Virtual Mix Rack Missing in Cubase After Updating? (VST2 vs VST3)

Paul Hessing

April 14, 2026 17:23

The plug-in "Virtual Mix Rack" could not be found

If Virtual Mix Rack (VMR) shows as Missing in older Cubase projects after updating with Complete Access Hub (formerly known as Slate Digital Connect), it is almost always a plugin format issue, not an “old vs new” version. Cubase is trying to recall a format that is not currently available on your system.

Quick takeaway: VST2 and VST3 are different plugin formats. Sessions that were created with VST2 need the VST2 format available to recall those instances. Newer installs default to VST3, which Cubase may not substitute automatically in older versions.

Why Cubase Shows “Missing” (VST2 vs VST3 Recall)

❗ VST2 and VST3 are not interchangeable in Cubase 10 era projects. If the session used VST2 and that format is not installed or not scanned, VMR will appear missing even though you can add new VMR instances (VST3) to tracks.

Good news for Cubase 14 users

✅ Cubase 14 can automatically replace a missing VST2 instance of VMR with the installed VST3 version, showing a message like:

“The plug-in Virtual Mix Rack could not be found. It has automatically been replaced by the plug-in ‘Virtual Mix Rack’ version ‘[installed version number]’ in your project.”

VST2 plugin being replaced with VST3 instance - Cubase 14.png

How to Identify VST2 vs VST3 in Cubase

🔎 In the Cubase plug-in browser, VST3 plug-ins show three forward slashes /// next to the name. VST2 entries do not show slashes.

Cubase VST2 vs VST3.png

Check Your Installation Paths (Windows)

Confirm both formats are installed in the expected locations. By default, our installers and Complete Access Hub use the paths below:

VST3:

C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3\Slate Digital

VST2:

C:\Program Files\Vstplugins\Slate Digital

Some Cubase systems may use a Steinberg-specific folder or a custom path for VST2, for example:

C:\Program Files\Steinberg\Vstplugins\Slate Digital

Heads up: If VST2 is missing on disk, Cubase 13 and below cannot recall those instances. You will need the same format available for the session to load as expected.

Rescan Plug-ins in Cubase

Follow these steps to rescan all plug-ins:

Open Cubase.
Go to Studio > VST Plug-in Manager.
Click the gear (cog) icon to open Plug-in Manager Settings.
Click Rescan All.

VST Plug-in Manager - Rescan (Newer Cubase)

Older Cubase versions place the Rescan control in a different spot:

VST Plug-in Manager - Rescan (Older Cubase Version)

Optional: Recover an Older Session That Used VST2

Most users should continue with VST3. However, if you are using an older version of Cubase (such as Cubase 10) you can ensure the VST2 format of the plugin is installed to your machine and scan it back into the DAW using the VST Plug-in Manager:

Complete Access Hub installs all formats by default. If you previously changed Preferences and disabled VST2, the format may be missing.
For single-format installs (e.g., VST2 only for recovery), use the Offline Installers section on our Installers page, not Complete Access Hub:
https://app.completeaccess.audio/installers

Important: Do not use Complete Access Hub to install a single format if you need to keep others. Choosing one format in Connect will remove the others. For VST2-only recovery, use the Offline Installers instead.

When installing or updating plug-ins, keep Cubase fully closed.

Future Recommendation

Steinberg is discontinuing VST2. For long-term compatibility, we recommend using VST3 going forward.

Learn more: Steinberg: VST 2 Discontinued

Additional Troubleshooting

Update iLok License Manager to the latest version:
https://www.ilok.com/#!home
Reinstall or update Slate Digital plug-ins using Complete Access Hub. Keep Cubase closed during installation.