Native Instruments (NI) plugins are some of the music industry’s most high-quality and widely used instruments. Since starting the company in Berlin, Germany, in 1996, NI has revolutionized the music production landscape by creating dozens and dozens of digital products.
With so many plugins, it’s hard to pinpoint what is worth getting. We’ve scoured the vast landscape of Native Instruments plugins and handpicked the absolute best 20 that you need to get your hands on right now.
From face-melting synths to mind-bending effects, we’ll break down their unique features and why they stand out. We’ll also cover which genres these plugins excel in and how they can transform your tracks. Get ready to take your music to the next level with the top 20 Native Instruments plugins.
Our Criteria for Selection
To preface, all of NI’s plugins are worth getting. They’re all very high quality and have a multitude of uses. Therefore, we’ve had to set strict criteria for selecting the top 20.
- High-quality sound and audio fidelity.
Each plugin mentioned delivers pristine sound, with exceptional attention to detail in capturing every nuance and expression.
- Versatility and flexibility in different musical genres.
Music production today spans many genres; each artist’s creative vision is unique. That’s why we’ve chosen plugins that can adapt and excel in various musical styles, from electronic dance music to cinematic scoring and everything in between.
- User experience.
We want you to focus on your creativity and avoid getting bogged down by complicated setups. The plugins on our list boast well-designed interfaces, making them easy to use, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner.
- Unique features and innovation.
These are the game-changers, the tools that inspire you to explore new sonic territories and push the boundaries of your music. We aim to provide you with plugins that unleash your creative potential and spark new ideas.
The 20 Best Native Instruments Plugins
1. Kontakt 7
Kontakt is Native Instruments’ flagship software sampler and is the leading industry standard for virtual instruments. Some would say Kontakt is a must-have for all producers.
At its core, Kontakt 7 is a versatile sampler, allowing you to load and manipulate sampled instruments and sounds. The updated version comes with its most extensive factory library, from acoustic and electronic instruments to cinematic and experimental soundscapes.
Standout Qualities
One of the standout qualities of Kontakt 7 is its extensive library and its ability to import third-party libraries. It also offers many sound-shaping tools that give you much control to make custom sounds.
Genre
Kontakt 7 isn’t best suited for one specific genre. Depending on what instruments you load into it, you can make anything from classical and orchestral compositions to electronic, pop, and film scoring. Kontakt 7 seamlessly adapts to various styles, ensuring it remains an indispensable asset in your music production arsenal.
Price
As of the writing of this article, Kontakt 7 is available in different versions, including the full version and an upgrade option for existing Kontakt users. The full version is priced at $299, while the upgrade option is discounted to $99 for registered users of previous Kontakt versions.
Given its extensive features, sound quality, and versatility, Kontakt 7 offers excellent value for its price, making it a worthwhile investment for any serious music producer or composer seeking top-tier virtual instrument capabilities.
2. Massive X
At its core, Massive X is a wavetable synthesizer that gives access to an extensive library of sounds. These synths can be modulated and manipulated to create rich and evolving sounds. Additionally, the redesigned signal flow and modulation allow for complex and intricate sound design possibilities, best for making lush pads and gritty basslines to intricate leads and unique textures.
Standout Qualities
One of Massive X’s standout qualities is its more advanced approach to wavetable manipulation and modulation. Compared to its biggest competitor, Serum, it gives more complex controls to create unique soundscapes.
Genres
It’s difficult to pinpoint the best genre that Massive X excels in. It’s been widely used by EDM artists for its powerful bass capabilities. Simultaneously, its lush pads and evolving textures are ideal for ambient, cinematic, and experimental compositions. It can also be a valuable asset for modern pop, rock, and contemporary classical productions, showcasing its versatility across the musical spectrum.
Price
At the time of writing, Native Instruments Massive X is available as part of the Komplete 13 package or can be purchased separately at $199. For previous owners of the original Massive, NI officers a discounted ‘crossgrade’ option for $149.
3. Battery 4
Battery is a premier drum sampler and electronic percussion powerhouse that has earned its reputation with music producers and beat makers. It offers an extensive array of drum kits in an easy-to-use interface.
