What Are Plugins?

Plugins, also known as VSTs, are software add-ons that you can use in your DAW to enhance your music production experience. Think of them as little apps that give you extra tools and sounds to play with.

There are two main types of VSTs: instruments and effects. VST instruments, like synthesizers and samplers, generate sound, while VST effects, like reverb, delay, and EQ, process and modify the sounds you’ve already created. By adding plugins to your DAW, you can expand your creative possibilities and take your music to the next level.

I cover synths in detail in their own section, so let’s focus on effects in the following pages.