Skip to main content
Music Radar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
  • Guitars
  • Amps
  • Pedals
  • Drums
  • Synths
  • Software
  • Pianos
  • Controllers
  • Recording
  • Buyer’s guides
  • Live
  • DJ
  • Advice
  • Acoustic
  • Bass
  • About us
  • More
    • Reviews
Magazines
  • Computer Music
  • Electronic Musician
  • Future Music
  • Keyboard Magazine
  • Guitarist
  • Guitar Techniques
  • Total Guitar
  • Bass Player
More
  • How to make an AI cover song
  • 84000+ free music samples
  • Foo Fighters' new drummer
  • Ken Scott on recording The Beatles
  • First EVH Jump synth recording

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

  1. Home
  2. News

The best new virtual instrument plugins of 2017

By MusicRadar
published 4 December 2017

The spotlight falls on the year's top DAW-based sound-makers

Although synths tend to dominate the virtual instrument headlines, it’s worth remembering that plugins can be used to generate pretty much any kind of sound you want - whether ‘real’ or electronic.

You’ll realise this as you browse through our list of the year’s best new software instruments, which covers everything from classic keyboards to drums and electric bass. And, of course, there are some next-gen synths in there, too.

There can be only one winner, though: we asked you to vote, and now you can find out how your favourite fared.

The MusicRadar Best in music tech awards 2017 are brought to you in association with Softube - Tools for the Audio Professional.

Page 1 of 15
Page 1 of 15
Audio Damage Phosphor 2

Audio Damage Phosphor 2

We said: "More than the sum of its parts, Phosphor 2 provides old-school tones, textures and FX with a keenly modern edge."

Read Audio Damage Phosphor 2 review

Page 2 of 15
Page 2 of 15
XILS-lab PolyKB III

XILS-lab PolyKB III

We said: "There’s really nothing PolyKB can’t turn its hand to, from thumping basses, writhing leads and delicate bells to elaborate polyphonic sequences, dense arps, textures, soundscapes and anything else where motion and dynamics are key. And despite the age of the hardware being modelled, PolyKB III has a surprisingly modern sound, presumably thanks to the many modifications made by XILS to the original blueprint."

Read XILS-lab PolyKB III review

Page 3 of 15
Page 3 of 15
IK Multimedia Modo Bass

IK Multimedia Modo Bass

We said: "Even the most cynical of music production traditionalists would be hard pressed to find fault with Modo Bass’ superb electric bass modelling, which, when programmed and manipulated properly, is every bit as sonically effective as its multisampled equivalents, and far more versatile. IK may just have changed the low-end game."

Read IK Multimedia Modo Bass

Page 4 of 15
Page 4 of 15
Spitfire Audio BT Phobos

Spitfire Audio BT Phobos

We said: Having made its name creating sample libraries and Kontakt instruments, in 2017 Spitfire Audio released its first standalone plugin synth in the shape of BT Phobos. Created, as the prefix suggests, with the help of electronic music luminary BT, this is designed to produce epic, cinematic sounds and rich textures."

Find out more about Spitfire Audio BT Phobos

Page 5 of 15
Page 5 of 15
Synthogy Ivory II Studio Grands

Synthogy Ivory II Studio Grands

We said: "Both pianos sound absolutely magnificent, and contrast well with each other - the raw Bosendorfer being the weightier of the two, the Steinway having the brighter sound."

Read Synthogy Ivory II Studio Grands review

Page 6 of 15
Page 6 of 15
IK Multimedia Syntronik

IK Multimedia Syntronik

We said: "A quick, easy and convincingly analogue-sounding synthesizer compendium that delivers a voluminous and versatile library of highly customisable preset sounds."

Read IK Multimedia Syntronik

Page 7 of 15
Page 7 of 15
Serato Sample

Serato Sample

We said: "There’s a lot missing from Sample, but its basic flow is so enjoyable and productive that you can’t help but fall for it."

Read Serato Sample review

Page 8 of 15
Page 8 of 15
Synapse Audio The Legend

Synapse Audio The Legend

We said: "A Minimoog with bells on, The Legend
is a stunning emulation of the most important synth ever made, with a totally legit sound and numerous handy extras."

Read Synapse Audio The Legend review

Page 9 of 15
Page 9 of 15
Steinberg HALion 6

Steinberg HALion 6

We said: "With its wavetable synthesis engine, real-time sampling functionality and easy script editing, HALion 6 is dizzying in its versatility, customisation and open-endedness. Whether you just want to exploit the countless sounds in its preset library or design epic instruments from the ground up using its multifaceted sampling and synthesis building blocks, it’s a true powerhouse."

Read Steinberg HALion 6 review

Page 10 of 15
Page 10 of 15
Rob Papen Predator 2

Rob Papen Predator 2

We said: "Predator 2 is a thoroughly worthy successor to the original and we find ourselves even more in its thrall than we were in 2007. It's far more versatile and interesting, the GUI retains that instant, hands-on feel as much as it can without getting totally crazy, and - thanks to the new features, overhauled audio engine, awesome wave mixing and, er, wavetabling, and an effects rack that still qualifies as one of the best in the business - it sounds simply phenomenal."

