Are you a music producer looking to upgrade to VST3 plugins? If so, you may be wondering which digital audio workstations (DAWs) support this format. VST3 is the latest version of the Virtual Studio Technology (VST) plugin format developed by Steinberg. It offers improved performance, stability, and compatibility with modern DAWs.
Fortunately, many popular DAWs now support VST3 plugins, including Ableton Live, Cubase, Nuendo, and Studio One. These DAWs allow you to take advantage of the latest VST3 plugins and their advanced features, such as improved MIDI routing, better automation, and enhanced side-chaining. However, it’s important to note that not all VST2 plugins are compatible with VST3, so you may need to update your plugins or find alternatives if you want to switch to VST3.
What is VST3?
VST3 (Virtual Studio Technology 3) is a plugin format used by digital audio workstations (DAWs) to provide additional functionality. VST3 files typically contain information about an instrument or audio effect used to modify recorded sounds.
VST3 is a standard developed by Steinberg, a German music software and equipment company. It is the latest version of the VST format and was first introduced in 2008. Compared to previous versions, VST3 offers improved performance, better sample accuracy, and enhanced MIDI capabilities.
One of the main benefits of VST3 is its compatibility with a wide range of DAW software, including popular options like Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Nuendo, Live, and Studio One. However, not all DAWs fully support VST3, so it’s important to check compatibility before using VST3 plugins.
VST3 is a powerful and versatile plugin format that offers a range of benefits for music producers and audio engineers. Its compatibility with major DAWs and improved performance make it a popular choice for many professionals in the music industry.
DAWs That Support VST3
If you’re a music producer or sound designer, you are likely familiar with VST3 plugins. VST3 plugins are an advanced version of VST plugins that offer better performance and stability. However, not all DAWs support VST3 plugins. In this section, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular DAWs that support VST3 plugins.
Ableton Live
Ableton Live is a popular DAW that is widely used by producers and DJs. It supports both VST and VST3 plugins, making it a great choice for those who want to use the latest plugins. Ableton Live is known for its intuitive interface, powerful MIDI capabilities, and live performance features.
Steinberg Cubase
Cubase is another popular DAW that supports VST3 plugins. It’s a powerful DAW that is used by many professional producers and composers. Cubase offers a wide range of features, including advanced MIDI editing, audio editing, and mixing capabilities.
PreSonus Studio One
Studio One is a relatively new DAW that has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. It supports VST3 plugins and offers a streamlined workflow that makes it easy to create music. Studio One is known for its intuitive interface, powerful drag-and-drop functionality, and advanced mixing capabilities.
FL Studio
FL Studio is a popular DAW that is widely used by electronic music producers. It supports VST3 plugins and offers a wide range of features, including advanced MIDI editing, audio editing, and mixing capabilities. FL Studio is known for its user-friendly interface and powerful automation capabilities.
Logic Pro X
Logic Pro X is a popular DAW that is widely used by Mac users. It supports VST3 plugins and offers a wide range of features, including advanced MIDI editing, audio editing, and mixing capabilities. Logic Pro X is known for its powerful virtual instruments and effects, as well as its intuitive interface.
In addition to the DAWs listed above, there are many other DAWs that support VST3 plugins, including Reaper, Pro Tools, and Bitwig Studio. If you’re a producer or sound designer, it’s important to choose a DAW that supports the plugins you want to use.
Cubase
Cubase is a popular digital audio workstation developed by Steinberg. It is compatible with VST3 plugins, which offer improved performance and stability compared to VST2. Here’s a breakdown of Cubase’s compatibility with VST3:
Cubase 11
Cubase 11 is compatible with VST3 plugins on both 64-bit and 32-bit versions of Windows and macOS. This means that you can use VST3 plugins on both older and newer versions of Cubase 11.
Cubase 12
Cubase 12 is the latest version of the software and is also compatible with VST3 plugins on both 64-bit and 32-bit versions of Windows and macOS. If you are using Cubase 12, you can take advantage of the latest VST3 plugins available on the market.
It is worth noting that while Cubase supports VST3, it does not support VST2 plugins. This means that if you have any VST2 plugins that you would like to use in Cubase, you will need to either upgrade them to VST3 or find an alternative VST3 plugin that offers similar functionality.
Cubase is a great choice for those looking to use VST3 plugins in their productions. Whether you are using Cubase 11 or Cubase 12, you can take advantage of the latest VST3 plugins available on the market.
Ableton Live
Ableton Live is a popular digital audio workstation (DAW) that is used by many music producers and composers. It is known for its intuitive interface and powerful features. In terms of VST3 support, Ableton Live has made significant strides in recent years.
Ableton Live 10
Ableton Live 10 added support for VST3 plugins in its 32-bit version. This means that users can now use VST3 plugins in Live 10 on both Mac and Windows machines. However, the 64-bit version of Live 10 does not support VST3 plugins.
