Music Theory, Software

12 Most Powerful Audio Plugin Brands in The World

In this day and age, plugins rule supreme in the audio world since they are so prominent.
Overall, audio plugins may be considered useful tools in the arsenal of people who work with digital audio. However, The Market has a multitude of Audio plugin Brands.
As with the abundance of both free and commercial software, there is a wide variety of audio plugins out there.
So, here’s the 12 Most Powerful Audio Plugin Brands in The Word.

Soundtoys



So, even though it is one of the smallest players on our list, Soundtoys is undoubtedly among the best audio plugin companies in the world.

Indeed, Soundtoys has established a reputation for itself as a maker of highly effective analog-sounding digital plugins by having a musical appreciation for analog-sounding digital music.

Of course, it influences the analog world to create amazing effects with modern functions while without intentionally trying to replicate any specific or famous gear. 

Not to mention, there are many gorgeous plugins in the Soundtoys catalog, and there are a wide variety of plugin choices available.
Also, Everything from simple to sophisticated is in Soundtoys’ arsenal, and everything sounds fantastic.

Notable Plugins

  • Devil-Loc Deluxe compressor
  • PrimalTap digital delay modeler
  • Little Plate reverb
  • Decapitator saturator
  • PhaseMistress phaser

Business Summary

Founded: 1996
Country: United States
Headquarter: Burlington, Vermont
Employees: 15
Est. Annual Revenue: $2M
Website: www.soundtoys.com

Brainworx

Dirk Ulrich founded Brainworx in 1999 and has been focusing on developing hardware mastering processors ever since.In 2006, the German business started developing software, and, in 2008, it introduced the most well-known product in its library, the bx digital mid-side equalizer.
The variety of plugins that Brainworx has to offer is remarkable. So what is included in the BX Suite? Beyond the essential things like multi-effects and amp simulation/modulation effects, the BX Suite has it all. An important thing will be whether the plugin emulates one of the company’s numerous partners or something original to the brand. The quality of the product will most likely be impressive, regardless of whether the plugin is exclusive to the brand.

Also, Brainworx works closely with the original makers of whatever hardware is being emulated to make sure that the sounds of their plugins are as accurate as possible.

Notable Plugins

  • bx_console N
  • bx_opto compressor
  • bx_delay 2500
  • bx_bassdude bass amp simulator
  • bx_saturator V2

Business Summary

Founded: 1999
Country: Germany
Headquarter: Leverkusen, North Rhine-Westphalia
Employees: 21
Est. Annual Revenue: $4M
Website: www.brainworx.audio

FabFilter

Founded in the early 2000s, Netherlands-based FabFilter is one of the audio industry’s leaders.
FabFilter makes many of the market’s finest plugins while maintaining very high sonic and GUI standards.

So, With FabFilter, you won’t find traditional emulation.
Rather, it is because of the unique and strong technology that FabFilter develops.
They have gained a good reputation in the audio processing world.
In addition, FabFilter‘s plugins are all Premium tools.

Overall, FabFilter plugins are powerful, offering many features. However, in the public’s mind, “simple plug-ins” like free plugins offered by the brand may seem overwhelming.
But, once acquired, these skills will definitely come in handy, especially if you work with other creatives.

Notable Plugins

Business Summary

Founded: 2002
Country: Netherlands
Headquarter: Amsterdam, North Holland
Employees: 24
Est. Annual Revenue: $4M
Website: www.fabfilter.com

Slate Digital

Although Slate Digital is very new, it is producing more plugins than most other brands would create throughout their whole careers. So, Slate Digital’s range of retro hardware and guitar amp simulation plugins provide very high-quality sound.
Also, With respect to modern plugin types and specialized effects, the brand owns kiloHearts, which specializes in them.

You’re sure to love each of these plugins, each of which also has an attractive visual design.
Additionally, All of them are very simple to use, and they’re enjoyable to work with.

