The trap genre is highly dynamic and requires specific plugins to match the contemporary sound. Hence, let’s check out the top 10 plugins for trap music & rage beats in 2023.
Hip-hop & Rap are some of the most widely recognized genres of music in the modern era of music that we experience today. Whether it’s Fetty Wap’s “trap queen” or Lil Uzi Vert’s “XO Tour lLIF3”, trap music has earned an admirable reputation through its creative sound design and genius use of DAWs and plugins.
Native to southern parts of the USA and infused with EDM sounds, the transition of trap music into mainstream media success in recent decades has become unstoppable.
Since you’ve read a little about trap music, you will learn about plugins with various drums, synth bass, sub–bass, and trap sound libraries in this article. Now let’s focus on the following list:
Top 10 plugins For Trap Music 2023
1. United Plugins TrapTune
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
When it comes to vocal processing, United Plug-Ins has you covered with specialized Trap instrument.
SounDevice Digital’s TrapTune is a pitch-correction plug-in including distortion, doubling, pitch-shifting, and delay/reverb effects recently released by United Plugins. Trap, Hip-hop, EDM, R&B, and modern pop will benefit greatly from the TrapTune effect, as these genres rely heavily on strong vocal tuning effects to create their distinctive sound.
Key Features:
- Tune In Section
Plug-in pitch correction controls are accessible via a “Tune In” section at the top of the user interface, where users can select the key they are currently working in via a drop-down menu.
You can adjust the amount of correction applied via the Speed and Style parameters once the massive Trap Tune Intensity knob is adjusted, with results ranging from minor correction to strong tuning effects with noticeable artifacts. The Transpose knob allows for +/- 12 semitones of pitch shifting, while the Formant Shift knob allows for pitch- and time-independent timbre adjustments to a vocal. - Second Voice
This section lets you activate and layer a second voice, which can be either unison or an octave up or down. The volume knob allows you to mix the harmonies with the original vocal while fine-tuning the semitones. It’s a simple effect, but it can give any vocal a little more depth in no time.
Since its initial release, this has been updated to use the same key as the Tune In module. Located on the right is a toggle for the massive-sounding Stereo Voice effect, providing a sudden and impressively wide stereo field. Use caution, or think about using it on a duplicated track, because it degrades the signal when folded to mono and causes phase dissonance. - Plate Reverb
After that, you can adjust the plate reverb’s Dry/Wet, Decay, Size, and Duck knobs. It sounds smooth and performs well as a vocal reverb, which is a pleasant surprise considering the few parameters available. You can use the low-pass filter toggle to produce a more subdued tone. - Tape Delay
Along with reverb, a simple tape delay model is provided, complete with tempo-synced timing options, Dry/Wet, Feedback, and Duck knobs for effective depth enhancement. At the very end, you’ll find a Hi Pass switch that cuts off frequencies below 100Hz, along with volume and output settings and meters.
Compatibility:
This plugin is available for macOS 10.10 or higher (64-bit only) and Windows 8 or higher (64-bit only). It comes in VST/RTAS/AU/AAX formats and supports 32 and 64 bit systems.
Summary:
TrapTune, despite a few minor flaws, is a user-friendly and adaptable vocal FX strip that can instantly make your vocals sound more lively and radio-ready.
It’s a good option if you need something fast and imaginative, but it will only eliminate the need for more involved work like equalization and compression, and it might even make you less reliant on other pitch and effects plug-ins in your arsenal. Instead, you can go to town on the pitch, distortion, and reverb to give your background vocals some personality.
2. EVAbeat Melody Sauce 2 NEW*
More Info & Price (7-Day Money Back Guarantee)
Or Buy Here (Support Integraudio)
Melody Sauce 2 is a software plugin designed to help music producers create melodies and chord progressions quickly and easily.
The plugin uses advanced algorithms to generate various melodic patterns and chord progressions based on your input and settings. You can choose from various musical scales and modes and adjust parameters such as the rhythm, density, and complexity of the generated melodies.
Key Features:
- Customizable melody generation
You can customize various parameters to generate melodies that match their desired musical style and sound. You can choose from various musical scales and modes and adjust parameters such as the rhythm, density, and complexity of the generated melodies. - Pads-based interface
Melody Sauce 2’s pads-based interface is designed to provide an intuitive and easy-to-use way for music producers to generate and preview melodies and chord progressions. The interface consists of a grid of pads, each representing a chord or note in the selected musical scale. - Chord progression generator
Melody Sauce 2 includes a chord progression generator to help users create chord progressions that match the melody. You can choose from various chord types and progressions and customize the chord voicings and inversions. - MIDI output
The plugin generates MIDI output, meaning you can control any instrument or virtual instrument within your DAW. This allows further customization and manipulation of the generated melodies and chord progressions. - Export to WAV or MIDI
You can export the generated melodies and chord progressions as WAV or MIDI files, which can be further edited and manipulated in other software or used in other projects. - AI-powered
Melody Sauce 2 uses AI-powered technology to generate melodies and chord progressions that are musically coherent and stylistically appropriate. The plugin’s AI algorithm analyzes the user’s input and creates new musical phrases that match the selected key, scale, and rhythm. - Flexible workflow
The plugin has buttons like Simple/Complex and Speed controls, so the “Simple” button generates more straightforward melodies. In contrast, the “Complex” button generates more intricate and complex melodies with more ornamentation and variations.
In addition, Melody Sauce 2 includes a “Speed” control that allows the user to adjust the speed of the generated melodies and chord progressions. The “Speed” control offers three different speed settings – “Slow,” “Medium,” and “Fast” – which affect the rhythm and timing of the generated content.
Compatibility:
Melody Sauce 2 is a VST/AU plugin compatible with most major digital audio workstations (DAWs), including Ableton Live, FL Studio, and Logic Pro X. The plugin can be used on both Windows and macOS operating systems and supports a wide range of plugin formats.
