VST plugins are an essential part of recording studios. Especially in home studios and indie composers where we record in digital format through computers, without VST plugins you can’t imagine producing music anymore.
SO, In this article, I have come up with the top 52 VST plugins under $100 that will help you choose the best plugins for your studio.
I have categorized all the plugins into sections as per their work, so you can easily find your needed plugin type in seconds.
I have also added feature highlights of all the plugins so that you could decide which one would best fit your needs.
Read also,
Well, without wasting more time, let us jump into the list.
52 Best VST plugins Under 100 Dollars For Indie Producers
In this VST plugin list under 100 bucks, you will find plugins for any application, whether it’s reverb, compressor, or limiter. I have researched a lot to build this plugin list and finally compiled it with the best VST plugins under 100 dollars that the best fit for indie composers.
Here is the table of content for all the plugins as per their types that will help you jump into the appropriate section quickly.
Now, let us jump into this plugin list.
Reverb VST Plugins under $100
As I have mentioned above, this list is divided according to plugin type so the first type is reverb VST plugins under 100 bucks.
The first one is from a very well known manufacturer, ie;
1. PhoenixVerb Stereo
Most music creators know about iZotope as the first liner in plugin company. Even I use many of its plugins in my home studio.
iZotope PhoenixVerb Stereo is a great reverb plugin – especially for newbies. With a simple to use user interface and classic style, reverb presets it’s a great package for under 100 dollars.
Let’s see the key features of PhoenixVerb Stereo.
- PhoenixVerb reverb plugin comes with a realistic stereo reverb algorithm that enhances your synths, rhythms, and vocal to a new dimension.
- Dimension- and frequency-shaping controls feature for each stage of the reverb signal makes it a great reverb plugin.
- Global high- and low-pass filters are given for better balancing of reverb in the audio.
- Independent output controls for attack, early reflections.
- Clear, informative, and easy to use frequency display and responsive UI.
- PhoenixVerb comes with over 900 presets (rooms, plates, halls, chambers, and more)
- EuControl support
2. XenoVerb
Xenoverb by Audiority is a creative Multi-Algorithm Reverb available in VST, AU, and AAX formats.
If you are searching for a reverb that delivers the feeling of both the classic and algorithm-based reverb then Xernoverb is one of the best reverb plugins under 100 dollars.
XenoVerb is a versatile reverb plugin processor that features both classic and creative reverb algorithms and comes with a clean and simple to use interface.
Here are the key features of XenoVerb.
- You will get 10 Reverb Algorithms: Room, Hall, Plate 1, Plate 2, Springy, Glass, Flow, Shimmer, Bode, Formant
- Over 250 presets available with this reverb VST plugin
- Pre Delay settings
- Diffusion
- Modulation
- Soft Limiter
- Tone Control
- Reverb Freeze
3. iZotope R2 Stereo
Another great reverb plugin under $100 is again from the iZotope family. R2 Stereo is a Classic character reverb that comes with Exponential Audio’s familiar design.
From orchestral chamber reverb to minimal, clean room reflection reverb, R2 is the plug-in for designing completely unique, musical spaces.
Newbies who want to make their career in scoring can buy this reverb VST plugin.
Let us see the key features of iZotope R2 Stereo reverb.
- Lush stereo reverb algorithm great for scoring and synths
- In its chorus module, you’ll get easy-to-use modulation effects
- Gate to duck reverb
- Dimension- and frequency-shaping controls
- Global high- and low-pass filters for better sound design
- Independent controls for attack, early reflections, and tails
- Clear, informative, and easy to use frequency display and responsive UI
- Over 1,200 presets (including rooms, plates, halls, chambers, and more)
- EuControl support
Delay VST Plugins
The second category in our plugin list is Delay. After reverb, a delay is the most common sound effect and used almost in all songs.
SO, a good delay effect is essential for music producers.
Let us see some good delay effect plugins under 100 bucks.
4. Mutant Delay
Mutant delay works in the principle of host-sync and comes with a built-in ducker, which is perfect for vocal processing as well as many other applications.
With the Mutant delay plugin, you can easily replicate the popular mixing technique with just one plugin and a couple of clicks.
Let us see Mutant delay features,
- Mutant delay is a host-synced delay that allows you to replicate the popular mixing technique with just one plugin and a couple of clicks.
- Built-in internal ducker is given with compressor-style controls
- Several presets for a wide range of delay parameters
- There are 2 filtering modes (straight dampening & increasing over time)
- Straight and ping-pong delay with multiple note divisions
- Real-time waveform display
- Full PDF Manual & Tutorial video
- Click free bypass control
5. D16 Group Repeater
D16 Repeater is a dual-delay powerhouse plugin that features 23 unique, very authentically modeled delay units ranging from classic oil cans and plates to the most famous vintage digital designs.
D16 Feature highlights
- There are 3 unique delay models given in the D16 Repeater
- Two separate delay lines are given for left and right channels all with independent control for each of them and per channel features:
- Tap function for non-synchronized delay times especially for vocals
- Optional Tempo Synchronization with all the popular DAW’s
- Ping-Pong delay mode
- Feedback loop’s analog mode
- Two-stage Stereo spread mode
- Ultra-low digital aliasing output
- Tag-based preset browser
- MIDI-learn functionality
- 64bit internal processing
6. Soundtoys EchoBoy Jr
Soundtoy’s Echoboy Jr is the compact version of the original Echoboy plugin that comes under $100.
With Echoboy Jr you will get 7 types of echo units ie;
- Studio Tape: Modeled after the Ampex ATR-102.
- Plex: Modeled after the classic EP-3 tape echo.
- Space: Based on the RE-201 tape echo.
- Cheap Tape: The sound of worn-out tape.
