As if the decision of which DAW to use<\/a> isn’t daunting enough, selecting which plugins to use within that software can be dizzying. You might be tempted to pick up every plugin deal of the day or drop some savings on a full suite from the top providers, but first, take a breath. Follow us for a moment here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Every DAW comes with a set of stock plugins, which can be easy to discount as cheap freebies or only available to you because of some random partnership deal. But, how often do we give stock plugins the same shot as the shiny, new options constantly marketed to us?<\/p>\n\n\n\n In today’s article, let’s give stock plugins their proper space, starting with Avid’s flagship digital audio workstation: Pro Tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Splice is now integrated into Pro Tools\u2014discover how to search, filter, and audition Splice sounds, all synced to your project\u2019s key and tempo.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Plainly put, are Pro Tools stock plugins any good, or do you need to budget for more to realize the vision of your projects? What’s included in the particular free or paid version you’re considering?<\/p>\n\n\n\n While we’re absolutely advocates for the wide range of incredible third-party plugins out there\u2014many of which are made more affordable than ever via platforms like Rent-To-Own<\/a>\u2014the stock tools and effects that come with Pro Tools are more powerful than many give them credit for. Whether you’re mixing, mastering, sound designing, or just learning, these built-in tools offer a solid foundation to achieve professional-grade results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Today is about trying before buying; by thoroughly learning how to leverage each of the Pro Tools stock plugins below, which are seamlessly integrated into the DAW, you’ll be able to get the most out of them. You can understand how they suit your needs and curiosities, and where any gaps might remain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This way, you can give a fair shot to your most cost-effective music production setup, and only invest further if you find those gaps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Access to Pro Tools requires a perpetual license, or a regular subscription. These plans are broken down into four primary tiers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the sake of this article, we’ll primarily be focusing on the plugins available via any of Pro Tools\u2019 three perpetual licenses\u2014but let\u2019s first understand what you\u2019re getting should you select the forever-free Pro Tools Intro<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if you plan on upgrading to a perpetual license someday, there\u2019s plenty to learn for first-time Pro Tools users with the Intro version. While the track limit is notable, only allowing eight for MIDI and another eight for audio, it\u2019s nonetheless an excellent resource to learn on or use for more stripped-down projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With this free tool, you already have access to 18 plugins. These are broken down into four primary categories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you move past the stock plugins that are available for absolutely free, the options expand rapidly. The plugins listed in the categories above upgrade to over 100 options, not counting other included third-party software, virtual instruments, and loops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nPro Tools: The plans (and what’s included)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nPro Tools stock plugins included with all plans<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nGo-to Pro Tools stock plugins<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Best Pro Tools stock plugins for mixing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n