How to Troubleshoot VST
Steinberg's Virtual Studio Technology platform provides the basis for thousands of software instruments and audio effects. These VST instruments and effects come in the form of plugins which you can open using digital audio workstation software. VST instruments can emulate anything from a synthesizer to an orchestra; VST effects allow you to shape the character of a sound source. If a VST plugin fails to function properly, troubleshoot the VST to figure out what you need to do to get it working.
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Instructions
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Ensure that the VST plugins are in the correct location. When you install a VST plugin, the installer places the plugin files in the default VST folder on your hard drive, which is usually either "Program Files/VSTPlugins" or "Program Files/Steinberg/VSTPlugins." Your digital audio workstation, however, may use a different directory for plugins; if this is the case, the VSTs will not appear in your workstation's plugins section. Rerun the VST's installer, noting the directory into which it places the plugin files, then move them into the folder that your workstation uses.
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Check the VST plugin's documentation and ensure that it is compatible with your workstation software. Not all workstations can run all VST plugins; update the VST and the workstation software to their latest versions, if necessary.
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Free up system resources if a VST plugin crashes or stops functioning properly. Some VSTs, especially complex synthesizers, can use massive amounts of memory and CPU power. Close any programs you're not using, and remove any other VST plugins from the workstation software. If the VST has quality control settings, set these to the lowest possible quality to improve performance.
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Grant administrative rights on your operating system to both the VST plugin and your digital audio workstation. If the VST and your workstation lack administrator rights, the VST may not function. This problem affects certain digital audio programs running under Windows 7 and Vista. Uninstall the VST, then right-click its installer program and select "Run as Administrator." Enter your administrator password if prompted. After you install the VST, right-click your workstation's program icon and select "Run as Administrator."
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