VST Instruments and Effects

Created by Steinberg, VSTs can be classified as either effects (VST) or instruments (VSTi). Many of the instruments can be run as stand-alone programs (for example I have a VSTi that emulates a piano that I can run from my Desktop without having to plug it into my Digital Audio Workstation (In my case I use Ableton Live).

VST is the technology I prefer but most effects and instruments come as a bundle with other technology like RTAS (for Pro Tools) or Apple's Audio Units. For the purpose of this Hub I will most likely talk about VSTs but the general concept can be applied to any of the other plugins. Once the plugin is added the effect or instrument is the exact same in your DAW.

WARNING: Make sure your system meets the requirements for the effect or instrument you are looking into purchasing! Some software isn't compatible on Mac and PC, or may only be 32-bit or to old to work on a new OS!

Installation is pretty straightforward, the main thing you have to be aware of is where you install the VSTs (especially in Windows). Many VSTs will have a default folder called "Steinberg\VSTPlugIns" located in your "Program Files" folder, this is a good place to compile all your VSTs. I like to put all my VSTs in a folder called "VSTs" (creative I know), this way I am always aware that I need to specifiy my desired folder at installation and not just assume it will get placed in the Steinberg folder.

The reason behind this is because some DAWs (like ableton) you can only specify a single folder in which your 3rd party VSTs are included. If you have effects and instruments installed all over the place and try to move them after installation (on Windows) you are gunna cause yourself some serious problems.

How you insert your VST plugins is going to depend on the DAW you are using.

In Ableton after you have specified the folder containing your VSTs you simply click the little plug-in icon on the upper left and you will see a list of your VSTs. From this point it is as simple as dragging and dropping your desired effect onto a track, or your desired instrument onto the proper track format (most likely a midi track for VSTi).

In Cubase:

http://www.ehow.com/how_7702528_add-vst-instruments-cubase.html

In Pro Tools:

http://www.ehow.com/how_5064228_install-vst-plugins-pro-tools.html

Use the above links for quick reference, if you run into any issues usually the help file included with your DAW, or the available tutorials should be able to help you get your VSTs running.

4Front TruePianos

By far the best virtual piano instrument I have used. Has both basic and advanced view depending on your desired customization. Many different "piano sounds" to choose from, ranges from dark tones, to punchy rock pianos. Presets are great and it is very easy to find the piano tone you are looking for. Adjustable polyphony, reverb, room size, pitch, and dynamics. It is also very easy on the CPU, some piano VSTs can be a hog of your resources.

IzoTope Ozone

"Your mix isn't finished until Ozone is on it" is what they say...and it's true! Ozone is a bundle of effects packed into a single plug-in. It literally contains everything you need to master your mix. It can be used by newbs and pros, there is a ton of great presets classified by genre that will do most of the work for you and help you get started. Once you get comfortable with the program you can stray away from the presets and really shape your mix any way you desire. I've rarely needed to reach for any other effects while mastering, I love the EQ, multi-band dynamics, and loudness maximizer especially. I would definitely be lost without my trusty Ozone.

IzoTope Nectar

Another amazing piece of software from the geniuses at IzoTope. This bundle of effects will take your Vocal tracks to a new level. I urge you to check out the link and see what this program can do, and most of all try the demo! It is ridiculously easy to fire up Nectar, slap on a preset and already have the foundation of a great vocal. You can edit any of the individual features and pretty much craft any kind of vocal you want. I use this on pretty much every lead vocal while tracking and mixing.

Antares Auto-Tune

A great plug-in, often abused but very handy to have. I would not apply this effect over an entire vocal like most of today's music, but it is very handy to have if you can't get a vocalist to do re-takes and you have pitchy spots you need to address. Pitch correction is much more available these days, the new Cubase has a great waveform editor built into the DAW that can track audio and edit pitch/timing similar to the way we edit MIDI. Spot-treatment is best with Auto-tune, the human ear can detect when your entire vocal is in perfect pitch, its not natural nor is it musical so be careful.

FabFilter Pro-Q (Photo)

This is the EQ I've been using most recently and it is definitely my favorite. You can have up to 24 bands, lots of filter shapes (Bell, Notch, High/Low Shelf, High/Low Cut), real-time frequency analyzer, etc...this EQ basically does everything I would ever ask for and then some. I also really like the look of the program and it is very easy on the processor. I use this EQ both at the tracking/mixing stage and I often reach for it when mastering.

Other VSTs I have used over the years worth checking out:

• anything by PSPAudioWare
• Amplitube (Guitar effects/amp simulator)
• Guitar Rig (Guitar effects/amp simulator)
• Rapture (Awesome synth)
• Melodyne (soundwave editor, useful for vocal pitch/time editing)

If you havn't heard of MusicRadar you should definitely bookmark it (I frequent this site daily). Here is an awesome page that covers a ton of VSTs in great detail: http://www.musicradar.com/tuition/tech/the-ultimate-guide-to-vst-plug-in-effects-488974#!1

You may also find my other Hub of some use if you are just getting into Home Recording:

http://radadmusic.hubpages.com/hub/Home-Audio-Recording-Getting-Started