Finding Missing VST Instruments and Plug-Ins
Many times, after you’ve installed VST instruments or plug-ins (other than the ones that came with Cubase) and gone to select them from the virtual rack, you find out they aren’t there. This is a common problem and not one to get too upset about. All of these plug-ins must be copied to a subfolder in Cubase’s Program folder called VstPlugins. You should be able to locate this subfolder within the Steinberg folder, which is on the main drive of your computer in the Program Files folder (see Figure 4.11).
A VST instrument is a plug-in. Not all plug-ins are VST, but since that has become a standard, Cubase has dropped support for most other types of plug-ins. The file for a VST plug-in usually ends with a .dll extension. If the .dll extension for the plug-in you are looking for is not in this VST plug-in folder, the plug-in you’ve installed might not be a VST plug-in, or its DLL file could be copied to the wrong location on your hard drive. If the DLL file is in the wrong location, check your Program Files folder for a folder from the plug-in’s manufacturer, and look for the correct DLL file. If you happen to find this file, drag it into the VstPlugins subfolder, located in the Steinberg folder. Unless you have a strong computer phobia, this is a fairly simple procedure. If you need help, call or e-mail the manufacturer of the VST plug-in for support.
Note
Deleting a DLL file could be a big mistake! If you move a DLL file and experience errors afterward, remember its original location so you can return it there if you need to.