- Memory: Modeled after the classic bucket-brigade echo pedal.
- Ambient: Warm, diffuse, chorused echoes.
- Transmitter: Resonant CB radio style.
Here are the features of the Echoboy Jr delay plugin.
- With Soiundtoy Echoboy Jr you will get the sound of seven classic analog echo devices that are given above.
- All seven units provide analog-style feedback with self-oscillation effects for trippy sci-fi takeoff and landing effects
- There are three stereo processing modes: Normal, Wide, and Ping-Pong
- You can change echo time with either analog “pitch glide”, or time-stretching sound effect.
- Also, you can dial-in the perfect echo tone with saturation with low and high-frequency equalization controls.
- Echo time in musical units like ¼ note, ½ note, dotted, triplet, synchronized to host session tempo.
- Choose from a carefully curated set of presets for any style or instrument.
Compressor VST Plugins
Compressor VST plugins are the basic need of a home or bedroom studio. Without a good plugin, music producers can’t mix and master the song.
Let us discuss some of the best compressor plugins under 100 dollars.
7. Melda Production MTurboComp LE
MeldaProduction MturboComp LE is one of the most popular and versatile compressors in the audio recording plugin universe.
However, you have to pay $109 for this plugin which is a little more than $100, I think you can afford a few more bucks for a great plugin.
MTurboComp is the ultimate compressor, which emulates most of the classic vintage analog compressors as well as comes with an easy to use UI.
Here are some of the features of the MTurboCompLE compressor plugin.
- Advanced and easy to use GUI
- Unique Visualisation Engine with Classic Meters and Time Graphs
- Unique Generalized Dynamic Detector
- Parallel Compression Using Dry/wet Control
- Unique Temporary Gain Feature
- M/S, single-channel, up to 8 channels surround and up to 64 channels ambisonics processing
- Automatic Gain Compensation (AGC)
- Safety Limiter
- Adjustable Up-sampling 1x-1024x
- MIDI Controllers with MIDI Learn
- 64-bit Processing and an Unlimited Sampling Rate
- Extremely fast, optimized for newest AVX2 and AVX512 capable processors
- Global Preset Management and Online Preset Exchange
- Compare Multiple Settings
8. The King 2
The King 2 is a popular compressor plugin by W.A Productions. It is a five-band compressor that is best for the master channel mix.
If you are searching for a good multiband compressor plugin then this is the perfect one for you.
Let me show you the features of The King 2 compressor plugin.
- 5 Band Threshold knobs (Low, Low-Mid, Mid, High-Mid, and High)
- 5 Band Make-Up Gain knobs
- Input/ Output Gain controls
- Upward Compression Knob, Downward Compression Knob
- Release Time knob
- Overall Plug-In Mix knob
- Magic EQ with 3 different Shapes/ Curves and a built-in Limiter!
- Presets manager
9. TDR Kotelnikov
TDR Kotelnikov compressor is a wideband dynamics processor that combines high fidelity dynamic range control with deep musical flexibility.
Packed with several unique features such as a proven control scheme, individual release control for peak and RMS content, an intuitive user interface, and powerful, state of the art, high-precision algorithms TDR Kotelnikov is a great compressor plugin under 100 dollars.
Here is the wide list of features that you get in the TDR Kotelnikov compressor plugin.
- 64-bit multi-rate processing structure is given for the highest accuracy
- “Delta” oversampled signal path (bit transparent at 0dB gain reduction)
- Super fast and natural-sounding compression
- “Crest factor” based control scheme offers an independent release control for peak and RMS compression
- Flexible sidechain highpass filter
- Advanced stereo linking options optimized for the stereo bus
- Delta preview
- Equal loudness bypass
- Additional quality modes “Insane” and “Live” (low latency)
- New “Advanced” stereo linking mode
- User interface rescaling (100%, 125%, 150%)
- External sidechain input
- Inertia timing mode
- Continuously variable control over “low relax” slope
- Left/Right sensitivity
- Powerful frequency-dependent ratio function (FDR)
- Gain reduction limit control
- Yin/Yang modes
- Latency compensated parallel bypass
- Extensive documentation
- Equal loudness output gain trimming
- 10 additional user preset slots
Limiter VST Plugins
Limiters are used to avoid unexpected popping and cracking in the audio signal when increasing the levels that the market demands.
The music production market is very volatile. If you compare the 60s-70s songs with the currently released songs, you can easily see the difference in audio levels.
To tally the current market volume levels you have to increase the overall song or particular track volumes.
But the problem is, when you increase the volume without applying the limiters, it might crack.
SO, limiters are very important. In this section, we will read about the best limiters under the $100 price range.
10. TDR Limiter 6 GE
TDR Limiter 6 GE is a dynamics compression and limiter plugin that features 6 specialized modules.
With TDR Limiter 6GE you can cover a remarkable range of applications from delicate loudness control, to brutal “brick-walling” as well as creative mix bus crunching.
That means you use it in any application that needs limiting.
Here are the features of the TDR Limiter 6 GE.
- Dynamics Compressor and limiter
- Clipper with a signal meter
- High-Frequency Limiter for limiting higher sides.
- Peak Limiter for mastering.
- Output Protection Limiter for mastering and vocals.
- True Peak and EBU Loudness Meter for analyzing the results visually.
- 6 types of limiting modules.
11. Devil-Loc Limiter
Do you want to add the vintage limiter effect to your music?
Then, Devil-Loc is just made for you. Devil-Loc is created by Soundtoys, the first liner in the plugin manufacturers.
It is one of the easy to use limiters that comes with only 2 knobs ie; The crush knob and the crunch knob. These 2 knobs are sufficient to create the distortion effects in your drum tracks.
Devil-Loc Limiter feature highlights.
