How to Use VST3 Plugins in OBS Studio

If a VST3 plugin does not show up in OBS Studio, that is usually normal.

OBS can load many VST2.x plugins through its built-in VST filter, but it does not load VST3 plugins directly through that normal OBS VST filter.

To use VST3 plugins in OBS, you need a separate plugin host. For most streamers, the easiest option is atkAudio Plugin Host.

This guide explains how to use VST3 plugins in OBS, how to scan your VST3 folder, and what to check if the plugin does not appear.

Quick Answer

To use a VST3 plugin in OBS:

1. Install the VST3 plugin
2. Install atkAudio Plugin
3. Restart OBS
4. Open your microphone or audio source filters
5. Add atkAudio Plugin Host
6. Open the plugin settings
7. Scan for VST3 plugins
8. Select the plugin and click Load plugin
9. Record a short test

For example, if you want to use a VST3 noise suppression plugin such as NoiLess, install NoiLess first, then load it inside atkAudio Plugin Host.

Why VST3 Plugins Do Not Show Up in OBS

OBS has a built-in filter called VST 2.x Plug-In.

That name matters.

The official OBS VST filter documentation says OBS supports many VST2.x plugins, but VST1.x, VST3.x, MIDI control/input and shell VST plugins are not supported by that built-in filter.

So if you installed a VST3 plugin and looked inside the normal OBS VST 2.x Plug-In list, it will not appear there.

That does not mean the plugin is broken. It means you are looking in the wrong place.

Use a VST3 host instead.

Official reference: OBS VST 2.x Plugin Filter

VST2 vs VST3 in OBS

Here is the simple difference for OBS users.

If your plugin has both VST2 and VST3 versions, the VST2 version may be easier to load directly in OBS.

If the plugin is VST3 only, use atkAudio Plugin Host.

Best Way to Use VST3 Plugins in OBS: atkAudio Plugin Host

For most people, I recommend atkAudio Plugin Host.

The OBS forum resource page describes atkAudio Plugin as a VST3 plugin host for OBS. It supports 64-bit OBS and is available for Windows, macOS and Linux.

The resource page currently lists OBS Studio 31.1.1 as the minimum OBS version for the latest release. If you are using an older OBS version and the plugin does not appear, update OBS or check whether an older atkAudio release is needed.

Product link: atkAudio Plugin

Before You Start

Before installing anything, check these points.

If you are using Windows, VST3 plugins are usually installed here:

C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3

Steinberg’s VST location documentation lists that as the dedicated VST3 path on Windows.

On macOS, VST3 plugins are usually installed here:

/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/

or sometimes:

~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/

Official references:

• VST plug-in locations on Windows
• VST plug-in locations on macOS

Step 1: Install the VST3 Plugin

First, install the VST3 plugin you want to use.

For example:

• Noise suppression plugin
• EQ plugin
• Compressor plugin
• De-esser
• Voice enhancer
• Reverb remover

If the installer lets you choose formats, select VST3 64-bit.

For Windows, the plugin should usually end up inside:

C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3

Some VST3 plugins look like a file, but they may actually be a folder with the .vst3 extension. Do not pull out individual files from inside the plugin folder. Keep the .vst3 item intact.

Step 2: Install atkAudio Plugin

Download atkAudio Plugin from the OBS forum resource page:

atkAudio Plugin

Use the Go to download button on that page.

After installing it, restart OBS completely.

This is important. If OBS was already open while you installed atkAudio Plugin, the new filter may not appear until OBS is restarted.

Step 3: Add atkAudio Plugin Host to Your Mic

Now add atkAudio Plugin Host to the audio source where you want the VST3 plugin.

For a microphone:

1. Open OBS
2. Go to the Audio Mixer
3. Find your microphone
4. Click the three-dot menu
5. Click Filters
6. Click the + button
7. Add atkAudio Plugin Host

If atkAudio Plugin Host does not appear in the filter list, check:

• Did you install atkAudio Plugin?
• Did you restart OBS?
• Is your OBS version new enough?
• Did you install the correct version for your OS?

Step 4: Scan for VST3 Plugins

After adding atkAudio Plugin Host, open its settings.

Then:

1. Click Open Plugin Settings
2. Open Options
3. Click Scan for new or updated VST3 plug-ins
4. Wait for the scan to finish

The scan tells atkAudio Plugin Host to look for VST3 plugins installed on your system.

If you install a new VST3 plugin later, scan again.

Step 5: Load the VST3 Plugin

After scanning:

1. Choose the plugin from the list
2. Click Load plugin
3. Wait for the plugin window to open
4. Adjust the plugin settings
5. Close the plugin window when finished

For NoiLess, choose the mode you want:

Record a short test before streaming. Do not judge the sound only from live monitoring, because monitoring can feel different from the final recording.

Step 6: Check Latency and Audio Sync

Some VST3 plugins add latency.

That is especially common with AI noise suppression, restoration plugins and lookahead processing.

If your voice sounds delayed compared with your camera or gameplay:

1. Record a short test in OBS
2. Watch and listen to the recording
3. If the mic is late, adjust the audio sync offset in OBS
4. Test again

If the VST3 Plugin Does Not Show Up

If the plugin does not appear after scanning, check these in order.

