Virtual studio technology (VST) is an audio plug-in software interface that integrates a software synthesizer and effects into digital audio workstations. It uses digital signal processing to simulate a traditional recording studio’s hardware in software. There are both commercial and freeware versions of VST plug-ins available in the market. Open Source Audio Plugins & Apps. A list of open source VST (and other format) plugin/app projects. The intention of this list is to catalog open source plugins or apps which are fully featured or are useful examples which have non-trivial features.
The VST and AAX plugins now feature 3D Audio Visualizers allowing users to visualize and manipulate sound parameters within VR. We have discontinued the Legacy Audio Spatializer for Unity 4. If you still need that plugin, it is still available with Audio SDK v1.0.4 on the Downloads page page – select the Audio category and version 1.0.4 to.
Understanding how VSTs are made will provide you with insights on how you can make your own VST plugins.
Virtual studio technology (VST) is an audio plug-in software interface that integrates a software synthesizer and effects into digital audio workstations. It uses digital signal processing to simulate a traditional recording studio’s hardware in software.
There are both commercial and freeware versions of VST plug-ins available in the market.
Think of VST plugins as an affordable way of making your home studio sound like an expensive commercial studio setup.
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What are the Best Tools to Develop VST Plug-ins?
I have listed a couple of libraries and frameworks that can handle most of the coding required in developing VST plug-ins.
JUCE Cross-Platform C++ Library
It is supported by the following platforms: OSX, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android. It is free for non-commercial releases, but the commercial license works our best. It also covers 64bit systems.
Pricing of its commercial license
Commercial license for a single product – $521
Commercial license for any number of products – $912
Upgrade from single-product version to unlimited version – $455 Despite the cost of the license for retail releases, it is the only library/framework option for a 64bit cross-platform.
Watch this video on how to create an awesome distortion VST/AU Plug-in using C++ / JUCE Framework
SynthEdit
SynthEdit is a framework and a visual circuit design that allows you to create your own synths with only drag & drop without programming. Therefore giving you the flexibility of using your DSP algorithms inside the modules.
At the time of writing this the 64-bit version is in Alpha and its creator Jeff McClintock is working on the ability to exporting it to AU. It’s got a ton of community-produced modules and works great with the 32-bit version. It is soft on your wallet – goes for $70.
Check out this video how SynthEdit work –
FL SynthMaker
FL SynthMaker aka flowstone comes free with FL studio. It has a straightforward drag-and-drop graphical interface and a wide range of components. You can use it to code modules and DSP in Ruby and comes with loads of examples to get started quickly and its ability to assist you in creating a prototype within a short time is a plus.
How Are VST Plugins Made
You’ll be required to source for information from different sources depending on what your specific goals are.
For beginners, before learning how to code VST plugins, I would advise you to check out these environments:
SynthEdit, SynthMaker, Reaktor, Max/MSP, PureData
CSound, SuperCollider, Bidule, Usine
Vst Plugin Development Tools Tutorial
These environments allow you to build something unique without having to write low-level code which most people find difficult to master. You’ll be required to know different areas, and if you already have some, then you’ll only require to fill in the gaps.
Check out this video to learn how to build and design your VST Plugin using JUCE
Audio Basics
Understanding sound and its properties are essential before embarking on the development of VST plug-ins. I have outlined a couple of online resources you should go through them:
Fundamentals of Digital Audio Processing
The Scientist and Engineer’s Guide to Audio Signal Processing
Signals, Sound, and Sensation by William M. Harmann
The book got an introductory text on psychoacoustics and the readers on a journey through the mathematics of signal and processing from its beginnings.
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37 Best FREE VST Compressor Plugins For Mixing & Mastering
11 Best Granulizer Plugins 2020 for a Future Sound Design
10 Best Noise Gate Plugins (VST,AU, AAX) of 2020
Programming
Many professional VST plugins available on the market have been written in C++.
There are also several other languages you can use, but each got their pros and cons.
Learning how to develop VST Plug-ins as you’re learning to program isn’t easy. I usually recommend learning how to program before starting to create VST plug-ins.
The Audio Programming Book by Richard Boulanger – This book comes highly recommended for those who want to learn audio plug-ins.
BasicSynth by Daniel Mitchell – This one shows you how to create a custom synthesize in software using C++ programming language.
