9 Best VST Instruments in 2023: A Detailed Review

Are you on the lookout for the best VST instruments for 2023? Well, look no further because we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing everything you need to know about VST instruments and what makes them an essential part of music production.

What are the best VST instruments for 2023? The top 9 best VST instruments for 2023 are Serum by Xfer Records, Omnisphere by Spectrasonics, Kontakt by Native Instruments, Massive by Native Instruments, Spire by Reveal Sound, Arturia V Collection 8, Waves SSL E-Channel, FabFilter Pro-Q 3, and iZotope Ozone 9 Advanced.

So, what exactly are VST instruments, you ask? Well, think of them as digital versions of traditional musical instruments and sound effects. They work as software plugins that can be integrated into your digital audio workstation (DAW) to create, manipulate and process sounds in a more efficient and streamlined way.

Now, the real question is: Which VST instruments should you consider for your music production needs? Don’t worry; we’ve got that covered too.

In this post, we’ll be diving into the top VST instruments that are expected to make waves in 2023. We’ll take a look at the key features to consider when selecting a VST instrument and provide you with detailed reviews of the leading VST instruments available in the market.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out in music production, our aim is to help you find the perfect VST instrument that fits your unique needs and preferences. So, let’s get started and explore the wonderful world of VST instruments together!

What To Look For in a VST Instrument

When choosing a VST instrument, it’s important to consider several key features that can impact your music production workflow and creative output, such as compatibility, cost, ease of use, and sound quality. Here’s an overview of some of the most critical factors to keep in mind:

• Compatibility with different DAWs and systems: Before investing in a VST instrument, make sure to check its compatibility with your digital audio workstation (DAW) and system specifications. You don’t want to purchase a VST instrument that won’t work on your computer or DAW.
• Sound quality and flexibility: One of the most crucial aspects of any VST instrument is the quality of the sound it produces. You want to look for a VST instrument that provides high-quality, realistic sounds that can be easily manipulated and customized to your liking.
• Ease of use: A VST instrument that is user-friendly and intuitive can save you a lot of time and effort. Make sure to select a VST instrument that has an intuitive interface and workflow that you can easily navigate.
• Cost: The price of a VST instrument is another important factor to consider. While some VST instruments may be expensive, there are plenty of affordable options available that can provide excellent sound quality and features. Consider your budget and determine what features are most important to you before making a purchase.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can select a VST instrument that suits your music production needs and preferences.

9 Best VST Instruments 2023: Pros and Cons

Now that we’ve discussed what to look for in a VST instrument, let’s take a look at some of the best VST instruments available on the market for 2023. We’ve selected a range of VST instruments based on their popularity, versatility, and unique features. Here are our top picks:

1. Serum by Xfer Records

• Overview: A wavetable synthesizer that has become a staple in many genres of electronic music production. It offers a wide range of sound design capabilities and is known for its high-quality sound.
• Pros: A huge variety of wavetable and sample-based sounds, intuitive user interface, and advanced modulation capabilities.
• Cons: Some users have reported a steep learning curve due to its advanced features.

2. Omnisphere by Spectrasonics

• Overview: A software synthesizer with a massive library of sounds and features. It’s been used in countless film, TV, and video game soundtracks.
• Pros: Huge library of sounds, versatile sound design capabilities, and advanced arpeggiation and sequencing features.
• Cons: Can be taxing on computer resources due to its large library of sounds.

3. Kontakt by Native Instruments

• Overview: A sample-based software sampler that is widely used in the music production industry. It offers a vast library of sounds and advanced sampling capabilities.
• Pros: Large library of high-quality sounds, advanced sampling and editing capabilities, and compatibility with a wide range of third-party libraries.
• Cons: Can be expensive, particularly when purchasing third-party libraries.

4. Massive by Native Instruments

• Overview: A software synthesizer that is known for its powerful sound and versatile modulation capabilities. It’s used in many genres of electronic music production.
• Pros: Powerful sound, versatile modulation capabilities, and easy-to-use interface.
• Cons: Some users have reported a lack of unique features compared to other VST instruments.

