Virtual instruments (instruments that run as software only on your computer) have become incredibly popular and increasingly powerful due to the DSP horsepower of our computers these days. There are some big-name virtual instruments (VIs) that have become standards by which other instruments are measured. But once you get past those big names, you’ll find that there are several world-class virtual instruments that are relatively unknown. Join us as we take a deeper dive and explore these under-the-radar virtual instruments that are worth checking out. And if you keep an open mind, you may find your new must-have VI.
- Vengeance-Sound VPS Avenger
- MODARTT Pianoteq 6
- Applied Acoustics Systems Strum GS-2 Virtual Guitar
- Overloud TH-U Custom Guitar Effects Suite
- Toontrack Superior Drummer 3 Orchestral Edition
Vengeance-Sound VPS Avenger
First up on our list is VPS Avenger from Vengeance-Sound. Though this ultra-versatile plug-in is often overshadowed by other synthesizers like Serum, if you ask musicians around Sweetwater, VPS Avenger has some mighty impressive features under the hood. This plug-in not only comes with 900+ presets and 620 multi-samples, but it also has powerful creative tools such as a drag-and-drop modulation matrix, the ability to draw your own waveforms, external MIDI support, customizable LFOs, and much more. And if you like oscillators, VPS Avenger is just the ticket because it can run 1,000 oscillators simultaneously. With tons of expansion packs available for purchase, VPS Avenger can handle almost any musical application.
MODARTT Pianoteq 6
Next up is MODARTT’s Pianoteq 6. This virtual piano plug-in boasts impressive MIDI capability, easy-to-use recording tools, and completely customizable sound-shaping options. But why should you give Pianoteq 6 a try? Because it uses an algorithmic approach to save storage space on your computer. Coming in at just 50MB in size, it loads fast and won’t bog down your computer with multiple gigabytes of samples. So, if you need a plug-in with a small digital footprint, Pianoteq 6 is an excellent option. In addition to its small size, Pianoteq 6’s piano factory feature allows you to create a custom piano. And when it’s time to record your custom piano, you can choose your microphone type and its position for a sound that’s all your own.
Applied Acoustics Systems Strum GS-2 Virtual Guitar
Strum GS-2 from Applied Acoustic Systems is an impressive virtual guitar plug-in that lets you play realistic-sounding guitar from a keyboard. This plug-in is ideal for musicians who aren’t guitarists or who don’t have one on hand when inspiration strikes. It’s an excellent tool for the musician on the go, too. Load it onto your laptop and keep a small keyboard controller nearby to capture tracks when you’re not in the studio. Strum GS-2 gives you access to more than 200 guitars, including electrics, acoustics, and nylon-string varieties. It also has automatic chord recognition, an impressive selection of chord voicings, MIDI integration, and more. Whether you’re looking for delicate plucking, rhythmic strumming, powerful riffing, or searing solos, Strum GS-2 has you covered.
Overloud TH-U Custom Guitar Effects Suite
If you’re a fan of Strum GS-2, Sweetwater recommends that you try out Overloud’s TH-U Custom Guitar Effects Suite. True to its name, this plug-in delivers an array of guitar and bass effects. From amps, cabs, and pedals to rack effects and microphone models, there’s a tone in there for everyone. You can even change preamp and output tubes to customize your tone like never before. If you’re not much of a knob tweaker, you can still use the TH-U. It comes with more than 1,000 rock-solid presets for all musical genres — there’s even a dedicated bass section. Complete with extensive MIDI-control options, the TH-U Guitar Effects Suite is a must-have for any guitarist or bassist.
Toontrack Superior Drummer 3 Orchestral Edition
You may be wondering why we’ve chosen to include Superior Drummer 3 on a list of under-the-radar virtual instruments. And you’re correct to do so. Superior Drummer 3 itself is not exactly an unknown plug-in — on the surface. But have you thought of Toontrack’s Superior Drummer 3 Orchestral Edition as an alternative to Vienna’s Symphonic Library Package? Yes, this plug-in provides you with over 100 percussion instruments and 230GB of superb samples at a fraction of the price of its more widely known competitors. It features advanced capabilities that let you create and control entire drum grooves without leaving the plug-in. It’s also equipped with an integrated audio-to-MIDI converter, so you can record a groove on your home kit and augment it with samples later in the creative process. Simply put, Superior Drummer 3 Orchestral Edition is an incredibly useful plug-in that won’t cost you a fortune.
Need to know more? Ask Sweetwater!
There you have it: five little-known plug-ins that you definitely need to try! If you want to grab a copy of these plug-ins for yourself, call Sweetwater today at (800) 222-4700. You’ll be connected with your personal Sales Engineer who can verify that your system is compatible with any plug-ins that you’re interested in buying. So why are you waiting? Pick up the phone, purchase a new virtual instrument, and enjoy your exciting new tools for creating music.