- With Devil-Loc limiter, you can create huge drum sounds with extreme compression and distortion
- Capture the raw and unpredictable nature of the offbeat Level-Loc compressor with drum tracks.
- With the knobs, you can dial in the perfect amount of Crunch (distortion) and Crush (compression) with an incredibly simple interface.
12. Voxengo Elephant
Voxengo Elephant is specially built for mastering purposes.
The most remarkable feature of this Voxengo Elephant limiter is its sonic transparency. This brings sound limiting and loudness maximization to your master channel without audible “fuzz” and “pumping” sonic effects.
Below are the applications you can use this limiter for best performance.
- Mastering peak limiting
- Loudness maximizing
- Stereo, 5.1 surround mastering limiter
- DC offset removal filter
- Drum bus compressor
- Bit-depth converter with noise-shaping
- EBU R128, K-system level meter
Feature highlights
- Transparent signal limiting action
- 12 predefined limiter modes
- Limiter mode editor
- Stereo and multi-channel processing
- Internal channel routing
- Channel grouping
- Up to 8x linear-phase oversampling
- 64-bit floating-point processing
- Preset manager
- Undo/redo history
- Contextual hint messages
- All sample rates support
- 24 ms compensated processing latency
- User interface color schemes
- Resizable user interface
- A/B comparisons
- Optional release stage
- Noise-shaped bit-depth converter
- RMS, true peak clipping statistics
- EBU R128 LUFS/LU metering
- DC offset removal filter
- Waveform graph view
- Retina and High DPI support
Exciter VST Plugins
Now let me introduce some Exciter plugins to you.
Exciter plugins are used to add saturation to the frequencies above 3k that can be done by producing more overtones and adds richness and crispness to the mix.
Saturation makes some analog feel to your audio. So, if you want to add an analog feel to your digital audio signals then exciter is an essential plugin for you.
The first one is,
13. Audio Thing Type-B
Type B is used to enhance dull recordings where the high-frequency content was missing.
You can add presence and brightness to vocal or instrument tracks by using this vintage exciter effect plugin.
Here are the features of Type B vintage exciter.
- Inspired from a vintage Exciter
- HP/BP Filter with Emphasis
- Adjustable Unit Noise
- Oversampling up to 16x
- Resizable Window
- Preset system with randomizer
- easy to use Light and Dark User interface
14. Animate Ignite
Animate Ignite is also used for mastering purposes. It adds color and depth to your tracks in really expressive and musical ways.
Ignite mode allows you to add rich harmonic distortions in a dynamic way based on the input signal. Ignite increases the perceived loudness, power, and presence of a channel without any pumping effects of a compressor.
Enhancer VST Plugins
Enhancer plugins are used to improve harmonic characteristics in the audio signal that adds depth to the music track.
Enhancer plugins are essential for individual tracks.
Especially, it used in vocal tracks to enhance the harmonics and adds some depth to it.
In this section, we’ll see top enhancer plugins under 100 dollars.
The first one is,
15. Waves Factory Spectre
Waves Factory Spectre is an enhancer plugin that combines the best features of an enhancer with a graphical parametric EQ.
Spectre allows you to process the difference between the input signal and the EQ signal.
Spectre can be used on individual tracks, mix busses, or the entire mix channel.
Features of Waves Factory Spectre.
- 10 Saturation Algorithms
- 4x and 16x oversampling modes
- 3 saturation modes: subtle, medium, and aggressive
- Input and output volume parameters
16. Little Foot
Little foot is one of the best enhancer plugins by Boz Digital Labs.
It’s called the beast child of Sasquatch Kick Machine and super lean and simple to use.
If you are searching for an enhancer plugin for kick drums then Little Foot is ideal for you. It works like a charm when it comes to adding a thump in the kick drum.
Here are the features of the Little Foot enhancer plugin.
- Super simple layout
- With Little Foot, you can add Oomph to your kick drum in seconds
- Easily go from simple natural sound enhancement to over the top sustain for high frequencies
17. Mbassador By Melda Production
The best enhancer plugin that I personally use in my studio is Melda Production’s Mbassador enhancer plugin.
When you use it on your tracks you will get a distinctive tight bass. MBassador enhances your existing bass lines and produces subbass spectrum as well.
Let’s see the main features of Mbassador Enhancer plugin.
- In this plugin you will get the most advanced user interface among all the enhancer plugins- stylable, resizable, GPU accelerated.
- The unique visualization engine with classic meters and time graphs helps you maintain the level precisely.
- Safety limiter
- Adjustable up-sampling 1x-16x
- MIDI controllers with MIDI learn
- 64-bit processing and an unlimited sampling rate
- 4 exceptionally versatile modulation modes
- 4 multi parameters
- M/S, single-channel, up to 8 channels surround processing.
- Automatic gain compensation (AGC)
- Extremely fast, optimized for newest AVX capable processors
- Global preset management and online preset exchange
- Supports VST, VST3, AU, and AAX interfaces on Windows & Mac, both 32-bit and 64-bit
Gate VST Plugins
Gate plugins are used to add some rhythmic effect to the audio signals.
With gate plugins, you can shape your audio as per the tempo and create some great effects.
There are tons of gate plugins available in the market but we will consider only the top gate plugins under 100 dollars.
The first one is,
18. Gatekeeper by Polyverse
Polyverse Gatekeeper is an award-winning gate plugin that allows you to shape your audio signal by applying precise gate effects.
Equipped with sample-fast transitions technology and a unique variable smoothing algorithm, Gatekeeper allows you to create drastic, punchy gating and sequencing while keeping the output smooth.
Here are the features of the Gatekeeper gate plugin.
