VST plugins literally mean Virtual Studio technology. It is a computer software interface that contains the sounds, effects and editors that your MIDI controllers use to create music. These are the colors of color for your canvas, and some of these things offer thousands of sounds to choose from (of course at a price). Whether it’s a simple piano sound or a shaky pitch bass synthesizer, you can have it. The possibilities are endless and what’s even better is the reality of these things – most of your favorite songs use VSTs these days and you can’t say it.

In many cases, you can even change the sounds you get to create your own sound, just like with a hardware synthesizer. Unlike some who prefer a real synthesizer, drum machine, or just a real drum kit, the VST plugins alternative gives you powerful options when working digital or analog, helping you save money, time, and ultimately an easier one Workflow. If you are creating rhythms or just creating music in general, the virtual instruments should be in your toolbox.

There are a variety of plugin standards. Before you buy a plugin synthesizer, you need to make sure your DAW is compatible with it. With the PC, Steinberg’s VST plugins (Virtual Studio Technology) is by far the most popular and is supported by almost every major DAW. You can also purchase Mac VSTs (although it should be mentioned that not all Windows VSTs work on Macs), and Apple also has its own standard called AU (Audio Units). You may also come across standards such as AAX and RTAS, both of which are specific to Avid Pro Tools software.