Music Software Buying Guide

Equalization, compression, reverb/delay. Along with gain and left/right panning, these effects are essential tools you can use to bring any audio element forward or back in a mix. While your DAW software likely has these plug-ins already built in, there's a whole world of plug-ins out there that emulate classic rack gear, or harness your computer's processing power in robust new sound-shaping tools. In addition to your go-to EQ and dynamics processors, another modern must-have is Celemony Melodyne, a plug-in you can use to manipulate pitch and timing on vocals and more. Use it for hard-tuning FX, or just to transparently tune up your performance.

Your computer is more than just a tape machine -- so why not see how far you can stretch your sound? Effects plug-ins give you the opportunity to get experimental, warping and mangling recorded audio into something unrecognizable -- non-destructively, of course. If you're in need of inspiration, throw some of these creative plugs on your tracks and see what comes out.

Whether you're digitizing a scratchy old 78 rpm record your great-grandma bought 100 years ago, or you want to clean up the background noise on a recording you made on your phone last week, audio restoration plug-ins can work miracles! With broadband noise reduction, and precision tools to remove hum, buzz, clicks, and pops, these plug-ins and standalone apps can help you repair and restore audio, making it more intelligible and enjoyable to hear.

This is where the magic happens! Mastering plug-ins give you the spectral processing and transparent limiting you need to bring your audio up to broadcast volume, so it's ready for delivery. Sophisticated metering tools help you remove the guesswork, giving you a visual guide to dynamics, loudness, peaks, stereo image, and mono compatibility.

Few musicians have the space, let alone the budget, for rooms full of hardware synths. But thanks to virtual instrument plug-ins in your DAW, all you need is one MIDI controller keyboard to tap into countless sounds. From sample-based virtual instruments that trigger recordings of world-class instruments (like Steven Slate Drums), to software synthesizers that create sick sounds from thin air (like u-he's Diva), these plugs let you get creative -- then tweak your sound and perfect your performance later by dragging MIDI notes on the grid.

Save a bundle by buying multiple plug-ins at once! These bundles are the most economical way to stack up your DAW with a long list of effects plugs and softsynths, so you'll always have something new to reach for when you're running short on inspiration. Some bundles can even save you time because you'll only have to run an installer once for multiple plugs!