Best Vst Plugin Host

Use 64-bit VST 2 and VST 3 instrument and effect plugins in VCV Rack.

A solid polyphonic synth, Helm offers lots of tweaks and customizations for pro users. These are some of the top developers of VST plugins that also host FREE content. Voxengo offers you high-quality DAW audio plugins: VST plugins, AAX plugins and AudioUnit plugins, and sample rate converters, for Windows and macOS computers. For Voxengo freebies, click HERE. Blue Cat offers paid and free plugins.

1. Search results showing plugin host VST Plugins, VST3 Plugins, Audio Units Plugins (AU), AAX Plugins and Rack Extension Plugins for Windows and MacOS. The results are sorted by most popular with KVR members (Data from MyKVR 'Favorites' Group).
2. Always use 32-bit plugins in 32-bit hosts, or 64-bit plugins in 64-bit hosts! 64-bit plugins can’t work in 32-bit hosts even if the operating system is 64-bit. Do NOT use 32-bit plugins in 64-bit hosts. They would have to be bridged and can become slow and unstable. Mac OS X (10.7 and newer, 32-bit or 64-bit) VST / VST3 / AU / AAX.
3. The sampler connects the program to the host sound patch. The sampled sound we listen to is recorded in several different ways. But the VST instrument can stand alone without all these music gears. To record and edit a music track DAW is essential. DAW is a Digital Audio Workstation. Best Piano VST Plugins. The following are the best VST.

Control VST automation parameters and MIDI with CV.

Host Manual

The VCV Host plugin includes three module variants.Host is designed to load instrument VST 2/3 plugins, Host-FX is designed for effects, and Host-XL is designed for multi-channel instruments and effects.

Host (VST instrument host)

For hosting VST instruments, synthesizers, samplers, and sound generators, use Host, which includes 1V/oct pitch CV and gate inputs.When the gate voltages rises, a MIDI note is triggered according to the current 1V/oct signal, rounded to the nearest note.This note is held until the gate falls to 0V.

Host supports polyphonic cables patched into its CV and gate inputs, as well as key pressure (aftertouch) and velocity parameters.

Host-FX (VST effect host)

For hosting VST effects, processors, and pedals, use Host-FX, which includes stereo audio inputs.The right input is normalized to the left input, so mono audio can be mapped to both stereo channels.

Host-XL (Expanded VST instrument/effect host)

If more than 2 channels of audio are needed, use Host-XL, which includes 8 audio inputs, 8 audio outputs, and 24 parameter inputs.

Although Host-XL does not include labeled CV and gate inputs, you can send CV and gate signals to instrument plugins using MIDI parameters (see below section).

Selecting and displaying a VST plugin

Click the plugin name label (initially displaying “No plugin”) to open the list of installed VST plugins on your system.When a plugin is loaded, its editor GUI window will be shown.If closed, it can be reopened by clicking the “eye” icon next to the plugin name.

VST parameters

Up to 16 VST automation parameters (24 in Host-XL) can be modulated with CV, with an input range of 0V to 10V.

To map a VST parameter to a parameter input on Host, click a parameter label (initially displaying “- - -”), and the editor window will be shown.Adjust (i.e. wiggle) a knob or slider in the VST editor, and the parameter will be mapped.Alternatively, right-click a parameter label to display a dropdown menu of all available VST parameters.

Host also includes mappable MIDI parameters for generating certain MIDI events, such as note velocity and pitch wheel, available by right-clicking the parameter label.

Note: Many VST plugins are not optimized for fast modulation of its parameters, while modular synthesizers (and thus VCV Rack) are designed to unify the concepts of audio and modulation signals.If you send audio-rate modulation into Host’s parameter inputs, some VST plugins may behave strangely, crash, have bad CPU performance, or produce wonderful results.Use fast modulation at your own risk.

Plugin search directories

In the plugin dropdown menu (opened by clicking the plugin name label), you can add or remove directories to allow VCV Host to search for plugins in different VST installation locations.Searching is recursive, and plugins are searched immediately.There is no need to restart Rack if a new directory is added or a new plugin is installed.

