Using Cakewalk Sonar VST Scanner

Working with VST Plug-ins

VSTs (Virtual Studio Technology) are categorized as Virtual Instruments or Effects. Cakewalk Sonar includes built-in VST instruments and audio effects, while also supporting third-party VST plug-ins to expand your production setup.

Default VST Scan Paths

VST plug-ins become available in Sonar after being detected by the VST Scanner. During installation, plug-in installers specify the location where VST files are stored on your computer.

By default, Cakewalk Sonar automatically includes the following scan locations:

  • C:\Program Files\Cakewalk\VSTplugins
  • C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3

Adding Custom VST Scan Paths

If your third-party plug-ins are installed in a custom location, add the folder to your scan list:

  1. Open Cakewalk Sonar.
  2. Go to Edit > Preferences (or press P) to open the Preferences menu.
  3. Navigate to File > VST Settings. The VST Scan Paths list is located at the top of the menu.
  4. Click Add…, browse to the folder where your VST plug-ins are located, and click OK.
  5. Click Apply, then click OK to save your changes.

Scanning Tips & Troubleshooting

Cakewalk Sonar automatically scans your plug-ins each time you open the application. You can adjust this behavior under Edit > Preferences > File > VST Settings > Scan Options.

Rescanning Missing Plug-ins

If a installed plug-in is missing, go to File > VST Settings, set Scan Options to Manual Scan, check Rescan Failed Plug-ins, and click Scan. This specifically targets and re-evaluates plug-ins that previously failed to scan properly.

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