VST and other plugins explained
Posted: Sunday, June 01, 2008
by Chris Hughes
iXL Productions
Now a days you really can do it all on your computer with just your audio interface and monitors! Today there are only a few hardware devices left that cannot be emulated by plug-in's. You all have the tools available to extend your Daw into a complete high end studio with all the virtual equipment you could need.
There are 3 basic software devices that work in the software realm of the digital audio sequencer plug-in's, these are: Synth's, Samplers and Processors. Each sequencer has a favored set of protocols when it comes to plug-in's, hence the need for multiple formats. Explaining: Plug-in Devices
Samplers; are an instrument that records and plays back samples, usually by allowing them to be distributed across a keyboard and played back at various pitches.
Processors, Process the sound with effects like reverbs, delays etc.
The Types
Each sequencer has a favored set of protocols when it comes to plug-ins, hence arises the need for multiple formats, here we will take a look:
VSTi: Virtual studio technology instrument; VSTi was developed by Steinberg as a universal platform for soft synths and samplers. Not all the companies bought into it but Cubase and Nuendo used it extensively. Then came VSTi2; an extension of the VST format, to pass on more parameters to the host for automation and so giving more options and control.
DXi: Cakewalk initially didn't go with VSTi; it went with DXi, which is based on Microsoft direct-X code. Today, however; they have given in and allow using VSTi-s with Sonar in a shell. But DXi-s cannot be run on Macs.
AU: This is short for Audio Units, and refers to a format developed by Apple for Mac OS 10.x.
MAS: Refers to plug-ins that work with the MOTU Audio System in Digital Performer (Mac only), which can also use VSTi, AU and ReWire. There are a few plugins that support MAS and that's because MOTU DP users can use AU as well as MAS.
RTAS: It is the format used by Digidesign, the maker of Pro Tools LE. RTAS will also work in Pro Tools M-Powered, which works with M-audio interfaces. RTAS plug-ins, however; will not work in Logic, Cubase or Sonar.
Rewire: Allows a user to pipe digital audio from Reason, Rebirth, Ableton Live (and more) to and from other sequencers by allowing running a sequencer through another sequencer. However, technically it can't be called a plug-in.
Remember you can visit the free online VST Directory tool to find tons of Free to donload VST plugins. Or if your a VIP Member you can use your own dedicated tool from the members area and search the rest of the formats as well.
--------
Visit www.ixlproductions.co.uk/index.php for the free iXLProductions VST Search Tool. Or visit www.ixlproductions.co.uk/members/index.php to sign up for the private members tool which does all other plugins as well as VST.
This Article has been viewed 1,426 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
No comments yet.We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.