12.25

WORKING WITH VST PLUGINS380
About this chapter
This chapter describes the procedures and techniques for working with VST plugins in the Reason application.
About VST plugins
VST (Virtual Studio Technology) is a software instruments and effects plug-in format designed by Steinberg. As from
Reason 9.5, 64-bit VST 2.4 plugins are supported in Reason. VST plugins integrate nicely with the Reason rack:
• A VST Plugin is represented by a Plugin Rack Device in the Reason rack.
• Cables can be connected on the rear panels of the Plugin Rack Devices, just like on the internal rack devices.
• CV signals can be routed like on the internal rack devices.
• Plugin Rack Devices are combinable with other Plugin Rack Devices, Rack Extensions and internal devices
(see “The Combinator” chapter).
• Panel parameters are automatable and remotable.
VST compatibility in Reason
• Reason 9.5 and later supports 64-bit VST 2.4 plugins only.
! VST3 plugins are not supported.
• Both Windows and Mac VSTs are supported.
! Multitimbrality in VSTs is currently not supported - only one channel per VST can be played back at a time. If
you are using a multitimbral VST it will only receive on MIDI Channel 1.
! VSTs are NOT supported in the Reason Rack Plugin version!
Installing and enabling VST plugins
VST plugins are downloaded using your standard web browser. Installation is done individually for each VST, as de-
signed by the plugin manufacturer. No special Reason Studios app or functions are required for installing VSTs.
About VST licenses
VST licenses and authorizations are handled by the individual VST manufacturers. VSTs cannot be authorized using
the Reason Studios authorization system which is used for Reason and Rack Extensions.
Installing VST plugins under Windows
At each launch, Reason automatically scans for installed VST plugins in the following folders:
C:\Program Files\VSTplugins
C:\Program Files\Steinberg\VSTplugins
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Steinberg\VST2
D If you don’t have any VST plugins installed on your Windows computer you might have to manually create a
folder named “VSTplugins” in C:\Program Files\.
When you then install VST plugins later on, instruct the VST Installation program to install the dll files in the
“C:\Program Files\VSTplugins” folder. If there is no installation program for the VST, manually place the VST dll
files in this folder.
• It’s also possible to define your own custom VST folders on the Advanced tab in Preferences, see “Defining
custom VST folders”.