Differences Between VST2 and VST3 Plugins

VST is a technology created by Steinberg (creators of Cubase) which is called "Virtual Studio Technology".

In short, VST is a software interface which allows us to install an audio plugin into our music program for additional functionality to our DAW.

VST was initially launched with Cubase many years ago, and was only constrained to VST effect plugins.

VST2 started including access to MIDI notes for our virtual instruments.

VST3 just builds on new features of VST2.. the biggest difference between VST2 and VST3 that I notice on a daily basis is just being able to resize the GUI of the plugin. Sometimes developers say that the VST3 performs a little better.

Also, VST3 must be installed in the "Common Files" folder within Windows. This is good, as it creates a central location for VST plugins, as for many years, it VST location was very unorganized.

Sometimes they'd install in "VstPlugins", or "Steinberg/VstPlugins".. now VST3 MUST BE INSTALLED in "Common Files" folder.

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[SonicVisualGR]

This is not about plugin version differences, but about how files are organized in both worlds.
Please make a video about the difference, and what are the advantages using vst3 versions of plugins.
I have some VSTi plugins in both versions, but see no difference in performance, properties nor system resource usage.
So the question is why would a company write plugins in 2 different versions of them ?
Thank you.

[LordZama]

Great explanation! I had no idea vst3 only worked out of a specific folder! I might need to go through my plugins and do some reorganising, I think I now know why some of those freebies never showed up in the DAW lol

Many thanks :D

[raffa]

This tutorial is more about folder structure and how organize files. Not difference betwen vst2 vs vst3.

[JordonRenn]

I'd say the biggest notable difference is that you can use multiple inputs and outputs with VST3 and all the advanced MIDI features

[andynonimuss]

It's better to keep all of your sound files and VST folders on a separate drive. This way if you need to reformat your C: drive (OS drive) then you still have all of your VSTs and folder structures set up on the separate drive. I keep all of mine on a seperate portable SAMSUNG T7 Shield 4TB SSD drive. The portability also allows you to switch between a desktop workstation and a laptop if you needed to.

[dugger]

I have all vst in the same place. 2 and 3. Never had issues with them not being detected in Cakewalk

[scent_from_another_realm]

why is no one just listing the differences between the 2. half this video is this guy telling us what folder he keeps them

[bereantrb]

Is the installation folder an FL Studio issue? I'm using Reaper and can install them anywhere. Like you I have a dedicated Music Production folder on my D: drive. In Reaper settings I can enter any paths I want Reaper to find plugins. Maybe FL has a similar option?

[sav]

So I should put vst2 programs in the vst3 folder with the .vst3 files for better organization and having it all in one place?

[nofood]

we here to talk about folders or what 😂😂😂😂

[gilsinger]

I went to another video. You take way too long.

[enricofiori]

Thank you, very interesting! In terms of quality, vst3 is better than vst2? Many thank

[ageshero]

Companies are creating an unbelievable mess of spiderwebby files huh. im a bit suprised, but mostly just dissapointed.

[vulnerablefemboys]

VST3's are the future but since it's the newer version, it's still a bit buggy, at least from my experience. I've uninstalled a lot of VST3's because of visual bugs, random crashing and high processing consumption compared to the VST2 versions. VST3's are technically better but as it stands, it still needs a few more years.