VST (Virtual Studio Technology)
A plugin format that lets synthesizers and effects run inside a DAW.
VST is the most widely supported plugin format in music production, created by Steinberg in 1996. VST plugins come in two types: VSTi (instruments like synthesizers, samplers, drum machines) and VST effects (reverb, delay, compression, etc.). They run as software inside your DAW, processing audio in real time. VST3 is the current version, offering better CPU efficiency, resizable GUIs, and improved MIDI handling. Popular VST synths include Serum, Vital, Massive, and Omnisphere. The VST ecosystem is massive — thousands of free and paid plugins are available, making it possible to build a complete production setup entirely in software.
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Wavetable SynthesisADSR EnvelopeLFO (Low Frequency Oscillator)FilterFilter CutoffFilter ResonanceOscillatorReverbDelayCompressionEQ (Equalization)DistortionMIDIDAW (Digital Audio Workstation)VST (Virtual Studio Technology)SerumVitalUnisonSidechain CompressionFM SynthesisSubtractive SynthesisGranular SynthesisEnvelopeAttackDecaySustainReleaseWaveformSine WaveSawtooth WaveSquare WaveTriangle WaveDetuneLowpass FilterHighpass FilterBandpass FilterNotch FilterSaturationChorusModulationStereo WidthCarrierModulatorMorphBitcrusherRing ModulationAdditive SynthesisPulse WidthGain StagingHeadroomLUFS (Loudness Units Full Scale)True PeakTransient ShapingParallel CompressionBus CompressionMid-Side ProcessingDitheringFrequency MaskingMono CompatibilityReese Bass