How to Install VST Plugins in Pro Tools

A commonly cited problem with Pro Tools, an audio creation and production software, is that it will not work with third-party developers. With thousands of Virtual Studio Technologies plug-ins (or VSTs) to choose from, many Pro Tools users want to expand their workstations by adding them. However, Pro Tools will not recognize VSTs as usable content. Thanks to FXpansion, there are ways to add VST plug-ins into Pro Tools.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Computers with Mac OS X

1. Download the VST to RTAS Adapter pack. Remember to match the adapter with your version of Pro Tools.

2. Click on the VST to RTAS Adapter disk image located on your computer. Drag and drop the folder to your Applications folder. Run VST to RTAS Adapter Configuration.

3. The VST to RTAS Adapter Configuration will automatically scan your computer in the following three areas for VST plug-ins:
   /Library/Audio/Plugins/VST
   /Users/<user>/Library/Audio/Plugins/VST
   /Applications/VST to RTAS Adapter /VST
   If you have VST plug-ins installed in a different folder, then press the + button on the top left side of the screen to add it to the location screen.

4. Click the "Detect and Wrap" button to convert the VST plug-ins into RTAS. Quit VST to RTAS Adapter Configuration and open Pro Tools. The newly converted RTAS will now appear under Inserts in the Pro Tools Mixer. Each converted plug-in will begin with a "VST" prefix.

Computers with Microsoft XP and Vista

5. Purchase the Fxpansion VST to RTAS Adapter pack. Remember to match the adapter with your version of Pro Tools. Once you have the appropriate version, run the VST to RTAS Adapter Configuration.

6. The VST to RTAS Adapter Configuration will automatically scan your computer in the following two areas for VST plug-ins:
   C:\Program Files\Steinberg\VstPlugIns
   C:\Program Files\FXpansion\VST to RTAS Adapter\VstPlugIns
   If you have VST plug-ins installed in a different folder, press the + button on the top left side of the screen to add it to the location screen.

7. Click the "Detect and Wrap" button to convert the VST plug-ins into RTAS. Quit VST to RTAS Adapter Configuration and open Pro Tools. The newly converted RTAS will appear under Inserts in the Pro Tools Mixer. Each converted plug-in will begin with a "VST" prefix.

Tips & Warnings

• A small portion of VST plug-ins may include its own RTAS conversion software. Check the developer's website to see if such software is available.

References

• FXpansion Support Page
• Digidesign Homepage

Resources

• Gear Slutz (Comprehensive Audiophile Bulletin Board)