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VST has been updated -> VST 3
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Trip-
IsraTrance Team
Started Topics :
101
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3239
Posted : Sep 21, 2006 16:14
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Improved Performance
Some current plug-ins are known to be heavy on CPU load. Managing large plug-in sets and multiple virtual instruments on typical project studio computer systems can often be difficult because of CPU performance limits. VST3 helps to improve overall performance by applying processing to plug-ins only when audio signals are present on their respective inputs. So instead of always processing input signals, even when there is only silence present, VST3 plug-ins can apply their processing economically and only when it is needed.
Multiple Dynamic I/Os
VST3 plug-ins are no longer limited to a fixed number of inputs and outputs. Their I/O configuration can dynamically adapt to the channel configuration they're inserted in. For example, the new VST3 plug-ins in Cubase 4 can work in stereo-mode when inserted into a stereo channel, but switch to 6 channels when inserted into a 5.1 channel. In any case, each audio channel is processed independently. Interaction between channels depends on the type and design of the plug-in. While it is still eligible to have dedicated surround plug-ins, basically any VST3 plug-in can be surround-capable with true multi-channel processing.
In addition to their flexible audio bussing capabilities, VST3 plug-ins may also offer a dedicated event bus. Typically, this is a MIDI input for control/modulation but these busses are no longer restricted to MIDI standard only. Future plug-ins may replace the common MIDI interface with alternative control methods.
Activating/Deactivating Busses
A typical issue with current virtual instruments is their audio output bussing system and how they're connected to the mixer after loading. Especially virtual samplers with multiple outputs often occupy more mixer channels than need. The VST3 interface offers the possibility to deactivate unused busses after loading and even reactivate those when needed. This cleans up the mixer and further helps to reduce CPU load.
Routing Possibilities
Plug-ins can be connected to the host environment in many different ways: Future VST3 Instruments can have audio inputs. As an example, a synthesizer that offers a built-in vocoder will be able to directly receive an audio signal to control the effect. A VST3 plug-in may have multiple MIDI inputs at the same time.
Parameter Handling – Tree Structure
In general, parameter handling did not change with the integration of VST3. However, there are some improvements to the handling of parameters. Parameters can be organized logically in a tree structure to improve handling of complex plug-ins or instruments with a large number of parameters. It's now a lot easier to locate specific parameters, for example on an automation track.
Resizable Edit Windows
VST instruments become more flexible and complex, which results in bigger editor windows. Some instrument edit windows may fill up more than half of the entire screen. In VST3 editor windows can be resized. As a result, multiple windows can fit on a single screen without overlapping each other.
SDK and Plug-in Test host
A new SDK will be available by the end of 2006 and allow 3rd party developers to produce updates and new plug-ins for the VST3 standard.
In order to facilitate design and testing of VST3 plug-ins, Steinberg has developed a VST3 test host application, which offers audio and MIDI playback to test any VST3 plug-in in a simple host environment. One special feature of this test host is a "unit testing" section. It allows testing of the plug-in's stability and consistency and executes automatic stress tests designed by Steinberg developers.
The VST3 SDK is scheduled for release in the fourth quarter of 2006.
NOTE: Cubase 4 is the first host application to support VST3.
(from kvraudio.com)
cheers folks.
  Crackling universes dive into their own neverending crackle...
AgalactiA |
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l337
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
55
Posts :
817
Posted : Sep 21, 2006 16:37
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On 2006-09-21 16:14, Trip- wrote:
NOTE: Cubase 4 is the first host application to support VST3.
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dtd
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
17
Posts :
490
Posted : Sep 21, 2006 19:17
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yeah, big smile from me too 
who was developing the vst standard again? hehe... ;-)
waiting for the sdk, this time without any ugly code...
dtd
$ exp(j*pi) + 1 = 0. $ |
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Ghost Host
IsraTrance Junior Member
Started Topics :
27
Posts :
512
Posted : Sep 21, 2006 20:09
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soundz good, lookin forward 4 that 
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UnderTow
Started Topics :
9
Posts :
1448
Posted : Sep 21, 2006 21:39
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Quote:
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On 2006-09-21 16:14, Trip- wrote:
Improved Performance
Some current plug-ins are known to be heavy on CPU load. Managing large plug-in sets and multiple virtual instruments on typical project studio computer systems can often be difficult because of CPU performance limits. VST3 helps to improve overall performance by applying processing to plug-ins only when audio signals are present on their respective inputs. So instead of always processing input signals, even when there is only silence present, VST3 plug-ins can apply their processing economically and only when it is needed.
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Allready in Sonar since v1. (5 years ago)
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Activating/Deactivating Busses
A typical issue with current virtual instruments is their audio output bussing system and how they're connected to the mixer after loading. Especially virtual samplers with multiple outputs often occupy more mixer channels than need. The VST3 interface offers the possibility to deactivate unused busses after loading and even reactivate those when needed. This cleans up the mixer and further helps to reduce CPU load.
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Allready possible in Sonar since v1.
