OwnVst3 CSharp Wrapper

This library enables loading and managing VST3 plugins in C# applications using the native OwnVst3 wrapper DLL.

Features

• Fully managed C# code
• Cross-platform compatibility using NativeLibrary.Load()
• Complete VST3 plugin functionality support:
  • Plugin loading and initialization
  • Editor view management
  • Parameter querying and modification
  • Audio processing
  • MIDI event handling
  • Plugin information retrieval
• Automatic memory management and resource disposal (IDisposable)

Installation

1. Download or build the ownvst3.dll or libownvst3.dylib or libownvst3.so file.
2. Add the OwnVst3Wrapper.cs file to your project
3. Place the DLL in the same directory as your application executable, or provide its full path when using

Quick Start

// Create VST3 plugin wrapper instance
using (OwnVst3Wrapper vst = new OwnVst3Wrapper("ownvst3.dll"))
{
    // Load a VST3 plugin 
    if (vst.LoadPlugin("C:\\Plugins\\MyVst3Plugin.vst3"))
    {
        Console.WriteLine($"Plugin name: {vst.Name}");
        
        // Initialize the plugin
        vst.Initialize(44100.0, 512);
        
        // Query parameters
        var parameters = vst.GetAllParameters();
        foreach (var param in parameters)
        {
            Console.WriteLine($"{param.Name}: {param.CurrentValue}");
        }
        
        // Audio processing...
    }
}

Usage Guide

Loading a Plugin

OwnVst3Wrapper vst = new OwnVst3Wrapper("path/to/ownvst3.dll");
bool success = vst.LoadPlugin("path/to/plugin.vst3");

Initializing a Plugin

bool success = vst.Initialize(44100.0, 512); // 44.1kHz, 512 sample block size

Working with Parameters

// Query all parameters
List<VST3Parameter> parameters = vst.GetAllParameters();

// Modify parameter by ID
vst.SetParameter(parameterId, 0.75);

// Query parameter value
double value = vst.GetParameter(parameterId);

Audio Processing

// Create 2-channel, 512-sample buffers
int numChannels = 2;
int numSamples = 512;
float[][] inputs = new float[numChannels][];
float[][] outputs = new float[numChannels][];

for (int c = 0; c < numChannels; c++)
{
    inputs[c] = new float[numSamples];
    outputs[c] = new float[numSamples];
    
    // Fill input data...
}

// Process audio
bool success = vst.ProcessAudio(inputs, outputs, numChannels, numSamples);

Sending MIDI Events

MidiEvent[] midiEvents = new MidiEvent[]
{
    new MidiEvent 
    { 
        Status = 0x90, // MIDI Note On, channel 1 
        Data1 = 60,    // C4 note
        Data2 = 100,   // Velocity
        SampleOffset = 0 
    }
};

bool success = vst.ProcessMidi(midiEvents);

Disposing Resources

// Automatic disposal in using block
using (OwnVst3Wrapper vst = new OwnVst3Wrapper("ownvst3.dll"))
{
    // ... use plugin
}

// Or manual disposal
vst.Dispose();

Editor Management

// Create editor in a window
IntPtr windowHandle = /* obtain window handle */;
bool success = vst.CreateEditor(windowHandle);

// Resize editor
vst.ResizeEditor(800, 600);

// Close editor
vst.CloseEditor();

System Requirements

• .NET 6.0 or newer (required for NativeLibrary.Load API)
• The ownvst3.dll or libownvst3.dylib or libownvst3.so native library
• VST3 standard plugin files

Troubleshooting

DLL Not Found

• Verify that the DLL path is correct
• Place the DLL in the application directory
• Check that any required dependencies of the DLL are also installed

Plugin Cannot Be Loaded

• Verify that the plugin path is correct
• Check that the plugin is in VST3 format
• Verify that the plugin is compatible with the OwnVst3 library

Missing Functions

• Make sure the native DLL is the correct version that contains all the required exported functions

Debugging Tips

The OwnVst3Wrapper throws detailed exceptions in the following cases:

• DllNotFoundException: The native DLL was not found
• EntryPointNotFoundException: A required function was not found in the DLL
• ArgumentOutOfRangeException: Invalid parameter index
• ObjectDisposedException: Attempt to use an already disposed wrapper instance

Support My Work

If you find this project helpful, consider buying me a coffee!