VST3 plugins are an advanced type of audio software interface introduced by Steinberg, providing enhanced capabilities over its predecessor, VST2. Designed for use in digital audio workstations (DAWs), VST3 plugins support audio processing and generating functionalities, enabling users to apply effects, synthesize sounds, and manipulate audio. A significant improvement in VST3 is its dynamic processing allocation, which allows the plugin to deactivate any processing when there is no audio signal, thus saving CPU resources. VST3 also supports multiple input and output audio channels, resizable plugin windows, and improved automation capabilities. These features make VST3 plugins highly versatile and efficient, suitable for both amateur and professional audio production environments.
VST3 is the latest iteration of the Virtual Studio Technology interface, developed by Steinberg, which provides enhanced stability, efficiency, and a richer feature set to empower your audio productions.
Our selection of VST3 plugins is designed with precision to offer dynamic sound shaping capabilities and seamless integration across a wide range of digital audio workstations, including Cubase, Ableton Live, and FL Studio.
SD-PE1
Passive Power,
Classic Character
The SD-PE1 provides a realistic reproduction of a classic passive EQ while also providing unique features only possible through digital emulation and modeling.
SET YOUR SOUND ON FIRE
Heatwave is a fast, effective, and free way to add grit and aggressiveness to almost any sound while preserving its original transients. Add punishing distortion to drum parts without losing the snappy attacks. Beef up a funk bass without softening the slap. Distress an acoustic guitar while preserving the intricacies of fingerstyle playing.
MetaPitch is a simple yet powerful pitch shifting powerhouse that lets you easily manipulate the pitch and format of your source sound.
Loaded with other essential features you may not find in similar plugins (like Grouped Instances, on-board saturation and stereo widening, built-in high and low-pass filters, and even a MIDI-controllable ‘Robot’ Mode), MetaPitch packs all your essential pitch-manipulation tools into a single inspiring interface.
BASS ENHANCER PLUGIN
Infinity Bass is a supercharged sound sculptor that punches up your bass and replaces it where it’s missing. Powered by four bass-shaping modes, a set of intuitive controls, and an inspiring, responsive visualizer, Infinity Bass gives you complete control over your track’s low-end elements.
FOCUS ON YOUR SOUND
Transient Shaper is an incredibly flexible, zero-latency sound sculpting plugin that lets you shape, manipulate and target sounds across their entire frequency range with a unique ‘Focus’ feature. The latest addition to Virtual Mix Rack, Transient Shaper is a perfect fit on your drum bus, bass stabs, and synth stacks, and even makes blending separate sounds a breeze.
ELEVATE YOUR SOUND
Crafted in collaboration with Grammy®-nominated, multi-platinum record producer Scott Storch, Storch Filter is a must-have production tool that makes adding excitement and freshness to your sound effortless. Packed with five built-in effects, an autofilter, and presets crafted by Scott himself, this groundbreaking plugin’s simple, intuitive interface streamlines your workflow so you can keep riding your creative wave.
MASTERING REIMAGINED
Looking for a mastering solution that does it all? FG-X 2 is powered by two incredible modules: FG-Comp and FG-Level. FG-Comp is designed to maintain all the original punch and transients of your mix. FG-Level is an intelligent processor whose algorithm analyzes the input signal to determine whether to apply saturation or limiting based on the unique frequency content of your track.
TURBO-CHARGED OTT
For years, producers have turned to the legendary OTT setting in Ableton to add life and drama to their tracks. Now get that exact sound with MO-TT, our new dynamics processor that adds fire and energy to your tracks like never before.
THE ULTIMATE MANGLER
Legendary producer Murda Beatz has worked with some of the biggest acts in Hip-Hop, including Drake, Travis Scott, & Migos. We partnered with Murda on a revolutionary new multi-FX plugin that offers producers access to endless sonic landscapes.
THE BEST AUTOMATIC TUNER ON EARTH
Say goodbye to buggy, expensive automatic tuners. MetaTune is the world’s hardest hitting tuner EVER. Get insane robo fx with negative speeds, a gorgeous interface that’s easy to use, and cool new features like Grouped instances & a built-in Doubler for wide, thick vocals. From subtle, natural pitch adjustments to in-your-face fx, MetaTune is the automatic tuner you’ve been waiting for.
INDUSTRY’S MOST GAME-CHANGING NEW SYNTH
ANA 2 ULTRA is packed with over 1,000 epic presets, tons of wavetables & samples, jaw-dropping skins that change when you switch sound banks, and more. With incredible new presets added FREE throughout the year, you can stop searching for sounds & start building your tracks.
From the brand new Circuit Breaker to classics like Eurorack, Sad Trap, Modern Hip-Hop and more—it’s all here. ANA 2 Ultra Bundle will make your music come alive.
GIVE YOUR MIX SOME FRESH AIR
Add smooth, crisp top end to your vocals, beats, samples & even full mixes in seconds without a single ounce of harshness. Once you hear the difference Fresh Air makes, you’ll never want to go without it.