Summary:
Melody Sauce 2 is an AI-powered software plugin designed to help producers quickly and easily generate melodies and chord progressions that match their desired musical style and sound. The plugin features a pads-based interface that is intuitive and easy to use and includes various customizable parameters such as rhythm, complexity, and density.
3. Native Instruments Battery 4
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
Use NI battery 4 for a thrilling drum machine experience with sound design settings that will help create quality trap beats.
NI Battery 4 has features that range from sampling to sound design tools like EQ, compression with side-chain, and more, along with the elements of a traditional drum machine.
With the sampler in this plugin, functions like pitch shifting, LFO, reverse, and panning have become easier to access. You can also rearrange the order of the effects & routing according to your will with a simple drag&drop feature. Assign cells to your instruments for midi use. Furthermore, you can chop & tune your samples in the latest version.
Key Features:
- Vast Library
This plugin does the job for you as a modern-era trap producer with hip-hop to modern EDM sounds. Its sound library has 143 kits and many individual sounds & effects available for download with the plugin. You can also build your kits and save them, and the pads/cells get rendered quickly. - Well-Equipped Engine
The plugin provides you with a BUS compressor, a transient master to shape your high frequencies, filters & an in-built EQ with shelving, distortion/saturation, a single-knob compressor, LFO, and pitch shift with vintage and modern filters. You read that right; this plugin works close to a mini DAW, which is very handy for a producer for quick detailed sound design. - Drum Sampling
NI Battery 4 has a helpful sampler with 7 sample modes that help you input sounds from the inbuilt library & your DAW library; you can use each cell/pad like a mini sampler. Time stretching features & the editor window come in handy for a producer looking to experiment with modern trap sounds. - Built-in Audio Effects
The plugin provides you with essential sound design tools that affect each drum cell (drum pads). Battery 4 helps you as a user to mix your desired sounds within just one track without the hassle of mixing each drum sound individually through other plugins in your main DAW. - User-Friendly
The plugin layout looks complicated at first glance, but it is simple for beginners with easy routing features like drag&drop and BUS systems. Still, it also has advanced features that allow you to get technical with your desired usage. With tabs, namely ‘main, effects, modulation, setup, editor, and master.’ Each tab has its features & sound design tools to shape your sound.
Compatibility:
The plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.12 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in standalone, VST 2/3, and AAX formats.
Summary:
Battery 4 provides many features making it look tricky, but it is easy to use once you get the hang of it. You can create kits, make beats, produce samples and new sounds using 143-kits and many individual sounds.
Using the plugin controls, you can shape your sound, mix your drums/samples directly through the plugin, and further process it in your DAW for higher-quality sound.
Related Reading:
Top 9 Drum Machine Plugins (And Groovebox Plugins)
4. UJAM Beatmaker GLORY
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
Consider using GLORY for an easy way to detailed beat-making and quality sounds; it’s all about the patterns.
The relatively new plugin GLORY has come to play its role in trap music with multiple features and settings. The plugin gives you enough buttons and settings for all your hi–hats, 808s, kicks, and much more.
UJAM’s beatmaker series comes with nine plugins, GLORY is similar to HUSTLE and KANDY, but GLORY, on the other hand, has higher quality sounds. It is specialized for mainstream trap production. While the other eight beatmaker plugins have their specialties, GLORY focuses on trap beats as its primary genre.
Key Features:
- Drum Patterns:
Twenty-three drum patterns that are ready-made, partnered with 20 styles of beats, this plugin leaves you with around 460 drum patterns. On top of that, it comes with ten drum kits with 16 instruments that you can change and mix as and when needed. Not only will you be able to use these pre-made patterns, but you can also draw new drum beats through your DAW. This feature will give you unlimited opportunities to create authentic trap beats and also innovate new beats. - Mix Modes:
Ujam provides you with 12 mix modes, ranging from subtle to extreme effects. These effects have unique sounds, and you can adjust the intensity of the effect through the Amount and Beat Intensity slider. You can also change the sound through the Master section with four knobs (Sweep, Saturate, Maximise, Ambience). - Tuning:
With this feature, you can tune your instruments, 808s and kick drums, and more according to the key of your song. There is also a separate pitch shift knob in the mixing console for detuning along with decay options. Besides, you can also draw the 808/drum patterns in your DAW to fit the right key separately. - Easy Access Controls:
With features such as drag&drop, you can drag sounds and patterns onto your DAW. You can also do the same by drawing directly on your DAW through MIDI or just the sequencer. The plugin provides you with the option to use built-in mixing tools through the master console. You can also hit the Individual knob in the middle to process your instruments through other plugins. Under the style area, you have separate sections for verses, choruses, specials, and stops of a song, which helps organize your patterns and sounds effortlessly.
Compatibility:
GLORY is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.12 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST 2/3, AU, and AAX formats.
Summary:
Trap music is a beat-heavy genre with intricate high-hat and bass patterns with multiple sounds playing in coordination. And to create these complicated beats, UJAM BEATMAKER GLORY gives you all the right tools. 60 presets and 20 styles, 10drum kits with 460 pre-made patterns, MIDI controls, and emphasis on bass tuning.
And also individual sound mixing options with quality-sounding beats. Glory is simple to use, great for trap beat-making, quick with its functions and has enough space for multiple hi-hats, 808s, punchy kicks, and much more.
Related Reading:
Top 7 Trap Music Kontakt Libraries (And Best Lo-Fi Kontakt Library)
5. FAW SubLab XL (Bass & Sub Bass Instrument)
SubLab XL is a bass and 808 instrument by FAW.
