In the ever-evolving landscape of music production, Virtual Studio Technology (VST) plugins and instruments have become essential. The best VST instruments and plugins used by professionals every day are reviewed here at Between-The-Keys.

This article aims to guide you through the top-tier VST plugins and instruments that have been making waves in the music industry in 2023. (Prices were correct at the time of writing).

(Prices of all products were correct at the time of writing)

1. Universal Audio (UAD SPARK)
2. EastWest ComposerCloud X
3. Slate Digital Everything Bundle
4. Kilohearts Essentials
5. Reason+

Related:

The Best VSTS: Synths, Instruments & Plugins (Buy to Own)

The Best Free VST Plugins: Synths, Pianos & More! (2023)

The Best VST Plugins & Instruments: Top 5 (Subscription)

1. Universal Audio (UAD Spark)

Over 30 of our best UAD plug‑ins for a low monthly price ‑ no UA hardware required!

Overview

Universal Audio has long been a revered name in the world of audio production, and their foray into the world of subscription VSTs is nothing short of a game-changer for both seasoned professionals and aspiring musicians.

Sound Quality

The plugins included in the subscription offer excellent sound across the board, including faithful recreations of famous acoustic pianos.

From their classic emulations of vintage hardware to cutting-edge digital processors, each VST plugin is a sonic masterpiece.

Sound Library

One of the standout features of the UAD Spark subscription service is the extensive library of plugins. With a constantly expanding collection of over 100 plugins, you’ll have an array of tools at your disposal for any audio production task.

Whether you need vintage EQs, dynamic processors, tape emulations, or modern effects, the UAD platform has it all.

The UAD platform, renowned for its powerful analog emulations, seamlessly integrates with your DAW, delivering the authentic warmth and character of classic hardware gear.

Compressors

All compressors are not the same. Each one has a unique personality and tone. Our compressors perfectly emulate classic studio units, giving your music a professional punch.

Preamps, EQs & Channel Strips

Studio pros use analog mic preamps and EQs, to warm up their tracks and give them character. Explore the world’s best analog brands below, exclusively on UAD.

Reverbs, Delays, Modulation, Magnetic Tape

Time‑based effects can make or break your tracks. Our reverb, delay, and modulation plug‑ins are the standard by which all others are judged, giving you timeless dimension and space.

Also, you can add punch, warmth, and cohesion with the musical, mixable sound of tape.

Stability and Performance

The UAD plugins are highly optimized, ensuring minimal CPU usage, even with multiple instances running simultaneously.

This reliability lets you focus on your creativity without worrying about technical issues or system slowdowns. Frequent plugin updates are also available. Subscribers can also look forward to a steady stream of new releases and improvements,

The UAD platform is user-friendly and integrates seamlessly with popular DAWs. The plugins’ graphical interfaces are faithful to the original hardware units, making them a joy to work with for both experienced engineers and newcomers to audio production.

Value for Money

Considering the individual price of Universal Audio’s high-quality plugins, the subscription service offers incredible value for money.

You gain access to a vast array of top-tier plugins that would otherwise cost a small fortune to purchase individually. This subscription is a cost-effective way to equip your studio with industry-standard tools.

Conclusion

While there are many subscription services out there, Universal Audio’s UAD Spark commitment to excellence in audio processing sets it apart, making it a subscription I recommend to anyone in the field. It’s an audiophile’s dream come true.

2. EastWest ComposerCloud X

(19.99 per month or $149 per year)

Overview

ComposerCloud’s commitment to delivering high-quality virtual instruments is evident in every aspect of its offering. From breathtaking orchestral libraries to unique solo instruments, the sound quality is consistently exceptional.

The attention to detail, realism, and expressiveness of the instruments are truly remarkable, allowing composers to craft emotive and realistic compositions.

Sound

The orchestral libraries, in particular, are second to none, capturing the nuances and dynamics of a live orchestra with astonishing accuracy.

ComposerCloud boasts an extensive and diverse collection of virtual instruments and plugins that cater to a wide range of musical genres and styles.

The comprehensive selection includes orchestral instruments, choirs, ethnic and world instruments, synthesizers, percussion, and more. This versatility ensures that composers have the tools they need to bring their musical visions to life.

Optimization

One of the standout features of ComposerCloud is its stability and performance. The plugins and instruments are highly optimized, ensuring that they run smoothly even in complex compositions.

Value for Money

Considering the individual cost of high-quality virtual instruments and plugins, ComposerCloud offers exceptional value for money. This subscription is a cost-effective way to elevate your compositions and enhance your creative process.

Conclusion

Whether you’re working on a classical symphony, a cinematic soundtrack, or an electronic dance track, you’ll find the perfect instrument or sound within ComposerCloud.

3. Slate Digital

$34.99 per month and $19.99 per month if paid annually ($16.67 if paid upfront).

Overview

Slate Digital has earned a reputation for excellence in the audio production industry, and its collection of VST plugins is a testament to its commitment to quality and innovation.