5. Spire by Reveal Sound

• Overview: A software synthesizer that offers a wide range of sound design capabilities and a user-friendly interface.
• Pros: Easy-to-use interface, high-quality sound, and advanced modulation capabilities.
• Cons: Some users have reported a lack of unique features compared to other VST instruments.

6. Arturia V Collection 8

• Overview: A bundle of software synthesizers and keyboards that emulate classic analog instruments. It’s used in many genres of music production.
• Pros: Large library of high-quality emulated instruments, advanced sound design capabilities, and user-friendly interface.
• Cons: Can be expensive, particularly when purchasing individual instruments separately.

7. Waves SSL E-Channel

• Overview: A plugin that emulates the sound of the SSL E Series console channel strip. It’s widely used in mixing and mastering.
• Pros: Emulates the sound of the classic SSL E Series console channel strip, easy to use interface, and compatibility with a wide range of DAWs.
• Cons: Limited sound design capabilities.

8. FabFilter Pro-Q 3

• Overview: A high-quality equalizer plugin that’s used in mixing and mastering.
• Pros: High-quality sound, advanced equalization capabilities, and user-friendly interface.
• Cons: Limited sound design capabilities.

9. iZotope Ozone 9 Advanced

• Overview: A plugin suite for mastering that includes modules for equalization, compression, limiting, and more.
• Pros: High-quality sound, advanced mastering capabilities, and user-friendly interface.
• Cons: Can be expensive.

What VSTs Do Most Producers Use?

The most popular VST instruments that producers use are Serum by Xfer Records, Kontakt by Native Instruments, Omnisphere by Spectrasonics, Massive by Native Instruments, and Sylenth1 by LennarDigital.

Let’s take a look at these VST instruments used by producers:

Serum by Xfer Records: Serum is a wavetable synthesizer that has become one of the most popular VST instruments in the market. Its flexibility and powerful sound engine make it a favorite among EDM producers. Serum’s intuitive user interface also makes it easy to use for beginners.

Kontakt by Native Instruments: Kontakt is a software sampler that has been a staple in many producers’ arsenals for years. Its massive library of high-quality sounds makes it one of the go-to VST instruments for a wide range of genres. Kontakt also has a powerful scripting engine that allows producers to create their own instruments.

Omnisphere by Spectrasonics: Omnisphere is a software synthesizer that has been used by some of the biggest names in music production. Its vast library of sounds and its ability to manipulate audio in real-time makes it a versatile and powerful tool for any producer.

Massive by Native Instruments: Massive is a virtual-analog synthesizer that many producers have used for its powerful sound engine and intuitive interface. Its versatility has made it a favorite for a wide range of genres, including Dubstep, EDM, and Trap.

Sylenth1 by LennarDigital: Sylenth1 is a virtual-analog synthesizer that many producers have used for its warm and authentic sound. Its intuitive interface and versatile sound engine make it a favorite for many different genres.

These are just a few examples of the most popular VST instruments used by producers today. Many other VST instruments are also widely used and have their own unique features and capabilities.

How to Use VST Instruments?

VST instruments can be used to create a range of sounds, from classic analog synths to modern digital instruments. They can be used to create everything from warm, lush pads and sweeping arpeggios, to punchy basslines and sharp leads. They can also be applied to create realistic emulations of acoustic instruments such as pianos, guitars, and drums.

VST instruments are also incredibly versatile when it comes to genre. They can be used to create anything from ambient and experimental music, to mainstream pop and dance tracks. Many VST instruments come with preset sounds designed for specific genres, making it easy to create the sound you’re looking for.

Examples of well-known songs and artists that have used VST instruments include Daft Punk’s “One More Time,” which features the classic Roland TR-909 drum machine, and The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights,” which uses the popular synth plugin Serum.

Skrillex’s signature sound was created using Native Instruments’ Massive, and the legendary producer Timbaland has used a range of VST instruments throughout his career, including Spectrasonics’ Omnisphere.

Conclusion

Having the best VST instruments in your music production arsenal can elevate your sound to a whole new level. By considering key features, trying out demos, and experimenting with different instruments, you can find the perfect VST instrument that matches your unique style and musical goals.