How to make the best out of Black Friday as a music producer

Music producers go crazy during Black Friday, often buying more than they actually need.

So, to avoid wasting money on unnecessary purchases, here’s what you should do…

4 THOUGHTS FROM ME

1. Shop for what you need, not the sales.

During this Black Friday, resist the temptation to buy plugins just because they’re cheap. So:

1. Only buy what you really need. If you’re currently comfortable with what you have and don’t feel you need anything else, don’t waste your money on more plugins. Just skip the sales;
2. Invest more in knowledge than plugins. Instead of just buying plugins, consider getting courses, as these will help you improve a lot more than any plugin;
3. Don’t buy similar plugins to what you already have. For example, if you already own Serum 2, you don’t need to buy Pigments or any other wavetable synth;
4. Figure out if you’re missing something by making a list of what you need. Instead of browsing sales, make a list of what you need and stick to it. Avoid impulse buys at all costs, as these are the purchases you might later regret.

2. Build your essential toolkit.

A big problem with Black Friday is that producers are often looking for quick wins, rather than learning and using what they already have. Instead:

1. Master what you already have. Most DAWs already come with an amazing suite of plugins and you most likely don’t need anything. Master what you have, rather than adding more plugins that will sit on your shelf;
2. Get an Analog Synth. An analog synth is just like any other synth, but because it’s a bigger investment and it looks at you all the time, you’ll likely take the time to learn it, and that can save you money in the future;
3. Create a ‘Go-To’ list of Plugins. When you know your go-to plugins, you will gain efficiency by not having to think about what to use next, and also make it harder to buy unnecessary plugins as your toolkit gets more complete.

3. Get these plugins if you don’t have them.

Here’s part of my essential toolkit so you don’t have to think too much about building yours, and also how to get their best deal:

1. Xfer Serum 2. If you’re a student, you can ask for a 30% discount via their support.
2. U-HE DIVA. During Black Friday week, you can normally get it at 50% off;
3. Wavesfactory Trackspacer. During some times of the year, including Black Friday, you can get it for 50% off;
4. Soundtoys Bundle. During some times of the year, including Black Friday, you can get it for 50% off.
5. iZotope Ozone Bundle. During certain times of the year, especially Black Friday (wait for it), you can get it up to 50% off. It’s often cheaper when you get an Elements plugin, and then do a crossgrade (check this link for crossgrades).
6. Volumeshaper. The Shaperbox Bundle gets $10 off during Black Friday, but not Volumeshaper alone. You can get ‘Duck’ for less, though
7. Komplete & Kontakt. It’s cheaper to buy for the first time during Black Friday, but it’s cheaper to upgrade during the June/July sales;
8. Soothe2. 25% off during their once-a-year Black Friday sale, starting Nov 25.

4. Get these samples & presets packs if you don’t have them.

Here are the samples and preset packs that I’m using all the time, so you don’t have to waste time looking for other ones:

1. Abstrakt Music Lab Samples & Presets. With our 20% off Black Friday sale, you can get presets for DIVA, Serum and Samples for your project. Use the coupon “BLACKFRIDAY2025” until December 5, 2025;
2. Places 2 for Xfer Serum. Amazing preset pack for Xfer Serum, also available on Splice.
3. Sounds of KSHMR Vol.3. Usually 25% on their website during Black Friday, also available on Splice.
4. Production Music Live’s Deep Premium and Organica Vol. 6. Currently up to 50% off during their Black Friday sale;
5. Cyclopedia One and Two. Amazing Sample Packs by the engineer for Nora en Pure, currently 50% off, and you can get an additional 10% off the Phat Bundle with my coupon “AML25“.

That’s what I use daily, and you honestly don’t need anything other than stock plugins and what’s being recommended above. If you need any help with these plugins, please contact me and I’ll help you find the best offer.

1 QUESTION FOR YOU

What should you do before buying anything during this Black Friday?

1. Activate your trial periods and test what you want to buy.
Test whatever you want to buy before purchasing it, and try to use it in your workflow. If it doesn’t solve a problem, or you’re not often using it, don’t get it.

2. Find out the best time to purchase what you’re looking for.
Often, the best time to buy what you need is not only during Black Friday. That’s why I made this post to help you not miss your timing and plan ahead.

3. Find out the best places to buy your plugins to maximize your discounts.
Buying your plugins from PluginBoutique gives you a 5% cashback and some free plugins, which you can use to reinvest.