Is a VST a Plugin? Everything You Need to Know [2023]

If you are an avid music producer or someone aspiring to become one, you may have come across the term VST while searching for plugins to enhance your audio productions. With so many technical terms and jargon in the audio production industry, it's important to have a clear understanding of what a VST plugin is and how it differs from other types of plugins. In this article, our team at Uniphonic™ will provide an extensive yet easy-to-understand guide on VST plugins, answering all your questions and quelling any doubts you may have.

What is a VST Plugin?

A VST (Virtual Studio Technology) plugin is a software instrument or effect that integrates with a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) to produce, process, or manipulate audio. The VST plugin standard was created by Steinberg, a German music software company, and has become a widely used plugin format in the music production industry. A VST plugin runs within a DAW, allowing the user to apply its effects to an audio file or MIDI track in real-time.

VST Plugin Formats

There are two types of VST plugin formats available in the market, VST2 and VST3. While VST2 remains the most widely used format, VST3s offer additional features such as side-chaining and MIDI inputs.

What Are VST Plugins For?

VST plugins are used to add effects or instruments to a piece of audio, improving its quality and providing extra creative possibilities. They can emulate famous vintage hardware, such as an analog synthesizer, compressor, or EQ, or provide brand new digitally created sounds like glitch effects.

Types of VST Plugins

VST plugins can be categorized into three main types – instrument, effects, and MIDI.

VST Instrument Plugins

Instrument plugins produce audio sounds, utilizing Virtual Studio Technology to create entirely digital reproductions of analog instruments or entirely digital sounds. These types of plugins can be used to create realistic or synthetic instrument sounds such as a guitar, a trumpet, or a synthesizer.

VST Effects Plugins

Effects plugins modify or improve an audio signal in real-time by manipulating volume, filters, delay, distortion, etc. Examples of effects plugins include reverb, compression, chorus, and EQ.

VST MIDI Plugins

MIDI plugins receive and manipulate MIDI signals, which means that you can use them to change instrument sounds and automate your song's melody or harmony. Examples of MIDI plugins include arpeggiators, chord generators, and quantizers.

How to Use VST Plugins

To use a VST plugin, you need to follow these steps:

1. Install the plugin on your computer
2. Open your DAW
3. Locate the plugin folder within your DAW
4. Load the plugin onto the audio track/MIDI track
5. Configure the plugin settings
6. Play your audio/MIDI track and start using the plugin

Where to Find VST Plugins

You can find VST plugins on many music production software websites, such as Native Instruments, Waves, and iZotope. There are also third-party VST plugin websites like Plugin Boutique and Splice. You can purchase VST plugins or download free plugins, which may or may not be high-quality.

VST Plugin Recommendations

Our team recommends these VST plugin brands as they have a wide array of high-quality plugins:

• Native Instruments
• Waves
• FabFilter
• Soundtoys
• Plugin Alliance

FAQ

How do you use VST plugins?

To use a VST plugin:

• Install the plugin on your computer
• Open your DAW
• Locate the plugin folder within your DAW
• Load the plugin onto the audio track/MIDI track
• Configure the plugin settings
• Play your audio/MIDI track and start using the plugin

Where is VST plugin file?

The VST plugin file is usually located in a specific folder within your DAW. You can also install the plugin in a custom folder and point your DAW to look in that folder for VST plugins.

What type of file is a VST?

A VST file is a plugin file that is used to extend the functionality of a Digital Audio Workstation. VST files come in two different formats, VST2 and VST3.

Quick Tips and Facts

• VST plugins can add a professional touch to your music productions
• Ensure you purchase or download quality VST plugins to obtain high-quality audio
• Don't overload your computer with too many VST plugins, as they can consume a lot of processing power
• Be creative with the use of plugins and experiment with settings

Conclusion

In conclusion, a VST plugin is a software extension that enhances the audio production experience. VST plugins can add a professional touch to your music productions and can be used to create entirely digital reproductions of analog instruments or entirely digital sounds. There are three types of VST plugins – instrument, effects, and MIDI. Our team recommends purchasing or downloading plugins from brands such as Native Instruments, Waves, FabFilter, Soundtoys, and Plugin Alliance. We hope that this article helps you understand what VST plugins are and how they can be used to create great music.

Bonus Joke

"What do you call a group of VSTs making music in unison? A virtual orchestra!"

References

• Steinberg VST Plugins
• Native Instruments
• Waves
• FabFilter
• Soundtoys
• Plugin Alliance