- Sample fast and precise volume modulation technology
- Expressive and fun envelope drawing tools available for precise audio shaping
- Boost and clip features for extra punch in the audio
- Smooth algorithm to eliminate clicks and pops
- 8 independent volume envelopes
- Fully customizable midi-triggering module
- Panning tools for better stereo effect
- Tempo mapped looping
- CV output for Modular synths
- Tons of presets
19. MRhythmizer by Melda Production
Another good gate VST under 100 bucks is MRhythmizer by MeldaProduction.
It’s a unique time manipulation effect that uses an integrated sequencer to control time, volume, and filters.
MRhythmizer allows you to apply gating to glitching, repeating to scratching, all with stunning audio quality.
Main features of MRhythmizer gate plugin.
- 36 available sequences for time, volume, and filter
- Controllable via MIDI, modulation, and automation
- Scratching slider
- 4 global modulators
- Up to 8 channels surround processing
- Sinc interpolation and high-quality upsampling
- Extremely advanced and easy-to-use user interface
- Automatic synchronization to host tempo
- MIDI controllers with MIDI learn
- Very fast, optimized for SSE and SSE2 processors.
- Global preset management and online preset exchange
20. Trance gate Snapin
Trance Gate Snapin plugin is another great but easy to use gate plugin.
This gate sequencer allows you to quickly add a rhythm to a pad or lead, chops up a beat, or adds more staccato to an arpeggio.
Pitch Correction VST Plugins
Pitch correction plugins are one of the essentials for any type of studio. Today, when we face continuous occasions to correct pitches in the audio, pitch correction plugins are the only solution.
But the problem is, most of the pitch correction plugins are costly.
Well, I have researched a lot to provide you some cheap yet effective pitch correction plugins under $100.
SO, let’s discuss them.
21. Melodyne 5 Essential
Melodyne is considered one of the best pitch correction software in the music world.
However, the studio version of Melodyne costs you $250-$300 there are other low-cost versions also available there.
Melodyne 5 Essential pitch correction plugin comes under $100 and also has most of the features of the Melodyne studio version.
Let us see Melodyne Essential plugin’s features.
- Melodyne is based on Grammy Award-winning technology.
- Exceptionally musical and intuitive note-based way of pitch correction work.
- The Melodic, Percussive, and Universal algorithms.
- Melodyne’s Main Tool for editing pitch and timing available in Melodyne Essential.
- The Chord Track and Chord Grid with automatic chord recognition.
- Full compatibility: VST 3, AU, AAX, stand-alone.
22. Autotune Access
Auto-Tune is the king of all pitch correction plugins.
The beauty of this plugin is you don’t need to correct each section of the audio.
Just choose the scale and some other basic settings and the plugin itself does all the required things to give you the best results.
BUT, if you go with the main version of the Autotune ie; Autotune EVO Pro then you have to pay above $250 for it.
However, there’s a basic version of Autotune available in the market for home and bedroom studio owners.
Autotune Access has all the basic Autotune features that you need to correct pitches.
Here are the features of Autotune Access.
- Light CPU footprint
- Simple and intuitive interface
- Three-position Retune Speed and Humanize knobs
- Low latency processing
- Compatibility with Auto-Key
- Compatible with all the major DAWS across Windows and Mac.
Saturation VST Plugins
Saturation VST plugins are needed for any digital studio. As you know, in digital audio recording, we miss the sweet taste of vintage analog audio recording gear.
Probably, you’ve noticed that when you do record analog instruments it sounds great at the time of recording, but when you listen to the recorded audio it sounds dry and depthless.
That’s because of the harmonics a digital recorder can’t record.
A saturation plugin re-generates those harmonics and adds them to the recorded audio to give the analog taste missed in digital recording.
Here you will read about some good saturation VST plugins under 100 dollars.
The first one is,
23. Cassette by Waves Factory
As from the name, Cassette saturation plugin adds the analog recorder’s harmonics into the audio.
This tape machine saturator is one of the best saturation plugins under $100.
Cassette imparts the unique character and sonic imprint of an often maligned analog recording medium.
It has been carefully modelled after an exhaustive analysis of a high number of real vintage tapes. As a result, you will get the same sound and behavior of the original vintage units.
24. XLN Audio RC-20 Retro Color Vintage Effect
Another great saturation VST plugin under 100 bucks is RC-20 Retro Color.
It recreates the warm, cozy feeling of vintage recording equipment, as well as works perfectly in any modern production setting.
RC-20 Retro Color’s 6 unique FX modules can replicate everything from vinyl records to VHS machines, adding noise, wobble, and dropouts to digital audio signals.
FEature highlights of RC-20 Retro Color
- 6 Unique FX Modules
- Flux Engine
- Magnitude Slider
- 100’s of Presets
25. Little Radiator by SoundToys
Little radiator is a 2 knob tube preamp that is used to add saturation to individual tracks as well as the master channel.
If you want to add a touch of 60s warmth on your tracks then Little Radiator is made for you. It’s great for fattening up bass, guitar, drums, or vocals as well as electric piano.
This tube preamp is modeled from the Altec 1566A vintage preamp.
Stereo and Surround VST Plugins
Stereo and surround system devices are now common. Even, on a mobile phone, you will get virtual surround sound technology.
So, making your audio compatible with those devices is necessary.
Surround and stereo VST plugins help in balancing your tracks and produce a track that is compatible with stereo and surround devices.
However, basic stereo and surround modules are given in any DAW yet, you need some advanced VST plugins to get the best results.
In this section, I will introduce you to some stereo and surround sound VST plugins under $100.
SO, let’s begin…
26. StereoSavage
Stereo Savage VST plugin is an advanced stereo width in your mono tracks.
If you want to achieve the stunning stereo in your mix then Stereo Savage is built for you.