At its core, Battery is a versatile drum sampler with an extensive library of meticulously sampled drum kits and percussion instruments. From classic drum machines to acoustic kits and exotic percussion, it has a vast range of sounds that cater to various musical styles and preferences.
Seamlessly integrating with MIDI controllers, this Native Instruments plugin allows for quick and intuitive drum programming, enabling producers to focus on their creative flow
Standout Qualities
One of the standout qualities of Battery is its powerful sound shaping and processing capabilities. Each drum cell within Battery has its own set of insert effects, allowing users to apply individual processing to each drum sound.
Additionally, Battery’s flexible routing options and built-in effects, including EQ, compression, distortion, and more, enable users to create unique and polished drum sounds without needing external plugins.
Genres
Battery is a versatile instrument that finds its place in various genres. It is particularly well-suited for electronic dance music (EDM), where punchy and energetic drum beats are vital in driving the music forward. It also excels in hip-hop and pop productions, where crisp and impactful drum patterns are essential for creating infectious grooves.
Moreover, its extensive library of acoustic drum kits makes it a valuable tool for genres like rock and alternative, providing authentic and realistic drum sounds for traditional music productions.
Price
Native Instruments Battery is available as a standalone product or as part of the Komplete package. The standalone version is $199. If you’re upgrading from Battery 3, NI discounts the plugin to $99.
4. FM8
This Native Instruments plugin is a software synthesizer that pays homage to the classic FM (Frequency Modulation) synthesis technique while taking it to new heights with modern innovations. As a flagship FM synthesizer, FM8 is celebrated for its ability to create rich, complex, and evolving soundscapes through intricate frequency modulation algorithms.
Its powerful six-operator FM synthesis engine is at the core of FM8’s design, allowing users to modulate and combine multiple oscillators to generate a vast array of tones. FM synthesis offers a unique approach to sound design, as it can produce harmonically rich and dynamic timbres that go far beyond what traditional subtractive synthesizers (like Massive X) can achieve.
The innovative Easy Edit Page enables users to control complex FM parameters with a user-friendly interface, making the once daunting FM synthesis more approachable for newcomers and seasoned sound designers.
Standout Qualities
FM8 boasts many unique qualities, but one notable is its versatile sound manipulation capabilities. The Expert and Morph controls offer unparalleled sound shaping possibilities, allowing for real-time morphing between different presets, resulting in seamless transitions and inspiring creative experimentation.
Genres
FM8 is incredibly well-suited for electronic music genres, especially those that demand unique and evolving soundscapes. Its sounds give futuristic, complex synth textures and basslines prevalent in genres like dubstep, drum and bass, and techno. FM8 is also ideal for ambient, experimental, and cinematic music, where its ability to create evolving, otherworldly sounds adds depth and emotion to compositions.
Price
FM8 is available as a standalone product or as part of the Komplete package. The standalone version is priced at $149, or $69 if you’re upgrading from a previous version.
5. Session Guitarist
Native Instruments Session Guitarist sound banks are virtual instruments that deliver an authentic and expressive guitar-playing experience to music producers and composers. Designed to cover a wide range of musical styles and genres, these sound banks offer highly realistic guitar performances, making it easy for users to add lifelike guitar parts to their productions without the need for expensive recording sessions or extensive guitar-playing skills.
Standout Qualities
The critical standout quality of Session Guitarists is their meticulous attention to detail in capturing the nuances of guitar playing. From strumming patterns and picking styles to chord voicings and note articulations, each sound bank is crafted to provide the same level of expression and realism as a professional guitarist.
Using cutting-edge sampling technology ensures that every note and performance maintains its natural feel and dynamic range, allowing users to achieve a level of authenticity that’s difficult to distinguish from actual guitar recordings.
Genres
Session Guitarist caters to different musical needs and styles. For contemporary pop and rock productions, the sound banks deliver crisp and punchy electric guitar tones that add energy and edge to the mix.
The realistic acoustic guitar performances available evoke a warm and intimate atmosphere for acoustic-driven folk or singer-songwriter tracks. Additionally, Session Guitarist sound banks are equally proficient in genres like country, blues, and R&B, ensuring they seamlessly integrate into various musical contexts.
