In 2024, some of the music industry’s most renowned artists, producers, and sound engineers shared their go-to plugins, giving us a glimpse into the tools shaping their signature sounds. This curated list brings together recommendations from celebrated names such as Bonobo, Four Tet, Jack Antonoff (known for his work with Bleachers, Taylor Swift, and Lana Del Rey), A.G. Cook (Charli XCX), and Kenny Beats (IDLES). These artists and producers, who continually redefine music across genres, highlight the cutting-edge software that enhances their creative processes.
The episode’s gear mentions include a diverse range of tools, each serving a unique purpose in sound design and music production. Standouts like Oeksound Soothe and Soundtoys Little AlterBoy offer unparalleled control for shaping audio dynamics and pitch, while Native Instruments’ Razor and Reaktor provide robust options for crafting intricate synth sounds. Plugins such as Arturia’s DX-7 and Sonic Charge’s Synplant 2 highlight innovative approaches to synthesis, while tools like TB Reelbus and ElastiquePitch 2 focus on adding warmth and pitch manipulation. For vocal effects, Izotope VocalSynth and Waves Morphoder are among the top picks, delivering transformative textures and robotic modulations. With recommendations from industry leaders, this list serves as an essential guide for music creators seeking to elevate their sound in 2024.