What soft synths and instruments you can setup with your DAW (not included) for $500? – Page 4 – Instruments Forum

I think kilohearts is a must…
Phaseplant and all the effects ecosystem are awesome and industry leading.
Kilohearts ultimate is at 399.

Some may argue that some synths are even more powerful (omnisphere, Falcon, avenger, synthmaster) but frankly, I think they all have their strength and weakness.
But phaseplant is by far the more approachable while still being an absolute beast.

With the 100 remaining dollars, I would go to pigments, just to have a different playground.