
VST plugins generally run within a digital audio workstation (DAW), to provide additional functionality, though a few standalone plugin hosts exist that support VST. Thousands of plugins exist, both commercial and freeware, and many audio applications support VST under license from its creator, Steinberg.

VST and similar technologies use digital signal processing to simulate traditional recording studio hardware in software. Virtual Studio Technology ( VST) is an audio plug-in software interface that integrates software synthesizers and effects units into digital audio workstations.

It creates a complete, professional studio environment on the PC or Mac. VST was developed by Steinberg Media Technologies in 1996.
