/ VST Home

Main benefits of VST 3

On this page:

Related pages:

Here, you can find a non-exhaustive list of VST 3 benefits.

VST 3 is a general rework of the long-serving VST plug-in interface (VST 1 & VST 2) . It is not compatible with the older VST (1 & 2) versions, but it includes some new features and possibilities. We have redesigned the API to make it not only far easier and more reliable for developers to work with, but have also provided completely new possibilities for plug-ins. These include:

1. Improved Performance with the Silence Flag

Managing large plug-in sets and multiple virtual instruments on typical studio computer systems can often be difficult because of CPU performance limits. VST 3 helps to improve overall performance by applying processing to plug-ins only when audio signals are present on their respective inputs. Instead of always processing input signals, VST 3 plug-ins can apply their processing economically and only when it is needed.

2. Multiple Dynamic I/Os

VST 3 plug-ins are no longer limited to a fixed number of inputs and outputs, and their I/O configuration can dynamically adapt to the channel configuration. Side-chains are also very easily realizable. This includes the possibility to deactivate unused busses after loading and even reactivate those when needed. This cleans up the mixer and further helps to reduce CPU load.

3. Sample-accurate Automation

VST 3 also features vastly improved parameter automation with sample accuracy and support for ramped automation data, allowing completely accurate and rapid parameter automation changes.

4. Logical Parameter Organization

The VST 3 plug-in parameters are displayed in a tree structure. Parameters are grouped into sections which represent the structure of the plug-in. Plug-ins can communicate their internal structure for the purpose of overview, but also for some associated functionality (e.g. program lists). Parameters like “Cutoff” and “Resonance” could be grouped into a section called “Filter”. This makes searching for a certain parameters easier, such as on an automation track. This also allows for assigning a group of parameters to a specific MIDI Channel input and audio output bus.

5. Resizeable UI Editor

VST 3 introduces a new approach to plug-in GUIs through window resizing, allowing for extremely flexible use of valuable screen space.

6. Mouse Over Support

The host can ask the plug-in which parameter is under the mouse.

7. Context Menu Support

VST 3 defines a way to allow the host to add its own entries in the plug-in context menu of a specific parameter.

8. Channel Context Information

A VST 3 plug-in can access channel information where it is instantiated: name, color, ...

9. Note Expression

VST 3 defines with Note Expression a new way of event controller editing. The plug-in is able to break free from the limitations of MIDI controller events by providing access to new VST 3 controller events that circumvent the laws of MIDI and provide articulation information for each individual note (event) in a polyphonic arrangement according to its noteId.

10. 3D Audio Support

VST 3 supports new speaker configurations like Ambisonic, Atmos, Auro 3D or 22.2.

11. Factory Concept

VST 3 plug-in library could export multiple plug-ins and in this way replaces the shell concept of VST 2 (kPlugCategShell).

12. Support Remote control Representation

Remote controllers for audio and MIDI software applications have become increasingly popular. VST 3 offers far more flexible control of VST plug-ins by remote controllers. Using the knobs and faders on the control surface, parameters can be recorded, renamed and edited in many ways. Parameters that cannot be edited can be routed for display purposes to the control surface, for example, to show Gain Reduction on a compressor.

13. Others

While designing VST 3, we performed a careful analysis of the existing functionality of VST and rewrote the interfaces from scratch. In doing so, we focused a lot on providing clear interfaces and their documentation in order to avoid usage errors from the deepest possible layer. Some more features implemented specifically for developers include:

  • More stable technical host/plug-in environment
  • Advanced technical definition of the standard
  • Modular approach
  • Separation of UI and processing
  • UTF16 for localized parameter naming
  • Advanced preset system
  • Multiple plug-ins per library
  • VST 3 SDK package: