These Are the Best Plugins to Produce Trap Beats
Trap music is more than just a genre—it’s a craft. From the booming 808s that shake the walls to the sharp hi-hats that drive the rhythm, every element in a trap beat demands precision and creativity. Over the years, the genre has become a global phenomenon, influencing not only hip-hop but also pop, EDM, and even experimental music. But as trap continues to evolve, so does the need for producers to stay ahead of the curve with tools that allow them to innovate and push boundaries. With so many options available, finding the right plugins to nail the signature sound of trap can be overwhelming. That’s where this guide comes in. Whether you’re layering cinematic melodies, designing massive sub-bass, or sculpting vocals with pristine effects, having the right VSTs can transform your production process. The plugins featured here are trusted by top producers for their ability to deliver pro-level sounds while keeping creativity at the forefront. If you’re ready to elevate your beats and make tracks that stand out in the competitive world of trap, this is your ultimate toolkit. Let’s dive in!
These Are the Best Plugins to Produce Trap Beats
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1. Analog Lab Pro by Arturia
When it comes to trap production, Analog Lab Pro by Arturia is a heavyweight. This plugin gives you access to thousands of presets pulled from Arturia’s iconic synth emulations, including classics like the Minimoog and Roland’s Juno, all wrapped in an intuitive interface. Whether you’re crafting ethereal pads, crisp leads, or plucky arps, the depth of sound design options ensures your trap beats sound fresh and unique. The ability to tweak and layer presets means you can sculpt custom sounds without diving deep into synthesis—perfect for producers who prioritize speed and workflow.
Trap thrives on dynamic melodies, and Analog Lab Pro delivers with its seamless integration into MIDI controllers and DAWs. Its built-in effects suite, featuring reverb, delay, and filters, lets you polish your sounds directly within the plugin. Whether you’re a synth enthusiast or someone who just wants pro-level sounds without the complexity, Analog Lab Pro is a powerful addition to your arsenal.
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2. Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2
Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2 is a no-brainer for trap producers who want cinematic, atmospheric, and richly textured sounds. This powerhouse synth combines sample-based synthesis with an expansive library of presets that range from haunting keys to thunderous basslines. Whether you're building tension with lush pads or designing a standout lead, Omnisphere can handle it all with its incredible flexibility and pristine sound quality.
What sets Omnisphere apart is its attention to detail. Features like granular synthesis and modulation routing give you infinite creative possibilities. Plus, the "hardware synth integration" function lets you control the plugin with real-world synths, adding a tactile dimension to your workflow. For producers aiming for highly polished and complex trap productions, this plugin is worth every penny.
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3. Output Arcade
For quick inspiration and vocal chops that scream modern trap, Output Arcade is your secret weapon. This loop-based plugin gives you access to an ever-expanding library of kits, categorized by mood, genre, and instrument. With its playful, drag-and-drop interface, you can transform any loop into something uniquely yours by manipulating pitch, effects, and timing in real-time. It’s ideal for creating the vocal hooks or atmospheric layers that are essential to trap tracks.
The standout feature of Arcade is its ease of use. You can upload your own samples to further customize your beats or lean on its pre-made kits for rapid ideas. Whether you're stuck in a creative rut or want to build out a track quickly, Output Arcade provides endless inspiration with minimal effort.
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4. UJAM Beatmaker GLORY
Drums are the heartbeat of trap, and UJAM Beatmaker GLORY ensures yours stand out. This plugin focuses on delivering punchy drum kits, pre-built patterns, and one-click effects tailored specifically for trap and hip-hop. From deep 808s to crisp hi-hats, GLORY makes it effortless to create polished drum tracks that hit hard and fit seamlessly into any trap beat.
What’s great about GLORY is how user-friendly it is. Its intuitive interface lets you switch between drum patterns, customize fills, and apply effects like distortion or reverb in seconds. The plugin also includes a variety of "Mix Presets" that instantly transform your drums into radio-ready bangers. For producers looking to streamline their drum programming while maintaining quality, UJAM Beatmaker GLORY is a must-have.
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5. RC-20 Retro Color by XLN Audio
Trap producers love adding texture and vibe to their melodies, and RC-20 Retro Color by XLN Audio is a go-to for that polished yet gritty feel. This versatile plugin is packed with six customizable modules that bring warmth, saturation, noise, and warping effects to your tracks. Whether you're emulating the sound of worn-out vinyl or giving your leads a subtle wobble, RC-20 excels at adding character to otherwise sterile digital sounds.
The beauty of RC-20 lies in its simplicity. You can dial in just the right amount of "Retro" with its Magnitude slider, letting you hear how much effect is being applied in real-time. From lush keys to plucky synths, this plugin makes everything sound instantly more alive. Plus, the preset library offers a range of starting points, saving time while keeping your beats unique and professional.
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6. Soundtoys Decapitator
Saturation and distortion are essential tools for shaping trap sounds, and Soundtoys Decapitator brings the heat. This plugin specializes in analog-style saturation, adding warmth, grit, or outright aggression to anything you run through it. Whether it’s beefing up an 808, adding grit to a vocal, or giving your snares more punch, Decapitator ensures your tracks hit with power and presence.
