VST Plugins

Get the sound of a world-class studio at your fingertips with VST plugins. VST Plugins bring powerful virtual instruments and effects to your DAW, enabling you to generate a wide range of sounds from virtual pianos and orchestras to realistic drums and cutting-edge synths.

Virtual effects plugins emulate studio hardware processors such as compressors, EQs and reverbs, allowing you to shape and mix your projects in studio-quality completely in the box. Our collection of audio plugins give you access to powerful, flexible tools that supercharge your creativity and streamline your production workflow—all within the convenience of a DAW.

About VST Plugins

VST plugins are essential tools for modern music production, allowing you to use virtual instruments, effects, and MIDI processing within your DAW. Introduced by Steinberg in 1996, VST (Virtual Studio Technology) revolutionised the way music is made by providing a software-based alternative to traditional studio hardware. This technology enables producers to expand their creative possibilities with a wide range of sounds and effects that would otherwise require expensive or hard-to-find equipment.

There are three main types of audio plugins. VST Instruments generate sound and are designed to emulate everything from classic hardware synths to pianos and drum machines. Some audio plugins like u-he Diva, are faithful recreations of real-world iconic hardware, while others such as Reveal Sound Spire, offer entirely new sonic possibilities. VST Effects process audio signals and perform the same functions as hardware equipment found in professional studios and include compressors, EQ, reverb, and more. Just like VST instruments, VST Effects can emulate real-world hardware from guitar pedals to outboard reverbs while others such as FabFilter Pro-Q 3 and iZotope Ozone Standard, offer precise digital control over your sound for mixing and mastering. Lastly, VST MIDI effects manipulate MIDI data, adding features like arpeggiation or transposition to enhance your compositions.

Plugin VST's are available in different formats—VST, AU, and AAX—depending on the DAW and platform you use. Their versatility and range make them indispensable for any music producer looking to push the boundaries of creativity. With VST plugins, you have a complete virtual studio at your fingertips, ready to explore limitless sound design and production possibilities.

VST Plugins FAQs

What does a VST plugin do?

A VST plugin enables digital audio workstations to integrate software-based virtual instruments and audio effects. VST plugins often simulate real studio hardware through digital signal processing, allowing producers to have access to hardware-quality sounds directly in the box.

Who makes the best audio plugins?

The best audio plugins are developed by industry-leading companies, known for innovative designs and sounds. These are the top eight best VST companies

Fabfilter
Universal Audio
Native Instruments
Soundtoy
Arturia
iZotope
Valhalla
Xfer Records

What does VST stand for?

VST stands for Virtual Studio Technology. This is an audio plugin standard developed by Steinberg that allows virtual instruments and effects to be integrated into digital audio workstations (DAWs). VSTs emulate traditional studio hardware through digital signal processing (DSP).