synthSonic Academy
Kick 2
A dedicated kick drum synthesizer with pitch envelope, click layer, noise layer, and built-in distortion. Sculpts the perfect 4-on-the-floor kick in minutes.
What Plugins Does Nicky Romero Use?
Nicky Romero sits at the centre of modern progressive house: producer of "Toulouse" and "I Could Be the One", founder of Protocol Recordings, and co-designer of one of dance music's most-used utilities (Kickstart). His plugin choices shaped the sound of a whole era of EDM.
This page only lists plugins with a verifiable public connection to Romero, each cited to its source. It is deliberately short: no inferred gear, no screenshot guesswork.
Written and reviewed by Kasper Nods. Updated July 2026.
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synthKick 2
Romero's connection here is deeper than use: Sonic Academy's kick-drum synth ships a distortion section he designed, which is why Kick 2 remains the genre's standard tool for tuned, room-filling kicks.
“..and the Nicky Romero designed distortion section, there is plenty to tweak.”
synthLennarDigital
Sylenth1
The classic virtual analogue synthesizer that defined the EDM and house sound of the 2010s. Smooth, warm oscillators and a famously easy workflow.
Sylenth1
The classic virtual-analog behind a decade of progressive leads and plucks. Romero's own assessment, quoted below, sums up why it stays in working EDM rigs despite its age.
“Older synth but still very good sounding, works great for progressive sounds!”
Frequently asked questions
What synth does Nicky Romero use for progressive house?
Sylenth1 is the one he has publicly endorsed, in his words an older synth that still sounds very good and works great for progressive sounds. His preset packs also cover Spire and Serum.
Did Nicky Romero really make Kick 2?
Kick 2 is Sonic Academy's product, but its distortion section is Nicky Romero-designed, per Sonic Academy's own materials. His original Kickstart plugin (with Cableguys) is a separate sidechain tool.
Why does this page list so few plugins?
Because it only includes plugins with a verifiable public connection to Romero, each cited to its source. Short and sourced beats long and guessed.