In Cubase, the Native Instruments software is used via the VST plug-in interface. In order to use your NI plug-ins in Cubase, you must ensure that Cubase scans the folders where your NI VST plug-ins are located. This article describes this procedure for both Mac and Window systems.
Note: Cubase 9 is not compatible with 32-bit plug-ins anymore. This article is only referring to the 64-bit VST plug-in versions.
macOS
On a Mac computer all VST files are automatically installed to the same folder so you do not need to define a VST folder during the installation of your NI product. The VST plug-in folder is located here:
- Macintosh HD > Library > Audio > Plug-Ins > VST
Cubase automatically scans this folder at each startup and recognizes any new plug-in that has been installed.
Windows
Installing the NI VST Plug-ins
On a Windows computer, the VST3 files are automatically installed to a default location. Cubase automatically scans this folder at each startup and recognizes any new plug-in that has been installed. Don't move the VST3 files from this folder:
- C: > Program Files > Common Files > VST3
VST2 plug-ins can be installed to any location on your hard drive. We strongly recommend to use the default installation path offered by Native Access:
- C: > Program Files > Native Instruments > VSTPlugins 64 bit
If you want to install the VST plug-ins to a different location, you can set the path in Native Access before the installation, as explained in this article.
Adding the NI VST Plug-in Folder in Cubase 9 (and higher)
Follow the steps below to add your NI VST folder to Cubase 9 (and higher):
- Start Cubase, open the Studio menu and select the entry VST Plug-in Manager.
- In the lower left corner of the VST Plug-in Manager window, open the Plug-in Manager Settings by clicking the cogwheel icon.
- In the Plug-in Manager Settings window, click on the + button.
- Select the folder where your plug-ins are located on your hard drive and press the OK button to proceed. In our example, we select the default Native Instruments 64-bit plug-ins folder VSTPlugins 64 bit.
- The new path is now listed in Cubase's plug-in paths. Press the Rescan button to rescan the folders listed in the Plug-in Manager Settings.
- Cubase notifies that
new plug-ins have been recognized. Press OK to proceed. - Your NI Plug-ins are now listed in the Plug-in Manager window. Instruments like Reaktor, Kontakt, or Maschine will be listed in the VST Instruments tab, and effects like Guitar Rig, Driver, etc. in the VST Effects tab.
Plug-in Information
Additionally, the Plug-in Manager window provides information on the installed plug-ins which can be useful for troubleshooting technical issues. Follow the steps below to obtain information on your NI plug-in.
- Select the plug-in you want to obtain information on by clicking its name on the list. Once selected, press the Show Plug-in Information ('info') button on the lower left part of the Plug-in Manager window. In our example, we want to obtain information on the Kontakt 5 plug-in.
- In the Plug-in Information field, you will find useful information such as the exact version number of the plug-in and the path Cubase uses to load the plug-in. This field is useful for example to verify if the plug-in version matches the currently installed standalone version. You can also find the version numbers of all currently installed products in Native Access.