MIDIs with VSTIs?

[Tashikie]

Is there a program around other than Fruityloops where I can load up a midi file, and use some vsti plugins on it? I'm having a lot of trouble finding any. I just got Steinberg's Virtual Guitarist and, for some reason, it's not working with Fruityloops.

[sgx]

Yeah, like every vsti host can do that.

[Tashikie]

Could you tell me one or two in particular? I'm not even sure what a "vsti host" is.

[DZComposer]

A VST Host is any program capible of loading VST plugins.

Of course there are the big ones like Cubase.

But, if you're on a budget then that may not be an option.

I personally use Bidule to host my VSTs. http://www.plogue.com

Bidule is in beta right now, so you can get a demo with a pretty good length of time to use. To register it only costs $70.

Bidule, however, is mainly designed to be used as a slave program to another program. You'll also likely need a virtual MIDI cable to use it. MIDI Yoke is one. http://www.midiox.com It's free. There is also Maple. http://www.marblesound.com/ also free.

Just set your MIDI device to the VMC and set it up in Bidule and you can use your favorite MIDI sequencer or player.

If you want an all-in-one package, there is Tracktion. Tracktion is a full-fledged audio and MIDI sequencer with VST capability. http://www.mackie.com/products/tracktion2/splash.html

If you don't want to spend any money, there are some free VST hosts, but they aren't very useful in my expiriance. I can't think of any specific ones off the top of my head.

[Tashikie]

Awesome, thank you

[ekm]

MiniHost ( http://www.tobybear.de/p_minihost.html ) is specifically designed to be a low-resource-usage VST host, though it has a surprising number of useful features. Oh, and it's free.

[suzumebachi]

i second minihost. it is made of win and god. i use it for all my piano kwak purposes.

[Jens Wulvik]

If you want some of the "big ones", don't even try Cubase, it sucks. Go for Cakewalk Sonar, it cheaper and better than Cubase.

[DZComposer]

"i second minihost. it is made of win and god."

I just tried minihost. It is most definately not made of "Win and God." First, it gives me a popup and won't let me use the program for a minute. Then, it only let me load one VST and when I tried to open another instance, they both tried to use my soundcard at the same time, making Windows BSOD. Yeah, it's free, but you get what you "pay" for. A piece of begware.

I think I'll stay with Bidule. I really like how Bidule shows you how everythings connected as well.

"If you want some of the "big ones", don't even try Cubase, it sucks. Go for Cakewalk Sonar, it cheaper and better than Cubase."

And both make you give up a USB port for a DRM dongle. Damn pirates ruin everything.

[zylance]

If you want some of the "big ones", don't even try Cubase, it sucks. Go for Cakewalk Sonar, it cheaper and better than Cubase.

Just don't tell that to compy. Not that I agree with you, I use cubase and love it. Why do you think it sucks? (other than the dongle)