VST2 Discontinuation & Migration to VST3

Since October 2022, Sonnox has discontinued support for the VST2 plug‑in format in all new G5 releases. This decision aligns with industry changes and ensures compatibility with modern DAWs and operating systems.
This article explains what this means for your workflow, how to continue using older VST2 plug‑ins if needed, and how to migrate to VST3.

Why We Discontinued VST2

• Steinberg End of Life – Steinberg officially ended VST2 licensing for developers in 2018 and ceased support in 2022.

• Better Performance & Features in VST3 – VST3 offers improved CPU efficiency, better automation handling, and enhanced parameter control.

• Future OS & DAW Compatibility – Modern DAWs and operating systems are phasing out VST2 support entirely.

What This Means for You

• Current Sonnox G5 plug‑ins are released in VST3, AU, and AAX formats only.

• Older Sonnox G4 plug‑ins with VST2 are still available for legacy workflows.

• Many DAWs will soon stop loading VST2 plug‑ins altogether — some already have.

If You Still Need VST2

1. Use a Legacy Sonnox Installer

   • Customers with existing G4 licences can access VST2 installers by contacting Sonnox Support.

2. Keep a Compatible DAW Version

   • If you rely on VST2 for old sessions, ensure you maintain a DAW version that still supports VST2.

3. Consider Freezing or Printing Tracks

   • For long‑term archival of older projects, consider freezing or bouncing VST2 tracks to audio.

Migrating to VST3

We recommend moving to VST3 as soon as possible:

1. Install the Latest Sonnox Plug‑ins

   • Download from the Sonnox Installer Page.

   • The installer will include VST3 (and AU/AAX where applicable).

2. Update Your DAW

   • Ensure your DAW is VST3‑compatible. Most current versions support VST3 natively.

3. Replace VST2 Instances

   • In your DAW session, replace VST2 plug‑in instances with VST3 equivalents.

   • In many DAWs, settings can be transferred manually by saving presets and loading them into the VST3 version.

FAQ / Common Questions

Q: Do VST3 plug‑ins sound different from VST2?
A: No — they deliver the same sound quality and processing, but with improved efficiency and features.

Related Articles / Links

• [General DAW Compatibility Guide]

• [General Operating System Compatibility Guide]

• [Legacy Installer Access]