Do VSTs not work on Linux? I'm not being obtuse, I am in a situation where I'm about to build a new PC for writing / recording music and I saw that Reaper is supported in Linux, but was not sure about VST plugin support.

Conceptually the idea of a "VST" works on either platform, because VST is an API. However, VSTs are distributed as executables targeting a specific platform, and almost no VSTs are compiled natively for Linux.

If you're already content with Reaper as a DAW, use "yabridge" which runs VSTs in WINE. It's virtually perfect for most purposes. Getting Linux audio set up for low latency is another Linux rabbit hole, though.

how does this work for VSTs with DRM? Or protected by iLok/etc?

I think software iLok used to work if it were licensed to the yabridge environment; whatever device identity parameters it read were implemented in WINE. For hardware iLok and other stuff, yeah, you're pretty stuck, they usually use goofy hacks or custom drivers that can't be handled in WINE. Someone would have to reverse engineer the DRM and figure out how to redirect the licensing methods. Or just remove the DRM from the plugins (crack them), which is the honest answer to people probably do it in the real world.

Check out LMMS [0], I just found it yesterday to run VSTs, I normally stay away from them and just needed a minimal VST host for one I couldn't resist, and I was blown away at what it could do for free. Between that and the synth Surge XT [1] (another free and open source project), you can make any sound you would want to, and use either the sequencer on LMMS or an external hardware sequencer (yes, USB MIDI works, even Bluetooth MIDI).

[0] https://lmms.io/ [1] https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/

Thanks for the recommendation. Unfortunately I do mostly prog / metal stuff these days and while the occasional synth sound can be had for free, a lot of my sounds come from either Helix Native / Neural DSP for guitar / Kontakt for drums. I'll take a look at LMMS.

For what it's worth, Bitwig Studio also works on Linux.

The issue with most professional VST plug-ins is mainly the UI which is not compatible with Linux.

Ubuntu Studio LTS has VST bridges using WineLib.

Native Instruments is dying anyway.

How does that matter if you already invested 1000+ USD?

Go to Plugin Alliance [0] and select any plugin and when you scroll down you'll see that they are Windows and Mac only. Same for Plugin Boutique [1].

[0] https://www.plugin-alliance.com/en/products/amek_eq_250.html

[1] https://www.pluginboutique.com/product/1-Instruments/4-Synth...

It's because of obnoxious DRM garbage. I doubt helps these companies since the unlicensed users are starving musicians and kids with no money who aren't going to magically spend more.

As a company, or in your opinion of their products?

As a company. Since they have been bought by an "investment company" they have been in a downward spiral. It will take a few years but the process started.