Read Rob Papen Predator 2 review

Page 11 of 15
Page 11 of 15
Vengeance-Sound VPS Avenger

Vengeance-Sound VPS Avenger

We said: "Totally inspiring, utterly absorbing, ridiculously versatile and sounding phenomenal, VPS Avenger is quite unlike any other synth out there."

Read Vengeance-Sound VPS Avenger review

Page 12 of 15
Page 12 of 15
Toontrack Superior Drummer 3

Toontrack Superior Drummer 3

We said: "As well as taking the dazzling acoustic kit realism for which Superior Drummer has always been known to new heights, creative features like Pitch FX, sample import and Stacks give SD3 serious potential in the electronic music arena, too. Superior indeed, Toontrack’s masterpiece is one of the highlights of our software year."  

Read Toontrack Superior Drummer 3 review

Page 13 of 15
Page 13 of 15
u-he Repro-1

u-he Repro-1

We said: "A far more straightforward and lightweight proposition than its stablemate Diva, Repro-1 is a delicious slice of synth history in perfectly realised plugin form."

Read u-he Repro-1 review

Page 14 of 15
Page 14 of 15
Winner: KV331 Audio SynthMaster One

Winner: KV331 Audio SynthMaster One

We said: "With dual wavetable oscillators, stunning filters and fast-paced interface, SynthMaster One sounds fantastic and stays out of your way while you work!"

Read KV331 Audio SynthMaster One review

Page 15 of 15
Page 15 of 15
MusicRadar
MusicRadar
Social Links Navigation

MusicRadar is the number one website for music-makers of all kinds, be they guitarists, drummers, keyboard players, DJs or producers...

GEAR: We help musicians find the best gear with top-ranking gear round-ups and high-quality, authoritative reviews by a wide team of highly experienced experts. TIPS: We also provide tuition, from bite-sized tips to advanced work-outs and guidance from recognised musicians and stars. STARS: We talk to musicians and stars about their creative processes, and the nuts and bolts of their gear and technique. We give fans an insight into the craft of music-making that no other music website can.
More about tech
IK Multimedia iRig Stream Mic Pro in home studio setup

IK Multimedia iRig Stream Mic Pro review

Nopia

People are going crazy for Nopia, the MIDI chord generator prototype that’s racked up 2.6m video views in 8 days

Latest
TC Electronic Mini Infinite Sample Sustainer

TC Electronic unveils the Infinite Mini Sample Sustainer – a mini-sized version of the John Mayer pedalboard fave

See more latest ►
Most Popular
DOD/DigiTech assembles a formidable lineup of guitar effects designing talent for new R&D team

By Jonathan Horsley26 May 2023

Kirk Hammett: "My favourite version of Greeny is probably the Epiphone"

By Rob Laing26 May 2023

The 1977 Rainbow gig when Ritchie Blackmore played one of his greatest performances – after two long nights in a police cell

By Rob Laing25 May 2023

Show Us Your Studio: Share your home studio and get featured on MusicRadar

By MusicRadar25 May 2023

Sophie Lloyd becomes the first Kiesel Guitars female signature artist with the SL6

By Rob Laing25 May 2023

Dr. Sample becomes Mr. Sample as Blezz Beats recreates the 'holy grail of lo-fi beatmaking' in a sampler plugin

By Matt Mullen25 May 2023

Steinberg’s Dorico 5 improves the music notation software’s playback and note input features, and the free desktop and iPad versions have been updated, too

By Ben Rogerson25 May 2023

Steve Albini recalls the secrecy around the Nirvana In Utero sessions: "I had to do everything I could to keep it under wraps to make sure that we didn’t get overrun by fans and the added nonsense"

By Rob Laing25 May 2023

Guitarist creates a string-picking robot

By Rob Laing25 May 2023

Foo Fighters make live return with new drummer Josh Freese, unveil new song and pay tribute to Taylor Hawkins

By Stuart Williams25 May 2023

7 of the best immersive audio plugins

By Andy Price25 May 2023

  1. Josh Freese
    1
    5 songs featuring Josh Freese on drums (that you might not know were him)
  2. 2
    Steve Albini recalls the secrecy around the Nirvana In Utero sessions: "I had to do everything I could to keep it under wraps to make sure that we didn’t get overrun by fans and the added nonsense"
  3. 3
    Watch: the time Josh Freese sat in on drums for Blink-182 at Warped Tour ’99
  4. 4
    The 6 non-album Noel Gallagher Oasis songs you need to hear (that aren't on The Masterplan)
  5. 5
    Kirk Hammett: "My favourite version of Greeny is probably the Epiphone"
  1. When Travis Barker couldn't play, four drummers on the line-up stepped up, including the new Foo Fighters member
    1
    Watch: the time Josh Freese sat in on drums for Blink-182 at Warped Tour ’99
  2. 2
    5 songs featuring Josh Freese on drums (that you might not know were him)
  3. 3
    Dave Matthews explains how Robert Fripp inspired his hit song Satellite and developed the guitar's role in his writing
  4. 4
    Kirk Hammett: "My favourite version of Greeny is probably the Epiphone"
  5. 5
    Steve Albini recalls the secrecy around the Nirvana In Utero sessions: "I had to do everything I could to keep it under wraps to make sure that we didn’t get overrun by fans and the added nonsense"

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.