How to Make VST Plugins

There are many ways to create VST Plugins

No matter what your skill level is, there is a way for you to make your own audio plugin. I will teach you how to make a plugin, I will give you some helpful links to great sites.

The first way to make your own plugin is very basic. It will involve you downloading some software and then you will just have to drag and drop a few nifty components to get your plugin working! This way is great especially for experimenting. Although using this way you will most likely not make something revolutionary, it is a great way to learn the basics. I will take you through a couple different freeware programs that I think are the best.

Easy to use Synth Makers/prototypers:

1. SynthEdit

This has to be the most well known program for creating audio plugins on the fly. It is a lot more simple to jump into than writing code and is very understandable. Keep in mind there is no mac version. You can export plugins so they run on mac just not use the SynthEdit program.

2. SynthMaker

The thing I like most about SynthMaker is the design. The plugins that you can create with this plugin look commercial. This program will cost money, but there is a free demo you could try packed with many features to give you a taste. Unfortunately once again, this program doesn’t work on mac. Only windows.

3. Reaktor 5

Reactor is an audio plugin that allows you to make audio plugins. Reaktor is almost like a giant plugin library within a plugin. Many producers use this as an easier way to publish quality synths instead of having to learn how to program synths all buy themselves.

Programming your own:

Programming a synth will most likely be a very steep learning curve if you have never programmed before. The things you should consider when getting into coding synths is figuring out what programming language to use. I am no where near experienced enough to teach you how to program VSTs in different languages, so I did some research and compiled the best sites that will teach you how to build plugins in various ways.

1. Using C++ and Visual studio

C++ is a language a lot of people choose to learn. It is used in most commercial software. It can be a bit tricky to learn so make sure you get the basics down before you try building a VST plugin with it.

2. Using Java:

I love Java because it is fairly simple to get into. Maybe it is just me, but when I started learning Java, it felt easier and more natural than other programming Languages.

3. Using Ruby:

I have never used ruby, but I heard it was a really simplified programming language. I found out that there is an add-on for Ruby called Opaz-Plugdk. It allows the creation of vst plugins in Ruby. I couldn’t find too much info on this, but I’m sure if you dig deep enough you could find some helpful sites.

4. Using C++ in Xcode:

This or Java is the way to go if you are on a mac. The information I found was once again from teragonaudio. They seem to have a lot of good info on plugin development, so defiantly check them out.

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