VSTi (virtual studio technology instrument) was developed by Steinberg as a Universal platform for soft synths and samplers. Not all the companies bought into it. Cubase and Nuendo use it extensively. You may also hear about VST2 and VSTi2 plugins. VST2 is simply an extension of the VST format. These pass on more parameters to the host for automation.
Are PC VSTs and VSTi compatible on Macs? Always assume the answer is no unless the developer makes it clear. If they made a Mac version, they will be sure to list that. Usually, developers will have a PC VSTi version and a Mac VSTi version, so be careful to get (and install) the right one. Usually, these days they are both on the same cd rom.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DXi: Cakewalk, initially, did not go with VSTi, it went with DXi, which is based on Microsoft direct X code. Today, however, they have relented an allow use of VSTis with Sonar in a shell. DXi's cannot be run on Macs.
Ok by now you may be wondering what this "i" business is. You see VST, then VSTi, then DX and DXi. The "i" stands for "instrument", like a softsynth or sampler to distinguish it from a plugin processor, like a compressor, reverb or delay.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AU, short for Audio Units, refers to a format developed by Apple for Mac OS 10.x Because there is support in Apple's operating system, AU is used by many Mac sequencers and audio applications, and is the major supported format in LogicPro.
Important note: Just because Logic favors AU does not mean it will run all Audio Unit Plugins. As of Logic 7, Apple got stricter. Logic only supports AUs that follow Apple's guidelines and not all of them do. This is Apple's way of forcing plugin developers to follow the rules it developed. Its a good thing, as the Audio Units that do pass are less likely to crash Logic.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAS refers to plugins that work with the MOTU Audio System in Digital Performer (Mac only), which can also use VSTi, AU and ReWire. You'll note that fewer plugins support MAS, and that's because MOTU DP users can use AU as well as MAS.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RTAS is the format used by Digidesign, the maker of Pro Tools LE, which comes bundled with the popular Digi 002 interface. RTAS will also work in Pro Tools M-Powered, which works with M-audio interfaces. RTAS plugins, however, will not work in Logic, Cubase or Sonar.
Audiosuite is another Digidesign format which works with the above software packages and hardware interfaces.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rewire, finally, is a scheme that pipes digital audio from Reason and Rebirth, Project 5 and Ableton's Live to other sequencers. It basically allows you to run a sequencer inside of a another sequencer. Its not a plugin per se, but because many soft synths use Rewire I include it here.
http://www.tweakheadz.com/software_plugins.htm
difference..
how is it different from RSTA ...................
