Metro Boomin, a prominent figure in the music production scene, is known for his innovative sound and chart-topping hits. His choice of VST plugins plays a crucial role in shaping his unique production style.
Here are his top five VST plugins that he frequently utilizes to create his signature sound.
1. Omnisphere
Omnisphere by Spectrasonics is a powerhouse synthesizer that has become a staple in the hip-hop community. Known for its extensive synthesis, sampling, and layering capabilities, it provides an impressive library of sounds that inspire creativity.
Metro Boomin has praised Omnisphere for its versatility, stating, “I mean, everybody uses Omnisphere”. This plugin allows producers to explore a wide range of sonic possibilities, making it an essential tool in any music producer’s arsenal.
2. Serato Sample
Originally designed for DJs, Serato Sample has proven to be an invaluable tool for music producers as well. Its advanced features, such as time stretching and stem separation, enable users to manipulate samples with ease.
Metro Boomin highlighted its effectiveness, noting the plugin’s ability to maintain sound quality while shifting and stretching samples: “The technology that Serato got to be able to shift and stretch sh*t and it still sound just as good, I never heard nothing else do that” . This innovative sampler allows for rapid creativity, making it a favorite among many producers.
3. Kontakt
Kontakt, developed by Native Instruments, is another cornerstone of Metro’s production toolkit. This versatile plugin serves as a platform for a vast array of software instruments, from intricate orchestral libraries to unique synth emulations.
Metro has expressed his appreciation for Kontakt, saying, “I fck with Kontakt a lot, it’s all kinds of sht in there” . Its extensive library and compatibility with third-party instruments make it a must-have for any serious music producer.
4. Trilian
Also from Spectrasonics, Trilian specializes in bass sounds and is frequently used by Metro Boomin for its quality and depth. He has mentioned, “I use Trilian a lot for the bass,” emphasizing its effectiveness in producing rich bass lines that complement his tracks .
While it may not be as widely recognized as Omnisphere, Trilian stands out for its high-quality bass sounds, making it an essential plugin for bass-heavy genres like hip-hop.
5. Stylus RMX
Stylus RMX is perhaps the least known of Metro’s top five plugins, yet it holds a special place in his production process. This plugin is celebrated for its extensive collection of loops and percussion sounds. Metro has remarked on its hidden potential, stating, “Everybody overlooks it, but it’s got a lot of fire percussions and movements I just mix in and they add a lot of bounce”.
Its unique capabilities allow producers to add dynamic rhythms and textures to their tracks.
In summary, these five plugins—Omnisphere, Serato Sample, Kontakt, Trilian, and Stylus RMX—are instrumental in Metro Boomin’s production workflow. Each offers unique features that contribute to his innovative sound, making them essential tools for aspiring and established producers alike.