Notable Plugins

  • Slate Digital FG-116 FET | FG-116 Modern | FG-116 Vintage compressors
  • FG-Grey compressor
  • Slate Digital Repeater Delay
  • Digital VTM
  • Digital VTC

Business Summary

Founded: 2008
Country: United States
Headquarter: Los Angeles, California
Employees: 33
Est. Annual Revenue: $6M
Website: www.slatedigital.com

Voxengo

In December 2002, after the introduction of its first successful equalizer plug-in, CurveEQ, Voxengo began operating as a full-time commercial venture.

Since then, more than 40 plug-ins, both commercial and freeware, have been published under the Voxengo trademark. During this time period, millions of Voxengo plug-ins were downloaded by people all over the globe.

Notable Plugins

  • Voxformer
  • CurveEQ
  • GlissEQ
  • Voxengo SPAN Plus
  • Voxengo SPAN

Business Summary

Founded: 2002
Country: Russia
Headquarter: Syktyvkar, Komi Republic
Employees: 34
Est. Annual Revenue: $6M
Website: www.voxengo.com

Softube

 

Founded in Sweden, Softube is a developer of plugins that features stunning vintage, tube, and often analog sounds in digital format.
Indeed, The brand takes pride in the extensive analog system component modeling they do.

They started with physical hardware and built their digital information as part of an involved process.

Softube’s audio journey started in 2007 and has grown to include collaborations with other companies.
Their attention to audio quality has helped them achieve an unprecedented degree of success, which will continue to increase.
this cutting-edge brand offers a variety of plugins based on some of the most illustrious audio gear.
The emulation sounds amazing and is almost similar to the originals.

Notable Plugins

  • Summit Audio Grand Channel Strip
  • Tube-Tech PE 1C EQ
  • Tube Delay
  • TSAR-1R reverb
  • Fix Flanger/Doubler

Business Summary

Founded: 2003
Country: Sweden
Headquarter: Linköping, Östergötland
Employees: 40
Est. Annual Revenue: $7M
Website: www.softube.com

Eventide

 

Next, we have Eventide; the company behind Instant Phaser, an effects unit that first came on the market in the early 1970s, and built its reputation by using high quality effects processing.
Plus, Eventide was an innovative business that started the Clockworks Legacy plugins in 2003.

Due to the development of Eventide’s plugin platform, Eventide products are found in almost every DAW.
Anyhow, due to the vast amount of additional effects plugins developed by Eventide and its instant classics, this is hardly a problem for a business that develops so many great effects and products.

Notable Plugins

  • Instant Phaser Mk II
  • EQuivocate EQ
  • UltraChannel channel strip
  • Blackhole reverb
  • Tricera Chorus

Business Summary

Founded: 1971
Country: United States
Headquarter: Little Ferry, New Jersey
Employees: 160
Est. Annual Revenue: $19M
Website: www.eventide.com

Waves Audio

The Waves Audio brand has a huge presence in the field of audio effects. Focusing on emulations and achieving new and creative concepts, this company takes audio plugins to the highest level in order to provide a top-of-the-line listening experience for the globe.
Besides, Waves has the additional benefit of allowing you to use all the plugins without the need for extra gear.
Further, Running multiple plugins may place a strain on your machine, meaning that plugins will need high CPU resources, which is a problem (depending on the computer specs).

Additionally, Waves has built its reputation on creating high-quality audio plugins since the release of its first plugin (the Q10)
Then, in 92, they’ve also earned a place in history as one of the most respected plugin developers by selling the largest variety of pro-grade audio plugins available.
Also, In terms of the emulations, they’re quite accurate, while the originals are fantastic.

Notable Plugins

  • SSL G-Master Buss Compressor
  • GEQ graphic EQ
  • Z-Noise noise suppressor
  • H-Delay
  • J37 tape saturation/delay

Business Summary

Founded: 1992
Country: United States
Headquarter: Knoxville, Tennessee
Employees: 110
Est. Annual Revenue: $21M
Website: www.waves.com

iZotope

 

So, Another major contender in the field of audio plugins is iZotope.
Thus, The company is perhaps best-known for its excellent standalone mastering plugins and mixing plugins.
Plus, it also has a slew of other strong software plugins, including the world-class Exponential Audio reverbs.
Indeed, Since its inception in 2002, the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based business has established itself as a market leader in audio mixing, mastering, and editing software.

