Typically, this is a MIDI input for control/modulation but these busses are no longer restricted to MIDI standard only. In addition to their flexible audio bussing capabilities, VST3 plug-ins may also offer a dedicated event bus. While it is still eligible to have dedicated surround plug-ins, basically any VST3 plug-in can be surround-capable with true multi-channel processing. Interaction between channels depends on the type and design of the plug-in. In any case, each audio channel is processed independently. For example, the new VST3 plug-ins in Cubase 4 can work in stereo-mode when inserted into a stereo channel, but switch to 6 channels when inserted into a 5.1 channel. Their I/O configuration can dynamically adapt to the channel configuration they're inserted in. VST3 plug-ins are no longer limited to a fixed number of inputs and outputs. So instead of always processing input signals, even when there is only silence present, VST3 plug-ins can apply their processing economically and only when it is needed.
![cubase vs nuendo cubase vs nuendo](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/IaCWCFvbLOk/maxresdefault.jpg)
VST3 helps to improve overall performance by applying processing to plug-ins only when audio signals are present on their respective inputs. Managing large plug-in sets and multiple virtual instruments on typical project studio computer systems can often be difficult because of CPU performance limits. Some current plug-ins are known to be heavy on CPU load. Following is a brief overview of the major new features included with VST3 and a FAQ section. It marks an important milestone in virtual studio technology and incorporates countless updates, enhancements, changes and new features. VST3, introduced in 2008, is the latest standard for effect plug-ins and virtual instruments. Three years later VST2 allowed for using virtual instruments for the first time. In 1996 Steinberg introduced the first version of the audio plug-in standard VST (Virtual Studio Technology).