Price
Each specific soundbank varies in price from around $99 to $129 each, depending on the specific edition and features. The Komplete 14 package includes multiple Session Guitarist sound banks and a vast collection of other instruments and effects for users seeking a comprehensive guitar solution.
6. Reaktor 6
This Native Instruments plugin is a modular software synthesizer and sound design tool that creates custom instruments and effects.
At the heart of this Native Instruments plugin, users can drag and connect individual modules to construct custom signal flows. This modular approach allows for creating highly customized synthesizers, sequencers, effects processors, and more, giving users complete control over every aspect of their sound.
Standout Qualities
One of the standout qualities of Reaktor 6 is its ability to explore unconventional and experimental soundscapes. The platform’s openness and modularity encourage sound designers to think outside the box, creating unique and innovative sound design tools not typically found in traditional synthesizers and effects plugins.
Genres
Reaktor 6 is highly versatile but excels in electronic dance music, especially for genres like techno, house, and dubstep. This plugin also has uses in ambient, avant-garde, and experimental music.
Price
Reaktor 6 comes in the Komplete package. The standalone version of $199, and those upgrading from previous releases will pay $99.
7. Guitar Rig 6 Pro
Native Instruments Guitar Rig 6 Pro is a guitar amp and effects simulation software designed to deliver professional-grade guitar tones and effects for studio recording and live performances. With an extensive collection of virtual amps, cabinets, and effects pedals, Guitar Rig 6 Pro offers an all-in-one solution for guitarists, bassists, and producers looking to achieve authentic and versatile guitar sounds quickly.
At its core, Guitar Rig 6 Pro provides an impressive selection of amp models, spanning classic tube amps, modern high-gain monsters, and everything in between. Each amp is meticulously crafted to replicate its real-world counterpart’s distinctive characteristics and nuances, giving users access to various tones suitable for various musical genres and playing styles.
Standout Qualities
Guitar Rig 6 Pro’s standout qualities lie in its vast array of effects pedals and studio-quality rack processors. From delay, reverb, and modulation effects to distortion, overdrive, and wah-wah pedals, it covers all the essential tools guitarists need to sculpt their sound.
The platform’s flexible routing options and the drag-and-drop pedalboard interface make it easy for users to experiment with different signal chains and achieve their desired guitar tone effortlessly.
Genres
Guitar Rig 6 Pro excels in rock and metal productions, providing the high-gain distortion and aggressive tones necessary for these genres. Furthermore, it delivers clean, warm, classic tones suitable for blues, jazz, and country music. The platform’s effects and modulation capabilities make it a valuable asset for electronic and experimental musicians seeking to explore unconventional guitar sounds and textures.
Price
Guitar Rig 6 Pro comes in a standalone version for $199. If you’re updating from a previous version, the price is $99.
8. Komplete Kontrol
Komplete Kontrol is a powerful software and hardware integration system designed to streamline and enhance the creative workflow for music producers, composers, and performers. As the control center for Native Instruments’ extensive Komplete software collection, this plugin provides an intuitive interface that allows you to browse and manipulate their virtual instruments and effects effortlessly.
Standout Qualities
One of the critical features of Komplete Kontrol is its Native Map technology, which automatically assigns the essential parameters of each Komplete instrument to the hardware controller’s knobs and buttons. This intelligent mapping system ensures a consistent and coherent user experience across all instruments, enabling users to dive into the sound design process without manual parameter mapping.
With its integration with the Komplete software ecosystem, Komplete Kontrol grants you instant access to the vast library of high-quality virtual instruments and effects offered by Native Instruments. This includes synthesizers, sampled instruments, drum machines, effects processors, and more, covering various musical genres and styles.
Genres
Komplete Kontrol is incredibly versatile and can be utilized across various musical genres. It’s particularly well-suited for electronic music, where its vast collection of synthesizers and electronic drum machines can create cutting-edge sounds for genres like techno, EDM, and electronica.
