7 Essential Synth VST Plugins Every Trance Producer Needs
Trance music is a genre that first gained massive popularity in the 90s and early 2000s. Well guess what, things that used to be cool 20 years ago are cool again, and much like wide leg pants, trance is experiencing a resurgence. With its euphoric melodies, driving beats, and emotional soundscapes, trance has re-captured the attention of both veteran producers and a new generation of electronic music fans. Artists are blending classic trance elements with modern production techniques, keeping the genre fresh while honoring its roots. This renewed interest has reignited discussions on how to create those iconic trance sounds, making it a perfect time for producers to dive back into this timeless genre. In this post, we’ll focus on crafting the essential sounds that define trance music, especially when it comes to drums. From punchy kicks and trippy synths to processing techniques, understanding how to build a solid drum foundation is key to capturing the energy of a classic trance track. Whether you're a seasoned producer looking to refine your trance productions or someone new to the genre, this post should give you the tools you need to create the iconic, driving rhythms that keep trance music pulsing on dance floors around the world.
7 Essential Synth VST Plugins Every Trance Producer Needs
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Sylenth1 by LennarDigital
Sylenth1 by LennarDigital has been a go-to synth for trance DJs and producers for years, and it's easy to see why. Despite being around for over a decade, it's still one of the best virtual analog synths available. The reason lies in its sound engine, which is both simple and powerful. With four oscillators, 16 voices per note, and a plethora of modulation options, Sylenth1 allows you to create everything from dreamy pads to massive leads, all while maintaining that warm, analog feel that is so coveted in electronic music.
What makes Sylenth1 a favorite for trance is its ability to cut through the mix with leads and plucks that have a sharp, pristine quality. Trance tracks need energy and clarity, and Sylenth1 delivers that in spades. Whether you're crafting an uplifting melody or a driving bassline, the clarity and punch you get from Sylenth1 are perfect for dancefloor-oriented music. Additionally, it's incredibly CPU-efficient, meaning you can stack multiple instances without bogging down your computer—a significant advantage when you're layering complex trance tracks.
Serum by Xfer Records
If you ask any modern electronic producer about wavetable synths, Serum by Xfer Records is going to come up almost immediately. This synth is a powerhouse, not just in trance, but across virtually every electronic genre. What sets it apart is its visual workflow and deep modulation options. You can see exactly what your sound is doing at any given moment, making sound shaping incredibly intuitive. Serum's ability to create gritty, textured wavetables and manipulate them in real-time is a game-changer for sound designers.
Trance producers particularly love Serum for its versatility. You can use it for smooth, silky leads or for more aggressive, bass-heavy sounds, making it a must-have in any producer's toolkit. The synth comes with a wealth of built-in effects like reverb and distortion, and its massive preset library ensures you're never short of inspiration. The combination of ease-of-use, depth, and flexibility makes Serum essential for crafting cutting-edge trance tracks.
Vital by Vital Audio
Vital is like Serum's younger, free-spirited cousin, offering much of the same functionality but at no cost (unless you opt for the premium version). This wavetable synth has taken the production world by storm with its user-friendly interface and advanced sound design capabilities. Like Serum, you can visualize every aspect of the sound, making it accessible even if you're not a seasoned sound design wizard.
For trance, Vital shines in its ability to create dynamic and evolving sounds. Its advanced wavetable manipulation lets you morph sounds in creative ways, perfect for the constantly shifting atmospheres of trance music. Producers love Vital for its clean interface and the fact that it's incredibly lightweight on CPU, allowing you to run multiple instances without a hitch. Whether you're crafting intricate lead lines or atmospheric backgrounds, Vital delivers the goods without breaking the bank—or your computer. Many up-and-coming producers have started to incorporate Vital into their workflows, demonstrating its growing influence in the trance scene.
Diva by u-he
Diva by u-he is a synth that's all about that lush, analog warmth, and that's exactly what makes it a favorite in trance production. The name Diva stands for "Dinosaur Impersonating Virtual Analog," and it lives up to that moniker by emulating classic analog synths with remarkable accuracy. The sound it produces is rich and full, capturing the essence of old-school hardware synths but with all the modern digital flexibility you desire. It's perfect for those deep, evolving pads and smooth leads that trance tracks thrive on.
Trance producers turn to Diva when they want to add depth and warmth to their tracks. The synth's analog-modeling abilities are ideal for crafting basslines, pads, and arpeggios that have that extra bit of character and complexity. Diva offers different oscillator models, giving you a range of tonalities from fat Moog-style basses to clean, soaring leads. Its sound may be 'analog,' but its application in trance is anything but old-fashioned—it's a must-have for anyone serious about crafting high-quality, emotive trance music.
Omnisphere 2 by Spectrasonics
Omnisphere 2 by Spectrasonics is like the Ferrari of synths—versatile, luxurious, and absolutely loaded with features. It's hard to even call it just a synth; it's more like a complete sound-design environment. Whether you're looking to create sweeping, cinematic soundscapes or delicate, intricate textures, Omnisphere has it all. It comes with over 14,000 sounds and the ability to import your own audio, making it one of the most comprehensive tools in any producer's arsenal.
In trance, Omnisphere is often used to craft epic intros, outros, and breakdowns. Its deep sound library is perfect for those lush, evolving pads and textures that trance is known for. But it's not just about atmospheres—Omnisphere can also deliver punchy leads and thick basslines. The integration of both analog-style oscillators and granular synthesis gives producers unparalleled creative freedom. While it can be CPU-intensive, for those moments when you need something truly epic, Omnisphere is worth every penny.
Hive 2 by u-he
If you prefer your synths to be fast, lightweight, and capable of producing killer sounds without getting bogged down in complicated interfaces, then Hive 2 by u-he is your go-to choice. This synth has a streamlined workflow that allows you to jump right in and start making sounds. It features two oscillators, each capable of generating everything from warm analog tones to crisp digital sounds, and its modulation system is incredibly easy to navigate.
