Program to convert .vstpreset-Files from VST2 to VST3

Cubase
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Hi,
I’ve written a little tool that can convert vstpreset-Files that were created with VST2-plugins to a vstpreset for the respective VST3 plugin, but only if the VST2 and VST3 versions of the plugin have different plugin IDs (i.e. the VST3 won’t replace the VST2 plugin automatically, and both are visible in Cubase’s plugin selector dropdown)

It is a command line tool, so it is not for the faint of heart. If you are not familiar with Windows PowerShell or CMD, do not use it!

Download the binary from my github and put it someplace on your computer. I just put it directly in to the “VST3 Presets”- Folder in my Documents folder for ease of use, and I’ll use that for the example.

Open a Windows PowerShell.
Type the following, using as an examples u-he’s Zebra2 plugin.

cd '.\Documents\VST3 Presets\'
.\vst2tovst3.exe -d '.\u-he\Zebra2(x64)' --vst3name Zebra2

The “–vst3name” Parameter requires the exact name of the VST3 plugin version. If you do not know that, check in Cubase’s Plugin Manager.

The result should be that all .vstpreset-Files in the ‘.\u-he\Zebra2(x64)’ Folder are now in the ‘.\u-he\Zebra3’-Folder, but with a “v2”-Prefix, as not to overwrite any existing presets.

WARNING
There is no guarantee that this will work with any plugin. Worst case could be that Cubase crashes (although I haven’t encountered that in my testing). It is not entirely impossible that my code contains bugs or does not work for every input.

The program tries to detect the needed vst3plugins.xml automatically, but if it doesn’t work, you need to specify the complete path to that file with the option “–vst3cache”.
A little help for all the options is available with “–help”

Here is the repo with the source code. If anyone wants to contribute (e.g. adapt for MacOS), go ahead.

11 Likes
Converting presets made with omnisphere vst2 to its vst3 version
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Checked your code, nothing suspicious :slight_smile:
Though I always use the vst3 versions, your utility may be of great help to many users!

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In this one case I have to say, in all fairness, it is not a problem of the Cubase preset management system but of third party developers who for whatever reason chose to no implement the VST2/VST3 conversion functions (which have been existing for years). There are several examples of FX and instrument plugins where that worked quite flawlessly.

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What are you talking about??? It is not my product… I am a normal Cubase user, I just created this tool for fun and to learn something, and maybe it could be useful for other, that’s why I shared it.
If you are angry, that is not my problem, so please try to behave a bit more civilized and respectfully.

1 Like
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Great, I look forward to using this! Too bad Steinberg has their head in a hole about this type of issue. Cubase 13 will be a flood of users looking for this.
The irony is most users won’t realize the problem until it is already on them.

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Good afternoon Fese , this is what i need ( i have an access virus ti2 & since upgrading the firmware i can’t access my vstpresetfiles via vst3 ) which means i’m going to loose 10+ years of presets… i haven’t a clue how to use your awesome work around ( trying to ) . can you help me please ? Thanks for your time . Regards Chris .

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Well, I have included the help in the README and also in the first post. I really don’t know what to write more? It is a command line program, and if you are not comfortable/experienced with that, there is not much I cant do, sorry.
If there is something wrong or unclear in the help, I can and will of course improve that.

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Good afternoon fese , Thank you for the quick reply & your time i appreciate it , I read your read me file yet to someone lame about coding and tech as i am it went straight over my head ( unfortunately for me ) your work around will benefit many ( myself included ) and would be a great Youtube tutorial showcasing your work and talents %100 Many musicians like myself without coding/script knowledge would love Videos watching you teach us how to use your work ? With that said i am thankful for your reply and as a fellow cubase user .. would love to hear your music . Enjoy the remainder of the day .. Regards Chris .

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For me, I was able to get it to convert the patches, but unfortunately, all the patches have the same sound :slight_smile:
Luckily, for me I can still recreate them, it’s just that it’s a laborious process…

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That’s awesome it helped you convert your patches as not being able to access sounds is frustrating when there the same file type .. I feel it will work if i can figure out how to use it :grinning_face:

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My friend managed to to get my access virus to open up the presets :laughing: he reinstalled the software and changed the location of the VST2 plugins and the patches opened up .. Thank you both for your quick replies and help .. much appreciated . regards Chris .

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Could you please demonstrate this with a video?
Since I’m not familiar with all this, I could only follow your steps while watching your tutorial. Thanks :slight_smile:

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Sorry, can’t do that…