Additionally, it caters to contemporary music producers, offering many sampled instruments and virtual pianos that are perfect for pop, hip-hop, and R&B productions. Furthermore, Komplete Kontrol’s orchestral and cinematic instruments make it a valuable asset for composers and producers working on film scores and other soundtrack projects.
Price
As for the price, the cost of Komplete Kontrol varies depending on the specific hardware model and package. The standalone software is FREE, but you may find it more useful when pairing it with hardware like the Komplete Kontrol S-Series MK2 MIDI controller ($699).
Additionally, it’s worth noting that Komplete Kontrol is also available as part of the Komplete 14 package.
9. Traktor Pro 3
Traktor Pro 3 is a leading DJ software that sets the standard for digital mixing and performance in electronic music. At its core, Traktor Pro 3 provides a comprehensive set of mixing tools, including syncable decks, tempo, and key detection, and real-time looping and remixing capabilities.
The software’s advanced waveform display allows for precise track selection and beatmatching, ensuring seamless transitions between songs. Traktor Pro 3 also comes with a powerful set of effects and filters, allowing DJs to add their signature touch to their mixes and create dynamic and engaging performances.
Standout Qualities
One of the standout qualities of Traktor Pro 3 is its exceptional integration with Native Instruments’ hardware controllers, such as the Traktor Kontrol S4. This tight integration offers DJs a hands-on and tactile experience when performing, allowing them to control and manipulate their mixes effortlessly.
Additionally, Traktor Pro 3 supports many third-party controllers, allowing users to choose the setup that best suits their preferences and style.
Genres
Traktor Pro 3 is best suited for electronic dance music genres, where seamless mixing, beatmatching, and creative effects play a central role in driving the dance floor’s energy.
It’s a popular choice among club DJs spinning techno, house, trance, and other electronic genres. Traktor Pro 3’s remixing and looping capabilities make it a valuable tool for DJs performing live mashups and re-edits, adding an extra layer of excitement to their sets.
Price
As for the price, Traktor Pro 3 is available as standalone software or as part of the Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 package. The standalone version of Traktor Pro 3 is typically priced at around $99, while the Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3 package includes the hardware controller and the software at approximately $799.
10. Playbox
This Native Instruments plugin is one of the newest additions to the NI family. It’s touted as a cure for writer’s block overflowing with samples, chord sets, effects, and presets. Packed with over 900 sounds, this tool is excellent for creating new and exciting musical ideas.
Standout Qualities
One standout quality of Playbox is it allows you to play complex harmonies using its “Harmony Engine.” Playbox generates full chords and harmonies by pressing one note, allowing you to improvise musical ideas more easily with MIDI controllers.
It also allows you to layer up wot four sounds and tweak them individually to create exciting soundscapes. With its built-in sequencer, arpeggiator, filter, reverb, distortion, and more, Playbox offers many tools to create unique sounds.
Price
Playbox can be purchased for $199 or through a subscription for $9.99/month.
11. Abbey Road Vintage Drummer
This Native Instruments plugin is a virtual instrument meticulously crafted to capture the iconic sound and vibe of vintage drums from the legendary Abbey Road Studios. Developed in collaboration with Abbey Road Studios, this software instrument offers a comprehensive collection of sampled drum kits and classic drum machines, giving users access to authentic vintage drum sounds from the golden era of music production.
At its core, Abbey Road Vintage Drummer features meticulously recorded samples with state-of-the-art equipment at Abbey Road Studios. From the warm and punchy tones of the 1960s to the bold and expressive sounds of the 1970s, this virtual instrument covers a variety of drumming styles and genres.
The included mixer section and studio-grade effects allow for further sound shaping and customization, providing users with the tools to recreate the authentic sound of iconic drum recordings.
Standout Qualities
One of the standout qualities of Abbey Road Vintage Drummer is its intuitive interface and user-friendly controls. The instrument’s Groove Engine enables users to quickly find and audition authentic drum patterns and grooves, making it easy to add realistic and dynamic drumming to their productions.
Additionally, the built-in Pattern Select and Step Sequencer feature offer flexibility in creating custom beats and rhythms, making it an ideal tool for beginners and experienced producers.