With this plugin, you can generate stereo from mono with the ‘Vox’, ‘Delay’, ‘Expand’, and ‘Split’ programs.
Features,
- Create stereo from mono sources easily and effectively.
- You can control the placement and width of stereo sources.
- You can use the rotation effect for an incredibly natural-sounding pan.
- Get lush wide vocals in a matter of seconds.
- Quick simple controls for achieving the great sounding effect.
- Add motion and excitement with a modulation module.
- Retain great mono compatibility with the given bass bypass feature.
27. Soundtoys Little Microshift
Little Microshift by Soundtoys is another great stereo effect plugin under 100 dollars.
Microshift is specially built for vocal widening and gives great results when used in vocals.
Little MicroShift uses a special recipe of pitch shifting combined with a delay that varies over time to create rich stereo width.
There are only 4 knobs in this plugin hence it’s straightforward to use.
Feature highlights of Little Microshift.
- Little Microshift helps you to widen vocals, lead guitars, synths, and more
- Get great sounds fast with an incredibly simple interface
- You can create a focus for important instruments, or blend them into the background
- 3 different flavors of widening are given in this plugin
28. XILS Lab LX122 Pro
If you are searching for a dedicated surround sound plugin then you can reach for XILS Lab LX122 Pro Surround VST plugin.
Features,
- 1 finely emulated rotating speakers, treble output in a rotating Horn, and a bass output in a rotating drum.
- True Stereo Dynamic Engine (TSDE) places the cabinet in a room from which it’s recorded by two microphones placements.
- Three types of reverbs, to give even more space to your recordings
- Slow to Fast mode buttons given for midi controllable to play with the inertia.
- Tube amplifier emulation for analog type effect.
Mastering VST Plugins
Mastering is considered the most complicated process in music production.
Especially in home studios where we don’t have the costly hardware and other infrastructure, it’s really tough to maintain the quality of the audio as per market demands.
Well, thanks to some software-based mastering suites, now you can master your songs in your home studio while maintaining the standard.
Here are some mastering suites available under 100 dollars that I want to introduce to you.
The first one is,
29. iZotope Ozone 9 Elements
iZotope is one of the most sophisticated and precise mastering suites which is able to deliver up to 95% of industry quality.
However, most iZotope products cost more than $200, the one that comes under $150 is the iZotope Ozone 9 Elements mastering suite.
Here is the features of this award-winning mastering suite.
- AI-powered mastering
- State of the art equalizer
- One of the best imager module
- Maximizer module for maximizing your overall dynamics.
30. Eventide Elevate Mastering Bundle
Eventide Elevate mastering bundle actually costs you $199 but you can buy the individual plugins of this bundle like Saturate and Punctuate under $100.
Elevate is one of the most advanced mastering plug-in bundle in the music production world. Equipped with a unique multi-band limiter, human-ear EQ, and powerful audio maximizer it will increase the loudness of your mix while maintaining or improving the dynamics.
The adaptive technology used in Elevate allows it to respond in real-time to your music.
Feature highlights of Eventine Elevate,
- Elevate Analyzes and alters the gain, speed, and transients of each of the filter bands in real-time.
- Presets by award-winning music composers.
- Automatically adapts the attack, release, and look-ahead parameters.
- Preserves or emphasizes fast transients.
- Manipulates transients across the critical bands.
- Uses linear phase auditory filters to manipulate the audio in a way that is natural to your inner ear.
- You can solo the output of one band (or a number of bands).
- The Auto Output Level feature is used to compare the limited signal to non-limited signals.
- The Spectral Clipper is used to overdrive the final output without affecting the tonal balance.
- Six different types of the metering feature given that allows you to keep an eye on every aspect of your output audio.
31. Initial Audio Master Suite
The slogan by Initial Audio – “Anyone Can Master!” is perfect for Mastersuite mastering plugin. It’s the only mastering suite that comes under $100 and gives amazing results.
The simple to use, 3 band equalizer and stereo image controls allow you to adjust the loudness and finalize your track within minutes.
Features
- THD: Total Harmonic Distortion
- Loudness: Increase or decrease the loudness of your master in decibels.
- LUFS Meter: The LUFS meter ( Loudness Units relative to Full Scale) is an industry-standard representation of perceived loudness.
- Soften: This softens the compression curve.
- Mix: Mix the compressed audio with the original.
- Analog: Changes the frequency response of master suite to sound close to Analog mastering.
- 3 Band Equalizer: With this, you can cut or boost the low, mid, and high frequencies by up to 6dB.
- Stereo Image: This will help to tighten up the low end and adjust the center of the stereo field.
- Ceiling: Sets the maximum loudness for peaks.
Amp Simulator
Amp simulator plugins are generally used in guitar and bass recordings where we need some analog feel in the audio. Amp simulators are the plugins emulated from the original amps and give the results close to them.
However, amp simulators are widely used with guitars but you can experiment with them with drums and vocals as well.
Generally, amp simulator plugins are costly cause they are built by emulating the original amp, but I’ll introduce you to some amp simulators under $100 perfect for home studios.
So, our first amp simulator plugin is,
32. Audified inValve Effects
Audified inValve Effects plugin simulates proven valve devices with exact modelling of analog circuits and valve characteristics for close to real analog amps.
This plugin comes under the $100 price range and was originally prepared for TC PowerCore, but now runs on native platforms such as (VST2/VST3/AU/AAX).
Features
- Audified InValve plugin is equipped with inValve Preamp that provides a precise software emulation of a tube amplifier. It adds the warmth and smoothness you need for analog-like mixes.
- inValve Compressor feature is the emulation of a standard analog compressor utilizing the characteristics of tube compressors.
