← Back to ProducerVault
Recommended Tools
14 tools curated from the tips in our database — gear and plugins mentioned most by working producers.
Disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, ProducerVault earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only list tools that genuinely appear in the tutorials we index.
Plugins & Effects
Plugin Boutique
FabFilter Pro-Q 3
The industry-standard EQ plugin
Dynamic EQ, mid/side processing, spectrum analyser, and zero-latency mode in one plugin.
View deal
Plugin Boutique
FabFilter Pro-C 2
Transparent and musical compressor
Eight compression styles from clean to punchy — used on virtually every professional mix.
View deal
Plugin Boutique
FabFilter Pro-R 2
Natural, musical reverb
Room, hall, plate and more — with an EQ built in so you never need to add one after.
View deal
Plugin BoutiqueMost popular
Serum
The definitive wavetable synthesiser
The go-to soft synth for EDM, bass music and sound design. Huge preset library and active community.
View deal
Plugin BoutiqueFree tier
Vital
Free spectral wavetable synth
A powerful Serum alternative with a free tier. Spectral morphing, MPE, and a beautiful interface.
View deal
Plugin Boutique
iZotope Ozone 11
AI-assisted mastering suite
Complete mastering chain — limiter, EQ, imager, exciter — with AI Mastering Assistant.
View deal
Plugin Boutique
iZotope Neutron 4
Smart mixing assistant
Mix Assistant analyses your tracks and suggests starting points. EQ, compressor, transient shaper in one.
View deal
Plugin BoutiqueBest value
Valhalla VintageVerb
Classic algorithmic reverb
Warm, characterful reverbs modelled on legendary hardware units. $50 and used everywhere.
View deal
Plugin Boutique
XLN Audio RC-20 Retro Color
Vintage lo-fi texture and noise
Adds wobble, noise, distortion and bit-crushing to any sound. Essential for lo-fi and vintage aesthetics.
View deal
Samples & Subscriptions
Studio Gear
AmazonStudio classic
Sony MDR-7506
Industry-standard studio headphones
Used in studios worldwide for 30+ years. Flat, accurate response ideal for mixing and recording.
View deal
Amazon
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
Closed-back reference headphones
Excellent isolation and bass response — great for tracking and late-night mixing without monitors.
View deal
AmazonBest starter
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
Best-selling USB audio interface
Clean preamps, USB-C, and solid drivers. The default recommendation for anyone starting out.
View deal
Amazon
Arturia MiniLab 3
Compact MIDI controller + software bundle
Comes bundled with Arturia plugins and Ableton Live Lite. Great value for the price.
View deal