EQ feature allows you to dynamically control resonant frequencies and manage unwanted peaks, resulting in a polished and balanced mix. The per-band mid/side processing gives you control over the stereo image, allowing you to shape the width and focus of individual elements within your mix.
I can’t say it enough, this eq is the best in the industry. Just about any big-name producer I know uses it and there’s a reason. So for anyone serious about achieving top-notch mixes, this plugin is the way to go.
Say goodbye to muddy mixes and hello to polished, professional tracks with DSEQ by TBProAudio. This plugin offers unparalleled precision when it comes to dynamic EQ and de-essing. With its advanced algorithms and intelligent analysis, you can target and tame specific frequencies in your audio.
The user-friendly interface of DSEQ makes it a breeze to navigate, and its intuitive controls allow you to dial in the perfect settings for your mix. With a range of adjustable parameters and real-time visual feedback, you can easily fine-tune the dynamics and frequencies of your audio. So if you’re in the market for EQ plugins, this is another must-have.
Well, that’s it for this article guys. If you know of at least 5 best paid plugins you like that we didn’t mention, don’t forget to share in the comments. Also, feel free to let everyone know in the comments if you tried any of the plugins that we did mention. Lastly, if you want to learn more tricks & tips from us make sure to subscribe to our newsletter where we share music industry secrets every week!
Thank you and have an amazing day in the studio!
Tibor/ReOrder