Just curious if anyone can give me a rundown on why VST3 is so awesome as an upgrade from VST2?
I've not really had much I've wanted out of the plugins I use other than side-chain-ability.

Its not an awesome upgrade. What it is allowing one to use VST 3 plugins. For many of us its not that big of a deal but for some its vital. A few plugins are only fully functional in VST3 format.
 
I would add that the timing is excellent for CW to offer this at this time.  

Noel explains CW rationale for VST3 here

I was very loose in my wording of "upgrade" haha
Thx guys.  I appreciate the link and context of the update.  It was said in one of the YouTube vids that VT2 is now 'discontinued' or not being actively developed anymore.

"It was said in one of the YouTube vids that VT2 is now 'discontinued' or not being actively developed anymore."
 
 
That is part of the rather good timing. But VST 2.4 is still a very viable format and will not be going away anytime soon.

Is there a reason why VST3 plugs seem to like c:\program files\common files\VST3 as a destination? I know Celemony installed there - but I also found Izotope Ozone had installed a VST3 version there too.
 
I revisited the Ozone installation routine - and it doesn't even give VST3 as an installation option. It just seems to install it when you choose "64 bit VST".
 
I usually like all my VST's in one place - but Izotope didn't give any options for VST3 location and neither did the Celemony installation. It gave me a choice of where to put the 64 bit (VST 2) plugin but not VST3.
 
So do all VST3 plugins just install to this location automatically?

One of the most important function of VST3 is not implemented in Sonar yet. It is multi MIDI port input I hope CW fix this as soon as possible...

Their location is actually now part of the VST3 spec.

KPerry
Their location is actually now part of the VST3 spec.

Ahh OK, so all VST3 plugs will install here?


I've never paid attention to VST3 versions before now...

Yep - they may install support files elsewhere, but the .vst3 file "must" be installed in that folder for it to meet the spec.  I guess that because you can get SONAR to scan any directory, you could move them, but I wouldn't advise fiddling :-)