My 10 Must Have VST Plugins for Music Production in 2024! (Plus 5 Honorable Mentions!)

I spent the last year testing dozens of VST plugins to find the ones that actually matter for music production.

Most producers drown in endless plugin options — scrolling through countless websites, reading reviews, watching demos. But here’s the thing: you don’t need 100 plugins. You need the right 10 plugins.

I’ve narrowed it down to the essential tools that can handle 95% of your music production needs. These aren’t just my favorites — they’re the plugins I reach for on every single project.

EQ Plugins: The Frequency Gatekeepers

Let’s start with the foundation of any great mix: EQ.

FabFilter Pro-Q 3

If you’ve ever dreamed of having an equalizer that’s smarter than your high school math teacher, this is the one.

Pro-Q 3 is pristine, intuitive, and dynamic. Whether you’re carving out unwanted frequencies or boosting the sweet spots, this EQ has everything you need to get a great sound.

It’s like the Marie Kondo of equalizers — if a frequency doesn’t spark joy, cut it out.

But what makes it so damn good?

First, the interface is sleek and user-friendly. It makes the often complex task of EQ’ing actually enjoyable. This isn’t just about looks though.

Pro-Q 3 offers up to 24 different bands for EQ. You can sculpt your sounds with surgical precision and get really steep Q curves that you can’t get in other EQ plugins.

But here’s where it gets interesting — Pro-Q 3 features a dynamic EQ function. This lets you control the dynamics of your sound rather than just the frequency spectrum itself.

It’s like combining the best parts of a compressor and an EQ rolled into one.

Pro-Q 3 is essential to have in your toolbox. No question.

Compression Plugins: The Dynamic Peacekeepers

If EQs are our sound sculptors, then compressors are our sound bouncers — ensuring that no frequency gets too rowdy.

They control the dynamic range of your track, keeping the quiet parts audible and the loud parts tamed.

Two names made this list: the LA-2A and the 1176. They’re like the Batman and Superman of compression — different tools, different powers, but both with a knack for saving the day.

Waves LA-2A

The LA-2A is a legend in its own right. It’s known for its smooth, musical compression.

It’s an optical compressor, which means it uses a light element to reduce the dynamics of your track. This results in gentle, rounded compression that sounds incredible on bass, vocals, guitars — you name it.

The LA-2A works wonders on anything with low end or anything with some beef to it.

Here’s the beautiful part — there are only two knobs: the peak reduction knob and the gain knob.

Don’t let its simplicity fool you. The LA-2A can bring a warmth and complexity to your mix that’s hard to get otherwise.

Waves 1176

Then there’s the 1176 FET compressor.

Unlike the LA-2A, the 1176 is fast. Lightning fast. This makes it incredibly versatile.

It can handle transient-rich material like drums, but it’s also not shy about adding some color to your vocals or guitar.

With the 1176, you get more options — selectable input/output knobs and compression ratios.

These plugins are classics for a reason. They’ve stood the test of time and can handle whatever you throw at them.

It’s like having two of the best compressors in the world on your computer at all times.

Multiband Compression: Surgical Precision

FabFilter Pro-MB

Now let’s talk about a more specialized compressor — the FabFilter Pro-MB.

The MB stands for multiband (we’re not talking about bracelets here).

This is a compressor that allows you to compress different parts of the frequency spectrum at different ratios. It lets you pick the best fruits from the tree and throw out the bad apples.

Instead of using an EQ to cut out a problem frequency, sometimes it makes more sense to use a multiband compressor to only dip down those problem frequencies when they happen.

But versatility is where this plugin really shines:

• Fantastic mastering tool
• Works as a de-esser
• Best visual multiband compressor I’ve seen

The colorful interface and modern GUI makes it feel like you can reach in and grab the frequency band — like you’re Willy Wonka plucking Mike TV from his television prison.

Reverb: The Architects of Ambiance

Reverb plugins add depth and dimension to our tracks, placing them in an acoustic space that could be a cozy room or a colossal cathedral.

Valhalla VintageVerb

Coming in strong is Valhalla VintageVerb — a titan in the reverb field.

This reverb is like a time machine, taking you back to the golden age of digital reverb units.

It’s got a range of different reverb algorithms, each with their own character — from small rooms to endless spaces. And the best part? It sounds absolutely fantastic.

Here’s what you get:

• Mix knob — lets you blend dry and wet signals
• Decay — sets the reverb length
• Different reverb algorithms from decades like the 70s, 80s, and contemporary sounds

But what really sets Valhalla VintageVerb apart is its versatility and sound quality.

From snares to synths, vocals to violins — this plugin can make them sound amazing. It can make it sound like it’s in a real room, which is exactly what you want from a reverb plugin.

For all you sonic explorers out there, your spaceship awaits.

Synth and Sampler Plugins: The Sound Design Laboratory

We’ve arrived at the star-studded playground of synth and sound design — the laboratories of sonic creation.

These powerhouses let you synthesize sounds from scratch or manipulate pre-recorded samples. They’re like the paintbrushes of our music-making canvas.

Xfer Records Serum

Serum isn’t just a synth — it’s a wavetable monster.

It’s your ticket to complex, evolving, and dynamic sounds. With its intuitive interface, you can literally draw your own wavetables.

Serum is a playground for sound designers, and it’s got some serious muscle under the hood:

• Super clean oscillators
• Tons of modulation options
• Wide array of effects

Spectrasonics Omnisphere

On the other end of the spectrum, we have Omnisphere — the behemoth of virtual instruments.

It’s more than just a synth. It’s an entire universe of sound library.

From classic sounds to otherworldly ambiance, Omnisphere’s got you covered with a massive library of over 14,000 sounds.

