On Mon, 15 Nov 2010, Chip VanDan wrote:
I recently was writing up an article for my site about my experiences
with VST capabilities in Linux, mostly focused on the use of FST and
learned that there was such thing as Linux Native VST format. I was
about to begin compiling an addendum to my article but I discovered
more. I already knew about LADSPA and knew a little about DSSI, but
in the process I learned a little about LV2 as well. I'm trying to
find a source that can compare all these plugin formats side by side
and cannot seem to find one, so I might have to start compiling the
project myself, but I figured I'd ask the LAU list first. Why do we
have all these different plugin formats, and what are the differences?
Are there any more worth mention that I haven't found yet?
If you're looking for a concise answer, you'll be
hard-pressed to find one. This has plenty of links to the
different tech... and each site usually has a FAQ about why
they're different:
http://linux-sound.org/plugins.html
Perhaps a too-simple way to view it is this:
LADSPA is like VST (but no GUI ability),
and only does effects.
DSSI is like VSTi, and provides a way to
make virtual instruments.
LV2 is designed to be the end-all-be-all,
extensible Free Plugin format. It
can be like VST, and VSTi, and more.
VST/VSTi's major problem is that the license does not
work well with Free Software.
There's still a bit of friction between fans of DSSI and
LV2.
DSSI is a pragmatic solution to the need
for instrument plugins that are analog to VSTi.
However, if some other class of plugin comes
along (VSTx), neither DSSI nor LADSPA will
be able to handle it.
LV2 is a solution that defines a basic plugin
discovery mechanism... and its core features
are to be implemented by /extensions/. The
strength is that LV2 can do "anything" (VST,
VSTi, VSTx, french roast coffee)... just
write an extension for it. The weakness is
that there is not (and will not be) a canonical
set of extensions. This has very confusing to
a lot of people... and some even disagree
with the philosophy.
HTH,
Gabriel
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