They perform the same role as hardware rack FX units, pedals, or effects built into mixing consoles. Instead, they process and change incoming audio. Unlike VST instruments, VST effects do not generate audio themselves. To avoid surprises, make sure to check the developer’s specifications before downloading a plugin. Still, as with any software, there’s always a chance of compatibility issues when using VST plugins. It works on both Windows and Mac operating systems, making it a good choice if you plan on switching machines. VST is the most broadly compatible audio plugin format. When you purchase a plugin, the manufacturer will often give you the option to download it in VST, AAX, or AU format. Don’t worry, though: Many VST plugins are also available in AAX and other formats. One exception is Pro Tools, which only supports its proprietary format, AAX. VSTs are compatible with most major DAWs, such as Ableton Live, Cubase, Logic Pro, and FL Studio. Two are available currently: VST2 (which is often simply called “VST”), and the more sophisticated VST3. Steinberg has released a few VST standards over the years. This is because, while VST was developed by Steinberg, anyone can use the VST standard to develop plugin instruments and effects. Many audio companies release their tools as VSTs, and all VSTs work in pretty much the same way. The power of VST plugins is their broad compatibility. Still, to get the best out of your VSTs, it helps to understand a little about how they work. They are usually quick to install and compatible with most operating systems and DAWs. But VTS was the first major audio plugin format, and remains the most widely used. Other plugin formats followed hot on VST’s heels, such as Apple’s AU (launched in the early 2000s) and Avid’s RTAS and AAX. The technology is currently in its third version, VST3. Since then, the technology has been gradually updated, incorporating features like per-note expression and sidechain inputs. In many modern studios, VSTs and hardware work side by side. Still, many producers feel there is something special about the sound and tactility of hardware units, and continue to use them when they can. Software plugins such as VSTs typically cost much less than their hardware equivalents, are quicker to use, and can be stored on your laptop hard drive, allowing you to make music wherever you are. VST plugins can be used to make music more quickly, easily, and cheaply than ever before. VSTs can be used in many aspects of music production, from synthesizing sounds and triggering samples through to processing audio with effects and monitoring it using visualizers. VST is the most widely compatible format, and the most commonly used. Many software instruments and effects are available in all three formats (VST, AU, and AAX), with no real difference in functionality. You may come across AU (Audio Unit) plugins-created by Apple and compatible with Mac OS systems-or Avid’s AAX plugins, compatible with Pro Tools. VST is a type of audio plugin, but it’s not the only one. What is the difference between a plugin and a VST? These days, many VST plugins are imaginative creations that never existed in the hardware realm. These VSTs typically feature a Graphical User Interface (GUI) on which you can twist knobs and move sliders as if you were interacting with the original unit. Many of the most widely used VSTs are digital emulations of existing hardware units, such as classic synths and effects. A whole new world of bedroom production opened up. Suddenly, you could get your desired sound much more easily, by dragging and dropping a file inside your DAW. These were often expensive, took up space, and could be laborious to set up and use.įrom the mid ‘90s, VST technology replicated these hardware units in the software realm. Each instrument or effect typically came as a separate hardware unit. Before the ‘90s, building a music studio was a complicated business. VSTs have revolutionized music production. DAWs tend to feature built-in VSTs, and numerous manufacturers offer VSTs that are compatible with your DAW. VST plugins are useful add-ons that offer extra functionality, whether for beat-making or sound design.Ĭommon VST plugins include synthesizers, samplers, and audio effects like reverb and compression. Think of your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) as the main control center for your productions. VST-short for Virtual Studio Technology-is a software interface that allows you to use software instruments and effects inside a DAW like Ableton Live or FL Studio.
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