Top Virtual Instruments For Aspiring Musicians
7 min. read 
Published on
Virtual musical instruments have revolutionized music production, offering a vast sonic palette within a digital environment. Whether you’re a seasoned composer or a budding musician, the right virtual instrument software can unlock new creative possibilities. This guide explores the best virtual musical instrument software available, providing you with the tools you need to craft your musical vision.
With a plethora of options available, choosing the right virtual instrument software can be daunting. This article will delve into 15 must-have tools, highlighting their key features, benefits, and pricing to help you make an informed decision and elevate your music production workflow.
What Are the Best Virtual Musical Instrument Software Options?
Native Instruments Komplete
Native Instruments Komplete is a comprehensive suite of virtual instruments and effects. It’s a powerhouse for music production, offering everything from synthesizers and samplers to orchestral instruments and world music sounds.
Komplete is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a complete music production solution. It provides a wide range of sounds and effects, covering almost every genre of music. The integration between the different instruments and effects is seamless, making it easy to create complex and layered sounds.
- Massive library of instruments and effects
- Seamless integration within the Native Instruments ecosystem
- Regular updates and new content additions
- User-friendly interface
Pricing: Varies depending on the edition, from around $199 to $1599.
Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2
Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2 is a powerful software synthesizer known for its versatility and high-quality sounds. It’s a favorite among professional musicians and sound designers.
Omnisphere 2 is perfect for creating unique and evolving sounds. Its synthesis engine is incredibly flexible, allowing you to create everything from lush pads to aggressive leads. The massive sound library provides a wealth of inspiration, and the ability to import your own samples expands the possibilities even further.
- Extensive sound library with over 14,000 sounds
- Powerful synthesis engine with multiple synthesis types
- Ability to import your own audio
- User-friendly interface with intuitive controls
Pricing: Around $499.
Arturia V Collection
Arturia V Collection is a comprehensive collection of virtual recreations of classic synthesizers and keyboards. It brings the iconic sounds of vintage instruments to your digital workstation.
The V Collection is ideal for musicians who want to capture the authentic sound of classic synthesizers. Arturia has meticulously recreated the sound and feel of these instruments, providing a truly immersive experience. The collection includes emulations of Moog, ARP, Yamaha, and other legendary synthesizers.
- Authentic recreations of classic synthesizers and keyboards
- High-quality sound and accurate modeling
- User-friendly interface with intuitive controls
- Comprehensive collection covering a wide range of instruments
Pricing: Around $599.
Xfer Records Serum
Xfer Records Serum is a wavetable synthesizer known for its powerful sound and visual workflow. It’s a favorite among electronic music producers.
Serum excels at creating modern and cutting-edge sounds. Its wavetable engine allows you to manipulate waveforms in real-time, creating unique and evolving textures. The visual interface makes it easy to understand and control the sound.
- Powerful wavetable synthesis engine
- Visual interface for easy sound design
- Extensive modulation options
- High-quality sound
Pricing: Around $189.
EastWest Hollywood Orchestra Opus Edition
EastWest Hollywood Orchestra Opus Edition is a comprehensive orchestral library recorded in a Hollywood soundstage. It provides a realistic and detailed orchestral sound for film scoring and music production.
If you need a realistic orchestral sound, the Hollywood Orchestra Opus Edition is an excellent choice. The library was recorded with top musicians and engineers, capturing the nuances and details of a live orchestra. The Opus Edition includes a new engine and improved workflow.
- Realistic and detailed orchestral sound
- Recorded in a Hollywood soundstage
- Comprehensive collection of instruments and articulations
- Opus engine for improved performance
Pricing: Varies depending on the edition, from around $399 to $1399.
Spitfire Audio BBC Symphony Orchestra Discover
Spitfire Audio BBC Symphony Orchestra Discover is a free orchestral library designed to introduce musicians to the world of orchestral sounds. It offers a selection of essential instruments and articulations.
This is a great starting point for anyone interested in orchestral music. It provides a taste of the Spitfire Audio quality and allows you to experiment with orchestral sounds without breaking the bank.