The original SubLab was a creative software instrument designed specifically for creating deep bass sounds and 808s. It featured the innovative X-Sub technology by FAW, which guaranteed sub integrity on all sound systems. The XL version includes many more features and fresher sounds.
Key Features:
- Synth engine
The beauty of SubLab lies in its split into three different engines. The synth engine is where you get to design the bulk of the bass sound. You can choose between sinewave, triangle, square, saw, and the new super oscillator. Once you’ve selected the sound shape of your choice, you can set the pitch and detune your sound. As a result, you can achieve subtle and deep bass sounds or buzzy and supersaws with great ease. The super oscillator is an excellent addition to SubLab, and it’s great for creating buzzy sounds with a deep low end. - Sample engine
The sample engine is where you can load different samples to handle the sound’s transient. You can load a kick drum or any other punchy sound that will be the transient of your 808. Additionally, you can choose to sidechain the synth engine to the sample engine so that the transient comes through loud and clear. - X-Sub
The main appeal of SubLab is X-Sub, the psychoacoustic synth engine that guarantees the integrity of your sub bass no matter what playback system it’s heard on. It basically adds a consistent sublayer underneath your bass sound. Of course, you can adjust how much of it you wish to add, but overall it’s very balanced and can help your bass sound stand out and hit hard anywhere, from earbuds and laptop speakers to club sound systems. - Effects and modulation
SubLab offers a few different tools for sound design. You get one LFO that can be assigned to two parameters simultaneously. It can be synced to your host’s BPM or run in Hz and has sine, square, saw, triangle, and noise shapes. Furthermore, there is a filter, perfect for sculpting your high end and boosting your low end with the right amount of resonance. Finally, you get access to new effects, like the waveshaper, which comes with sine fold and linear fold options. This is perfect for creating interesting harmonics on your bass sound so that it cuts through the mix. There are also tape distortion effects with hiss and wobble controls and a bit crusher with decimation and bit mode controls. - Macros
Another great new feature of SubLab XL is the macros. You get two macros that you can assign to various parameters. Once done, you can use a single knob to modulate multiple parameters. This is a great way to turn a basic 808 into something unique and original that suits your music. There is also a captivating macro window with excellent graphics that represent the way the macro behaves with the bass sound.
Compatibility:
SubLab XL is available on Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.12 or higher in VST2, VST3, AU, and AAX formats.
Summary:
SubLab XL is a great upgrade to the original SubLab. The new super engine offers a new range of bass sounds that can feel synth-like than 808s. The new effects are creative and fun to play with, while everything else that made the original so good is still effective.
If you’re a contemporary hip hop and trap producer, SubLab XL could be the one instrument you need to cover your bass duties.
Related Reading:
Top 12 Sub Bass Plugins (Best 808 & Bass Tools)
Top 12 Studio Subwoofers For Music Producers (Best Value)
How To Avoid & Remove Clicks In Sub Bass? Full Guide
6. UJAM Beatmaker HUSTLE 2
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
UJAM Beatmaker HUSTLE 2 is an easy-to-use drum plugin emphasizing Trap and dark grime sounds with gritty and punchy drum sounds.
Similar to all of the plugins in the UJAM’s beatmaker series, this plugin has practically the same interface as the remaining eight other plugins. As mentioned earlier in this article, you can operate in any one of the nine plugins if you learn one of these.
The plugin has a great layout, with a master section and style section that are handy, which we will discuss in the plugin’s features. It provides various sounds through its vast library; you can utilize these sounds and compose interesting trap beats.
Key Features:
- Vast Library
This plugin has 60 styles, 690 patterns (intro, verse, chorus, fill, ending)10 drum kits. With these many styles, patterns, and kits, you are equipped with a versatile tonal palette. You can pick the best trap sounds and shape your tracks into the vibe you are searching for. - Master Section
The master section contains features such as a sweep for filtering sound, saturate knob for warm distortions, maximize for making the instruments louder in level, Ambience for increasing or decreasing ambient sounds, along with a volume slider for the master output. - Style Section
This feature provides you with the vast patterns and styles we were focussing on earlier. You can drag and drop the ready-made patterns onto your DAW and edit them as you wish. You can divide your Midi keys into sections like intros, fills, endings, breakdown, and more. You can also draw your patterns in your main DAW directly and play it through the plugin.
Compatibility:
The plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.11 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST 2/3, AU, and AAX formats.
Summary:
Like its sibling plugins, HUSTLE 2 is a well-equipped trap plugin with grime and gritty sound style. It is equipped with almost all the same knobs and settings as the other plugins from the UJAM beatmaker series, making it reasonably easy to use. Equipped with vast presets, instruments, kits, and settings, this puts its users at an advantage.
The input and output features help you edit your instruments within the plugin or your DAW with the output switch.
Related Reading:
Top 12 Plugins For Hip-Hop (+ Best Kontakt Libraries)
7. XLN RC-20 Color
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
RC-20 is a quick and efficient solution for your needs for a warm, analog-sounding beat or mix.
The RC-20 is an innovative plugin designed to provide you with retro and cassette machine sound effects. This plugin adds color, depth, and warmth to your modern synthesized audio.
This plugin gives you an arsenal of effects in its interface with various filters and sound design tools. With each effect having a mini visualizer, the interface makes this plugin interactive and fun to use.