Genres
Abbey Road Vintage Drummer is best suited for various musical genres that benefit from vintage drums’ classic and timeless sound. It excels in genres like rock, pop, soul, funk, and blues, where vintage drum kits’ warm and organic textures can add depth and character to the music.
It’s also a valuable tool for retro and vintage-inspired productions, providing authentic drum machine sounds perfect for electronic music genres such as synthwave, chillwave, and lo-fi hip-hop.
Price
This Native Instruments plugin can be acquired for as low as $99. It is also available in the Komplete package.
12. Alicia’s Keys
This Native Instruments plugin is a virtual piano instrument from a collaboration between NI and the acclaimed artist Alicia Keys. This software instrument is meticulously sampled from Alicia Keys’ vintage Yamaha C3 Neo grand piano, capturing this iconic instrument’s soulful and warm tones.
With its expressive dynamics and stunning realism, Alicia’s Keys offers musicians and producers a powerful tool for adding beautiful and emotive piano sounds to their music productions.
Standout Qualities
At its core, Alicia’s Keys features an extensive collection of samples recorded at various velocity levels, ensuring an authentic playing experience that captures every nuance of Alicia Keys’ playing style.
The software’s advanced scripting and modeling technology goes beyond simple sample playback, providing users with expressive control over dynamics, pedal behavior, and resonance, making the virtual piano come alive with musical character.
Genres
One of the standout qualities of Alicia’s Keys is its versatility across different musical genres. It excels in soul, R&B, and neo-soul genres, capturing the signature sound of Alicia Keys’ piano in her music. However, its expressive and intimate qualities make it a perfect choice for various other genres, including pop, ballads, jazz, and singer-songwriter compositions.
Price
This plugin comes as a part of the Komplete package but can be purchased separately for $99.
13. Session Strings
Session Strings sound banks are a series of virtual instrument collections that deliver realistic and expressive string ensemble sounds for music producers and composers. It provides musicians with a versatile and professional-grade string section that can add depth, emotion, and authenticity to their music productions.
Its meticulously sampled string ensembles are at the heart of Session Strings, ranging from small chamber groups to full-sized orchestras. The samples capture the nuances of each string instrument, including violins, violas, cellos, and basses, allowing for expressive and dynamic performances.
The software’s intelligent scripting and performance features ensure that the strings respond to the user’s playing style and articulations, providing a level of realism essential for convincing string arrangements.
Standout Qualities
Each Session Strings sound bank comes with an extensive collection of pre-configured ensemble presets that cater to different musical styles, making it easy for users to get started and create convincing string parts with minimal effort. Additionally, the intuitive control features allow users to adjust parameters like attack, release, dynamics, and expression, providing further control over the sound and articulations of the strings.
Genres
Session Strings is incredibly versatile and suited for various musical genres. It excels in classical and orchestral compositions, providing a string section’s traditional and lush sound. However, its expressive and modern capabilities make it equally fitting for contemporary genres like pop, R&B, and film scores, where strings commonly evoke emotion and add a cinematic touch to the music.
Price
Each soundbank costs about $99 with a discounted $49 for those upgrading from previous versions.
14. The Gentleman
This Native Instruments plugin is a virtual piano that captures a classical upright piano’s warm, intimate, and expressive sound. This instrument gives a rich and resonant tone that reflects the character of a vintage upright piano.
At its heart, every nuance and detail of its sound is captured. The instrument’s advanced scripting and modeling technology goes beyond simple sample playback, providing you with expressive control over the piano’s dynamics, pedal behavior, and resonance.
This attention to detail ensures that each note played on The Gentleman feels alive and responsive, making it a joy to perform and a valuable tool for achieving authentic piano arrangements.
Standout Qualities
The Gentleman’s interface is intuitive and user-friendly, featuring easily accessible controls for adjusting dynamics, tone, and other piano parameters. It comes with a range of presets that cater to different playing styles and musical genres, making it a convenient option for users who want a quick and inspiring piano sound.
However, The Gentleman’s deep sound-shaping capabilities and expressive performance features also allow for more detailed customization, allowing users to fine-tune the piano sound to suit their creative vision.
