Multi-Instrument Plugins - A Must-Have for All DTMers! Recommended Sound Libraries

Hi there! Kaoru the composer here.

Today, I would like to talk about one of the most essential tools for any music producer—multi-instrument plugins!

As the name suggests, multi-instrument sound libraries contain a wide variety of instrument sounds in an all-in-one package.
These plugins are incredibly convenient, as they include a massive collection of instruments, from orchestral to electronic and everything in between.

Another big plus? Buying a multi-instrument library is often way more cost-effective than purchasing each instrument individually.

So without further ado, let’s take a look at some of my top recommended products that are all available at Sound House!

Native Instruments / KOMPLETE 13

The latest edition of the legendary KOMPLETE series, a go-to multi-instrument bundle trusted by countless professionals!
In fact, most of the professional composers and producers I know personally have it installed in their setups.

KOMPLETE 13 includes a huge collection of:

• Software instruments
• Amp simulator plugins
• Plugin effects

One of my personal favorites from the collection is the synthesizer plugin MASSIVE.

It’s incredibly high-quality in terms of usability, sound design, and flexibility. MASSIVE is widely used by professional sound designers and it’s perfect for creating music across genres, from game soundtracks and film scores to vocal pop productions.

Another standout feature of Native Instruments products is their seamless integration with hardware.
If you’re using NI gear like KOMPLETE KONTROL or MASCHINE, the workflow becomes even smoother.

Also, here’s something important:
You might feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of included plugins and worry about managing them all, but no need to stress.

With the dedicated management software, Native Access, installing, activating, and updating your plugins is super easy.

No advanced PC knowledge required—even beginners can dive in with confidence!

The KOMPLETE series is available in several different versions to suit various needs and budgets:

Native Instruments / KOMPLETE 13 SELECT

Native Instruments / KOMPLETE 13 ULTIMATE

Native Instruments / KOMPLETE 13 13 ULTIMATE Collector's Edition

As a general rule, the higher the price, the more content is included.
That said, you don’t need to start with the top-tier version right away. You can always upgrade later by paying the difference, so it’s smart to begin with what fits your current setup and budget.

One important tip:
Make sure to check your available HDD/SSD storage space before purchasing! These libraries can take up quite a bit of space.

STEINBERG / HALion Sonic 3

From Steinberg, the renowned developer behind Cubase, comes this powerful multi-instrument plugin: HALion Sonic 3.
Think of it as the enhanced version of HALion Sonic SE, which is included with Cubase.

While it shares the same basic interface and usability as HALion Sonic SE, HALion Sonic 3 comes with several key upgrades:

• Can run as a standalone application
• Works as a plugin in any DAW that supports standard plugin formats
• Includes a massive number of instrument sounds
• Comes with many more presets

Another standout feature is the inclusion of GM Mode (General MIDI mode), which makes it possible to use HALion Sonic 3 for GM-standard sequencing.

Since GM is still widely used for things like karaoke production and ringtone creation, this makes HALion Sonic 3 a solid choice for MIDI-based commercial work as well.
If you're thinking about pursuing a career in music production, it's definitely worth taking the time to learn about the General MIDI (GM) standard. Understanding GM can be incredibly helpful, especially when working on commercial projects like karaoke tracks, mobile content, and more.

If you find that HALion Sonic 3 isn’t quite enough for your needs, check out this even more advanced option:

STEINBERG / HALion 6

This is the full version of the HALion series. It offers deep sound design capabilities and powerful sampling features. It’s a great option not only for Cubase users but also for those working in other DAWs.

STEINBERG / Absolute 5

Another excellent offer from Steinberg, Absolute 5 is a comprehensive bundle that goes beyond the HALion line.
It includes a total of 28 top-tier VST instruments and expansions that come in an all-in-one package.

Compared to purchasing each plugin individually, this bundle offers significant savings, making it a great value for producers looking to expand their sound palette.

The Absolute 5 bundle covers everything from essential instruments like piano, drums, and bass, to more unique synthesizers and sound design tools, making it versatile across nearly any production genre.

One minor drawback worth noting is that its guitar instrument selection is a bit limited compared to other categories.

However, each included plugin is still incredibly high-quality, so I can confidently recommend it overall!

IK Multimedia / SampleTank 4

And lastly, here’s another great option I highly recommend:
SampleTank 4 by IK Multimedia.
This plugin has also been covered in detail in a previous blog post, so if you're interested, please check that out here:

[Past Blog: Why Total Studio 3 MAX Is Awesome!]

That wraps up my roundup of recommended multi-instrument sound libraries!
These tools are essential for boosting the overall quality of your instrument tracks, so having at least one reliable multi-instrument plugin in your collection is a must.

I hope this guide helps you find the perfect one for your setup!

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