So I've wanted to make a blogpost about this for a while now, let's get into it :
- Korg M1 : let's be real, it came out in 1988 and the presets are so recognizable you can pretty much exclusively use this VST and write a whole song with it. From house, to jazz, to ambience, I have yet to find the versatility in another VST. Definitely my favorite of all time.
- NI Massive : Native Instruments is known for Kontakt, but Massive is pretty much unrivaled in the lead & bass category. Its timbres are unmatched and the technology is pretty impressive, being digital yet having an analog sheen to it, it's like a beefier version of the Korg Wavestation. If you like making techno and house, you NEED Massive.
- u-He Diva : the analog emulation king. Don't have the tools for 80s-sounding music ? Diva is here for you. This VST is present in pretty much every retro-themed song I've written, it's just too good and I love the fake warmth to it. Really modular, straightforward and the interface doesn't burn your eyes. For info, Diva is the Zebra's successor.
- Dexed : now how could I miss Dexed ? The best Yamaha DX7 emulator ? The bass preset used in the majority of 80s dance songs ? The beautiful electric piano sound ? If you crave warmth, there's plenty of it in this VST. It sounds sharp, edgy and really electronic. And you want to know what the best thing about this VST is ? It accepts real patches and presets from the 80s, I'll upload the directory for you to use!
- Korg ARP Odyssey : first released in 1972, this synth is the beginning of the musical space age. Herbie Hancock, ABBA, Jean-Michel Jarre, Yellow Magic Orchestra...so many pioneers used this magical piece of equipment to innovate and push the boundaries of music forward. It's pretty much a Minimoog, but less complicated, having only two oscillators that you can mess around with.
And that's about it !