Block size

While Rack modules process each sample one-by-one, VST plugins must process blocks of samples in bulk.Because of this, VCV Host waits until the block is filled before requesting the VST plugin to process audio.Lower block sizes result in lower latency but force the plugin to process more often, which consumes more CPU.

If you wish to change the block size, right-click on the panel of Host.The default size is 128 samples (2.9ms @ 44.1kHz), which is a reasonable balance of CPU and latency.The minimum block size is 16 (0.4ms), which consumes lots of CPU but has very small latency, and the maximum is 4096 (93ms), which is light on CPU but has very noticeable latency.

VST support

Hundreds of 64-bit VST 2/3 plugins have been tested with VCV Host.However, if you experience bugs or crashes with your VST plugins, please email contact@vcvrack.com with the following information: your Rack version, operating system/version, VST plugin/version, and a description or screenshot of the faulty behavior.

VST is a trademark of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH.

Host Changelog

1.2.1 (2020-10-02)

• Fix loading MikeMorenoDSP LIRA-8 VST3 plugin.
• Fix probable crash with Reason Rack Plugin VST3 plugin when adjusting parameter while another parameter is being modulated.
• Fix loading certain Yamaha VST3 plugins such as MOTIF Editor and MONTAGE editor.

1.2.0 (2020-09-25)

• Add ability to load VST3 plugins.
• Fix MIDI Gate not working when set as the first parameter.
• Add MIDI panic to context menu.

1.1.0 (2019-12-17)

• Add MIDI note gates/triggers to parameters. Useful for drum machine VST instruments.
  • Add factory presets for common drum pad layouts.
• Display VST plugins in a folder hierarchy instead of a flat list in the plugin menu.
• Allow VST worker thread to be disabled, allowing VST processing directly on Rack’s engine thread.

1.0.4 (2019-08-30)

• Add “VST shell” support for plugins from Waves Audio and Expert Sleepers Silent Way.
• Fix slight tempo jitter when using a clock input.
• Improve serialization performance, which fixes plugins with large states (like Arturia SparkLE) causing audio glitches when Rack autosaves.

1.0.3 (2019-07-19)

• Fix crash when loading UAD plugins.

1.0.2 (2019-06-23)

• Limit plugin searching to 2 subdirectories.
• Sum polyphonic audio inputs.

1.0.1 (2019-06-20)

• Fix bug that makes plugin searching slow.

1.0.0 (2019-06-18)

• Add polyphonic support for 1V/oct CV, gate, velocity, and key pressure.
• Pass key presses through to Rack so the Computer Keyboard MIDI driver can be used while VST editor windows are focused. (Only works on some VST plugins on some operating systems.)

0.6.4 (2019-03-31)

• Add Host-XL.
• Allow both effect and instrument VST plugins to be loaded in all Host modules.
• Chang audio voltage range from [-5V, 5V] to [-10V, 10V].
• Add MIDI CV and gate to parameter list for Host modules without CV/gate inputs.

0.6.3 (2019-02-25)

• Fall back to storing parameter values when the plugin doesn’t support effGetChunk.
• Save and restore the VST program number.
• Loading and unloading VST plugins no longer blocks the Rack engine, avoiding pops and stutters.

0.6.2 (2018-12-05)

• Add transport controls.
• Add clock tempo sync.
• Add sustain pedal MIDI parameter.
• Chang default MIDI velocity from 127 to 100.

0.6.1 (2018-11-25)

• Add search field to plugins list.
• Add title to VST editor window.
• Fix bug where VST instruments received notes with >127 velocity by default.
• Fix bug when minimizing a VST editor window.

0.6.0 (2018-11-24)

• Initial release.

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

Vst noiise reduction plugin. 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.

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.

Vst Plugins Best Free Download

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.

Popular Vst Plugins

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 Host Pc

VST hosts may seem like an extremely specific type of software, but they fulfill an important purpose.

Free Vst Plugins

If you’ve ever tried to use your plugins in a live performance, you’ll know the challenges that can arise.

Best Vst Plugin Host

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.