VST3 plug-ins
YADAW discovers VST3 instruments and effects from standard system and user locations. Plug-ins run through an isolated audio-host process so a failed module can be reported and quarantined without loading native code directly into the interface.
Scan the catalog
YADAW scans on startup. To look again after installing a plug-in:
- open Library;
- choose the plug-in catalog;
- select Rescan VST3.
The startup and scan views report discovered bundles, available plug-ins, and modules that could not be loaded.
Add an instrument
Add an instrument channel, then select its Instrument input slot. Search by name or vendor and choose the plug-in.
If the instrument supports more than one layout, choose its audio mode before loading it. Instrument modes include mono and stereo output.
Add an effect
On any compatible mixer channel:
- select an empty slot under Audio FX;
- search the VST3 effect catalog;
- choose a supported mode;
- select the loaded insert to open its editor.
Effects may support mono, stereo, mono-to-stereo, or dual-mono layouts. An unsupported mode remains unavailable in the picker.
Manage inserts
An insert can be:
- opened in its native editor;
- bypassed and enabled again;
- moved to another slot;
- removed;
- switched to another supported audio mode.
Changing or removing a plug-in is part of project history where the operation supports undo.
Missing or failed plug-ins
The project keeps a legal signal path when a stored plug-in is missing, quarantined, or fails to start. Check the slot state and catalog status, then:
- confirm that the correct plug-in and architecture are installed;
- rescan the catalog;
- restart YADAW if the plug-in was installed while the host was active;
- bypass or remove a plug-in that repeatedly fails.
Never assume two plug-ins with similar names or vendors are interchangeable; their identifiers and saved state may differ.