Genres
The Gentleman excels in jazz, blues, and singer-songwriter styles, where its warm and soulful character shines, adding a touch of nostalgia and emotion to the music. Additionally, it’s equally well-suited for classical and contemporary compositions, providing a unique and characterful piano sound that stands out in a mix.
The Gentleman’s ability to deliver delicate and expressive performances makes it a valuable asset for ballads, cinematic compositions, and any music requiring an intimate piano sound.
Price
This Native Instruments plugin comes with the Komplete package but can be purchased standalone for $99.
15. Scarbee Rickenbacker Bass
Native Instruments Scarbee Rickenbacker Bass is a virtual instrument that meticulously recreates the iconic sound of the Rickenbacker 4003 bass guitar. Developed in collaboration with renowned bassist and sampling expert Thomas Scarbee, this software instrument offers a highly realistic and expressive representation of the classic Rickenbacker bass.
Standout Qualities
The interface of Scarbee Rickenbacker Bass is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, providing quick access to essential controls for shaping the bass sound. The instrument also has various playing techniques, including fingered, muted, and slap articulations, allowing for authentic and expressive performances.
Whether you’re a bassist looking for a reliable practice and recording tool or a music producer searching for top-notch bass tracks, Scarbee Rickenbacker Bass delivers high-quality and authentic sound that elevates your music productions.
Genres
Scarbee Rickenbacker Bass is versatile across different musical genres. It excels in rock, pop, and alternative music, where the bright and punchy sound of the Rickenbacker bass can cut through a mix and add depth to the low end. It’s also well-suited for funk, soul, and R&B, where the instrument’s rich and warm tones can lay a solid foundation for groovy basslines.
Price
This Native Instruments plugin comes with the Komplete package but can be purchased standalone for $99.
16. Pharlight
Pharlight brings a revolutionary approach to music creation and sound design. This software instrument combines granular synthesis, motion-based sound generation, and intuitive controls to provide a limitless sonic playground. With Pharlight, you can go beyond the boundaries of traditional synthesis.
Standout Qualities
At its core, Pharlight utilizes granular synthesis, a technique that breaks down audio into tiny grains and allows for intricate manipulation of sound textures and timbres. However, what sets Pharlight apart is its innovative Motion Engine, which introduces a dynamic and organic element to sound creation.
The Motion Engine lets users add movement and modulation to their sounds, resulting in evolving and evolving textures that respond to the user’s playing or sequencing in real time.
Genres
Pharlight is incredibly versatile and can be utilized across various musical genres. It excels in electronic and experimental music, where its unique and evolving sounds can add depth and complexity to compositions. It’s also well-suited for film and game sound design, providing users with the tools to create immersive and dynamic soundscapes that enhance storytelling and evoke emotions.
Price
This Native Instruments plugin comes with the Komplete package but can be purchased standalone for $199.
17. Prism
At its core, Prism is a synthesizer that utilizes additive synthesis, a method that combines individual sine wave oscillators to create rich and harmonic timbres. However, what makes Prism truly special is its ability to blend these additive sounds with traditional subtractive synthesis elements, allowing users to sculpt and shape their sounds with familiar filters, modulation, and envelopes.
Standout Qualities
One of the standout qualities of Prism is its intuitive and visually-oriented interface. The software provides a clear and straightforward representation of additive synthesis parameters, making it easy for users to understand and manipulate their sounds.
The built-in Animator feature enables users to add movement and modulation to their sounds, resulting in dynamic and expressive textures that respond to the user’s playing or sequencing in real time.
Genres
Prism is highly versatile and can be utilized across various musical genres. It excels in ambient, experimental, and electronic music, where its ability to create complex and evolving textures can add depth and emotion to compositions.
Prism is also well-suited for film and game sound design, offering a vast array of expressive and cinematic sounds that enhance storytelling and create immersive audio experiences.
Price
This Native Instruments plugin comes with the Komplete package but can be purchased standalone for $69 or $49 if upgrading from a previous version.
18. Retro Machines
This Native Instruments plugin is a software instrument that pays homage to the iconic sounds of vintage synthesizers and drum machines. This virtual instrument offers a collection of classic analog and digital synth sounds and vintage drum kits, providing musicians and producers with a treasure trove of retro-inspired tones from the past.
