“Whether you’re looking to liven up a dull snare or beef up a lacklustre bass sound, these plugins are extremely handy”: Our resident platinum award-winning mixer and producer shares 10 of his go-to plugins

In the fast-paced, tech-driven world of music production, staying ahead of the game is an absolute must. Gone are the days of spending hours in a studio tinkering with countless knobs and dials—today’s producers need to be able to create killer tracks from the comfort of their own home or on-the-go. That’s where modern virtual tools come in, revolutionizing the way music is made and taking the industry by storm.

So, what are the must-have virtual tools that every self-sustaining producer should have in their arsenal? We’ve rounded up our top picks that will not only streamline your workflow but also take your sound to the next level. Buckle up, because things are about to get seriously exciting.

1. **Splice**: Let’s kick things off with a game-changer in the world of music production. Splice is a cloud-based platform that offers a vast library of samples, loops, and presets, allowing producers to access high-quality sounds at their fingertips. Say goodbye to spending hours scouring the internet for the perfect kick drum or snare—Splice has everything you need in one convenient location.

2. **Native Instruments Komplete**: If you’re looking to take your productions to the next level, Native Instruments Komplete is a must-have. This comprehensive suite of virtual instruments and effects covers everything from synths and samplers to mixing and mastering tools. With over 13,000 sounds to choose from, the possibilities are endless.

3. **Serato Sample**: Sample-based producers, rejoice! Serato Sample is a powerful and intuitive sampling plugin that makes chopping and manipulating samples a breeze. With features like automatic key detection and tempo matching, you can spend less time tweaking and more time creating.

4. **Arturia V Collection**: For producers who crave that vintage analog sound, look no further than the Arturia V Collection. This virtual instrument bundle includes faithful emulations of classic synths like the Moog Minimoog and the ARP 2600, allowing you to add authentic retro vibes to your tracks.

5. **Oeksound Soothe**: Tired of dealing with harsh frequencies and resonant peaks in your mix? Enter Oeksound Soothe, a dynamic resonance suppressor that intelligently tames unruly audio signals. Simply slap this plugin on your track and let it work its magic—the results speak for themselves.

6. **Soundtoys 5**: No virtual toolbox would be complete without Soundtoys 5. This collection of creative effects plugins is a playground for producers looking to add character and depth to their sound. From lush reverbs to gritty distortion, Soundtoys 5 has got you covered.

7. **iZotope Ozone 9**: Want your tracks to sound polished and professional? Look no further than iZotope Ozone 9. This all-in-one mastering suite offers everything you need to achieve radio-ready sound, from EQ and compression to stereo imaging and limiting.

8. **Output Arcade**: Looking for inspiration? Output Arcade is here to help. This cloud-based loop synthesizer offers a constantly expanding library of kits and loops, making it easy to kickstart your creativity and get the ideas flowing.

9. **UAD Apollo Twin**: Last but certainly not least, the UAD Apollo Twin is a game-changer when it comes to recording and mixing. With its top-of-the-line audio conversion and onboard DSP processing, this audio interface delivers pristine sound quality and allows you to run UAD’s industry-leading plugins with near-zero latency.

In a world where technology is ever-evolving, it’s crucial for producers to stay ahead of the curve and embrace the power of modern virtual tools. With the right arsenal at your disposal, there’s no limit to what you can create. So, what are you waiting for? Dive in, experiment, and let your creativity run wild. The future of music production is in your hands.