- inValve Equaliser features a four-band parametric EQ with additional HP and LP filters that will shape your spectrum like a pro.
33. Amplifikation Vermilion
Amplifikation Vermilion is one of the cheapest amp simulator plugins for guitars.
Our classic approach to a true vintage guitar combo amp modelling. It’s the perfect guitar amp simulator for more rootsy guitarists who demands authenticity with its tremolo as well as and faithful recreation of analog spring reverb.
Amplifikation Vermilion Supports various audio plugin formats such as VST, Audio Units, (and now ver. 1.1.0 also supports VST3, and AAX).
Features
- 3 Amp Types for variety
- 2 Clean and Lead amp channels
- Built-in Tremolo with BPM sync and Analog Spring Reverb features
- 4 microphone types with 5 types of matching cabinets
- Freely adjustable dual-miking setting with mono/stereo configurations
- Built-in Noise Gate and Limiter modules
- Built-in Impulse Response Loader with Resample function
- A/B switches
- Photo-realistic graphics for a better guitar playing experience
- Easy to use interface
- Supports sample rates of up to 96000Hz
34. BIAS Amp 2 Standard
BIAS Amp 2 Standard is another great valve amp simulator under $100. With this plugin, you can create authentic and mind-blowing tones that can be tweaked and fully customized.
BIAS AMP 2 is one of the best virtual amp designers, authentically recreating the tone and feel of real tube amps. Allowing you to mix and match components to create your ideal amp it should be the first choice for your guitar recording needs.
Features
- Dynamic Tone Engine emulated from original tube amps
- Preamp Power Amp
- Tone Stacks and Transformers
- Cabinets Module with Dual Miking
- Tubes Cabs and Mic Options
- RTA EQ
- Easy to use User Interface
Chorus VST Effect
Chorus effect is important for some types of music genres. If you are indulged with those genres then you need chorus plugins.
There are tons of chorus plugins available in the market but not all are under your budget.
In this section, I will show you some chorus effect plugins that come under $100.
The first one is,
35. W.A Production Orchid
After taking inspiration from the thick and wet studio processing of the 1980s vintage chorus plugins, Orchid is developed to solve the problem of thin and weedy audio.
You can use them to fatten up synths, basses, guitars, vocals, or drums and add depth, richness, and harmonic structure.
Whereas most other chorus plugins only double the signal, W.A Production Orchid quadruples your audio with four-way chorus processing, taking your productions to the next level.
Features
- 4-way quadruple chorus processing.
- Multiple additional parameters for adjusting the effects precisely.
- Delay, Filtering & Reverb effects.
- Harmonic generation via Shimmer dial.
- Visual feedback feature.
- Pop & click free bypass module.
- Responsive & CPU friendly interface.
36. D16 Group Syntorus 2
There are so many chorus effect plugins on the market, Syntorus 2 is capable of delivering a truly authentic analog sound is easier said than done.
D16 Group created the ultimate analog chorus emulation, inspired by the original effect processors such as the Solina String Ensemble, Elka Synthex, and Roland Juno-106.
Unique analog sound enriches that Syntorus 2 delivers brings life and movement to synth basses and leads by adding depth and lushness to guitars and other electric/acoustic instruments.
Key Features
- High-quality analog BBD delay line emulation
- 3 delay lines, each one featuring:
- 3 LFO generators, each one featuring:
- 3 LFO-to-delay-line routing configurations
- Tag-based preset browser
- Three GUI scaling options
- MIDI-learn functionality throughout
- 64-bit internal processing
- Over 100 presets
37. MeldaProduction MChorusMB
Melda Production’s MChorusMB is an amazing sounding powerful multiband chorus plugin that allows you to fully adjust its shape.
It processes anything from guitar tracks to vocals and complete mixes, all with great audio quality and an inspiring set of features.
Here are the feature highlights of MChorusMB
- Up to 10 voices with advanced adjustment
- 6 stereoinizing algorithms
- Dual user interface
- 1-6 fully configurable independent bands built on 3 perfectly transparent crossover algorithms
- Continuously adjustable oscillator shape
- 4 global modulators
- Integrated tube saturation gives the sound a great vintage analog feel.
- Up to 8 channels surround processing
- Full randomization
- Sinc interpolation and high-quality upsampling
- Adjustable up-sampling 1x-16x to minimize aliasing
- Extremely advanced and easy-to-use user interface
- Automatic synchronization to host tempo
- MIDI controllers with MIDI learn
- Very fast, optimized for SSE and SSE2 processors.
- Global preset management and online preset exchange
- Fully Automatable.
De-Essor VST Plugin
When you are dealing with vocals, De-Essing is a must. De-Essing is the process in which we attenuate or reduce sibilance or harsh high-frequency sounds coming from dialogue or vocals using the letters S, F, X, SH, and soft Cs.
Without De-Essing you can’t compete in the music production market. Classic analog vintage De-Essing processor costs thousands of dollars but thanks to digital recording technology now you will get good De-Essing VST plugins under your budget.
In this section, I have compiled some versatile De-Esser VST plugins under $100 for you.
Take a look.
38. XILS Lab XILS DeeS
XILS DeeS is a good quality De-Esser plugin under the $100 price range. With this plugin, you can get rid of all the Voice recordings faults and problems due to using the letters S, F, X, SH, and soft Cs in a flash, while preserving their unique, precious character.
As a result, you will get clean, professional vocals, dubbing recordings, restoring voices in all their original beauty easily.
Here are the feature highlights of XILS DeeS,
- De-Essing: The detection Module
- Analog EQs to the rescue
- Simple structure, but not the simple internal algorithm
- Easy and obvious Sibilant Path
- Voice Path
- Information Display
- Easy to use
- Easy to understand
- Visualize what you do
- Entirely Transparent:
- Fast processing
- Input independent detection
39. Antares Sybil
Antares Sybil is another great De-Esser plugin under budget.