For trance, Hive 2's appeal lies in its speed and efficiency. You can whip up powerful leads, thick basslines, and shimmering pads in no time, which is a lifesaver when you're in the creative zone and don't want to get lost in endless tweaking. Producers love Hive 2 for its punchy sound and CPU-friendly design, meaning you can layer sounds and effects without worrying about processing power. Its extensive preset library is perfect for trance, but if you're into sound design, Hive 2 provides plenty of room to create your own unique tones. It's been gaining traction among trance producers who value both quality and efficiency.
SynthMaster 3 by KV331 Audio
SynthMaster 3 by KV331 Audio is a highly anticipated synth that has made a significant impact in the trance production community. Building upon the success of its predecessors, SynthMaster 3 offers an incredibly versatile synthesis engine that combines wavetable, vector, additive, and subtractive synthesis methods. This allows producers to create a vast array of sounds, from rich, evolving pads to sharp, cutting leads and deep, resonant basslines. The synth features an intuitive modular interface, making it easier than ever to tweak and customize sounds to fit your unique style.
Trance producers are particularly drawn to SynthMaster 3 for its extensive modulation capabilities. With dozens of LFOs, envelopes, and a powerful arpeggiator/sequencer, you can craft the dynamic, evolving sounds that are a hallmark of the genre. The synth also comes loaded with a massive library of presets designed by industry professionals, providing instant inspiration and a solid foundation for your tracks. Additionally, its efficient CPU usage means you can run multiple instances without worrying about performance issues, allowing for more complex and layered compositions. SynthMaster 3 is quickly becoming a go-to tool for trance artists aiming to push the boundaries of their sound design.
How to Make the Classic Trance Sounds
Creating the iconic sounds of classic trance music involves a meticulous blend of synthesizer programming, sound design techniques, and the judicious use of effects. Supersaw leads, ethereal plucks, deep basslines, lush pads, and rhythmic arpeggios form the backbone of trance tracks, each contributing to the genre's expansive and energetic feel. The use of multiple oscillators, detuning, unison modes, and modulation envelopes are fundamental in crafting these sounds.
To produce the famous supersaw leads, start with multiple sawtooth oscillators, detuned slightly to create a thick and wide sound. Activating unison and adjusting the detune level will give you that lush, wide effect characteristic of trance leads. Applying a low-pass filter can tame high frequencies, ensuring the lead sits well in the mix. For pluck sounds, combining saw and square waves with a fast attack and decay on the amplitude envelope creates the short, punchy character essential to plucks. Modulating the filter cutoff with an envelope adds the plucky, fading effect, while generous reverb and delay provide a spacious, atmospheric feel.
Classic trance basslines are deep and driving, often created with one or two saw or square wave oscillators, sometimes adding a sub-oscillator for extra weight. Using a tight attack and short decay on the filter envelope gives the bass a snappy, rhythmic quality. Sidechain compression is essential for making the bass "breathe" with the kick drum, but the gate effect offers a more creative alternative. By rhythmically gating the bassline or pads, you can create intricate patterns that add movement and interest, enhancing the track's energy.
Pads and arpeggios add atmosphere and motion to trance music. Lush pads are crafted using several detuned oscillators with slow attack times, creating sounds that swell and evolve over time. Applying large amounts of reverb and subtle delay gives pads an expansive, ethereal quality. Arpeggios utilize simple waveforms run through an arpeggiator to create rhythmic sequences, with reverb and delay adding depth. Overall, effects like reverb, delay, EQ, and filtering are crucial in trance production. Using high-pass filters to clear out unnecessary low-end frequencies ensures that the mix remains clean, and mid-side EQ can enhance stereo width without muddiness. Employing both sidechain compression and gate effects creatively can give your trance tracks the signature pumping and rhythmic feel that defines the genre.
How to Make Classic Trance Drum Patterns
To create classic trance drum patterns, start with a punchy kick drum that sits prominently in the mix, achieved by using EQ and compression to enhance the low-end while keeping the attack sharp. Layer closed hi-hats on the off-beats and open hi-hats on the second or fourth beats to drive energy and maintain the groove. For added depth, use subtle reverb and delay on hi-hats and claps, and experiment with layering snares and claps for a fuller sound. Snare rolls or drum fills during transitions help build anticipation, with increasing speed or filtering for added tension.
In terms of processing, sidechain compression is crucial for creating that signature trance pumping effect, where elements like bass and pads duck in volume as the kick hits, giving the kick space and energy. Carefully apply reverb and delay to drums to add atmosphere without muddying the mix, and use EQ to ensure each drum sound has its own space in the frequency spectrum. By balancing the drums with proper processing, you’ll have the foundation for a dynamic and energetic trance track.
Ready For The Floor
Now that you’ve got the essentials down, it’s time to put all of this into action and create some serious trance beats. There’s nothing like crafting a solid drum groove and hearing it drive your track forward, bringing your ideas to life. Whether you're starting with that punchy kick or layering in crisp hi-hats, each step will push you closer to capturing the energy that makes trance music so powerful. Don’t be afraid to experiment—try different sound layers, tweak the effects, and have fun with it. This is where the magic happens.
Producing music is all about getting into that creative flow, so take what you’ve learned here and start building those classic trance rhythms. Once your drums are locked in, you’ll feel the inspiration to keep going, adding those lush melodies and basslines that will make your track truly epic. The beauty of trance is in its emotional and hypnotic qualities, so trust your instincts, experiment, and most importantly—have fun!
Disclosure: This blog contains affiliate links, which means Internet Tattoo may receive a commission if you purchase through these links at no additional cost to you.