Standout Qualities
Retro Machines is a simple Native Instruments plugin, but what makes it stand out is its ability to be your one-stop-shop for vintage sounds. Instead of trying to peruse Splice libraries or your other VST presets for sounds that capture this vibe, Retro Machines can live in your mind as your go-to for these soundscapes.
Genres
Retro Machines excels in electronic music, where the vintage synth sounds can add a touch of nostalgia and authenticity to contemporary productions. Retro Machines’ classic drum kits are also perfect for genres like synthwave, retrowave, and other retro-inspired styles, where the lo-fi and characterful drum sounds are highly sought after.
Price
This Native Instruments plugin comes with the Komplete package but can be purchased standalone for $69.
19. Replika
Replika is a delay effect with three distinct algorithms: Modern, Vintage, and Diffusion. The Modern mode offers clear and pristine delay tones, perfect for enhancing vocals and instruments or adding space to the mix. The Vintage mode emulates the warmth and character of classic hardware delays, ideal for achieving retro and tape-like effects.
Standout Qualities
One of the standout qualities of Replika is its versatile modulation options. The plugin’s modulation controls enable users to add movement and dynamic fluctuations to the delay effects, resulting in evolving and expressive sounds. The ducking feature also allows for intelligent volume ducking, ensuring that the delay effect doesn’t overpower the original signal, making it ideal for creating clear and intelligible mixes.
Genres
Replika excels in electronic music, where the rhythmic and modulated delay effects can add depth and excitement to synths, drums, and other elements. It is also popular in ambient and cinematic music, where its lush and atmospheric delays can create immersive soundscapes.
Moreover, Replika is a valuable tool in production and mixing across various genres, as its versatile delay effects can add a professional touch to vocals, guitars, and other instruments.
Price
This Native Instruments plugin comes with the Komplete package but can be purchased standalone for $49.
20. Komplete 14 (Software Bundle)
Last but not least, Native Instruments Komplete 14 is the motherload of effects, samples, and sound libraries. This all-in-one package is a powerhouse for music producers, composers, and sound designers, providing them with creative tools to elevate their music productions to new heights. Komplete 14 is a one-stop solution for all music production needs.
Komplete comes in four different options/packages. Komplete Standard includes 87 instruments and effects and adds 39 expansions. In total, giving you 40,000+ sounds
Komplete Ultimate has everything in the Standard tier with added cinematic and orchestral libraries. In addition, they’ve added 62 bundles totaling over 80,000 sounds.
Komplete Collector’s Edition is a new offering for professional movie scorers, composers, and sound designers. In addition to everything in the previous Komplete packages, this package includes plugins like CHOIR: OMNIA LORES, Knif Audio Knifonium, bx_console Focusrite SC, Ozone 10 Standard, and more.
Price
This monster package doesn’t come cheap, unfortunately. But it’s a bargain compared to buying everything individually.
- Komplete 14 Standard – $599 ($199 Update)
- Komplete 14 Ultimate – $1,199 ($399 Update)
- Komplete 14 Collector’s Edition – $1,799 ($499 Update)
Final Thoughts on The Only 20 NI Plugins Worth Getting
Native Instruments offers an impressive array of creative and professional tools for music producers and composers. Now that you know the best 20 Native Instruments plugins worth getting, consider the following steps:
Conduct further research and exploration. Take the time to visit the official Native Instruments website and delve into the individual plugin pages. Read user reviews to gain insights from fellow musicians using the plugins in their productions.
Watch video demonstrations and listen to audio examples to better understand each plugin’s capabilities and how they can complement your musical style.
Secondly, prioritize based on your needs. Consider the specific musical goals you have in mind and the genres of music you produce. Are you seeking powerful synthesizers, realistic virtual instruments, creative effects, or precise mixing tools? By narrowing down the list of plugins based on your requirements, you can focus on the ones that best cater to your specific needs and artistic vision.
Remember that music production is a journey of constant learning and growth, and choosing the right plugins can play a pivotal role in shaping your sound and creative output. So, invest time in exploring and understanding each plugin’s potential, and don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things.
Happy producing!