Key Features:
- Sound Effects
There are six modules and filters: noise for vinyl and white noise, wobble to add waves to the audio, and distortion for color and saturation. You will also come across other styles of color and distortion effects, such as digital for modern bit-crushing and degradation. And lastly, space that helps you with delay, pre-delay, reverb, magnetic for wear/tear, and effects like flutter, distortion, and vibrato are also available. - Master Section
The master section contains an input gain knob for level control. The plugin provides an equalizer, including high cut and low cut options and a tone knob for frequencies. And it also has a width option that helps you widen the stereo output or reduce it per taste. Finally, the output gain knob controls the level of audio going out. - Interactive User Interface
The layout of this plugin is pretty simple to use, despite having numerous sound effects with intricate and detailed settings. You are provided with six visualizer boxes for you to see how each effect treats your audio file with waveform. The buttons in the plugin are handy, with each effect having its controls to help you best shape your sound. - Presets
RC-20 provides you with a bunch of ready-made effects that you can later change with the controls. These presets can be used for quick, simple use and also achieve a complex sound design. The plugin gives you a magnitude slider next to the presets at the top.
Compatibility:
The plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.9 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST 2/3, AU, and AAX formats.
Summary:
The RC-20 retro color by XLN is an excellent plugin for trap producers looking for an old-school sound design style. You can play your music through this plugin, set filters, and edit the sounds with multiple effects from distortion, wobble, vinyl, and much more.
You can also use this plugin in your mastering phase of a track for minimal sound effects. And use it in the mix for heavy sound design. This plugin is suitable for Trap and many other genres, making this plugin a versatile tool.
Related Reading:
Top 12 Saturation Plugins (Best Mixing & Mastering Tools)
8. Initial Audio 808 Studio 2 Bass
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
808 Studio 2 Bass is a versatile Synth Bass plugin with a built-in sequencer and tools that will help you shape the high-quality 808s and bass instruments.
808 Studio is a synth bass plugin that features an effects rack full of sound design tools such as EQs, compressors, and distortion. The plugin enables you to draw your tunes in the sequencer much similar to a DAW, and you can also use the plugin to trigger ready-made melodies on command.
808 studio 2 comes with around 80 presets that you can select, along with many more samples that you can input through the library, or you can import the files from your DAW to create innovative sounds for your trap music.
Key Features:
- Effects Rack
This section of the plugin contains various knobs and buttons for you to get into for detailed production and mixing. The rack is adjustable, and each effect has controls for engaging or disengaging audio effects. It has a sampler, EQ, distortion, compressor, and master settings. Along with filters and chorus effects, it also has a separate side chain section for your bass. - Sequencer
The sequencer has trigger options to play an entire sequence with one push; this comes in handy when partnered with the presets. You can draw on your DAW or play it on your MIDI. 808 Studio 2 Bass helps you smoothly compose your music. - Sampler
The drag-and-drop feature helps you switch your sounds from the library. It has features such as follow pitch that fix the sample key to the relative key of the melody, built-in drive, gain knob, and pitch knob, which helps you change pitch in octaves and semitones. - Oscillators
The sub-OSChelps you change the octaves of your sub-bass from high to low and adds impact through the drive knob and gain for balancing the sound. Both the oscillators affect the waveform of the audio file with multiple creative and valuable waveforms. You can select the waveforms like presets through the mini visualizer in the Osc 1 and 2 effect, and each oscillator has its octave and gain controls.
Compatibility:
Windows
The plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.6 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST 2, AU, and AAX formats.
Summary:
The 808 studio 2 Bass synth is efficient with its sound design, and the user interface is intricate yet easy to use once learned. Bass and 808s are an integral part of trap music, and the tools in 808 Studio help you shape, compress, filter, oscillate, and much more.
9. iZotope Vocal Synth 2
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
With the help of vocal synth 2 by iZotope, humanize your digital music with a visually interactive plugin.
The vocal synth 2 comes with three main user modes, namely Auto, Midi, Side-chain modes, that allow you to pick between, With each mode having its perks.
This plugin has inter-plugin communication capabilities, which means you can use vocal Synth 2 to complement other iZotope plugins and instruments such as Nectar 3, Ozone 8, Neutron 3, and much more.
Key Features:
- Biovox
This feature has a breath knob to add air and high frequencies to make the track sound like a whisper. A nasal knob helps modulate the tone and clarity knob to clear the audio up and shift pitch. The Biovox enables you to make your recordings more engaging with the help of vowel control; this plugin is developed with scientific modeling of human voices, which gives it a somewhat sci-fi sounding edge. You can filter your audio, pan it, and add on multiple effects for further processing. - Interactive Visualiser
The visualizer provided with this plugin allows you to click and drag to shape the sound visually. The controls are represented by the letters’ B, V, C, T, P’, which are the plugin’s significant effects, namely ‘Biovox, vocoder, Compuvox, Talkbox, and Polyvox.’ - Customizable Effects Rack
The individual effects (distort, filter, delay, transform, shred, chorus, ring mod) can be positioned according to your preference. With just a drag, these interchangeable effects allow you to process the preferred module first.
Compatibility:
The plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.8.5 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST 2/3 and AU formats.
Summary:
The Vocal Synth 2 by iZotope is an excellent tool for vocal sound design for the trap genre. This plugin uses high-end technology to create features such as Biovox, which adds human-like sounds to your audio. You can also change vowels through a simple feature that makes this plugin one of the most innovative plugins.
Related Reading:
Top 10 Izotope Plugins & Products (Paid & Free)
10. Roland Cloud TR-808
Get authentic drum sounds from the ’80s with the Roland Cloud TR-808, a well-renowned analog drum machine that helped shape an era of music.
Roland Cloud TR-808 is a software replica of Roland’s age-old instrument. This analog instrument was one of the first drum machines that allowed its users to compose their innovative rhythms.
Now Roland has innovated the Rhythm Composer TR-808, a plugin version of its previous predecessor. This plugin provides you with all the authentic sounds used in the early hip-hop rap beats. The functioning of the software instruments is closely the same as the analog version, except it is modernized with new features.