Make Sure You Are Not Using the OBS VST 2.x List

VST3 plugins will not appear in the normal OBS VST 2.x Plug-In list.

Open atkAudio Plugin Host and scan from there.

Check the Plugin Folder

On Windows, check:

C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3

On macOS, check:

/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/

If the plugin was installed somewhere else, you may need to add that folder in the plugin host settings or reinstall the plugin to the normal location.

Check 64-bit Compatibility

Modern OBS is 64-bit. Use 64-bit plugins.

Do not install an old 32-bit VST3 and expect it to load normally in 64-bit OBS.

Rescan After Installing a New Plugin

Installing a VST3 plugin is not always enough.

After installing the plugin:

1. Restart OBS
2. Open atkAudio Plugin Host
3. Run the VST3 scan again
4. Load the plugin

Reinstall the Plugin

If the plugin files are incomplete or in the wrong folder, reinstalling is often safer than moving random files manually.

This is especially true for plugins that install supporting files, presets or runtime components.

Check Plugin-Specific Requirements

Some plugins need extra runtime components.

For example, some Windows plugins may need the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable.

If one plugin fails but other VST3 plugins load correctly, the issue may be with that plugin rather than OBS.

If atkAudio Plugin Host Does Not Show Up

If atkAudio Plugin Host itself is missing from OBS:

• Restart OBS
• Restart the PC
• Reinstall atkAudio Plugin
• Check your OBS version
• Check whether you installed the correct build for your OS

The current OBS forum page for atkAudio lists a minimum OBS Studio version. If your OBS is older than that, the latest plugin may not appear or work correctly.

Can You Use Waves StudioVerse Instead?

Yes, but it is a different kind of setup.

Waves has an official guide for using Waves plugins in OBS through StudioVerse for OBS. That setup adds Waves StudioRack for OBS through the OBS VST 2.x Plug-In filter, and StudioVerse Audio Effects opens inside it.

This can be useful if you mainly want to use Waves plugins in OBS.

However, for a single VST3 plugin such as NoiLess, atkAudio Plugin Host is usually simpler.

Also note that Waves lists a known issue: StudioVerse for OBS on Mac is supported on Intel-based Macs only.

Official reference: How to Use Waves Plugins in OBS Studio

Recommended Setup for Noise Suppression Plugins

If you are using a VST3 noise suppression plugin in OBS, keep the setup simple.

For most spoken streams:

1. Noise suppression VST3
2. Expander or noise gate
3. EQ
4. Compressor
5. Limiter

Do not stack too many denoisers.

For example, using OBS RNNoise, NVIDIA Noise Removal and an AI VST3 plugin at the same time can make your voice sound processed or unstable.

If you use NoiLess, start with NoiLess only as the main denoiser. Then add other filters lightly if needed.

Related guide: Best OBS Noise Suppression Plugins: Free, Paid, VST and AI Options

Best OBS Noise Suppression Plugins: Free, Paid, VST and AI Options

Common Questions

Does OBS support VST3 plugins?

Not directly through the normal built-in VST filter. OBS supports many VST2.x plugins. For VST3 plugins, use a VST3 host such as atkAudio Plugin Host.

Why does my VST3 plugin not appear in OBS?

Most likely, you are checking the OBS VST 2.x plugin list. VST3 plugins need to be loaded inside a VST3 host such as atkAudio Plugin Host.

Where are VST3 plugins installed on Windows?

Usually here:

C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3

Where are VST3 plugins installed on macOS?

Usually here:

/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/

or here:

~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/

Can I use NoiLess in OBS?

Yes. NoiLess is a VST3 plugin, so install NoiLess first, then load it in OBS through atkAudio Plugin Host.

NoiLess is Windows-only.

Can I use multiple VST3 plugins in OBS?

Yes, but keep it simple.

You can add more than one filter, or use more advanced routing tools. However, every extra plugin can add CPU load, latency or troubleshooting complexity.

For normal streaming, start with one important plugin and test it before adding more.

Is atkAudio Plugin free?

The OBS forum resource page provides atkAudio Plugin as an OBS plugin download. Check the official page for the latest version, supported platforms and any donation or licensing notes.

Should I use VST2 or VST3 in OBS?

If the plugin has a VST2 version and works well, VST2 is simpler because OBS can load it directly.

If the plugin is VST3 only, use atkAudio Plugin Host.

Summary

OBS can load many VST2.x plugins directly, but it does not load VST3 plugins through the normal VST filter.

For VST3 plugins, install atkAudio Plugin, add atkAudio Plugin Host to your microphone or audio source, scan for VST3 plugins, then load the plugin from inside that host.

If you are using a VST3 noise suppression plugin such as NoiLess, test latency and voice quality before streaming.

Once the setup is working, VST3 plugins can be a useful way to improve OBS audio without routing your microphone through a separate DAW.

Here are the noise suppression plugins available for use with OBS.

Best OBS Noise Suppression Plugins: Free, Paid, VST and AI Options