Sybil is designed to clean excessive vocal sibilance (ess, tsss, ch, and sh sounds), with a compressor and a variable-frequency high pass filter that ensures optimum De-Essing for any type of vocal performance.
The compressor section includes threshold, ratio, attack and release and all the compressor related controls, and the high-pass frequency control that lets you adjust high-frequency content will get compressed while the rest of the voice remains pristine.
Preamp VST Plugin
Preamps are used to amplify the low signals to the line-level signals in any recording environment.
As you know, microphone signals are usually below the nominal operating level, so a lot of gains is required, usually around 30-60 dB. Preamps amplify those low signals to the operating level so that we can record them.
However, in every Audio interface, Preamps are given to connect a microphone and other acoustic music instruments, sometimes we need Preamp plugins to balance the recorded signal in post-processing.
Here comes the role of Preamp VST plugins.
In this section, I will introduce you to some top preamp VST plugins under the $100 range.
First off,
40. Arturia 1973-Pre
Arturia preamp is modelled from the legendary 1073 analog preamp which was quite popular those days.
However, they never claimed officially that it’s modelled from 1073 preamp and just said it’s close to that analog pre.
BUT, when you apply this plugin to your tracks you can easily feel how it changes the harmonics of the audio and gives you a sweet preamp feel from the 1970s
Here are the features of Arturia 1973-Pre.
- 3-Band Equalizer
- Input Gain
- High Pass Filter
- Output Trim
- A comprehensive set of presets
- State-of-the-art TAE® analog modeling
- 1 & 2 channels plugin versions
- Output Analog VU meter
41. Pre X7
Pre X7 is an analog modelled preamplifier emulated from an iconic vintage tube unit primarily designed for bass guitar but then the manufacturers modified it to make it work with several audio applications.
In Pre X7, both input and output 12AX7 tube models are calculated in real-time that brings you all the subtle nonlinearities and makes each instance of this plugin unique.
A high-pass filter and a Tone control allow you to shape the input signal before the output tubes.
A brick wall clipping limiter is added to help you retain the distortion in extreme settings.
Features
- Real-time 12AX7 tube models
- Baxandall tone control
- Boost, Pad, and Phase switches
- Brickwall clipping limiter
- 4 steps Low Cut (pre or post input tube)
- Input/Output Linking
Vocal Processing
For perfect vocals, we need several types of vocal processing plugins. In-home studios, recording perfect vocals is not easy. SO, vocal processing plugins are a must-use thing for home studios.
Another work of vocal processing is to add some cool effects to vocals such as vibrato, tremolo, modulation, etc.
In this section, we will see some vocal processing VST plugins under 100 dollars.
The first one is,
42. Soundtoys Little AlterBoy
Little AlterBoy is a Monophonic Voice Manipulator plugin that can be used for dramatic voice alteration.
In this plugin, you will get a huge range of vocal transformations.
You can change the pitch of a voice, or change the singer’s gender with formant shifting, lock onto a single pitch for robotic sounds as well as control the vocal’s melody using MIDI for creative vocoder-like effects.
Features,
- You can transform vocals with a set of easy-to-use tools in one simple plug-in
- Shift the pitch and gender of vocals in real-time
- You can use the mix control to create instant vocal harmonies
- AS well as you can lock vocals to a pitch for robot effects
- Vocoder-like effects using MIDI control
- hard tune effect hip-hop and pop hits
43. W.A Productions Vocal Cleaner
Capturing a perfect vocal is an almost impossible task. There are plosives and pops, crackles and clicks, also recorded along with the vocals.
Vocal Cleaner subtly tames harsh sibilance and removes intermittent noise.
With simple threshold sliders and the Amount dials, Vocal cleaner will take the pain out of that initial stage of vocal processing.
Features of W.A Productions Vocal cleaner
- Easy to use clean up for all types of vocals.
- 3 types of processing stages.
- De-noise, De-ess & Noise Gate given in this plugin
- Bright, Normal & Dark optimization modes are available for vocal cleaning.
- Presence control.
- Responsive & CPU friendly.
- Factory presets.
- Low and high pass filter.
- Pop & click free bypass.
44. Sonnox VoxDoubler
Sonnox VoxDoubler is a set of two separate Plug-Ins that focus on the two most common vocal doubling workflows.
Doubling vocals is a really effective way of adding more contrast, drama, and presence to the vocals. In many genres, we use this to optimize the vocals.
VoxDoubler helps you to achieve the desired contrast in the vocals.
Sonnox VoxDoubler Features
- The double and triple vocal tracks to create width, depth or add thickness to the vocals
- Humanize section to adjust the Timing and Pitch of the doubles to keep it relative to the original vocal
- Depth control to merge the doubled voices deeper into the mix
- Tone control to prevent sibilant
- Track/Aux mode allows you to apply the effect in place
- Equally effective with other instruments.
Spectral Analysis
When it comes to audio recording, graphical analysis of the audio makes it easy to understand what’s going on in your projects.
In the classic period of music production, there were limited sources for graphical or spectral analysis, but today we have several plugins to analyze the audio graphically.
In this section, I will introduce to you some good spectral analysis plugins under $100.
45. MMultianalyzer
MMultiAnalyzer is a multitrack analyzer and sonogram opens the secret of your audio material and reveals the problems and frequency collisions quickly.
This plugin is extremely easy-to-use, and lets you look into your material in ways not possible before with multitrack sonogram, collision detector, and loudness comparison.