Key Features:
- Authentic Sounds
The original TR-808 is considered to be a legendary instrument in hip-hop and many other genres. You are given a Bass-drum, SnareDrum, LowTom/conga, MidTom/conga, HiTom/conga, RimShot/claves, HandClap/maracas, CowBell, Cymbal, OpenHiHat, Clsd–HiHat. With 16 interchangeable instruments that have been used in famous songs all over the world, you can create beats that resonate with all ages of listeners. The interchangeable instruments are the congas, claves, and maracas that can only be enabled with a switch in the main rack. - Sequencer
By clicking the edit button, you’re entering a different side of the plugin, which contains a sequencer and an editor. The tracks are divided into 8, ranging from A to H alphabetically. These tracks can be triggered and played or edited according to your taste. You can drag the sequence onto your main DAW. - Analog Circuit Behavior Technology
This plugin is not just software; it recreated the original instrument in the plugin version through Roland’s technology. The plugin is designed to sound like an authentic analog drum machine. With 11 instrument parts and a convenient sequence edit section, you can create an exciting beat, fills, rhythms, and much more.
Compatibility:
TR-808 is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.11 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST 2/3, AU, and AAX formats.
Summary:
Overall the plugin provides you with the staple sounds of the RnB, Rap, Hip-hop industries. The sounds of this instrument are used in famous tracks worldwide from Kanye West, Marvin Gaye, Whitney Houston, and many more.
Despite the old-school functions of the plugin, Producers and modern artists now use this instrument analog or software through TR-808 Cloud.
The 5 Best Free Plugins For Trap Music 2023
1. Spitfire Audio – LABS Strings
Add some drama to your beats with free LABS Strings.
Unlike the other LABS instruments recorded with peculiar playing styles, Strings is relatively standard and usable alone or for layering with other string libraries. It sounds like the library was recorded using close mics, but the large knob in the interface allows you to add reverb or tightness.
The reverb gives some much-needed space to the mix if you intend to use the library alone.
Key Features:
- Long and Short
The library features three articulations: Long, Ensemble, and Short. The long and ensemble are both sustains, but I preferred the ensemble one for writing melodies. And as you might have guessed, the short articulation is staccato that you could use to create ostinato patterns or add some embellishment to an arrangement. - Expression
The library features multiple dynamic layers, and you can control it using your modulation wheel. Velocity does nothing, so you might as well set your keyboard to fixed velocity, and it’s a good thing – you can use the modulation to create dynamic legato pieces. - The Big Knob
The knob lets you control reverb and tightness. Here, the reverb implies the rest of the mics, including a vintage special BBC AXB1, used to record the instruments. And tightness is a transient controller that makes the staccato even more biting. I would use it only for layering.
Compatibility:
The library is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.10 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST 2/3, AU, and AAX formats.
Summary:
We are all aware of the top-notch quality control Spitfire Audio maintains, and their free instruments aren’t lacking in that regard either. If you are looking for ensemble strings that you can use as backing instruments or even for classical composition akin to Barber’s Adagio, you could certainly use these strings.
It may not have the most natural-sounding staccato, but it works for layering.
2. Ample Guitar M Lite II
M Lite II is a great addition to your free tool’s arsenal for making Trap beats.
This plugin from the Chinese company Ample Sound is based on the Martin D-41 acoustic guitar, known for its rich sound. Beautiful inlays and the fingerboard make it a dream for many guitarists.
As with their other software, Ample Sound has taken care of deep sampling. The plugin includes Finger Instrument libraries to fit different needs and features rich firing noise, which has become more vivid and realistic. There are Sustain, Hammer-On & Pull-Off, Palm Mute, and Popping five articulations.
Key Features:
- Technology
The plugin is equipped with Capo Logic technology, which provides intelligent play according to guitar rules. It also has Double Guitar, which means different samples at L & R channel. In addition, Ample Guitar M Lite II has Poly Legato, Slide Smoother, and Alternate Tuner. - Strummer
This feature will give you unusually realistic strum samples. In total, there are 14 strum notes with 28 different ways to play each chord. In addition, four humanization settings, strum SEQ with customized rhythm, and delicate presets with drag & drop support. - Tab Player
With the Tab Player, you can download and play several standard guitar tablature file formats. When used in a DAW, the Tab Player also lets you export tablature to an audio file. This feature supports all fingering, loops, chords, articulations, and other markers in the loaded tablature.
Compatibility:
The plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.9 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST2/3, AU, AAX formats, and as a standalone host.
Summary:
Ample Sound has made it possible for you to have the Martin D-41 acoustic guitar as a virtual instrument for free. You can use the rich sound of this guitar both in your DAW and as a stand-alone host.
Deep sampling and all possible articulations make this software a gift for beginner producers and experienced ones alike.
3. AngelicVibes Iota Mini
Iota Mini has a sleek and dark-sounding library with Bells, 808s, bass, drums, and much more at your disposal.
The Iota Mini is a VST plugin made by AngelicVibes available for free, with the motive to equip the modern-day producer with new sounds.
This plugin enables you to pick instruments of your taste, and it is possible to compose beats and edit sounds with just one plugin.
Key Features:
- Quality Sound Library
The sounds that come with IOTA are dark and trap underground-style instruments. With heavy basses, 808s, guitars, bells with reverb, and much more, you can create a new vibe for your beats. IOTA Mini comes with 50 stock preset instruments and 60 drum samples, and ten drum kits, all for free. And you have the option to explore more sounds, but you will have to purchase the sounds from AngelicVibes. The sounds given in the presets and samples are satisfactory for trap beats. - Versatility
You can make an entire trap beat with just IOTA Mini. When using it as a melodic instrument, you’ll find attack, release, cutoff, and reverb knobs. And when you switch to drum presets, the interface provides drum pads with faders and knobs for panning. - User Friendly
IOTA Mini is designed deliberately for easy use; it has simple knobs and buttons. Switching through presets and samples can be done with ease—the interface switches along with the preset when you change them. Six drum pads within the plugin help you create quality-sounding beats on the go.
