Recommended Items for DTM - Plug-ins Edition

Hello, fellow DTMers!
Whether you're composing, arranging, recording vocals, or working on mixing and mastering, plugins have become an essential part of the music production process.
With so many manufacturers and purposes, many of you may be wondering which one should you buy?
So in this article, I will introduce some must-have, classic plugin recommendations that you can’t go wrong with!

WAVES / Gold Bundle

This plugin bundle is considered to be an industry standard and is a must-have for sound engineers.
It includes all the essential tools for sound shaping, including EQs, compressors, delays, reverbs, maximizers, and more.
With this bundle alone, you'll be well-equipped for most production needs.
One of its biggest strengths is its wide user base, meaning there's an abundance of tutorials, usage tips, and example settings available online. From basic presets to advanced techniques, almost everything you need can be easily found.
If you're looking for more flexibility or specialized tools, consider checking out the higher-tier versions of this bundle as well!

⇒ WAVES Major Bundle Overview

ARTURIA / FX Collection 5 (LICENSE Version)

This is my top recommended plugin bundle. It’s packed with essential tools for track sound design and mixing, including EQs, compressors, delays, reverbs, and mic preamps.
What sets this bundle apart is its focus on modeling famous processors, such as the 1176 FET compressor and other iconic studio gear. This gives you not only high-quality effects, but also the rich character of classic analog hardware that’s perfect for expanding your sound design possibilities.
No doubt, this bundle will take your production to the next level!

FX Collection Details (Manufacturer Site)

Native Instruments / Komplete Series

A plugin collection that has become indispensable for composers and arrangers today, offering a wide range of software synthesizers, sample libraries, and effects. If you're no longer satisfied with your DAW’s built-in instruments, this is the perfect place to start; upgrading your sound quality is practically guaranteed. There are four tiers available to suit different needs, so choose according to your specific requirements.

⇒ Native Instruments KOMPLETE lineup

IK MULTIMEDIA / T-RackS 6

This is another industry-standard mix & mastering plugin bundle. Rather than being aimed at composers or arrangers, this one is more tailored for mixing and mastering engineers. It includes a wide variety of modeled processors for EQ, compression, saturation, and spatial effects that are all designed for professional mixing and mastering. It can also run as a standalone application, making it a versatile tool for many workflows.

IK MULTIMEDIA / T-RackS 6 Details (Manufacturer’s Website)

iZotope / Mix & Master Bundle Advanced

Equipped with powerful AI assistant features, this next-generation plugin bundle offers flexible support for all stages of your workflow, from initial sound design to final mastering. You can load reference tracks to help achieve your ideal 2-mix or mastering sound, making it especially useful for DTMers involved in composition and arrangement.

⇒ iZotope Plugin List

Positive Grid / BIAS AMP 2.0 Professional

A tube amp simulator that pursues the authentic feel of vacuum tube amps. In addition to detailed parameter adjustments, it allows users to visually swap components such as power tubes and cabinets on screen. The ability to create ideal sounds that would be impossible with real amps is a major plus. This is a must-have plugin for DTMers who play guitar or bass!

⇒ Positive Grid Product List

CELEMONY / MELODYNE 5

MELODYNE is widely regarded as the definitive software for vocal pitch correction, and it’s known for its excellent usability and intuitive user interface. Its biggest strength lies not only in pitch correction but also in its ability to finely edit sibilance, intonation, and more. Even highly sensitive adjustments, like correcting pitch drift or sub-second timing issues,can be handled smoothly with MELODYNE. It’s an indispensable tool for mixing engineers, music producers, and vocalists alike. The author also uses it regularly with great appreciation.

WAVES / Clarity Vx

This is a highly recommended noise reduction plugin, especially for vocalists (singers). While the built-in DAW noise gates often require complex settings and a good understanding of their principles to use effectively, this plugin features a simple one-knob design that even beginners in music production can comfortably use. With WAVES' innovative AI technology, it removes unwanted background noise and ensures a smoother recording process.

Get this reliable plugin and enjoy a more comfortable and efficient DTM experience!