One of the greatest values of VST plug-ins is their compatibility with a wide variety of host programs. VST plug-ins typically consist of a small DLL file, which you place into a specified plug-in folder. When you direct your DAW hosting software to the plug-in folder, your plug-ins will be ready to use. Typically, you do not need to take any further steps in preparing or installing your plug-ins. This way, you can easily use one set of plug-in files for a variety of different DAW programs.
Use VST plug-ins as instruments within a DAW project. You can use VST instruments to produce the sound of many kinds of synthesizers and keyboard instruments, as a supplement to other audio in your recording. A VST instrument creates sound in response to Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) note data. MIDI is a protocol used for transporting music data across devices and platforms. Thousands of VST instruments are available on the Internet, either for free or commercially.
VST effects simulate all kinds of audio effects, from intensive rack-mounted studio effects to guitar effects pedals. If you wish to implement VST effects, you can use them as inserts in an audio channel. Most VST effects have a user interface designed to look like the gear they are imitating. In the VST effect window, you can turn virtual knobs to alter effect parameters. Do this while listening to audio playback in order to understand the change that one effect has on the sound of your recording.
Some specialized audio software is capable of serving as a VST plug-in in another audio program. Many of these programs are modular building environments, where you can create synthesizers and arrange complex data processing pathways. Native Instruments' Reaktor, for example, runs both as a standalone and as a VST plug-in within a host DAW program. Using these programs as plug-ins allows you to create instruments, manipulate audio, and perform any number of other tasks within a larger recording project.
While VST is an extremely common standard for digital audio technology, other plug-in formats in this category do exist. Some of the most popular alternative plug-in formats are Audio Unit (AU) and Real Time Audio Suite (RTAS). AU is the format associated with the Logic DAW program for Mac OS X. RTAS is the format associated with ProTools. Given that these programs do not support VST format plug-ins, you must create converted versions of VST plug-ins to use in them. These conversions are called "wrappers," and you must create them using third-party software such as FXpansion.