My Top Sound Design Plugins (2025 Update)

Hi there! If you want to learn about sound design, you’re in the right place. Today, I will share my most used sound design plugins, sorted by category. These plugins are what I use every day as a sound designer. Let’s dive in!

1. Dynamics

In the dynamics category, I focus on three main types of plugins.

• • Volume Control: I often adjust the volume directly in Reaper on a track. If not, I will insert a gain plugin to boost or lower volume.

• • Compressors: I usually use multi-band compressors. My favorites are:
    • OTT: This plugin is well-known for its upward and downward compression.
    • Squash by Minimal Audio: This one uses an XY pad to control tone and depth.

• • • UberLoud: I like to adjust the mids and lows with this one.
  • Smart Limiter: This plugin helps keep my peaks in check, usually set to -1 dB.

2. EQs

EQs are essential for shaping sound. Here are the ones I use:

• • Neutron EQ: Great for fixing specific frequencies.

• • Soothe 2: This plugin pulls down resonant frequencies, making sounds smoother.

• Kilohearts Filters: I use these for creative purposes, like shaping sounds with LFOs.

3. Distortions

Distortion can add character to sounds. My go-to plugins include:

• • Kilohearts Distortion: It’s free and offers a clean, easy-to-use interface.
  • Shaper Table: This gives me more control over distortion effects.
  • Thermal by Output: I love this one for its many presets.

4. Reverbs

Reverb is used for creative effects and to place sounds in space. Here are my favorites:

• • Kilohearts Reverb: Simple and effective.
  • Raum: Great for creating unique tails.

• Stratus: This convolution reverb is excellent for spatial positioning.

5. Granular Effects

For granular sounds, I use:

• • Portal by Output: It has many presets for unique sound design.

• ArgotLunar: A free option for creating classic granular sounds.

6. Pitch Manipulation

For pitch shifting, my top plugins are:

• Kilohearts Pitch Shifter: Simple and effective.
• Manipulator: Great for formant shifting.
• Little Alter Boy: Good for creative pitch effects.

7. Noise Restoration

For cleaning up sounds, I rely on:

• • RX Plugins: These help with clicks and pops.
  • MRatioMB: A free option that reduces noise and leaves tonal content.

8. Synthesis

For sound synthesis, I frequently use:

• • Phase Plant: A powerful synth with everything you need for sound design.

• Vital: It’s great for creating sci-fi sounds.

9. Low End Enhancers

To enhance the low end, I use:

• • bx_SubSynth: This adds weight to sounds.

• Disperser: Good for adding low end content.
• Enforcer: Great for adding impact to sounds.

10. Transient Designers

For shaping transients, I prefer:

• • Spiff: It adds punch to sounds.

• Kilohearts Transient Shaper: Easy to use for adding punch.

11. Miscellaneous Plugins

Lastly, here are some special plugins I like:

• • ReCenter: This helps position sounds in the stereo field.
  • Infiltrator: A multi-effect plugin for creative sound design.

• • Sound ID Reference: This EQs my room for accurate sound.

That’s it for my go-to sound design plugins! I hope you find this helpful in your sound design journey. If you have any questions or want to share your favorite plugins, feel free to leave a comment below!