Top 10 effect VST plugins of 2023

In this article, we will address the best VST plugins of 2023. We have picked 10 effect VST plugins that stand out from the rest of the plugins. We will look at their features, pros and cons, and where to use them.

So without further delay, let's jump right into the article.

Top 10 effect VST plugins of 2023

Boom-It by HAL Audio
ShaperBox 3 by Cableguys
T-RackS One by IK Multimedia
Thickify
Fabfilter Timeless 3
Lexicon PCM Native Reverb
FabFilter Saturn
Slate Digital FG-Mu
Native Instruments Effect Series
Entropy EQ by Sonible

1. Boom-It by HAL Audio

Price: $149

Type: Spatial recreator

OS: Windows and UX: Boom It has one of the simplest user interfaces. Everything is included in the same user interface. Most of the features have amazing graphic interaction.

Uses: Boom-It is one of the best utility plugins for podcasters, film and game composers, sound designers, Foley artists, and more. This plugin can change the position of the sound source and its timbre. Although there are other plugins that can do the same job, Boom-It takes it to a different level. It can change the angle of the mic as well as the sound source(speaker or audio), can reassign the mic type, and can add realism to the sound.

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2. ShaperBox 3 by Cableguys

Price: $89

Type: Multi-FX

OS: Windows and macOS; VST3, AU, AAX,

UX: Multi Window UI, with Easy to understand UX.

Uses: ShaperBox 3 is the successor of Cableguys ShaperBox 2. This is one of the most advanced multi-FX plugin available on the market. The plugin features a series of advanced effect units. Each unit has its own dedicated modulation. ShaperBox 3 is easily one of the greatest VST plugins for songwriting, mixing, and sound design.

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3. T RackS One by IK Multimedia

Price: €99.99

Type: Mixing and Mastering Processor

OS: Windows and macOS; VST2, VST3, AU, AAX

UX: All options are available in single user interface. Extremely simple UX.

Uses: There are plenty of Macro Plugins in the market. However, none of them comes closer to T-RackS One in terms of effectiveness and quality. T RackS One is a Mastering Processor and Finalizer. It has different knobs that can control the dynamics, color, loudness, and transients of the sound. This plugin does not know how to make the sound bad. You can use this plugin on your instruments, synths, mix and master bus, and more.

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4. Thickify by Rocket Powered Sound

Price: $39

Type: Mixing, Mastering, Saturation

OS: Windows, macOS

UX: Very simple user Interface with easy to use controls.

Uses: Thickify by Rocket Powered Sound is a powerful plugin that uses a powerful saturation algorithm to make your music sound fatter. Saturation uses harmonics and slight distortions to add depth and definition to your music. This plugin can make drums and bass sound fuller and more dynamic. Oversampling helps reduce sound artifacts. The easy-to-use user interface is a plus, and it also features an efficient oversampling algorithm.

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5. FabFilter Timeless 3

Price: $129

Type: Delay

OS: Windows and macOS; VST2, VST3, AU, AAX

UX: Complex UX for beginners. However, with a little help with documents, you can easily understand the plugin.

Uses: Timeless 3 is an upgraded version of Timeless 2; Fabfilter's signature Delay effect plugin. This is one of the best Delay plugins available in the market. The features such as advanced filter modes, multi-tap delays, Lo-Fi effect, Diffusion, and modulation make it a powerful tool for music production, mixing, mastering, and sound design.

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6. Lexicon PCM Reverb Bundle

Price: $240.04

Type: Reverb

OS: Windows and macOS; VST2, VST3, AU, AAX

UX: You need to spend a little time on the plugin to get familiar with the UX.

Uses: Lexicon is one of the best Reverb plugins available in the market. This plugin gives a natural-sounding reverb. This plugin has lots of pre-made presets and very flexible reverb control. A visual EQ can control the balance of both early as well as late reflection. This is the most recommended Reverb VST by audio engineers and sound designers.PCM Native Reverb Plugins Bundle Includes

Vintage Plate
Plate
Hall
Room
Random Hall
Concert Hall
Chamber

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7. FabFilter Saturn 2

Price: $129.00

Type: Saturation and Distortion

OS: Windows and macOS; VST 2, VST3, AU, AAX

Uses: FabFilter Saturn 2 is a multiband saturation and distortion plugin. Among all available saturation and distortion VSTs in the market, this plugin is the best. Not only Saturn 2 has many distortions and saturation modes, but it can also apply different modes for different frequency bands. The best part about Saturn 2 is the in-built modulation system. You can modulate any parameter within the plugin using the LFOs and envelops within the plugin. This gives a huge creative advantage to music producers and sound designers.

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8. Slate Digital FG-Mu(Buss Bundle)

Price: $149

Type: Glue compressor

OS: Windows and macOS; VST2, VST 3 AU, and AAX

UX: Very simple user interface with all controls on a single window. Easy to understand and use

Uses: There are plenty of glue compressors available in the market, all kinds of SSL and Fairchild emulations. But none of them are as good as the Slate Digital FG-Mu. You might have already guessed it, this is a Mu compressor. FG-Mu instantly glues all elements of your mix bus. Not only that, but it also adds a very gentle saturation and reassigns the tonal balance to get a nice warm-sounding compression.

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9. Native Instruments Effect Series - Mod Pack

Price: $69

Type: Audio Effects

OS: Windows and macOS; VST 2, VST 3, AU, and AAX

UX: Extremely simple UI with easy-to-use controls

Uses: The Mod pack by Native Instruments is a collection of essential audio effect plugins - Choral, Phasis, and Flair.

Choral is an easy-to-use chorus effect. This effect plugin is made as per the classic chorus effects that have very little customization option. Phasis on the other hand is an amazing phase effect with different mods. This is a padel-type phaser effect that creates a very nice movement in the audio. And lastely the Flair which is the best Flanger effect plugin in the market. One of the best properties of the Mod pack is its classic nature and simple yet informative visual information.

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10. Entropy EQ+ by Sonible

Price: 39,00 €

Type: Equalizer

OS: Windows and macOS; VST2, VST3, AU, AAX

UX: Extremely easy to understand. Custom editing can be more flexible.

Uses: The Entropy EQ+ by Sonible is an EQ VST that is specially designed to make the process of editing music and sound even easier. It can also eliminate delay compensation and provide enhanced intelligibility. This tool also makes it easier to edit the impact noise of drums and other plucking instruments. This will enhance the detail, clarity, and personality of your sounds. This plugin works best for sounds that need transient clarity and enhancement.

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Final Thoughts

Thanks for reading. These were the best effect VST plugins of 2023. You can try the free trials of these VSTs and make your own judgment. In the meantime, make sure to check out our new ultimate Vital Preset pack and Car Test VST.

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