I tend to stop using free plug-ins after I've eventually added one that I paid for that has more robust features.

I guess it's like working out at the gym. I could exercise for free on the street. Or I could pay a little and have specialized equipment in a specialized environment to tone my physique just right. As long as I've paid for the membership I might as well use the equipment.

There are obviously free ones, or plug-ins included with Sonar, that are great and totally worth using regularly. But if I've bought a cool plug-in I'll probably try to get my money's worth out of it, rather than reaching for a free one also on the menu list with less capabilities.

Melodyne editor

Pretty much all the Native instruments stuff, with the exception of maybe Battery.
 
My UAD1 cause my new computer doesn't have any PCI slots.
 
Most of the Nomad stuff (though I love Magnetic)  I just haven't tried the rest
 
And I'm sure there's a lot more if I went through them

Top of the list is Izotope's IRIS synth.  Potentially good idea but badly executed IMO.
 
Also, sadly because it cost a bundle, Omnisphere.  Yes, I know a lot of folks swear by it, but for me the sound qualities I'm looking for are always better found elsewhere.

I use mostly Waves and Fabfilter plugins. I guess some have had serious issues with Waves plugs. I just bought Melda Production Mautodynamiceq and MModernCompressor. I'm really liking these Melda Production plugs and am sure I will be adding more of them in the near future. I'm looking forward to more of Bitflippers reviews on the Melda stuff to.   

Also, sadly because it cost a bundle, Omnisphere.  Yes, I know a lot of folks swear by it, but for me the sound qualities I'm looking for are always better found elsewhere.

Doubting the gospel according to St. Persing? In the 16th century you'd have been burned at the stake for such heresy.

Don't worry Bit...we know where David lives...in fact, you may never hear from him again.


Nah, just kiddin. But I sort of agree with him about IRIS... I don't use it near as much as I thought I would. But it is such a unique synth, I'm still glad I got it.

ol' pal, given that you've got every instrument and effect ever made, your list of plugins that don't get used must be rather lengthy. I mean, there are only so many hours in a day. How do you even find time to read all the manuals?
 
Oh, and please call off the hit on David. It's not like he dissed The Glue or something.

I bought pretty much all the Sonnox Plugins when I first got into music production thinking that that would be the end of it. Now they seem old fashioned and not very inspiring and I only use them to convince myself that I did not waste my money.
 
If I had my time again I think I would get the PSP bundle and call it a day apart from a few outliers such as Melodyne and EastWest Spaces. Also I'd get Ozone Advanced again. Not cheap but comprehensive and high quality.

Bit, you are right, of course. But I honestly do try and use most all of my very extensive plugin list. Instruments...not so much as I have my favorites. But say I've got an instrument track that needs...let's say some compression. I'll generally cycle through a number of plugs while the track is running and I see which sounds the best. One thing that this plethora of plugs has shown me...much to my chagrin...is that many of them sound vastly different while attempting to do the same things. Go figure. Sometimes I'll cycle through six or seven different plugs..or more...till I find the one that fits just right. Of course anyone can easily produce totally acceptable projects using only what's included with Sonar. And I encourage them to do so. But, I like a "coloring box" that's got every shade and hue. Even if my projects sometimes sound as if they've been produced in black and white.



PS: I don't even own "The Glue". Honest.