VSTi

What is a VST Instrument?

The VST (Virtual Studio Technology) system was developed by Steinberg, to enable a complete studio to be created in software. It allows third-party developers to produce real-time effects modules (VST or VST FX), or synth engines that are called VST Instruments (VSTi), that could 'plug in' to the host application.

So basically, a VSTi is a realtime software synthesizer.

Nowadays, there are large numbers of third-party companies, that are producing VST instrument plug-ins. Some have a very high sound quality, that can surpass their hardware alternatives, while others are not so good. Some are expensive, and some are free. Some can be controlled by midi messages, while others cannot be controlled this way.

The good news is that vArranger has a VST Host, that can load and play, up to 16 VST Instruments.

Requirements

When you press a note on your midi keyboard, the VSTi program will generate a sound, using the computer processor (CPU). This operation needs to be as fast as possible, (less than 10-15 milliseconds), in order that the player does not experience any latency. Some VSTi are doing complex calculations, in a very short time. That's why using VST's usually need a 'faster' computer. Intel Core series processors (Core i3, Core i5 or core i7 series, is a good choice. The CPU power is shared between all running programs and processes on the computer. So, it is better to avoid installing unnecessary and unneeded programs on a music computer.

Keep in mind, that some VSTi load large quantities of sampled sounds (called "samples") into the computer's memory (RAM). In the case of using such a VSTi, you need to have enough RAM installed in your computer. 4GB or 8GB is usually sufficient. More memory, means more flexibility and wider choice between which VSTi's you can accommodate in memory (RAM).

Some VST's play the sounds directly from the Hard Drive (streaming). In such cases, a fast Hard drive 7200RPM or better a SSD disk is essential, otherwise, you will hear some clics, or stuttering. It's simple - You need the CPU, and hard drive to be fast, in order for the computer to produce sound quickly, and thus eliminate clicks and stuttering or sound breakup.

vArranger (the VST host) receives the generated sound, and sends it back to the PC sound card driver, then to your PC powered speakers, or headphones.

There are actually 2 kinds of sound cards. Some are integrated inside your PC motherboard, and some can be optionally installed. Some sound cards are for professional use, more expensive, and give a better quality sound. These cards usually have propriety Asio drivers. Other cards are cheaper, but could still give you decent quality, and usually they do not have propriety Asio drivers. some sound cards are simply not good enough.

vArranger can communicate with the sound card using 3 different methods :

- DirectSound Pros: Available on every computer, the sound can be used by different programs simultaniously. Cons : It has too much latency and CAN'T be used for realtime synths. Only for MP3 playback.

- WASAPI Pros: Low latency. Available on every computer since Windows Vista. Cons : Not available on windows XP

- ASIO Pros: Low latency. Cons : ASIO drivers are only developed by the manufacturer for top end, professional sound cards.

Note that there is a free software called ASIO4ALL [1], created by Michael Tippach, that installs a generic ASIO driver, working for every sound card. This is the only solution for low latency audio if you use Windows XP, without a dedicated pro sound card.

Note that sometimes, different access methods may result in a difference in terms of audio quality and latency. In case of problems, it is useful to test the different options: ASIO <=> ASIO4ALL <=> WASAPI, to find the best working driver for your computer.

Configuring vArranger to play VST Instruments

In vArranger, go on OPTIONS / MIDI PORTS to select the audio outputs you want to use for playing VST instruments.

As you can see in this example, the ASIO4ALL output has been selected.

Some sound cards have many audio outputs. You will see them all, displayed in this list.

In case of an ASIO sound card with multiples audio outputs, a second sub list will appear to select the desired stereo out.

As you can see in this example, I have selected VST as the 2nd MIDI OUT port, but you can select VST for the MIDI OUT 1, if the VST instruments will be your main sound source.

I have also selected the GM2 mode, this works well for VST.

The VST Rack

Selecting VST in the MIDI PORTS screen, will add a new button called VST in the vArranger main screen (top right).

Clicking on this button will show the VST rack with 16 slots to load up to 16 VST Instruments. Think of this as if you have 16 hardware synthesizers in your room, close to you.

- To load a VST Instrument, click on the central and empty zone (2). This will allow you to locate the vst that you want to load. VST plugin files have an extension .DLL They are usually installed in a centralized VST folder, but when you install a VST plugin, you have the choice to define a different VST installation folder. So be attentive at this path, so you can find it easily in vArranger.

If you don't have any VST instruments, you can start by searching on google for free VST instruments. This website contains a nice compilation of free VST plugins to download [2]

Note that vArranger loads 32 Bit or 64 Bit VST 2.4 plug ins, in concordance with the version of the vArranger audio engine version currently installed (32 Bit or 64 Bit). If you really need to load 32 Bit and 64 Bit plug ins, together in the same project, you need to install a software like jBridge [3]

Once loaded, you will see the name of your VST in the VST Rack line.

Click on the same zone (2), on the VST name, and you will see the VST EDITOR. This is the graphical screen of the VST, where you can interact with it.

Note : VST plugins do not always have an editor, but most have one.

Exp : NI B4II

- To remove a VST from the rack, click on the [X] (4)

- Some plugins have PROGRAMS. They are predefined factory presets. If some are present, you will see the rack line number lightened (1). Clicking on it will allow you to see and select a program.

VST Options

The [+] (3) will allow you to see more options for every VST

- ALWAYS ON TOP : Check this box, and the VST Editor screen will be always on top of the other windows. This option is great for most VSTi. But, some plugins are displaying sometimes a modal message box, waiting for your answer, like "Do you want to load this sound?" If the VST editor is always on top, it can be on top of such messages and you will think that the VST has hang, but it just wait for your answer, for a message that you don't see. In this case, you need to disable this option.

Monotimbral VS Multitimbral

- Most VST Instruments specialize in one type of sound, for example, analogue synth simulations, Hammond tonewheel organs simulations, Mellotrons, Wavetable synths, Drums or Guitar plugin... They are intended to play only ONE sound at a time. They are listening by default to the MIDI channel 1.

For such Monotimbrals plugins, Go on the VST OPTIONS screen, and check SEND ON MIDI CHANNEL 1

- A second kind of VSTi are designed to allow to play different sounds on different MIDI channels simultaneously. For example, General MIDI VST Instrument. In this case, you don't have to check this box. Be careful of the vArranger midi channel assignation. (eg : RIGHT1 Track = Midi Channel 13)

If you plan to use only ONE sound for a multitimbral VSTi, you can check the option to send on midi channel 1, so you don't need to be careful to set the midi channel inside the plugin.

LIMITATION : In case of using this channel 1 option, you need to be careful that only ONE track is using the same VSTi at a time.

Flexible Routing

Every track of vArranger can be routed to a different VST instrument.

RIGHT CLICKING on the track will allow you to select the desired MIDI OUT and/or the VST Instrument that will be used to play this track.

This routing is saved with the Song (SAVE SONG) and with the Sound (SAVE RIGHT SOUND / SAVE LEFT SOUND)