Question: What are VST plug-ins?
Recently, a reader emailed me to ask about plug-ins. He'd been using Pro Tools for a while, and recently decided to start to expand outside of the built-in plug-ins that Pro Tools offers. He was confused when he read about VST plug-ins. He write and asked, "What are VST plug-ins, and how can I use them?". Read on...
Answer: VST plug-ins stand for Virtual Studio Technology. VST plug-ins are usable in programs like Pro Tools and Logic, and they're frequently used to emulate hardware outboard gear such as compressors, expanders, equalizers, and maximizers. You'll frequently find these distributed to emulate certain models of hardware; there's some for vintage compressors, and you'll frequently find effects that emulate vintage hardware (both in instrument and stompbox-like effects).
Aside from VST plug-ins, you'll also find VST-instrument, or VSTi plug-ins. These can emulate really cool but expensive hardware -- Hammond B3 and Nord Electro come to mind. The quality on these VSTi plug-ins can vary from acceptable to really poor; it depends on the quality of your system resources (RAM and scratch space on your hard drive), and how well-sampled the instrument is. You also want to make sure that your VSTi plug-ins offers true polyphonic content -- meaning you can make life-like chords and sustains without sounding too artificial.
VST plugs are a really affordable way to make your home studio sound like a really expensive commercial operation. Many VST plug-ins are available as freeware, as well.
Aside from VST plug-ins, you'll also find VST-instrument, or VSTi plug-ins. These can emulate really cool but expensive hardware -- Hammond B3 and Nord Electro come to mind. The quality on these VSTi plug-ins can vary from acceptable to really poor; it depends on the quality of your system resources (RAM and scratch space on your hard drive), and how well-sampled the instrument is. You also want to make sure that your VSTi plug-ins offers true polyphonic content -- meaning you can make life-like chords and sustains without sounding too artificial.
VST plugs are a really affordable way to make your home studio sound like a really expensive commercial operation. Many VST plug-ins are available as freeware, as well.