The antic VST from Steinberg, now free, and now available in VST format for Mac OSX. It has been surpassed in all domain by many other synth (freeware included). But it can be useful and you can get. VST Name: ReFX Nexus 3: Compatible with: Mac OS 10.8 or higher: Developer: ReFX: Version: 3.1.3 (Latest) Plugin Size: 513,6 Mo: Category: Audio Plugin: Minimum Requirements: 4 GB Ram – 32 bit/ 64 bit – VST, VST3 or AAX host software. Intel Mac running at least macOS 10.11; Minimum of 4 GB of RAM; VST-compatible or AU-compatible host application; Windows. Windows 7 and a recent Intel processor (at least Pentium 4 or above) Recommended: Computer running Windows 7 64-bit or newer; Minimum of 4 GB of RAM; VST-compatible host. “A VST (plus AudioUnit on OSX) plugin host designed for live use. Based on the JUCE ‘audio plugin host’ code, heavily modified to better suit my purposes. Key Features: Modular patching. All plugin parameters can be manipulated in real time via MIDI CCs or Open Sound Control messages. Any number of patches can be queued up and rapidly. This awesome VST plugin chainer/host is FREE with Computer Music issue 245! CM has exactly the same features as the full versio.
VSTs revolutionized mixing music.
Instruments and effects that used to cost thousands became accessible to every musician with a computer.
If you produce music in a DAW, VSTs are probably a key part of your workflow.
But sometimes you want to use your plugins without launching a full fledged DAW. Maybe you just want your jam with your virtual synths, or play live with a VST rig on stage.
To run VSTs without the extra functionality of a DAW you’ll need a VST host.
In this article I’ll go through the 8 best VST host apps available today.
What is a VST host?
A VST host is a software program that can load VST instruments or effects plugins. A VST host can be a DAW or a dedicated software program just for running VSTs.
While a traditional DAW can be used for live performance, many musicians prefer the stability and ease of use that comes with dedicated VST hosts.
While a traditional DAW can be used for live performance, many musicians prefer the stability and ease of use that comes with dedicated VST hosts.
These purpose-built software programs don’t need the extra features and functionality of full recording apps.
That makes them simpler and more efficient for your computer to run.
Even if you’re just playing through a handful of instruments or effects, a VST host can help when a standalone version of the plugin doesn’t exist.
The 10 best VST hosts
With the basics out of the way, here are the 10 best VST hosts available today.
1. Apple Mainstage
Apple’s Mainstage is one of the most well-known VST hosts for live performance.
It includes many of the respected plugins, presets and effects from Apple’s flagship DAW app Logic Pro X.
Built specifically with live shows in mind, Mainstage has many impressive features for performers.
Guitarists will love the virtual pedalboards and amp rigs that come complete with tuner, tap tempo and spillover features.
And keyboardists can take advantage of the excellent built-in emulations of classics the Hammond B3, Fender Rhodes, Hohner Pianet and more.
Unfortunately, like all Apple software, Mainstage is only available on Mac OS X. But if you’re a Mac user looking to play VSTs live, Mainstage is probably your first option to try.
2. Topten Cantabile
Topten Cantabile is a high performance VST host that’s tailor-made for live playing.
With robust MIDI routing and impressive real-time features, Cantabile is an excellent choice for using VSTs on stage.
Cantabile was purpose-built for the stage, so it’s among the most stable and efficient hosts you can find.
If you’re a keyboard player looking to ditch a heavy hardware rig for simple laptop setup, Cantabile could be your best choice.
Vst For Mac
It comes in three editions, including a free tier with Cantabile Lite.
Unfortunately, Cantabile is Windows-only, so you’ll have to choose another option if you want to turn your MacBook into the ultimate plug-in based synthesizer.
3. Your DAW
Any application that can run VSTs is a VST host.
That means your DAW is a perfectly good option for playing VSTs live.
Any application that can run VSTs is a VST host. That means your DAW is a perfectly good option for playing VSTs live.
DAWs are more complex than basic VST hosts, so your system will naturally have to do a bit more to keep the gig running.
But there are some upsides to using a DAW as a live VST host. You won’t have to learn a new program to be able to build your stage setup.
And you can easily translate your projects from tracking and mixing to live performance.
Some DAWs are lightweight enough that they’re well suited for live performance. For example, Ableton…Live is often used as a performance DAW.
4. Audiostrom LiveProfessor 2
Audiostrom LiveProfessor 2 is another feature-rich option for live VST use.
It features impressive preset capabilities, performance-oriented cue lists, flexible signal chains and impressive hardware control.
LiveProfessor 2 was developed in collaboration with industry professionals to create an app rugged enough for live use.
It’s popular among front-of-house engineers for mixing live sets with VST plugins.
