| jpff@maths.bath.ac.uk wrote:
> OK, so someone has to display their ignorance. What is a VST plugin?
> What does it do for me?
Basically, Steinberg's VST (Virtual Studio Technology) is a well-documented
(sample code provided for plugins _and_ for hosts), multiplatform (VST1 sdks
are available for Mac, Windows and SGI), dsp plugin architecture for
sequencers and other audio apps.
It used to be open at the plugin end only, but it's now open at the other end
too. So that not only Cubase, but also Logic, StudioVision, and others,
including a new kind of audio application we are currently developing at
Exbang (top secret, won't tell you more ;-), host VST plugins. Its openness
at the host end makes this architecture much more attractive for developers
who don't necessarily want to limit the scope of their creations to Steinberg products.
In its current version (1.0) it only allows for audio effects and non-MIDI
parameter passing. Upcoming version 2.0 (any day now) allows for both audio
effects and synths, and passes MIDI events (sample accurate, I believe)
through the plugin interface. VST2 also provides a cross-platform GUI API for
faders etc so that you can concentrate on real work (dsp) instead of dealing
with platform-specific GUI issues.
I have no personal interest whatsoever in promoting Steinberg, but VST
apparently can be used freely, and I think it is the best way to go for people
who want their dsp code, whether free or commercial, to be widely and
efficiently used for making "real" music (I mean with professional-grade sequencers).
For more information cf my other mails in this thread and see :
http://www.steinberg.net/developers/VSTPlugInsDocumentation/index.html
(still version 1.0)
Oh, and congratulations for the great job you're doing with csound.
--
Greetings,
Michel
.........................................................................
Michel Jullian Directeur General email mj@exbang.com
Exbang Industries S.A.
Mas Chauvain route de Villeneuve tel +33(0) 499 529 878
Maurin 34970 Lattes France fax +33(0) 499 529 879
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