Ableton Live 11
Ableton Live 11 has expanded its support for VST3 plugins. The new version of Live supports VST3 plugins in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. This means that users can now use VST3 plugins in Live 11 on both Mac and Windows machines.
Ableton Live has made significant strides in supporting VST3 plugins. While Live 10 only supports VST3 plugins in its 32-bit version, Live 11 supports VST3 plugins in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. This means that users can take advantage of the latest VST3 plugins in their music production workflows.
Pro Tools
Pro Tools is a digital audio workstation (DAW) developed and manufactured by Avid Technology. It is widely used in the music and audio production industry. Pro Tools supports a variety of plug-in formats, including AAX, RTAS, and TDM. However, it does not support VST3 natively.
Pro Tools 2021
The latest version of Pro Tools, Pro Tools 2021, is compatible with AAX 64-bit plug-ins. It is available for both Mac and Windows operating systems. Pro Tools 2021 runs on macOS 10.13.6 (High Sierra) or later and Windows 10 (64-bit) version 1809 or later.
Pro Tools 2021 is a powerful DAW that allows users to create, edit, and mix audio and MIDI tracks. It comes with a range of built-in effects and virtual instruments. Additionally, users can install third-party AAX plug-ins to expand the capabilities of Pro Tools.
While Pro Tools does not support VST3 natively, there are workarounds available. Users can use a VST3 wrapper or bridge to load VST3 plug-ins in Pro Tools. However, it’s important to note that not all VST3 plug-ins may work with the wrapper or bridge.
Pro Tools is a powerful DAW that supports AAX, RTAS, and TDM plug-in formats. While it does not support VST3 natively, users can use a VST3 wrapper or bridge to load VST3 plug-ins in Pro Tools.
Logic Pro
Logic Pro is a popular digital audio workstation (DAW) developed by Apple. It supports Audio Units (AU) plugins, but does not support VST3 plugins.
Logic Pro 10
Logic Pro 10 is a 64-bit DAW that runs on macOS. It supports AU plugins, but does not support VST3 plugins. Logic Pro 10 is the latest version of Logic Pro.
Logic Pro X
Logic Pro X is a 64-bit DAW that runs on macOS. It supports AU plugins, but does not support VST3 plugins. Logic Pro X is the successor to Logic Pro 9 and was released in 2013.
Logic Pro and Logic Pro X do not support VST3 plugins, but support AU plugins. Both versions of Logic Pro are 64-bit DAWs that run on macOS.
Other DAWs
Here are some other popular DAWs that support VST3 plugins:
Studio One
Studio One is a digital audio workstation developed and released by PreSonus. It has good support for VST3 plugins, making it a great choice for users who want to take advantage of the latest plugin format. Studio One is available for both Mac and Windows operating systems and comes in both 64-bit and 32-bit versions.
FL Studio 20
FL Studio 20 is a popular DAW developed by Image-Line. It has been around for many years and has a loyal following of users. FL Studio 20 has good support for VST3 plugins and is available for both Mac and Windows operating systems.
Reason
Reason is a popular music production software developed by Propellerhead Software. It has been around for many years and is known for its unique interface and workflow. Reason has good support for VST3 plugins and is available for both Mac and Windows operating systems.
Reaper
Reaper is a digital audio workstation developed by Cockos. It is known for its low price and high level of customization. Reaper has good support for VST3 plugins and is available for both Mac and Windows operating systems.
Digital Performer
Digital Performer is a digital audio workstation developed by MOTU. It has been around for many years and is known for its high-quality audio engine. Digital Performer has good support for VST3 plugins and is available for both Mac and Windows operating systems.
Bitwig
Bitwig is a digital audio workstation developed by Bitwig GmbH. It is known for its unique interface and workflow. Bitwig has good support for VST3 plugins and is available for both Mac and Windows operating systems.
Cakewalk
Cakewalk is a digital audio workstation developed by BandLab Technologies. It has been around for many years and is known for its high-quality audio engine. Cakewalk has good support for VST3 plugins and is available for both Mac and Windows operating systems.
Sonar
Sonar is a digital audio workstation developed by Cakewalk. It has been around for many years and is known for its high-quality audio engine. Sonar has good support for VST3 plugins and is available for both Mac and Windows operating systems.
Pyramix
Pyramix is a digital audio workstation developed by Merging Technologies. It is known for its high-quality audio engine and support for high-resolution audio formats. Pyramix has good support for VST3 plugins and is available for both Mac and Windows operating systems.
Vienna Ensemble Pro
Vienna Ensemble Pro is a software application developed by Vienna Symphonic Library. It is used to host VST3 plugins and can be used as a plugin in other DAWs. Vienna Ensemble Pro is available for both Mac and Windows operating systems.