And the best part? You can get Fresh Air FOR FREE! But only for a limited time, so get yours now!
AUTHENTIC ANALOG-MODELED PLUGINS
Get tons of vintage EQs, compressors, tape machines, consoles, reverbs, delays, mastering processors, saturators, sonic enhancers & much more.
You’ll also get the revolutionary Virtual Mix Rack, which lets you create the channel strip of your dreams. Get incredible speed & efficiency from having your entire signal processing chain visible in one convenient window!
FAST WORKFLOW. SLEEK, INTUITIVE INTERFACE.
INFINITY EQ is Slate Digital’s most advanced modern equalizer. With zero latency analog matched curves, lightning fast intuitive workflow, unique filter and M/S options, and presets made by pros like Mike Dean and Oak Felder. INFINITY EQ is one of our top VST Plugins to help you execute your musical ideas with ease.
AN ENDLESS WORLD OF EFFECTS
Kilohearts Bundle is a stacked suite of 28 creative plugins, including Snap Heap and Multipass. Multipass is a customizable Multiband Processor that allows you to create incredible custom multiband FX by utilizing all of the Kilohearts plugins like compressors, saturators, transient designers, delays, reverbs, and even modulation tools like trance gates, formant filters, and much more.
Snap Heap allows you to create custom serial and parallel FX chains utilizing the same cutting-edge Kilohearts VST plugins.
Kilohearts Bundle allows you to create amazing FX chains with serial or parallel routing options for virtually endless sonic possibilities!
AMP CAPTURES IN THE BOX AND MORE
Guitarists, rejoice! Get over 100 MODELED PIECES, including 32 new amps, 39 new cabinets (including 15 OwnHammer cabs exclusively for All Access Pass holders) & 31 new fx pedals and modules. Use Scenes to instantly switch between patches, and move TH-U’s mics around your virtual cab to precisely sculpt your tone based on TH-U’s meticulous impulse response modeling. Ready for the world’s most insane guitar tone? Look no further!
VST3 FAQ
What are VST3 Plugins?
VST3 plugins are the third iteration of Virtual Studio Technology (VST) plugins, developed by Steinberg. They are advanced audio plugins used in digital audio workstations (DAWs) to enhance audio processing with additional capabilities like dynamic I/O allocation and improved automation features. VST3 plugins offer enhanced efficiency and functionality in audio production settings.
What is the difference between VST and VST3?
The main difference between VST and VST3 plugins lies in their feature set and efficiency. VST3 plugins introduce improved processing efficiency by processing audio only when there are audio signals to process, thereby conserving CPU resources. Additionally, VST3 supports advanced features such as sample-accurate automation, multiple MIDI inputs/outputs, and dynamic I/O allocation for a more flexible and powerful audio processing environment.
Where are VST3 Plugins located on a Mac?
On a Mac, VST3 plugins are typically stored in the /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3 directory. This standardized location allows various DAWs that support the VST3 format to access and utilize these plugins easily within their environments.
Is VST3 Better for CPU?
Yes, VST3 plugins are generally better for CPU usage compared to their VST2 counterparts. VST3 plugins can dynamically deactivate parts of the processing when no audio signal is present, significantly reducing CPU load during idle times. This makes them more efficient, especially in complex projects with numerous plugin instances.
More on VST3 Plugins
VST3 plugins represent the latest evolution in Steinberg Media Technologies' VST standard, offering significant advancements over earlier versions in music production. Designed to meet the demanding needs of modern music producers and sound designers, VST3 plugins excel in efficiency and versatility across a variety of digital audio workstations, including Cubase, Logic Pro, and FL Studio.
One of the key advantages of VST3 is its capability for sample-accurate automation, which allows for precise control over automation parameters, enhancing the dynamism and expressiveness of virtual instruments and effects. This version of the VST format supports multiple MIDI inputs and outputs, broadening the scope for complex configurations and interactions with a wide range of music software. Additionally, VST3 plugins intelligently manage CPU resources by processing audio data only when necessary, thereby reducing the load on your system.
The VST3 format also expands compatibility with other plugin formats like AU (Audio Units) and AAX, ensuring that producers using different DAWs such as Pro Tools and FL Studio can access high-quality instruments and effects. For instance, plugins for Cubase, developed by Steinberg themselves, leverage the full potential of the VST3 format for seamless integration and enhanced performance.
From virtual instruments that replicate the sounds of native instruments, drum machines, and tube amps, to effects like graphic equalizers and spectrum analyzers, VST3 plugins offer a variety of sounds and functionalities tailored to elevate audio input and MIDI data handling. Companies like IK Multimedia and Spitfire Audio have adopted the VST3 format to harness these features, providing tools that meet the high standards of the music industry.
In essence, VST3 plugins are not just about sound quality—they are about pushing the boundaries of what digital signal processing can achieve in modern music production environments. Whether you're crafting tracks in a home studio or mixing in a high-end commercial facility, VST3 plugins offer the cutting-edge capabilities required to produce outstanding audio results.