Features of MMultianalyser
- Stylable, resizable, GPU accelerated user interface
- Classic meters and time graphs with a unique visualization engine
- Versatile modulators
- Adjustable oscillator shape technology
- Safety limiter
- Adjustable up-sampling 1x-16x
- MIDI controllers with MIDI learn
- 4 multi parameters
- M/S, single-channel, up to 8 channels surround processing…
- Smart randomization
- Automatic gain compensation (AGC)
- Very fast, optimized for SSE/SSE2/SSE3 processors
- Global preset management and online preset exchange
- Supports VST, VST3, AU, and AAX interfaces on Windows & Mac, both 32-bit and 64-bit
46. Blue Cat’s FreqAnalyst Pro
Blue Cat’s FreqAnalyst Pro is an award-winning real-time spectrum analyzer that gives you advanced functionalities.
It uses smooth algorithms.
It’s designed to provide extreme smoothness and high resolution for time and frequency.
Here are the features of FreqAnalyst Pro,
- Real-time spectrum analyzer
- Animated zoom for all displays
- Precise measurement capabilities, with note info display
- 3D waterfall view with full 3D control
- Control over the analysis parameters along with slope and offset correction
- Smart interpolation algorithm
- Spectrum and spectrogram views
- Solid or wireframe 3D surface display
- Instant, peak, and average curves display for each channel
- Save the curves for easy A/B comparison
- Opacity control for the user interface
- Custom absolute and relative threshold control
- Native DSP code for optimal performance.
- No CPU load on idle
- Skinnable and customizable user interface
- Automation and MIDI output
- Smooth Bypass
- Undo/Redo
- Import/Export presets in a host independent format
Equalizer VST Plugin
Last but not least Equalizer plugins. Equalizers are the most important ingredient of audio recording and mixing.
Without equalizers, we can’t go anywhere in audio recording. An equalizer is a tool used to manipulate, balance, increase and decrease desired frequencies.
SO, it’s the most important thing in music production and audio recording.
In this section, I will introduce to you some great equalizer plugins under the $100 budget range.
The very first one is,
47. TDR Nova GE
NOVA GE is a parallel dynamic equalizer that appears in the layout of a parametric equalizer. This plugin features flexible dynamics processing options that allow you the coverage of an impressively wide range of applications.
NOVA GE features a total of six dynamic EQ bands, each with independent dynamics processing from downward compression to upward compression.
Features
- Frequency selective compression/expansion
- Multiband compression/expansion
- Parametric equalization
- Dynamic equalization
- Wideband compression/expansion
48. MixRoom
MIXROOM is an AI-based EQ that guides you to set the perfect balance of richness and clarity in the spectrum whether you’re working on a vocal, a synth or any other application.
MIXROOM automatically analyses your audio and shows you which frequencies could be adjusted to give your sound a better shape.
Key Features
- Specifically designed to deliver maximum clarity & transparency in the mid and high-frequency range.
- Genre and channel-specific EQ target suggestion preset to overcome the guesswork and give you pro-sounding results in a matter of seconds.
- Create your own EQ targets.
- Level match pointer on output gain.
- Super-fast workflow.
- Clear and immersive mixing experience.
49. TDR SlickEQ M
TDR SlickEQ M a fully-fledged stereophonic equalizer.
Specifically developed for the mastering process to deliver exceptional musical flexibility and audio fidelity.
In this plugin, you will get an intuitive user interface that hides a staggering array of possibilities
Given 6 powerful parametric filter bands allows you to shape your sounds precisely with access overtone, timbre and the stereo image, and a sophisticated meta-filter.
Feature Highlights
- Intuitive user interface.
- Parallel EQ structure
- Six full parametric EQ bands
- Advanced filter nonlinearities
- Powerful HP and LP filters.
- Dedicated Low-frequency mono filter
- A Meta Filter with direct control over brightness, hardness, or equal loudness contours
- Smart actions allow you to match the input against the pink-noise distribution
- Highly effective loudness compensated auto gain control
- Expandable EQ display and a real-time spectrum analyzer
50. Soundtoys Sie-Q
Sie-Q allows you to get the tone you want fast, without a lot of hassle.
Features of the Sie-Q Equalizer
- With this plugin, you will get an airy top end with the super-smooth High band
- Accentuate or tame mid-range details
- Carve out some space
- Add rich bass with the Low band
- Push the Drive control to recreate the color
51. Voxengo GlissEQ
Voxengo GlissEQ is a parametric equalizer VST plug-in for home music production applications.
The dynamic behavior of its filters made it one of the most versatile EQ under $100.
Features
- Narrow-band sweeping
- User interface window resizing
- Channel grouping
- Zero processing latency
- Real-time spectrum analysis
- 16 filter types
- EQ area highlight
- Real-time spectrum import/export
- Up to 8x oversampling
- Undo/redo history
- Filters with dynamic behavior
- Up to 32 parametric filter bands
- Harmonically-enhanced filter type
- Static spectrums display
- Internal channel routing
- Stereo and multi-channel processing
- Mid/side processing
- 64-bit floating-point processing
- A/B comparisons
- Preset manager
- Contextual hint messages
- All sample rates support
52. Tone Empire Black Q2
If you are searching for hardware emulated Equalizer under $100 then the Balck Q2 is ideal for you.
Emulated from legendary analog equalizers it gives almost the same feel as analog processing.
There are four filters available in this plugin. Each filter has 3 separate knobs to adjust the frequencies precisely.
With these features, it is one of the best mastering equalizers for home studios.
Conclusion: Top 52 VST Plugins Under $100
Well, here were the 52 best VST plugins under $100 dollars. I have researched a lot to compile this list to help home studio owners like you.
I think this list has given you an idea to choose the best plugins under your budget.
Let me know what you think about this list and share it on social media to help others.
The comment box is waiting for your precious comments.
Good Day 😊
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