For more further information about VST development, you should definitely check these resources:
Audio Software (VST Plugin) Development with Practical Application
JUCE framework for VST-plugin development
Maths
You should have some basic engineering mathematics such as linear algebra, complex analysis, among others. Visit this website to get practical algebra lessons: www.purplemath.com.
Digital Signal Processing
You must know what an FFT routine is and why it is useful. Advanced content focusing on audio will usually require you to have at least a conversational level of DSP understanding.
Check out these resources on DSP:
Online and Free: The Scientist & Engineer’s Guide to Digital Signal Processing
Print: Understanding Digital Signal Processing by Richard G. Lyons
Audio Digital Signal Processing
Audio DSP extends on core DSP concepts to include the way digital signal processes apply to digital audio. It covers subjects such as audio filters, delays, and non-linear effects; think compression.
DAFX by Udo Zolzer is a book that comes highly recommended and covers many aspects of audio DSP technique.
Check out these online resources to get more info:
DSP Audio Classics DSP Audio Algorithm Notes by XOXOS
Below are threads on VST Plug-ins I found from a couple of online discussion forums:
Advice for someone with ZERO experience Developing a Vst Effect Plugin Where To Start? What is your development setup?
Books
I have listed some books that can serve as a resource in your pursuit of learning how to make VST plug-ins.
Check them here:
Designing Audio Effect Plug-Ins in C++: With Digital Audio Signal Processing Theory
Designing Software Synthesizer Plug-Ins in C++: For RackAFX, VST3, and Audio Units
Audio Plug-ins frameworks
JUCE
JUCE is a highly recommended and all-encompassing C++ class library for developing cross-platform software. JUCE includes components for VST, AU, and RTAS. You should have at least a basic grasp of JUCE if you intend to use C++ for the development of your VST plug-in.
IPlug
This is a C++ framework for developing audio plug-ins and GUIs.
VST.NET
It allows VST Plugin developers to write Plugins in any .NET language. It also eases the transition between the C++ and .NET world and its framework built on top of the interop layer provide a clear and structured architecture. Feel free to check this Delphi library for creating VST plugins, VST hosts but also ASIO applications:
Delphi ASIO and VST
It also includes the algorithm for filters and dynamics.
Related Readings:
The 6 Best Ring Modulator VST Plugins in 2020 | KiloHearts, Melda
7 Best Vari-Mu Compressor Plugins of 2020 | Arturia, Manley, IK Multimedia
What is the best programming language for the VST plugin?
C++ is one of the best programming languages for creating VST Plug-ins, and the reason for this is that C++ has a wide range of frameworks and libraries that work so well in creating VSTs. Read more What’s the Best Way How To learn C++?
The WDL-OL library makes C++ an attractive programming language for VST plugins because it helps you with the following:
Creating multiple formats (VST, AudioUnit, VST3, and RTAS) from one codebase: Just choose the plugin format and click “run.”
Create both 32-Bit and 64-Bit executables.
Run your plugin as a standalone application (Windows or Mac). It means you don’t technically need a DAW to use the plugin.
Most GUI controls used in audio plugins (knobs, buttons, visuals).
Conclusion
Understanding what VST Plugins are and their role within the music production industry provides you with the knowledge of identifying the most effective tools for your music production outfit. It makes your music sound like it was produced in a million-dollar music studio.
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This part of the Steinberg Developer Resource is a portal dedicated to developers of VST 3 plug-ins and VST 3 hosts. Almost everything you need for developing VST 3 plug-ins is explained in the sections below.
Virtual Studio Technology (VST) is an audio plug-in software interface that allow to integrate software synthesizer and effects in digital audio workstations (DAW).
Here, you can find a non-exhaustive list of VST 3 benefits.
Vst Plugin Development Tools Tool
The VST 3 SDK (Virtual Studio Technology Software Development Kit) is a collection of software development tools included in one package. This allows plug-in developers to create plug-ins in VST 3 format and host developers to load VST 3 plug-ins into a DAW or audio editor.
Vst Plugin Development Tools Plugin
VST 3 Links — Important links you will need for working with VST 3
How to set up my system for VST 3 — In order to build VST 3 plug-ins, you need the source code of the VST 3 (interface definition), an IDE/compiler, cmake and a VST 3 host application.
Visit Steinberg's VST Developer Forum in order to get help with development, to submit bug reports, to request new features and to connect to other VST 3 developers:
Vst Plugin Development Tools Download
Browse the VST 3 SDK's technical documentation. The full VST 3 API reference is only available in the VST 3 Package that you can download or find online here.