5. Niall Moody Pedalboard 2
Niall Moody Pedalboard 2 is a simple and effective VST host that’s designed to work just like a guitarist’s pedalboard.
Set your I/O, load your VSTs and patch between them to create a pedalboard-style signal flow.
The best part? Pedalboard 2 is free, lightweight and easy to use.
If you’re looking to chain together a few virtual stompboxes and amp simulators in a digital guitar rig, Pedalboard 2 is a great choice.
6. Hermann Seib VSTHost
VSTHost is a simple but effective hosting app created by independent developer Hermann Seib.
The project started as a plugin testing platform but became popular among keyboardists for playing live in the early days of VSTs.
It’s still a great choice for a simple and effective VST host.
VSTHost lets you load plugins, edit them, send MIDI and save your setups to recall later.
7. Kushview Element
Kushview Element is a modular plugin host that can run VST and AU instruments in flexible configuration.
Its unique matrix style patchbay and graphical editor lets you draw in complex effects racks and signal chains with ease.
If you’ve ever tried to use your plugins in a live performance, you’ll know the challenges that can arise.
Element features easy integration with hardware controllers and easy external sync to MIDI clock sources.
It’s also free and open-source for you to experiment with and shape to your needs.
8. Tone2 NanoHost
Tone2 NanoHost is the most lightweight VST host on this list—in fact it’s barely a host at all.
NanoHost acts as a wrapper to turn a VST plugin into a standalone application.
If your favourite VST instrument doesn’t come bundled with a standalone app, NanoHost will do the job—for Windows users only.
It’s perfect for those who just want to boot up a single VST without the hassle of a complicated program.
Play VSTs live
VST hosts may seem like an extremely specific type of software, but they fulfill an important purpose.
If you’ve ever tried to use your plugins in a live performance, you’ll know the challenges that can arise.
VST hosts can help, and if you’ve made it through this article you’ll have a handle on some of the best options available today.
Description
When the world’s best producers, music makers and engineers approach a session, they don’t think in terms of individual effects – they think about building entire processing chains, tailored to each vocal or instrumental track.
StudioRack makes this approach easily accessible to everyone. The new StudioRack features a sleek, focused interface that allows you to easily build chains of up to 8 plugins per chain. Whether your chains are simple or complex – turning your mixing and production ideas into reality has never been easier, more powerful, or more fun.
Create Your Own ‘Custom Plugins’ with Macros
Once your chains are in place, how do you quickly dial in the exact sound you want, without wasting time or slowing down your creative process?
StudioRack’s new Macros allow you to combine different parameters from any or all plugins in your chain, and assign them to a single macro control. With 8 powerful macros per chain, you can dial in the sound of entire plugin chains with just a few well-selected macros – essentially creating your own signature ‘custom plugins.’
Parallel processing – the mixing of a dry signal alongside the processed audio – can help you achieve sharp attacks alongside compression; stereo imaging in reverbs that mix their input to mono before processing; and much more to add punch, depth and presence to your mix.
StudioRack’s new parallel racks bring this power to any plugin chain you desire. With up to 8 parallel mono, stereo, and even M/S (mid/side) racks that you can open from any slot within any chain, StudioRack lets you create parallel chains without complex routing — and save them for easy recall.
Want to turn CLA-2A or CLA-76 into multiband compressors? Or marry the classic sound of R-Vox with full multiband control? How about multiband reverb, delay, console colour or tape saturation – with the plugins you already love, no sonic compromise?
StudioRack’s new multiband racks give you access to every multiband trick in the book. You can split any signal into up to 5 frequency bands, with full control over your crossover points – and assign your plugins of choice to any or all bands, for finer control over your mixes and production effects.
Many of us need to switch DAWs on a regular basis, in order to collaborate with other producers, mix sessions originally created on different DAWs, or work in different studios.
StudioRack lets you save entire plugin chains and move them quickly between Pro Tools, Logic, Ableton, Cubase, Studio One, FL Studio, REAPER or any other major DAW – without losing time, focus or creative energy.
Features
- New supercharged version of Waves’ plugin chainerBuild powerful plugin
- chains using any Waves plugins
- Move entire plugin chains between DAWs in seconds
- NEW: 8 macros per chain to create your own ‘custom plugins’
- NEW:
- Easy parallel processing with mono, stereo & M/S parallel racks
- NEW: Turn any plugin into multiband with multiband split racks
- NEW: Easy plugin search
- NEW: Floating plugin windows for convenient plugin control
- NEW: Over 170 presets for complete plugin chainsStudioRack is compatible with Waves V12 and V11 plugins
- Optional: Offload your plugin processing to a SoundGrid server
Download
We dont host any software files here. The download button will take you to the Waves website where you can download the software direct.