VST3

VST3 is the third version of the Virtual Studio Technology plugin standard developed by Steinberg. Introduced as the successor to VST2, VST3 provides a framework for audio plugins—both virtual instruments and effects—to run inside digital audio workstations (DAWs).

Compared with VST2, VST3 introduces dynamic I/O, event-based processing, and improved parameter handling. Hosts can report and change the number of audio inputs and outputs at run time, enabling flexible routing and more efficient CPU use. It adds per-note expressions and polyphonic articulation, allowing instruments to react to per-note MIDI data with precise timing. Parameter changes can be delivered with better precision, and bypass behavior is designed to minimize audible artifacts. The format also provides improved MIDI routing and optional side-chain inputs.

Developers build VST3 plug-ins using the VST3 SDK provided by Steinberg. The SDK defines the host–plug-in interfaces and is available to developers under Steinberg's terms. VST3 plug-ins are designed to be cross-platform, running on Windows and macOS and, in many cases, on Linux hosts as well. Many DAWs support VST3 as their preferred plugin format, though some still support VST2 or other standards.

Adoption and history: VST3 was introduced as the modern successor to VST2. Steinberg has deprecated VST2 in newer SDK releases, and many developers ship VST3 versions by default. As a result, VST3 has become the dominant standard for new plugin development, with ongoing updates to the SDK and broad host support.