- Free orchestral library
- Essential instruments and articulations
- High-quality sound
- Easy to use
Pricing: Free (with optional paid upgrade).
Toontrack Superior Drummer 3
Toontrack Superior Drummer 3 is a comprehensive drum production software. It offers a vast library of drum sounds, advanced mixing capabilities, and realistic drum performances.
Superior Drummer 3 is perfect for creating realistic and professional-sounding drum tracks. The library includes a wide range of drum kits and cymbals, and the mixing engine allows you to shape the sound to your liking. The software also includes a powerful groove engine for creating realistic drum performances.
- Vast library of drum sounds
- Advanced mixing capabilities
- Realistic drum performances
- Powerful groove engine
Pricing: Around $399.
XLN Audio Addictive Drums 2
XLN Audio Addictive Drums 2 is a popular drum production software known for its ease of use and high-quality sounds.
Addictive Drums 2 is a great choice for musicians who want a simple and intuitive drum production workflow. The software includes a wide range of drum kits and presets, and the interface is easy to navigate.
- Easy to use and intuitive interface
- High-quality drum sounds
- Wide range of drum kits and presets
- Affordable price
Pricing: Varies depending on the kit, around $179 for the engine and a kit.
Output Arcade
Output Arcade is a subscription-based sample library that provides a constant stream of new sounds and instruments. It’s designed to inspire creativity and help you quickly create new music.
Arcade is a great option for musicians who are always looking for new sounds. The library is constantly updated with new content, and the interface is designed to be inspiring and easy to use.
- Subscription-based sample library
- Constant stream of new sounds and instruments
- Inspiring and easy to use interface
- Affordable price
Pricing: Subscription-based, around $10/month.
IK Multimedia SampleTank 4
IK Multimedia SampleTank 4 is a versatile sample-based workstation. It offers a vast library of instruments and sounds, covering a wide range of genres.
SampleTank 4 is a great all-around sample player. Its extensive library covers almost every instrument imaginable, and its sound quality is excellent. It’s a great choice for musicians who need a versatile and reliable sample player.
- Vast library of instruments and sounds
- High-quality sound
- Versatile and reliable
- Affordable price
Pricing: Varies depending on the edition, from around $199 to $599.
UJAM Virtual Guitarist Series
UJAM Virtual Guitarist series offers a range of virtual guitar instruments designed for ease of use and realistic sound.
The Virtual Guitarist series is perfect for musicians who want to add realistic guitar parts to their music without having to play the guitar themselves. The instruments are easy to use and offer a wide range of styles and sounds.
- Easy to use and intuitive interface
- Realistic guitar sounds
- Wide range of styles and sounds
- Affordable price
Pricing: Around $149 per instrument.
AAS Chromaphone 3
AAS Chromaphone 3 is a percussion synthesizer that uses acoustic resonators to create unique and expressive sounds.
Chromaphone 3 is perfect for creating unusual and experimental percussion sounds. Its acoustic resonator engine allows you to create sounds that are both organic and synthetic.
- Unique acoustic resonator engine
- Expressive and versatile sounds
- Easy to use interface
- Affordable price
Pricing: Around $199.
Applied Acoustics Systems String Studio VS-3
Applied Acoustics Systems String Studio VS-3 is a string modeling synthesizer that creates realistic and expressive string sounds.
String Studio VS-3 is perfect for creating realistic and
FAQ
How do I stop best virtual musical instruments software: 15 must-have tools?
Open the relevant control, then choose Stop or Disconnect to end the session.
Does best virtual musical instruments software: 15 must-have tools affect battery life?
Yes, it uses extra power for video and networking; keep the device charged.
Why can’t my TV or receiver be found during best virtual musical instruments software: 15 must-have tools?
Both devices must share the same Wi-Fi and the feature must be enabled on the receiver.
Is a wired method more reliable for best virtual musical instruments software: 15 must-have tools?
Usually yes; a cable removes Wi-Fi interference and lowers latency.
Related reading
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help MSPoweruser sustain the editorial team Read more
Improve this guide
User forum
0 messages