One standout feature is the "Punish" button, which cranks the distortion to intense levels—perfect for moments where you want your sounds to stand out. With five saturation modes inspired by classic analog gear, Decapitator delivers incredible tonal variety. If you’re looking to take your trap beats to the next level with raw, textured energy, this plugin is a no-brainer.
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7. Output Portal
Trap music often thrives on experimental and futuristic vibes, and Output Portal is a game-changer for adding those elements to your tracks. This granular synthesis plugin transforms any sound into a swirling, evolving texture with just a few clicks. Whether you're turning a simple melody into a shimmering arp or mangling drum loops into glitchy masterpieces, Portal opens up endless creative possibilities.
What makes Portal stand out is its user-friendly interface. You don’t need to be a granular synthesis expert to get incredible results. The built-in effects and macro controls allow you to quickly tweak presets or build entirely new textures. Trap beats benefit massively from its ability to add depth and unpredictability, making Output Portal a must-have for boundary-pushing producers.
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8. ShaperBox 3 by Cableguys
For rhythmic modulation and dynamic sound design, ShaperBox 3 by Cableguys is an incredibly versatile plugin. Featuring a suite of “Shapers” for volume, time, filter, panning, and more, this plugin lets you create unique effects ranging from subtle groove tweaks to dramatic, head-turning modulations. Its LFO-based editing system makes it easy to design everything from stuttered hi-hats to evolving pads.
What sets ShaperBox 3 apart is its dynamic control features, allowing the effects to respond to the audio in real time. The Sidechain Shaper is a favorite among trap producers for crafting punchy, ducking effects on 808s and kicks. If you’re looking to add movement, depth, and originality to your beats, ShaperBox 3 is a game-changing tool.
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9. Antares Auto-Tune Pro
No trap production is complete without pitch-perfect vocals, and Antares Auto-Tune Pro is the industry standard for a reason. This plugin not only offers the iconic auto-tune effect that defines modern trap but also gives you deep control over pitch correction, formant shaping, and retune speed. From subtle corrections to the robotic, T-Pain-style effect, Auto-Tune Pro ensures your vocals are both polished and unique.
What sets Auto-Tune Pro apart is its Advanced Mode, which allows for precise manual editing and pitch curves. It also includes a Graph Mode for full customization and compatibility with live performances. Whether you’re working on hooks, ad-libs, or lead vocals, Antares Auto-Tune Pro is an essential tool for creating that signature trap vocal sound.
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10. Future Audio Workshop SubLab XL
When it comes to creating massive 808s and sub-bass, Future Audio Workshop SubLab XL is a dedicated beast. Designed with trap and hip-hop producers in mind, this plugin simplifies the process of crafting earth-shaking basslines. It combines a built-in synth, sample layering, and an advanced sub-bass generator, letting you produce clean, impactful low-end that translates perfectly across all sound systems.
One of the standout features is X-Sub technology, which ensures your bass remains consistent and punchy, even on smaller speakers. The intuitive interface makes tweaking sounds effortless, and the included preset library is loaded with ready-to-use 808s for instant inspiration. If 808s are the foundation of your beats, SubLab is a must-have in your arsenal.
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11. Soundtoys Little AlterBoy
For creative vocal manipulation, Soundtoys Little AlterBoy is a standout choice. This plugin offers pitch and formant shifting, allowing you to completely transform the tone and texture of your vocals. Whether you’re creating deep, gritty vocal drops or high-pitched ad-libs, Little AlterBoy helps you craft unique sounds that fit perfectly into trap productions.
The simplicity of the plugin is part of its charm—its controls are minimal but powerful. The formant shifting feature is especially useful for creating robotic or alien-like effects, while the drive knob adds warmth and character. Whether you use it subtly or push it to extremes, Soundtoys Little AlterBoy makes your vocals stand out in any mix.
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12. Guitar Rig Pro 7 by Native Instruments
For producers looking to add unusual and creative effects to their trap tracks, Guitar Rig Pro by Native Instruments is an underrated gem. While originally designed for guitarists, this plugin shines as an FX processor for synths, drums, and even vocals. Its modular system lets you combine amps, cabinets, and creative effects like delays, reverbs, and modulation to craft unique sonic textures.
Trap producers can use Guitar Rig Pro to add grit and character to 808s, filter-heavy atmospheres, or wild vocal effects. With over 17 amps, 27 cabinets, and 50+ effects modules, the possibilities are endless. If you’re the type of producer who loves to experiment and push boundaries, Guitar Rig Pro is a fantastic tool for creative sound design.
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13. Splice Samples
While not a plugin, Splice Samples is a treasure trove of inspiration for trap producers. It offers an extensive library of royalty-free samples, loops, and one-shots, including top-tier drum kits, melodic loops, and FX sounds specifically tailored for modern trap music. The quality and variety of sounds make it easy to find exactly what you need for your next beat.
The standout feature of Splice is its ability to let you preview and download individual samples, meaning you only pay for what you use. With frequent updates and curated packs from well-known producers, it’s a go-to resource for fresh ideas. Whether you need a hard-hitting snare, a unique hi-hat loop, or an inspiring melodic sample, Splice Samples ensures your trap beats never sound stale.
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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.