Compatibility:
IOTA Mini is available for Windows XP or higher and macOS 10.10 or higher, both 32-bit and 64-bit. It comes in VST 2/3 and AU formats.
Summary:
IOTA Mini by AngelicVibes enables you to create music faster compared to many other beatmaker plugins. IOTA MINI gives you a shortcut into a better sound selection for trap music, along with an interactive and easy user interface.
This plugin covers most areas of composing with a quick fix, and for trap music, it helps in aspects such as sound quality, melody, and rhythm.
4. Electronik 808 Bass Module 4 Lite
808 Bass Module is a bass/808 plugin that will give you the gritty and authentic 808 kick that trap enthusiasts love.
The plugin has free presets loaded with 808s and bass sounds. The plugin was initially intended to create electronic music, but the plugin features make it worthwhile for any bass-heavy genre.
This plugin contains effects like ADSR, a cutoff knob, distortion, and a few other main controls that we will focus on later. The plugin layout helps you create melodies and beats with ease and use it through a MIDI as per your needs.
Key Features:
- ADSR
With essential sound design tools and quality presets, you can now make your trap songs have that authentic low end. The plugin comes with an AMP Envelope section with an attack knob, decay, sustain, and release. These tools help you lengthen or shorten the notes played. You can also add delay to your drums, 808s, and bass. - Effects Rack
On top of the ADSR, the plugin comes with other effects, such as LFO, Distortion, Voice modes in Mono, poly, legato, and a frequency cutoff knob. The MAIN CTRLS section has the gain knob for changing levels. The glide knob helps you bend the audio pitch, mod rate knob for the LFO rate, and mod depth affects the impact. - Quality Presets
The plugin comes with 15 presets, which consist of bass, 808, kick instruments. You can edit these sounds further through your DAW, but these sounds are ready to use professionally produced samples. They automatically will add depth to your track and it also is capable of adding the aggressive low end that most trap producers are searching for. The sound selection makes it easy for you to pick between suitable bass and 808s.
Compatibility:
The plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.13.6 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST 2/3, AU, and AAX formats.
Summary:
808 bass module by Electronik Sound Lab is helpful as a sub-bass and 808 instruments plugin. This plugin enables you to get the juicy low-end that a trap beat requires. The plugin is useful for electronic, hip-hop, and Trap producers. You can utilize and reshape the quality sounds in its library for the best 808s and low-frequency instruments.
5. BPB Cassette Drums
With BPB Cassette Drums, now you can get original analog samples produced by professional producers.
Cassette Drums by BPB is an analog drum machine series that comes in a three-part plugin bundle. Each of these plugins has more kits within them.
This plugin is for quick and straightforward use; the layout is user-friendly and easy to understand with no clutter.
Key Features:
- Three In One bundle
The bundle has three plugins; after you download the files, you will find Cassette 606, Cassette 808, Cassette 909. These three plugins will have three kits each, a clean, warm, and hot kit. Each kit provides unique sounds, and you can find unprocessed dry drum samples along with distorted and processed original samples from a cassette rack in each plugin through the kit selection option. To put it in simple terms, this bundle will provide you with about nine drum kits with all original sounds and samples selected by experienced professionals. - Simples Controls
Release and Volume knob that you can use for leveling. All three plugins provide the same knobs. All instruments are color-coded along with the respective knobs, and you are given an Output knob as the master volume control. - Original Samples
The plugin provides you with about 20 instruments in each plugin. In total, about 60 instruments come with the Cassette 606, 808, 909. You can utilize the variety of original samples that range in the three drum kits within each plugin. (These samples were created by Edgar Maguyon, Gregor Zemljic, and Anderson303).
Compatibility:
The plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.10 or higher, both 32-bit and 64-bit. It comes in VST 2 and AU formats.
Summary:
The BPB Cassette Drum plugin series are some easy-to-use drum plugins through which you can explore a variety of drum sounds and original samples. You can also play it with your MIDI and record the instruments live. Once you download it, you can utilize the samples and route individual outputs for each instrument for more control in your DAW.
6. Diginoiz Subdivine Lite
Subdivine by Diginoiz is yet another 808 plugin that provides you with smooth and sub-heavy sounds that will enrich your trap beats.
This plugin is the free version of the 808 instrument that Diginoiz sells, which has more features than the plugin we are reviewing. The plugin comes with six preset instruments that you can utilize.
Subdivine Lite has limited features, but it does a great job providing the sub-heavy distorted 808 sound that many seek.
Key Features:
- Release Knob
The Release control lets you decide how long your 808s are going to stretch. You can shorten the instrument sound or lengthen them as per your wish. If you are using Ableton, you can easily automate this process to have a vibrant sound effect. We have to keep in mind that this plugin is the Lite version. The pro version has effects such as Attack, Decay, and Sustain. - Effects
The Subdivine Lite provides you PRE and POST options that let you select the processing of the audio. A drive button turns the distortion on or off, accompanied by a Drive slider that sets the distortion signal. The output slider enables you to select the level of the entire 808 instrument plugin. You also get a pitch-shift wheel, with which you can bend your 808 pitch. - Convenient Interface
The user interface is relatively simple; with a minimalistic design, the plugin does not feel distracting. Switching sample instruments is as easy as a few mouse clicks.
Compatibility:
The plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.12 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST 3 and AU formats.
Summary:
Subdivine Lite has one job: to provide you with a library of six 808s and sub-basses with enough distortion for your gritty trap beat. The plugin provides you with limited but useful features that you can use for your trap beats.
7. Callybeat HUM808
With HUM808, you can explore innovative 808s, sub-bass, drums, and more sounds that will modernize your trap beats.