Having had the pleasure of using their VSTs extensively, I can confidently say that Slate Digital offers a suite of tools that every music producer and audio engineer should have in their arsenal.

Sound Quality

Slate Digital’s VST plugins are renowned for their exceptional sound quality. Whether you’re looking for the warmth of analog emulations or the precision of digital processing, Slate Digital delivers in spades.

Their meticulously crafted plugins consistently produce professional-grade audio, with a level of clarity and authenticity that sets them apart. The analog emulations are particularly noteworthy, faithfully capturing the sonic character of classic hardware gear.

Sound Library

What sets Slate Digital apart is the breadth and depth of their plugin collection. From vintage-inspired equalizers and compressors to cutting-edge synthesizers and virtual instruments, their lineup covers a wide spectrum of musical needs.

Whether you’re working on a rock track, a hip-hop beat, or an electronic masterpiece, you’ll find the perfect tool in their library.

Stability and Performance

Slate Digital’s commitment to stability and performance is evident in the efficiency of its plugins. These VSTs are highly optimized, allowing you to use them in complex production environments without straining your CPU.

Subscribers can anticipate a steady flow of new features, enhancements, and even entirely new plugins, ensuring that their toolkit remains at the forefront of audio production technology!

All-access

All Access offers:

• Over 80 of the most prestigious, award-winning processing and creative plug-ins, worth over $7000, including Virtual Mix Rack (VMR) and MetaTune vocal tuning
• Powerful ANA 2 Ultra Bundle synth and thousands of exclusive Slate Digital presets make it easy to craft signature sounds, unique textures, and custom FX
• Over 20GB of royalty-free audio samples and exclusive boutique sample packs with presets
• Access to hundreds of professional tutorials from leading producers and educators via Slate Academy
• VIRTU™ assisted mastering service – Create studio-grade, distribution-ready masters
• Immediate access to all current plug-in updates and future software additions to the All Access Pass

SSL Complete

SSL Complete offers:

• Over 30 SSL plug-ins based on iconic Solid State Logic consoles, worth more than $5500, including the all-new 4K E plug-in
• Legendary Solid State Logic modeled consoles, compressors, equalizers, reverbs, and delays
• SSL console Channel Strips including the 9000K and 4K B, plus the celebrated Stereo Bus Compressor
• New Harrison Audio plug-ins direct from the music hitmakers in Nashville, USA
• Access to professional tutorials from leading producers, engineers, and SSL product specialists
• Immediate access to all future Solid State Logic plug-ins in the SSL Complete subscription

4. Kilohearts Essentials

Kilohearts Essentials ($9.99 per month)

Overview

Various plugins are available as part of a subscription service for $9.99 per month. You will find filters, phasers, flangers, chorus, distortion, and more

The Kilohearts Essentials are also included in this bundle. Future additions can be acquired by completing your bundle at a discount. However, Content Banks are not included in Kilohearts Ultimate.

The subscription also gives you instant access to all new releases as soon as they are available. For every 12 months you subscribe, you’ll also get $100 in Subscriber Rewards to put towards permanent licenses for any of their products. 

Ultimate Bundle

The Kilohearts Ultimate bundle, which includes all current plugins, is priced at $399. This bundle includes the award-winning modular synth, Phase Plant, along with all other hosts and effects.

5. Reason+ and Reason 12

$19.99 per month or $199 per year for Reason+. $499 for Reason 12 (Pay once)

Overview

Reason has been around for nearly two decades and has a rich history. It’s known for its inspiring and fun interface, which feels more like an instrument than recording software.

Reason+

Reason+ includes the following components:

• The most up-to-date version of Reason (currently Reason 12).
• Any rack extensions created by Reason Studios.
• Weekly sample and preset packs.
• The Reason+ Companion app for managing presets.

If you cancel your subscription, you’ll lose access to Reason and Rack extensions, but you can keep any downloaded presets and samples. If you already own a full version of Reason (e.g., Reason 9), you can still use that license alongside Reason+.

Reason 12

You can also run Reason 12 inside another DAW as a powerful instrument and effects suite, offering flexibility at an affordable price.

Overall

If you’re someone who always wants the latest features, Reason+ is a good choice. However, if you’re content with your existing Reason version, the subscription might not be necessary.

Guitar players and modular synthesis enthusiasts often find Reason particularly well-suited to their needs. However, Reason’s core architecture is somewhat outdated, lacking features found in competing DAWs.

Reason Studios has provided a clearer framework for Reason+, including a roadmap, making it easier to evaluate its value. Overall, I would give Reason+ an 8/10, considering its features and ongoing updates.

Other Subscription Software Bundles

This is not an exhaustive list of all subscription-based VST plugins and instruments, and there are many more available. Consider these other plugin and instrument software bundles as well:

1. Waves
2. Splice
3. Landr

FAQ

What Are VST Plugins?