multi VSTIs
- Thread starter Silencer
- Start date
Unless you're using Reaktor (one of the most CPU sapping VSTi), most modern CPUs (> 2.4 Ghz or it's AMD equivalent) will handle several VSTis without any problems.
Good but expensive host (>USD200)- Cubase SL/SX, Sonar 4
Good but cheap host (<USD200) - Cubase SE, Fruity Loops, Tracktion 2.
These are just examples and I do not mean one is better than the other.
There are many other sequncers out there.
Good but expensive host (>USD200)- Cubase SL/SX, Sonar 4
Good but cheap host (<USD200) - Cubase SE, Fruity Loops, Tracktion 2.
These are just examples and I do not mean one is better than the other.
There are many other sequncers out there.
Cheez
Moderator
Sonar Home Studio 4 is not too expensive (149 USD).
Also make sure you have lots of RAM.
Of course, if you're going all the way with VSTis, you can create a VST farm with several PCs, linking each PC via ethernet and a software called FX Teleport (http://www.fx-max.com/). There is no need for midi interfaces and soundcards in the PCs except for the main PC.
And of course, there's Receptor - hardware that does VST.
Also make sure you have lots of RAM.
Of course, if you're going all the way with VSTis, you can create a VST farm with several PCs, linking each PC via ethernet and a software called FX Teleport (http://www.fx-max.com/). There is no need for midi interfaces and soundcards in the PCs except for the main PC.
And of course, there's Receptor - hardware that does VST.
Cheez
Moderator
Silencer said:
It is more than S$3000. I personally don't think it is all that worth it unless you want to go portable and has lots of VSTis. Even then, with that price, I would rather have a rack of PCs hooked up by ethernet than have a rack of Receptors. It will still be cheaper to use PCs, especially when nowadays you don't have to purchase extra midi interfaces and soundcards.
Cheez
Moderator
You just need a PC. So basically, how many VSTis you can load and play simultaneously depends on your PC specs. How many VSTis (and which ones) are you using or planning to use siultaneously? With that, we can plan whether one PC is enough and the specs of the PC/PCs. Which sequencer are you already using? Lowjk can also help out here...
Silencer said:
Understand your dilemma.
The usual advice is to get the most powerful computer you can afford/need.
You might want to check out the computing requirements of the VSTi that you want to use instead of groping in the dark.
If you are going for Reaktor 5, you might even want to consider dual core CPUs (it's not specifically coded for daul core yet, but technically speaking, you are running 2 or more programs - seq & VSTi, so having a dual core may still be helpful).
In USA, you could Steinberg SE fairly cheaply (USD$69 for OEM to USD99 for boxed version). Although not as powerful as the SL/SX, it's still a pretty good sequencer and the features are enough for me.
Cheez
Moderator
Yes, Cubase SE should suffice. But I've got no idea Cubase SE can be that cheap! However, since you already have Pro Audio 9, I believe you can upgrade to Sonar at a very good price.
I encountered similar problems as you since I'm now overseas. I've moved entirely to a mobile platform. The key is still your PC. Going overseas with a desktop is no joke - not to mention going through customs. So a notebook is your best choice.
What I got - Acer Aspire 1711 (2.8GHz, 1.25GB RAM). This is a desktop replacement and weighs 8kg. But it is really a desktop that looks like a notebook - everything inside is like a desktop (3.5" HD, desktop RAM etc). So it really functions as powerful and fast as a desktop. This thing is also upgradable - HD, RAM, and even the CPU can all be upgraded just like a desktop. It has a 17" screen.
I dual booted it - one for my daily work and one dedicated to music.
I also got Echo Indigo io for my soundcard and M-audio 1x1 midi interface. Everything goes under $3000. Of course, I already have my sequencer software and softsampler/samples long ago - so price does not include these.
I encountered similar problems as you since I'm now overseas. I've moved entirely to a mobile platform. The key is still your PC. Going overseas with a desktop is no joke - not to mention going through customs. So a notebook is your best choice.
What I got - Acer Aspire 1711 (2.8GHz, 1.25GB RAM). This is a desktop replacement and weighs 8kg. But it is really a desktop that looks like a notebook - everything inside is like a desktop (3.5" HD, desktop RAM etc). So it really functions as powerful and fast as a desktop. This thing is also upgradable - HD, RAM, and even the CPU can all be upgraded just like a desktop. It has a 17" screen.
I dual booted it - one for my daily work and one dedicated to music.
I also got Echo Indigo io for my soundcard and M-audio 1x1 midi interface. Everything goes under $3000. Of course, I already have my sequencer software and softsampler/samples long ago - so price does not include these.
considering the option of going half half.
running my motif rack with steinberg or cubase SE with definitions file, while using some patches from the VSTi.
also, would like to ask if you guys knoe the difference between a normal set of headphones and one that says its specifically for close field music monitoring. i noticed with a normal set loud dBs would crack. does having a mm headphones solve this problem?
also, does the VSTi respond to other midi signals from external controllers? (like patch/bank change, sequencer synchro etc?)
running my motif rack with steinberg or cubase SE with definitions file, while using some patches from the VSTi.
also, would like to ask if you guys knoe the difference between a normal set of headphones and one that says its specifically for close field music monitoring. i noticed with a normal set loud dBs would crack. does having a mm headphones solve this problem?
also, does the VSTi respond to other midi signals from external controllers? (like patch/bank change, sequencer synchro etc?)
Cheez said:
my keyboard has USB2, although i noticed problems when i try to hook a TG up to my pc (also USB), and my keyboard and trigger patches from keyboard>pc>tone>audio into PC. Is there a solution to this without resorting to mLan?
in the above setup, is it possible for the pc to send midi signals independent of the ext midi controller, yet at the same time having the option to alternate the signal sending between PC and ext midi contrl?
Cheez
Moderator
Silencer said:
For an external tone generator, your midi link is set up the way you described. What kind of problem are you experiencing? If you tone generator is directly linked via USB, it may sometimes have driver problems especially when your midi controller is also linked directly via USB. I would recommend everything linked to the PC (external tone generators + midi controllers) via a midi interface using midi in and out - especially if you have more than 1 external midi device.
Yes, in a way. You just need to make sure the midi channel your controller is sending to you PC is different from the channel your PC is sending to your external device.