The HUM808 by Callybeat is compared to the famous plugin SubLab by its users since it serves a similar purpose as the purchasable plugin. The HUM808 is entirely free and comes with a vast library of sounds and presets.
Using the HUM808, you can get into detailed and intricate levels of sound design. Apply the multiple oscillators and effects provided with the free plugin, and you can create new innovative sounds.
Key Features:
- Oscillators
The HUM808 comes with about three different oscillators, with each of them having the octave and semitone control that enable pitch shift, tuning, and volume settings. Each oscillator has an ADSR envelope knob that helps you cut sound as you need. - Spectrum Analyzer
The plugin provides you with a visualizer where you can edit your audio with the help of color-coded waves. HUM808 makes the plugin more interactive and less tedious for the user. - ADSR
The HUM808 comes with an ADSR section that helps you adjust your sample’s Attack, Decay, Sustain, and Release. The plugin gives you hands-on control with the sound design. - Equalizer
The plugin has an in-built EQ section that helps you cut and shape your trap sounds. The equalizer is a 4-band equalizer that you can utilize with your mouse, drag frequency points in the analyzer just like you would in a standard EQ. - Library
You can utilize the 162 presets that include 808s, kicks, basses of all varieties from wobble to pluck and natural bass sounds, snares, bells, and other sound effects.
Compatibility:
The plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher 32-bit and 64-bit. It comes in VST 2/3 format.
Summary:
The HUM808 by Callybeats is a great drum and bass instrument plugin with multiple sound design features such as oscillators, ADSR, EQ, and 162 presets and sounds. This plugin equips you with all a trap producer needs, the right sounds, and the efficient tools.
The download process will be tricky since the manufacturer’s website is available in Spanish and not English. After you download the HUM808, the usage of the plugin is detailed, helpful, and fun.
Bonuses:
1. Diginoiz Hattricks
More Info & Price (Trial Available)
Hi-hats are essential in trap music, and fills are the cherry on top, and Hattricks is a plugin solely dedicated to trap hi-hats and fills.
This plugin has a sampler that you can chop your hi-hats with, which allows you to drag and drop hi-hats and other instruments.
The plugin also has a sequencer that allows you to make groovy and detailed hi-hat patterns as and when needed.
Key Features:
- Sampler
The sampler provided with this plugin is convenient to use with its drag-and-drop feature. You can drag a hi-hat from your DAW or through the plugin library and chop it to your preferred length. You can also zoom in to see the audio waves in detail for much more control over your hi-hats. You can load hi-hats, snares, and other instruments and innovate new sounds as per your needs. - Pitch Control
Use the pitch wheel to pitch your sounds up/down. The keys on the plugin help you pitch up or pitch down with the segmented notes. You can attach your midi and play along with the plugin. You can create hi-pitch and low-pitch hi-hats that add detail to your trap beats. - Library
The plugin library is pretty extensive for a simple hi-hat plugin. It comes with around 900 samples and sounds which include approximately 853 hi-hat samples and 45 drum samples. The plugin’s capability partnered with the vast library of sounds will help you create various sounds and patterns. You can switch samples from the library with the arrow keys, and it is hassle-free without the need to drop and drop. - Editing Section
The plugin has elements that help you make your samples sound better. You can utilize the filter, a tuner, decay, hold, attack, fine, and shape your hi-hats innovatively. You can also play your audio in Mono and Poly with the given button in the middle. Now you can add triplets or quadruplets to your patterns with just one push.
Compatibility:
The plugin is available for Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.12 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST 3 and AU formats.
Summary:
Diginoiz Hattricks plugin is relatively simple to navigate through, with enough features for you to explore for advanced trap beat hi-hats. Hattricks is a plugin solely made for creating hi-hat patterns and fills, making it a specialized plugin. It is quick and efficient, and it can make your trap hi-hats sound detailed and innovative.
2. Thenatan TRAX
Beat making will always be a crucial process in creating a music track; whether Trap, hip-hop, or RnB, you can now use TRAX for a quick beat.
TRAX is a VST plugin mainly focused on beat making and simple usage. Thenatan designed TRAX for leaving less load on your CPU but also for creating quality beats.
With features like pitch, pan, and 16 stereo output, this plugin provides you with simple but efficient usage.
Key Features:
- Vast Library
The plugin comes with 50 drum kits that are pre-mixed presets that you can plug and play. On top of that, you get more than 400 drum samples that have been already equalized. Of course, you can build your kit and edit these sounds with the sound design options given in the plugin. - Mixer and Sound Design
TRAX will help you create drum sounds that are quick and easy to produce; the plugin layout is a mixer where you can level your instruments. It features reverb and distortion effects that come in handy. You can pitch shift, pan, and also process these sounds through your DAW for new sounds. - Low CPU Usage And Compatibility
Due to the simple design and low CPU usage, you get fast patch loading. Switching between sounds is easy, and you also get quality sound since all of the sounds are pre-mixed. If you have a low-end computer or laptop, this plugin will be your quick-fix drum machine for your trap beats.
Compatibility:
TRAX is available for Windows XP or higher and macOS 10.4 or higher, both 32-bit and 64-bit. It comes in VST 2 and AU formats.
Summary:
The TRAX by Thenatan is a versatile drum plugin that is pretty simple to use and accessible to all. The low CPU usage of the plugin makes it compatible with most low-end laptops and PCs. The eight instrument channels have 16 stereo options, and you can further edit the sounds thoroughly in your DAW.
The library and samples are ready-made pre-EQ’ed, and the presets are already mixed, making the plugin convenient and quick to use.
3. Pyrit Music 808 Machine
The 808 Machine by Pyrit Music provides you with some industry quality and hard-hitting Sub-basses and 808s.