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Parameter Handling – Tree Structure
In general, parameter handling did not change with the integration of VST3. However, there are some improvements to the handling of parameters. Parameters can be organized logically in a tree structure to improve handling of complex plug-ins or instruments with a large number of parameters. It's now a lot easier to locate specific parameters, for example on an automation track.
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Allready in Sonar since v1.
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Resizable Edit Windows
VST instruments become more flexible and complex, which results in bigger editor windows. Some instrument edit windows may fill up more than half of the entire screen. In VST3 editor windows can be resized. As a result, multiple windows can fit on a single screen without overlapping each other.
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Allready possible in Sonar since v1.
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The VST3 SDK is scheduled for release in the fourth quarter of 2006.
NOTE: Cubase 4 is the first host application to support VST3.
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They are really feeling the heat in Germany judging by all their catch-up moves. They even have to resort to keeping the specs to themselves as long as possible. Not astonishing really. Steinberg announced VST 2.4 in mid January. By February Sonar had a patch that made it VST 2.4 compatible.
When will Cubase be 64 bit? Apparantly not in v4 so that means another 1 - 2 years? By then Sonar will be on v7 or v8.
Good luck Steinberg. 
UnderTow |
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Meta
Meta/Boomslang
Started Topics :
24
Posts :
1045
Posted : Sep 22, 2006 00:36
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The new features are great and all, but this release should be SX 3.32 or something. Going from right from v3.1 -> v4.0 is lame.
Kind of reminds me how Logic went from Logic 6 to Logic 7 relatively quickly... It's just to squeeze more money out of people for "Upgrades" for a "New Version" when it really should just be an "Update".
The VST3 thing is big, but they should have waited until they had the native 64 bit processing done, and realeased THAT version as SX4.
All this new stuff is nice but not really that compelling. I'm curious to check the new instruments, but frankly, considering that Steinberg INVENTED the VST format, the actual VST instruments they have produced have never been that exciting.
Quality of the stock instruments was one of the huge things that kept Logic users loyal even when they had to switch to Mac, it doesn't seem like Steinberg has done that.
Undertow, I can't say you've totally sold me on Sonar yet, but I'll definitely be checking it out.
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Jeto
Jeto
Started Topics :
258
Posts :
3252
Posted : Sep 22, 2006 01:17
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Meta
Meta/Boomslang
Started Topics :
24
Posts :
1045
Posted : Sep 22, 2006 01:49
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piXan
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
107
Posts :
807
Posted : Sep 22, 2006 02:02
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Well i think steinberg has proven to be a groundbreaking digital audio developer for many years, without question. Maybe Logic comes with better built in plugins, but then what happens when i want to choose the plugs i need from third party developers, they most probably will not be available for Mac. I rather have the posibility to choose the ones i want, either it is from refx, linplug or XYZ. I think its more open minded to the company to do so, and not keeping u narrowed with a few options they give u.
I wont use Sonar ever, i rather wait till Cubase goes 5 or 6 again.... Steiberg has been my quality dealer for long time and their product VST is better than any IV hard drug.
www.soundcloud.com/elektroakustica/sets/downtempo/ |
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UnderTow
Started Topics :
9
Posts :
1448
Posted : Sep 22, 2006 03:54
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On 2006-09-22 02:02, piXan wrote:
Maybe Logic comes with better built in plugins, but then what happens when i want to choose the plugs i need from third party developers, they most probably will not be available for Mac.
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There are also plugins for Mac that are not available for PC. Sure the PC market is bigger but the principal is the same.
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I think its more open minded to the company to do so, and not keeping u narrowed with a few options they give u.
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The only limitation is that the plugins need to be developed for Mac. The same goes the other way. You are not limited to Apple/Emagic plugins in Logic.
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I wont use Sonar ever, i rather wait till Cubase goes 5 or 6 again....
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Ah ... I see you are very open minded. Lol.
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Steiberg has been my quality dealer for long time and their product VST is better than any IV hard drug.
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I like this analogy. Steinberg do indeed treat their customers like dealers treat their addicts.
Btw, DX has a better coding implementation than VST. So does AU. The reason why VST is so popular is simply because they did a good job on the SDK so they attracted more developers. Thats all.
UnderTow |
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piXan
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
107
Posts :
807
Posted : Sep 22, 2006 04:01
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UnderTow
Started Topics :
9
Posts :
1448
Posted : Sep 22, 2006 04:15
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Ah too much coke. That explains it. Lol
UnderTow |
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piXan
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
107
Posts :
807
Posted : Sep 22, 2006 04:32
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the daleks
The Daleks
Started Topics :
34
Posts :
584
Posted : Sep 22, 2006 05:53
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Trip-
IsraTrance Team
Started Topics :
101
Posts :
3239
Posted : Sep 22, 2006 08:55
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It is really about time for this update.
It kinda reminds me of us using windows XP for so long, when the technology is really so much better developed allready today.
I think VST3 has just reached AudioUnit - but not in all aspects even. Looks like parameter handling hasn't changed at all in vst.
I'm not sure AU has dynamic I/O ability though.
Crackling universes dive into their own neverending crackle...
AgalactiA |
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