was the first version on mac to support vst instruments 3.5, 3.7 or 4.0?4.1
Steinberg updated the VST interface specification to version 2.0 in 1999. One addition was the ability for plugins to receive MIDI data. This supported the introduction of Virtual Studio Technology Instrument (VSTi) format plugins. VST Instruments can act as standalone software synthesizers, samplers, or drum machines.
VST 2.0 And Virtual Instruments
For many people, the most interesting new feature in Cubase 3.7 will be VST Instruments. The new VST 2.0 specification allows plug-ins to receive MIDI data, which lets you automate effects via MIDI commands. However, before you rush off to try it, I must point out that only plug-ins written with VST 2.0 in mind will do this -- existing ones won't magically gain these functions.
If a VST 2.0 plug-in supports MIDI input, it will appear in the list of available MIDI outputs when you activate it, so that you can send it automation data. The ability to automate plug-ins via MIDI may not, of itself, sound like such an thrilling feature, but it's the other uses to which this architecture can be put that are creating excitement. Since you can now send MIDI data into a plug-in, it is possible to create stand-alone software synthesizers, samplers or drum machines that act as complete VST Instruments in their own right. Rather than attempting to run a stand-alone virtual instrument, moreover, VST 2.0 lets third-party developers use the Cubase VST engine instead. For the first time this means that rather than having to run a software synth on a second soundcard to avoid conflicts, you can let VST run it alongside your other audio tracks, all on the same soundcard.
Return Of The Mac
There is potential confusion in the fact that this latest upgrade to the PC version takes it from version 3.65 to version 3.7, while the imminent Mac release, though incorporating the same new features, will update version 4.03 to version 4.1. The explanation is that although version 3.7 for PC incorporates the major changes described in the text, it still lacks many of the features which were new in version 4 for the Mac, described in our review in October 1998. Some of the most important are:
The addition of a separate Marker track.
The Range Selection tool, which allows the selection of any portion of a song irrespective of where Parts start and finish.
Closer continuity between treatment of MIDI and audio tracks, including the addition of a MIDI Track Mixer.
Improved automation editing.
A new Controller Editor.
Cubase VST24 4.1 Macintosh 1999 Macintosh only. Downloadable as a free upgrade to owners of VST24 4.0. Introduced VST 2.0, ASIO 2.0, DSP Factory support, TDM support and more. In addition, the Cubase VST/24 Mixer/EQ section included an extension with five new real-time processing modules — Compressor, Limiter, Auto Gate, Auto Limit and Soft Clip. A number of VST elements could also now be controlled remotely via external devices such as the Yamaha 01-V.
a round up of "first versions" of popular apps to support vst instruments
5/3/1999 Fruity Loops 1.5.23 7/29/1999 Cubase 4.1 mac / Cubase 3.7 pc 12/21/1999 Logic 4.1.1 4/1/2000 Nuendo 1.0 3/13/2002 Sonar 2.0 8/19/2002 Acid Pro 4.0 12/21/2002 Samplitude 7 7/4/2004 Ableton Live v4.0 9/6/2007 Adobe Audition 3
digital performer allows the use of vst instruments via a wrapper
http://www.motu.com/techsupport/technotes/document.2000-06-27.9364546494
pro tools allows the use of vst instruments via a number of techniques
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jul02/articles/pronotes0702.asp