Understanding how VSTs are made will provide you with insights on how you can make your own VST plugins.
Virtual studio technology (VST) is an audio plug-in software interface that integrates a software synthesizer and effects into digital audio workstations. It uses digital signal processing to simulate a traditional recording studio’s hardware in software.
There are both commercial and freeware versions of VST plug-ins available in the market.
Think of VST plugins as an affordable way of making your home studio sound like an expensive commercial studio setup.
What are the Best Tools to Develop VST Plug-ins?
I have listed a couple of libraries and frameworks that can handle most of the coding required in developing VST plug-ins.
JUCE Cross-Platform C++ Library
It is supported by the following platforms: OSX, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android. It is free for non-commercial releases, but the commercial license works our best. It also covers 64bit systems.
Pricing of its commercial license:
- Commercial license for a single product – $521
- Commercial license for any number of products – $912
- Upgrade from single-product version to unlimited version – $455
Despite the cost of the license for retail releases, it is the only library/framework option for a 64bit cross-platform.
Watch this video on creating an awesome distortion VST/AU Plug-in using C++ / JUCE Framework.
We also recommend checking this video and the channel as a great source on how to develop audio plugins:
SynthEdit
SynthEdit is a framework and a visual circuit design that allows you to create your own synths with only drag & drop without programming. Therefore giving you the flexibility of using your DSP algorithms inside the modules.
At the time of writing this, the 64-bit version is in Alpha, and its creator Jeff McClintock is working on the ability to exporting it to AU. It’s got a ton of community-produced modules and works great with the 32-bit version. It is soft on your wallet – it goes for $70.
Check out this video of how SynthEdit work:
FL SynthMaker
FL SynthMaker, aka Flowstone, comes free with FL studio. It has a straightforward drag-and-drop graphical interface and a wide range of components. You can use it to code modules and DSP in Ruby and comes with loads of examples to get started quickly and its ability to assist you in creating a prototype within a short time is a plus.
How Are VST Plugins Made?
You’ll be required to source information from different sources depending on what your specific goals are. For beginners, before learning how to code VST plugins, I would advise you to check out these environments:
- SynthEdit, SynthMaker, Reaktor, Max/MSP, PureData
- CSound, SuperCollider, Bidule, Usine
These environments allow you to build something unique without writing low-level code, which most people find difficult to master. You’ll be required to know different areas, and if you already have some, you’ll only be required to fill in the gaps.
Check out this video to learn how to build and design your VST Plugin using C++ and JUCE framework:
Audio Basics
Understanding sound and its properties are essential before embarking on the development of VST plug-ins. I have outlined a couple of online resources you should go through them:
Fundamentals of Digital Audio Processing
The Scientist and Engineer’s Guide to Audio Signal Processing
Discrete-time systems, sampling theorem, audio DSP, maths, sound analysis, and sound modeling:
Signals, Sound, and Sensation by William M. Harmann
The book got an introductory text on psychoacoustics and the readers on a journey through the mathematics of signal and processing from its beginnings.
Programming
Many professional VST plugins available on the market have been written in C++. There are also several other languages you can use, but each got its pros and cons. Learning how to develop VST Plug-ins as you’re learning to program isn’t easy. I usually recommend learning how to program before starting to create VST plug-ins. This book comes highly recommended for those who want to learn audio plug-ins:
The Audio Programming Book by Richard Boulanger
This one shows you how to create a custom synthesize in software using the C++ programming language:
For further information about VST development, you should definitely check these resources:
Audio Software (VST Plugin) Development with Practical Application
JUCE framework for VST-plugin development
Maths
You should have some basic engineering mathematics such as linear algebra, complex analysis, among others. Visit this website to get practical algebra lessons: www.purplemath.com.
Digital Signal Processing
You must know what an FFT routine is and why it is useful. Advanced content focusing on audio will usually require you to have at least a conversational level of DSP understanding.
Check out these resources on DSP.
Online and Free:
The Scientist & Engineer’s Guide to Digital Signal Processing
Print:
Understanding Digital Signal Processing by Richard G. Lyons
Audio Digital Signal Processing
Audio DSP extends on core DSP concepts to include the way digital signal processes apply to digital audio. It covers subjects such as audio filters, delays, and non-linear effects; think compression.
DAFX by Udo Zolzer is a book that comes highly recommended and covers many aspects of the audio DSP technique.
Check out these online resources to get more info:
DSP Audio Classics
DSP Audio Algorithm Notes by XOXOS
Below are threads on VST Plug-ins I found from a couple of online discussion forums:
Advice for someone with ZERO experience
Developing a Vst Effect Plugin Where To Start?
What is your development setup?
Books
I have listed some books that can serve as a resource in your pursuit of learning how to make VST plug-ins.
Check them here:
Designing Audio Effect Plug-Ins in C++: With Digital Audio Signal Processing Theory
Designing Software Synthesizer Plug-Ins in C++: For RackAFX, VST3, and Audio Units
Audio Plug-ins frameworks
JUCE is a highly recommended and all-encompassing C++ class library for developing cross-platform software. JUCE includes components for VST, AU, and RTAS. You should have at least a basic grasp of JUCE if you intend to use C++ to develop your VST plug-in.
This is a C++ framework for developing audio plug-ins and GUIs.
It allows VST Plugin developers to write Plugins in any .NET language. It also eases the transition between the C++ and .NET world, and its framework built on top of the interop layer provides a clear and structured architecture. Feel free to check this Delphi library for creating VST plugins, VST hosts but also ASIO applications:
It also includes the algorithm for filters and dynamics.
What is the best programming language for the VST plugin?
C++ is one of the best programming languages for creating VST Plug-ins, and the reason for this is that C++ has a wide range of frameworks and libraries that work so well in creating VSTs.
The WDL-OL library makes C++ an attractive programming language for VST plugins because it helps you with the following:
- Creating multiple formats (VST, AudioUnit, VST3, and RTAS) from one codebase: Just choose the plugin format and click “run.”
- Create both 32-Bit and 64-Bit executables.
- Run your plugin as a standalone application (Windows or Mac). It means you don’t technically need a DAW to use the plugin.
- Most GUI controls are used in audio plugins (knobs, buttons, visuals).
Conclusion
Understanding what VST Plugins are and their role within the music production industry provides you with the knowledge of identifying the most effective tools for your music production outfit. It makes your music sound like it was produced in a million-dollar music studio.
Started as a rapper and songwriter back in 2015 then quickly and gradually developed his skills to become a beatmaker, music producer, sound designer and an audio engineer.