Further, Its premium range of RX plugins, for example, is unrivaled in terms of noise reduction.
Furthermore, iZotope offers ground-breaking plugins that are driven by the latest and best audio processing technology, advanced machine learning, and gorgeous interfaces.
It includes a diverse set of plugins, including the above-mentioned Ozone and Neutron, which, while being “single plugins,” contain many high-end modules like and EQ and Dynamics.

Notable Plugins

  • Neutron 3 Advanced mixing suite
  • Ozone 9 Advanced mastering suite
  • Trash 2
  • Neoverb
  • RX 8 Advanced Audio Editor

Business Summary

Founded: 2001
Country: United States
Headquarter: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Employees: 173
Est. Annual Revenue: $25M
Website: www.izotope.com

Universal Audio

 

So, In terms of analog emulation plugins, Universal Audio Digital (UAD) provides some of the most realistic options available on the market.
Programmers and designers at UAD collaborate with original hardware makers to guarantee that their plugins are among the most advanced available for both discriminating professionals and enthusiastic hobbyists alike.
Even though Universal Audio was established in 1999, the company’s history dates back to 1958
Universal Audio (together with UAD) is one of the most well-known and recognized companies in the audio industry, both in hardware and software.

Indeed, there is the extensive usage of their plugins in professional studios throughout the globe. They are highly coveted pieces of software for most individuals engaged in digital audio creation.
Additionally, A great collection of plugins is available with UAD. In terms of appearance and behavior, each plugin is very similar to the hardware it emulates.
Also, With its very intuitive interface, using UAD plugins in any DAW (on Windows or Mac) is a true pleasure.

Notable Plugins

  • SSL 4000 G Bus Compressor
  • Cooper Time Cube MkII Delay
  • Manley Massive Passive
  • Lexicon 224 digital modeling reverb
  • EMT 140 Plate reverb

Business Summary

Founded: 1958
Country: United States
Headquarter: Scotts Valley, California
Employees: 266
Est. Annual Revenue: $26M
Website: www.uaudio.com

Arturia

Arturia, founded in Paris, is devoted to designing software and hardware for musicians. The business also offers some of the best virtual and software effects plugins available.
The team members of Arturia are committed to creating inspirational and powerful, but user-friendly, music production tools.

The brand’s fantastic plugins are a direct result of this devotion. So, Whether you opt for a channel strip, compressor, you can be confident that Arturia’s gear will sound strikingly like the original equipment.

Notable Plugins

  • Comp FET-76
  • TridA-Pre preamp
  • Chorus Dimension-D
  • Phaser Bi-Tron
  • Rev Plate-140

Business Summary

Founded: 1999
Country: France
Headquarter: Montbonnot-Saint-Martin, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Employees: 74
Est. Annual Revenue: $35M
Website: www.arturia.com

Native Instrument

To emphasize, without Native Instruments, there would be no rhythm in the music industry. Driven by a mission to provide inclusive and accessible music production to the masses, its hardware, software, and digital services let individuals across various music skill levels fulfill their creative goals…

Native Instruments’ ever-expanding ecosystem of hardware, software, and digital services are supported by industry-leading platforms like KONTAKT, REAKTOR, and KOMPLETE that serve both artists and producers. All our products work across a broad range of music production and performing tools.

Notable Plugins

  • Battery 4
  • Massive X
  • Monark
  • FM8 Guitar Rig 6 Pro
  • Driver
  • Reflektor
  • Kontakt 6

Business Summary

Founded: 1996
Country: Germany
Headquarter: Berlin Kreuzberg, Berlin
Employees: 400
Est. Annual Revenue: $78M
Website: www.native-instruments.com

Conclusion

So, we went over the Most Powerful Audio Plugin Brands in The World, and we can divide them into 3 categories:
First, we have the small players: Soundtoys, Brainworx, FabFilter, Slate Digital, Voxengo, and Softube.
Then, the intermediate Brands: Eventide and Waves.
And Finally, The Big Players: IZotope, Arturia, and Native instruments.