2024 was a bumper year for software releases. Some developers resurrected and recreated impossible-to-find hardware classics of yesteryear, while others tackled modern problems with algorithm-powered processors that can clean up mixes by removing frequencies you may not even be able to identify.

• READ MORE: These are MusicTech’s favourite free plugins of 2024

Soundtrack producers also found their arsenals bolstered with incredible sounds and orchestrator tools to help create authentic patterns and styles. Meanwhile, mastering in your home studio got more powerful than ever before.

As we wave 2025 into our plugin folders, let’s check out the plugins that impressed us the most in 2024.

Softube Model 77

Yamaha’s legendary CS-80 hardware synth has been modelled by such industry titans as Arturia, GForce and Cherry Audio. But what impressed us most about Softube’s Model 77 was that it takes three models – the 4-voice CS50, 8-voice CS60 and the 8-voice dual layer CS-80 with polyphonic aftertouch — and blends them together into a single interface. On top of that, it makes designing retro sounds wonderfully straightforward.

Drawing on its vast experience of developing high-end processing and synth plugins, Softube meticulously researched the original models and combined them, retaining classic features while also updating others to make them easier for a modern audience to get to grips with. We found it to be “a truly spectacular-sounding synth plugin that is incredibly easy to program”, offering warm, rich tones that work across any number of genres. Its depth of programmability came in for much praise as well as its usability – “a vintage approach to synthesis that doesn’t feel clunky or overwhelming”, was our conclusion.

Read our full review of the Softube Model 77. 

Oeksound Bloom

Oeksound’s team describe themselves as “a bunch of tech geeks” who search for new solutions to problems rather than replicating tools everyone already has in their DAW. Bloom is just such a product – an adaptive tone shaper in all major plugin formats that analyses sound in real time and lets you adjust the tonal balance without boosting or cutting frequency bands as an EQ would do.

Used on elements within a mix we found it helped greatly with shaping, compression and stereo control when aiming to balance a mix without using EQ and its unwanted frequency cuts and boosts. “Unpleasant build-ups are tamed and areas that are lacking can be brought to the fore, all while sounding smooth and natural” was our experience. While noting that it perhaps a little pricier than some people are used to for a shaping plugin, we acknowledge that Bloom defies easy categorisation and once you understand it, is likely to become a key weapon in your mixing arsenal.

Read our full review of the Oeksound Bloom. 

Baby Audio Transit 2

Building off the success of the first release, Baby Audio in collaboration with Andrew Huang expanded the Transit multi-fx plugin to include a bunch more effect types and presets. Recognising how powerful it was for tempo-based effects, the team added ten effects for a new total of 28 over the eight slots which now include new motion modes to animate your sounds.

It’s all tremendous fun – the 830 presets cover all manner of crazy setups and everything is supremely easy to tweak, move and toggle. We found the plugin covered so much ground that it replaced a bunch of other plugs in our collection just for the sheer convenience of having all this stuff in one window. As well as the joy of playing with time-based multi fx while everything stays in sync we also loved the randomize and lock features for endless experimentation.

Our conclusion? “This is a tantalising multi-effect that you will get a lot of life from. Over-use is a definite danger, but even when used more sparingly Transit 2 creates engaging transitions, variations, bridges and groovy, complex effects.”

Read our full review of the Baby Audio Transit 2. 

IK Multimedia T-RackS 6

T-RackS was the first affordable software mastering suite and opened up the mastering process to anyone with a few hundred dollars. A couple of decades later, IK has kept it current with a ton of upgrades and now at version 6 it has a free version and three paid tiers with even the MAX version only costing $299 – peanuts compared to buying hardware.

In an increasingly cloud-based arena, T-RackS 6 keeps things local, providing up to 60 plugins, some modelling classic hardware, and a standalone mastering console with AI-powered Master Match that analyses a reference track to try to replicate its sound. Praising its versatility, our review notes “T-RackS’ plugins do a great job of meeting the current moment. Many creators prioritise accessibility, speed, and digital tools that ‘just work’ – at the same time, our continued fascination with vintage music hardware is alive and well. T-RackS 6 serves up the best of both worlds.” Those plugins all work individually in your DAW too, and while there is strong competition in the software mastering field, we believe T-RackS’ accessible pricing along with its superb sound makes it a must-have for producers.

Read our full review of the IK Multimedia T-RackS 6. 