The 808 Machine is similar to some famous 808-style sub-bass and drum plugins, but its unique sound and controls differentiate the plugin.
Shape your 808s with the multiple sound effects provided with the plugin and controls such as the ADSR, Glide, EQ, and much more.
Key Features:
- Library
The plugin provides you with 30 sub-bass and 808 samples, ten synth bass presets available, and over 50 808-style MIDI loops. The library is well equipped with samples and instruments that you can use to make innovative trap beats with the help of sound effects. - Sound Effects
The sound effects in this plugin are efficient to use; you have the equalizer to shape your 808, ADSR for more sound design and control over your 808s. You have a handy glide knob, Transpose knob for shifting pitch, degrade knob with a switch for distortion, and low-pass filters. On top of all this, you have an additional Slap knob which helps the 808 fit better into your beat and adds character. - Convenient User Interface
Even with multiple sound effects and knobs provided with the plugin, the interface is sleek and user-friendly. You have features like drag and drop for the 50 MIDI patterns that you can drag to your DAW and edit them. The interface is resizable with size options under the UI zoom factor in the settings section.
Compatibility:
The plugin is available for Windows XP or higher and macOS 10.11 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST 2 and AU formats.
Summary:
The 808 Machine by Pyrit is a sub-bass 808-style plugin with sounds that will change your trap beats. With this plugin, you can create modern trap beats that contain modern trap 808s and synth basses. You can customize your sounds with the many helpful design tools provided by Pyrit, and you can also process these 808sthrough your DAW.
4. Studio Linked Trap Boom 4
Modernize your libraries with the new sounds of Trap Boom 4 by Studio Linked; these sounds are inspired by a few of the top trap artists in the industry.
Trap boom plugins have been a series since 2013. The plugin we are talking about had three predecessor plugins. Trap Boom 4 is the latest version with a whole new approach to sound design and a new sound library.
Trap Boom 4 has a straightforward layout with multiple sound design tools, presets, and more. Now let us focus on the features of the plugin.
Key Features:
- Library
The library consists of more than 60 presets inspired by the newest sounds in the Trap industry. The presets have synths, pianos, 808s and subs, organs, bells, and other innovative sounds. You can utilize these sounds and come up with modern trap beats. - Effects Rack
The effects rack equips you with multiple sound design tools that you can use to increase your sound quality. The effects rack contains a pan knob, a pitch bender, reverb for space, depth, and rate for LFO, a filter cutoff knob, a glide knob, and a volume knob for output control. The plugin comes with ADSR controls, which makes the job of sound design much more effortless. - Simple User Interface
The plugin is simple to look at and easy to navigate around. The simple UI almost makes it effortless to edit your sounds. It is much more interactive and gives an old analog look to it. Switching presets is relatively simple through the selection window.
Compatibility:
The plugin is available for Windows XP or higher and macOS 10 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST 2 and AU formats.
Summary:
Trap Boom 4 is a simple plugin with multiple features and knobs that help you design your sound in ways other plugins do not allow. You can create modern 808s, synths, pianos, and different sounds. Further, you can directly process the sounds in your DAW or use the controls given in the plugins as per your taste for the best sounds.
5. Kerfyge Audio Trap Drums By Thenatan
Kerfyge Audio Trap Drums by Thenatan gives you ready-to-use drum sounds without compromising your mix quality.
The plugin is intricate but straightforward; it reduces your workload and saves your time with pre-processed samples.
With features such as a mixer, drum pads, and filter knobs partnered with the vast library, this plugin makes your work quicker.
Key Features:
- Quality Sound Library
The Kerfyge Audio Trap Drums plugin comes with 20 drum kits that have been readily mixed for direct and quick use. On top of that, they give you 240 or more drum samples that equip you with more than enough to make a trap beat. The included sounds and kits are pre-processed through an EQ, so mixing the drums into your track is easy. - Effects
The plugin comes with effects and filters that give ambient sounds such as hiss, noise, crackle, vinyl, and cassette. These effects are adjustable through the amount knob. The plugin provides a natural-sounding reverb; these features help you get a hands-on sound design for your trap drums. - Compatibility and Low CPU Usage
The plugin’s simplicity has its advantages; reduced CPU load provides the user with fast patch loading, leaving the sounds on your fingertips. You can load this plugin into any major DAW, and it is supposed to be compatible.
Compatibility:
The plugin is available for Windows XP or higher and macOS 10.4 or higher, both 32-bit and 64-bit. It comes in VST 2 and AU formats.
Summary:
Kerfyge Audio Trap Drums provides you with 12 drum pads for various instruments that you can use from the library. The mixer in the interface is a handy tool for leveling your sounds, and the cutoff knobs allow you to apply minimal EQ. The plugin would be great for live performances and also for all the bedroom producers.
Conclusion
In the modern times of music production, plugins have made it easy through innovative and technologically advanced features that enable us to design new sounds. The UJAM’s beatmaker plugins, HUSTLE, and GLORY help you efficiently create a quality trap beat.
And you also have plugins that allow you to dive into deep sound design and beat-making, like the RC-20 and the legendary TR-808. You can download these plugins after learning the vast features these plugins provide.
With multiple choices of plugins available, now you can create drums with the plugins like NI Battery 4, Iota Mini, TRAX, and many more instruments. When you need a sub-heavy trap beat, use SubLabs and HUM808 and 808 Machine, and other 808 plugins in the list.
Add an old-school effect to your trap beats through plugins like Cassette Drums and XLN RC-20. We hope you enjoyed learning about these plugins and found the article helpful in finding the right trap plugins to enhance your production skills.
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K. M. Joshi is a multi-award-winning composer and sound designer, specializing in film, game, and TV audio. He enjoys making cinematic music, rock, blues, and electronica. Read more..