VST3 announced in NAMM 2008

[Cheez]

After talk of VST3 for a long time, it's finally announced in NAMM 2008. The features include:

• Enhanced CPU efficiency: unique silence detection feature automatically switches off the plug-in if no audio signal is being received
• Multiple Dynamic I/Os: VST3 plug-ins are fully surround-capable, and can be configured to receive from and output to any I/O configuration, including any surround format
• Dynamic Bus Management: VST3 plug-in output busses can be reassigned at any time, streamlining the integration of plug-ins with the VST mixer
• Sample-accurate automation: Parameter changes can now be automated with extreme precision, including supported for 'ramped' data
• Resizable editing windows: The new SDK allows dynamic resizing of windows, allowing improved flexibility in the use of valuable screen space
• VSTXML for Remote Controllers: VSTXML file support allows parameters to be represented on remote controller surfaces, including changing order, naming and much more
• Audio Inputs for VST Instruments: VST3 instruments can be assigned audio input busses, opening up a large range of exciting new creative possibilities
• Multiple MIDI inputs/outputs: VST3 extends the MIDI I/O capability for plug-ins, allowing multiple MIDI inputs and outputs simultaneously
• Optional SKI Integration: Combined with the use of the additional Steinberg Kernel Interface (SKI), VST3 plug-ins can integrate directly into Steinberg host software at application level, enabling VST3 plug-ins to create tracks, perform copy/cut/paste tasks and many other operations
• New Developer Tools: Designed to enhance the process of engineering VST3 products, VST3 offers a clearly structured, object-oriented C++ interface, an automated testing environment, an advanced preset system, a model test host application, sample source code and much more.

 

[bongman]

looks like hardware is making its way out

and comes software marching in !

 

[Cheez]

Let's hope this will be a patch update to the current version of Cubase instead of an entire version upgrade...

 

[widdly]

I'd say it will be an entire version upgrade. Plus you will have to wait for updates to all your plugins to use any of these features.

I hope they allow midi only plugins. Previously you could only build midi-only using a directx sdk that was completely different from the vst sdk.

The enhanced cpu effiency trick for not processing silence is already implemented in most decent effects plugins. I'm guessing this just shifts the code from the plugin to the host. I don't think it will make much real difference to real world CPU usage.

The input/output configuration stuff should already work in the v2 sdk but Steinberg didn't define the host side properly so you ended up building different versions of your plugin to offer different in/out configurations.

The old v2 had a sample addressed automation queue too. I guess the ramp feature is a good idea. Many v2 plugins already implement parameter ramping to avoid zipper noise.

VSTXML is a great idea. The parameter handling in the old sdk was terrible.

The SKI stuff sounds like a nightmare for host developers if it defined in the usual haphazard Steinberg manner. I'd say it wont do much for stability either.

 

[Cheez]

Midi only plugins - don't think so. But on a different topic, HD midi may be just round the corner.

 

[bangbangbang2000]

what is HD midi ?

 

[Cheez]

High Definition midi. People have been trying to get it out but then it was delayed again and again. During this NAMM, apparently, they seemed to finally made some headway and High Definition midi may finally be coming.

 

[widdly]

Midi only plugins can be built with the 2.4 sdk but Cubase wont let you load load them. You can use them in bidule or ableton live by doing the midi routing yourself. It's kinda dumb that Steinberg wont let you drop them in as midi insert effects if the plugin has a midi input and a midi output.

I think OSC is more likely to take off than midi 2.0. I was hoping the GMPI part of MIDI 2.0 would catch on but there has not been any progress in years. Midi might be old and has a few problems but it is pretty cool that you can get an early 80's yamaha DX 7 and it can talk to the latest sequencing software with no problems.

 

[gutturalpiss]

Looking forward to the processing optimizations, modern CPUs have a bad bottleneck where a floating point will trap some bits and lead to spikes with some poorly-written plug-ins and instruments.