As a music producer, in most cases, you need to purchase a license to the VST audio plugins you want to own outright. Others offer a rent-to-own option for buying VSTs. But the music industry has also successfully gone the subscription-based route with music plugins. In fact, some of our must-have audio plugins for music producers have adopted the subscription model. And that’s why I decided to carefully curate my top 10 subscription services for music producers.
So, where should you begin with VST plugins that exist in subscription form? For me, it’s about having the accessibility to instant inspiration. And that isn’t just samples. But more so, an endless supply of samples that I can easily manipulate and customize for the project I am working on. Arcade 2.0 by Output is a clear example of this.
For others, it may be about instruments, synths, samplers, etc. I was so excited when I heard Native Instruments was releasing their subscription-based service in Komplete Now. Making their bundle of iconic software audio plugins something affordable on a monthly basis.
Another amazing thing about the top 10 subscription services for music producers is that they’re all FREE to try. And in many cases for a full month. This gives you plenty of time to fully test drive them and see if they’re a good fit for your workflow.
These are the top 10 subscription services for music producers.
The best way to describe Arcade 2.0 is to call it an inspiration machine. If you think about all the iconic sample-based producers who used to spend hours upon hours digging in the crates for records to sample, Arcade 2.0 is that now and in the future. And not only can you find samples to play with, but you can also transform them to fit exactly what you need for your project. The key differentiator for me is that you can even use it with your own loops. So, if you're like me and also have a subscription to Splice and Loopcloud, you can put the loops you own into Arcade and create magic. Every music producer needs an inspiration machine. Try it FREE for 1-month and see for yourself.
Splice
Splice is the industry standard for curating millions of high-quality sample packs, royalty-free sounds, loops, FX, & presets for every genre. They also get exclusive packs from top artists and sample labels that you can't get anywhere else. I love how easy it is to find samples and loops in the key and tempo of my project and just drag and drop them into my DAW. Most producers have made the right call and have a subscription to Splice, so if you don't already, give it a try for FREE. And check out our weekly updated list of top sample and loop packs on Splice.
Loopcloud is a simply iconic subscription platform for music producers. Not only can you access millions of samples by loading it up in your DAW of choice, but you can also use Loopcloud to manage your existing library of samples you purchased elsewhere. It also comes with a superb range of plugins & effects to transform any sample or loop to the sound you're after. Refine your musical workflow. Eliminate beat block forever.
Native Instruments just released KOMPLETE NOW, and let me tell you, it's a game-changer. It's an efficient and cost-effective way to get your hands on some of Native Instruments most sought-after production tools for a nominal monthly fee. You can even try it free for an entire month, which is just amazing. Get inspired with its ever-updating flow of new instruments and plugins.
Reason+
A DAW, an amazing sample library, and access to all the iconic Reason players and instruments? And you can use this with the DAW of your choice? Yes, you can take my money for this one every month. Try it now for only $1 for your first month. I promise you won't regret it. Especially if you're also into sound design.
Subscribe to the world’s most popular pro-quality audio plugins – used by over 1 million music makers, from home producers to Grammy winners. 1-month free trial, lifetime plugin updates, premium support. There's a great chance some of your favorite records have had elements from these plugins in them.
Instant access to all of W.A. Production's sample and loop packs, plugins, and courses. Take your music production game to the next level. This subscription service for music producers is legit.
Auto-Tune Unlimited is the ultimate collection of professional vocal production plug-ins. You know the deal here. Auto-tune is the brand that so many know when it comes to vocal processing. No other set of tools delivers the audio quality, features, or signature Auto-Tune sound. Subscribe today and produce vocals without any limitation for only $24.99/mo.
Get over $5,000 worth of award-winning plugins, synthesizers, samples, pro demo sessions, and step by step masterclasses taught by the top selling producers in the world, starting at $9.99/mo. The value that comes packed with this subscription is amazing for any beatmaker or music producer.
A ComposerCloud subscription opens the gates to over 40,000 of the most detailed professional-quality EASTWEST virtual instruments, delivering over $15,000 of value for less than a dollar a day!
Putting the top 10 subscription services for music producers to work
What I love about the best music subscription plugins is the efficiency with which you can create quality music. And since you’ll be churning out fire beats on the daily, you’ll have assets to market and sell.
I wrote about in length the different ways that music producers can earn revenue and these plugins can certainly help keep you inspired, motivated, and on your way to doing that.
And again, most of the best subscription music plugins are free to try, and sometimes up to 1-month. So make use of that and get to know what will work best with your workflow.