Moog Mariana

Best known for its legendary hardware synths both old and new, Moog also makes numerous software instruments too and at a price that’s much more accessible than its hardware models. Mariana is two identical bass synths in one that you can play monophonically or duophonically, on your computer or your iPad. Moog is one of the more prolific developers of pro instruments for the iOS platform.

As well as its very accessible price – just £49 on the desktop – we praised the fact that Mariana isn’t necessarily what you’d expect from Moog, “leaning towards a slightly brighter and more aggressive sound than the more familiar Moog warmth – it’s nice that it has built a synth with that desirable Moog flavour but a slightly different, contemporary sound.” Virtual control voltage and multiple built-in effects make it an even more compelling package.

Read our full review of the Moog Mariana. 

Cherry Audio CR-78

Relative newcomers Cherry Audio have wasted no time in regularly releasing hugely affordable software versions of both classic and unique synths, typically priced at under $50. The CR-78 is pretty simple compared to some of their other models, a recreation of Roland’s CompuRhythm CR-78 from 1978, widely regarded as the first drum machine. In addition to its tiny footprint of just 60MB we were impressed by its ease of use, the classic layout enhanced with a few newer features for even more flexibility like onboard effects, management of presets, sequences and patterns.

Our review noted that “Cherry Audio has struck a nice balance between going far beyond the very limited capabilities of the original hardware but also maintaining its feel and ease of use.” And that while the character and sound of the original is very much here, “there’s the feel of analogue sequencing but without the hassle” of multiple button combinations. A great addition to any sound set.

Read our full review of the Cherry Audio CR-78. 

EastWest Fantasy Orchestra

Cinematic scoring is an area where advanced software instruments – often with huge supporting libraries – have completely changed the landscape in recent years. EastWest is a colossus of these scoring tools, producing industry-leading suites that are heard on the biggest Hollywood movies. Fantasy Orchestra, our review found, is “an incredibly powerful tool that streamlines key aspects of modern composing.” We were particularly impressed by its newly-written Orchestrator tool, which can “take in a few chords and give you back a near-finished scoring cue”.

With 145GB of content covering multiple instrument sections all designed to work together, its standalone cost of $995 is not inconsiderable though it is sometimes significantly discounted and can be cheaper as part of a subscription package. As well as sounding beautifully authentic, the addition of tools to help you compose and create patterns really sets this instrument apart. A heavyweight scoring tool for serious producers.

Read our full review of the EastWest Fantasy Orchestra.

Waves Curves Equator

Waves adds to its huge library of mix plugins with another affordable model in the form of Curves Equator, the first in a new family of advanced EQs. Promising to improve any full mix, vocal or instrument by removing problematic frequencies, fixing resonances and balancing inconsistencies, Curves Equator is part of a growing trend in plugins that have a ‘fire and forget’ element to them instead of needing endless setup. To that end, it’s also able to learn from your tracks and create a personalised suppression curve.

The idea of “uncovering” mixes by automatically having problem frequencies removed – perhaps the result of imperfect mixing environments – is compelling. We hope to see more great things from the future members of this plugin family.

Find out more about the Waves Curves Equator at waves.com.

Native Instruments Komplete 15

Native Instruments continues in its quest to provide every sound and processor you need in a single package – or, at least, a version based on the amount of content, from £269 for the Standard to £539 for Ultimate, with upgrade pricing also available. The company’s Kontakt platform powers both acoustic and electronic instruments ranging from pianos and orchestras to guitars, drums and cinematic and sound design tools.

The sheer breadth of the instruments on offer is truly impressive and represents a vast saving compared to buying even a fraction of them individually.

While the initial outlay might pinch slightly, the reality is you’re getting a huge amount of stuff here that will benefit any kind of music you are making. A bunch of plugin effects and sound pack expansions are the icing on the cake.

Find out more about the Native Instruments Komplete 15 at native-instruments.com.

Wavea Flite

Newcomers Wavea have a rich history in the industry, with its founder Sharooz Raoofi having created the Astra soft synth, and also founding music brands Audaire and Sample Magic. Flite is a plugin sample player / FM, virtual analogue and wavetable synth for macOS and PC priced at $99 that cleverly blurs the boundaries between different kinds of audio generation.

With multiple synth types and four multi samplers with full control over every parameter, the instrument has plenty of effects, filters, LFOs and much more to help you create advanced sounds and sequences. Its sound library is taken from Sharooz’s personal collection of vintage hardware instruments and Principle Pleasure Studios and includes the Roland Jupiter 8, Oberheim OB-8 and LinnDrum among many others. It’s a serious music creation tool created by serious people.

Find out more about the Wavea Flite at wavea.co.

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