Maschine
Maschine is a music production software developed by Native Instruments. It is known for its unique workflow and integration with Native Instruments hardware. Maschine has good support for VST3 plugins and is available for both Mac and Windows operating systems.
Luna
Luna is a digital audio workstation developed by Universal Audio. It is known for its integration with Universal Audio hardware and high-quality audio engine. Luna has good support for VST3 plugins and is available for Mac operating systems.
there are many DAWs that support VST3 plugins, making it easy for users to take advantage of the latest plugin format.
Compatibility and System Requirements
When it comes to using VST3 plugins, it’s important to ensure that your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) is compatible with this format. Fortunately, many popular DAWs support VST3 plugins, including:
- Pro Tools
- Logic Pro
- Cubase
- Nuendo
- Ableton Live
- Studio One
It’s worth noting that some older DAW versions may not support VST3, so it’s always a good idea to check the system requirements before purchasing or installing a plugin.
In terms of system requirements, most VST3 plugins require a 64-bit operating system, as they utilize more memory than their 32-bit counterparts. This means that if you’re using an older computer or operating system, you may not be able to use VST3 plugins. Additionally, some plugins may have higher CPU usage and RAM requirements, so it’s important to ensure that your computer meets the necessary specifications.
For Mac users, VST3 plugins are compatible with macOS 10.9 and above, including the latest Apple Silicon processors. On Windows, VST3 plugins are compatible with Windows 10.
if you’re looking to use VST3 plugins in your DAW, it’s important to check the compatibility and system requirements to ensure that your computer can handle the plugin. With many popular DAWs supporting VST3, it’s easier than ever to take advantage of the benefits that this format offers.
Plugins and Features
When it comes to digital audio workstations (DAWs), plugin compatibility is a crucial factor to consider. VST3 is a popular plugin format that offers several advantages over its predecessor, VST2.4. While VST3 plugins are not universally supported across all DAWs, many popular DAWs do support this format.
VST3 plugins are compatible with a variety of major DAW software, including Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Nuendo, Live, Studio One, and more. However, due to plug-in host differences between DAWs, not all VST3 plugins are supported in all DAWs. For instance, only Steinberg hosts (Cubase and Nuendo) support VST3 fully.
In hosts that support both VST and VST3 plugins, it is highly recommended to use only VST3 plugins in new sessions from now on, and migrate plugins in old sessions to VST3. This is because VST3 offers several benefits, including improved performance, better sample-accurate automation, and more efficient processing.
VST3 plugins also support plugin parameters, which allow the user to control specific aspects of the plugin’s sound. Additionally, some VST3 plugins support presets, which allow the user to save and load specific plugin settings. It’s important to note that not all VST3 plugins support presets, so it’s always a good idea to check the plugin’s documentation to see what features are supported.
while not all DAWs support VST3 plugins, many popular DAWs do. VST3 plugins offer several advantages over VST2.4 plugins, including improved performance, better sample-accurate automation, and more efficient processing. If you’re looking to use VST3 plugins in your DAW, it’s important to check the documentation to ensure compatibility and to take advantage of the plugin parameters and presets that are available.
Upgrading and Purchasing DAWs
If you’re looking to upgrade your current DAW or purchase a new one, it’s important to consider which DAWs support VST3 plugins. Not all DAWs support this format, so it’s important to do your research before making a purchase.
Upgrading your current DAW may be a more budget-friendly option than purchasing a new one. If your current DAW does not support VST3 plugins, you may be able to upgrade to a newer version that does. Check with the DAW manufacturer to see if this is an option and how much it would cost.
If you’re in the market for a new DAW, there are several options to choose from that support VST3 plugins. Some popular options include:
- Cubase
- Nuendo
- Studio One
- Reaper
- Ableton Live
- Bitwig Studio
When considering which DAW to purchase, it’s important to also consider your budget. Some DAWs can be quite expensive, while others are more budget-friendly. It’s important to find a balance between features and cost that works for you.
In addition to VST3 support, there are other factors to consider when purchasing a DAW, such as ease of use, workflow, and compatibility with your operating system. Take the time to research and compare different DAWs before making a purchase to ensure that you’re getting the best option for your needs and budget.
Conclusion
VST3 is a popular plugin format used by many Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). While not all DAWs support VST3, many of the most popular ones do, including Cubase, Nuendo, Studio One, and Ableton Live.
It is worth noting that some DAWs only partially support VST3, while others support it fully. If you are unsure whether your DAW supports VST3, it is recommended to check the official documentation or contact the manufacturer for more information.
if you are a plugin developer or a user looking for the latest and greatest plugins, it is worth considering VST3 support when choosing a DAW. However, it is important to keep in mind that VST3 is not the only plugin format available and that compatibility with other formats such as VST2, AudioUnits, and AAX should also be taken into account.
Ultimately, the choice of DAW and plugin format depends on your personal preferences and needs. We hope this article has provided you with useful information to help you make an informed decision.