You could spend a lifetime getting to know all the presets that come with Omnisphere.

But where Omnisphere really shines is by incorporating organic-sounding synths into their sound selection.

If I’m looking for realistic-sounding synths or emulations of real instruments, Omnisphere is my go-to.

These synths will bring your music to life in ways you couldn’t imagine.

Limiting: The Guardian of Loudness

FabFilter Pro-L 2

Next up is the guardian of loudness, the sultan of smash — a limiter.

The FabFilter Pro-L 2 is yet another awesome plugin from FabFilter (and no, I’m not sponsored).

Pro-L 2 is a mastering-grade limiter that’s all about transparency and loudness. It’s the night watchman at the gate of your track’s loudness, ensuring nothing gets past a certain level.

With Pro-L 2, you get:

• A boatload of different presets
• Different algorithms to choose from
• Each algorithm is a slightly different flavor of sound

I use it on vocals, guitars, bass — you name it. If I need it to sound consistent and stick out in the mix, there are no limits (pun absolutely intended) to what this thing can do.

Pitch Correction: Vocal Perfection

Coming in at the final two plugins on the list are the vocal wizards: Celemony Melodyne 5 and Antares Auto-Tune Pro.

As a singer who consistently records for independent artists, it’s absolutely essential that my voice sounds pristine, precise, and perfect.

When it comes to great-sounding vocals, I have two options:

1. Record 20 takes and take the best parts of each
2. Record a couple takes and use Melodyne and Auto-Tune to help me out

Sometimes I’ll even use both.

Celemony Melodyne 5

Melodyne is vocal magic (and no, I’m not talking about our preset pack — I’m talking literal sonic sweetness).

Melodyne transforms ordinary vocal performances into works of art.

The scariest part about Melodyne? After applying it, it’s hard to tell that you even used it in the first place.

It’s subtle, but it makes the vocals shine by nestling them oh-so-ever-slightly into the correct pitch.

This plugin comes with ARA integration, which means I don’t have to record my voice and print it onto the plugin itself. This used to be my biggest complaint with the plugin, but now I use it all the time.

Antares Auto-Tune Pro

Now let’s talk Auto-Tune — this infamous plugin has garnered attention for itself since its debut over 20 years ago.

It’s carved its name into the plugin Hall of Fame for very good reason. It’s almost become the de facto vocal sound.

It’s funny — a vocal track doesn’t feel right without that subtle touch of Auto-Tune.

Auto-Tune is easy to use:

• Set the key
• Set the amount
• Turn a knob or two

Your vocal is already sounding better.

Sure, I’ll use it for a heavy Auto-Tune effect every once in a while, but most of the time I’m turning the knob so you barely perceive that it’s there.

The results? Buttery smooth vocals.

Pitch correction plugins aren’t what every producer needs — some producers don’t even work with vocals at all. But if you do work with vocals, I recommend checking these plugins out.

Honorable Mentions: The Unsung Heroes

No plugin list is complete without honorable mentions — those unsung heroes that make us say “oh yeah, I forgot about that gem.”

Xfer Records OTT

First up is OTT, which stands for Over The Top compressor.

This little wonder is like a sonic pressure washer for your tracks. It’s a multiband compressor that adds bite, crunch, and character to your songs.

It’s especially handy on synths and drums. And did I mention it’s completely free?

If you don’t have it, go download it right now.

iZotope Ozone 10

Think of this as your personal mastering engineer that comes with a whole slew of plugins:

• EQ
• Dynamics
• Stereo imaging
• Limiters

It’s got it all, and all of them are really great.

My personal favorite from this bundle is the stereo imaging plugin — fantastic.

SSL Bus Compressor and E-Channel

Next up are two SSL classics: the bus compressor and the E-channel strip.

The bus compressor glues your mix together unlike any other plugin I’ve heard, giving it a cohesive, finished sound.

The E-channel strip is like a Swiss Army knife of sound shaping — coming with an EQ and compressor all using that signature SSL sound.

Just like the LA-2A and 1176, I can’t recommend a specific brand for these SSL compressors because most of the ones I’ve tried have been really good. I personally use the ones from Waves.

Waves H-Delay

Last but not least is Waves H-Delay.

This is the easiest delay I use — my de facto default delay when I put it on a track.

Each one of these plugins brings something different to the table, and they’re all worthy of being in your toolkit.

The Bottom Line

Remember: the right tool for the right job.

With all these tools at your disposal, you can truly make some amazing-sounding music.

Here’s your complete arsenal:

• FabFilter Pro-Q 3 — precise equalizing prowess
• LA-2A and 1176 — compression finesse
• Valhalla VintageVerb — space-sculpting magic
• Melodyne and Auto-Tune — pitch-perfect wizardry
• FabFilter Pro-MB — multiband majesty
• Serum and Omnisphere — synth wonderlands
• FabFilter Pro-L 2 — the last line of defense

And don’t forget our honorable mentions: OTT, Ozone 10, SSL Bus Compressor, SSL E-Channel, and H-Delay.

Each one of these plugins can be a game-changer in your music production process. They’re your partners in crime and your co-conspirators in your journey of music making.

Most of these plugins have free trials, so you don’t have to pay before you try them. See if you like them, and if you find them useful, go ahead and purchase them.

What’s your favorite plugin from this list? Drop a comment — your input drives this community, and together we can make this an incredible resource for all musicians.

Remember: music is about the journey, not the destination.

---

Want a professional starting point? My Vocal Magic presets give you ready-made vocal chains for any genre — EQ, compression, reverb, and more, all dialed in and ready to go.

Or grab my free vocal presets to try before you buy.