VST as a Plug-In Questions

[PoppaJOL]

Hello again:

I understand that VI comes with installers for all the different methods of use (stand-alone, VST plug-in for PC, AU plug in for MAC). This gives the buyer the option of using anyway s/he pleases.

Regarding the plug-in version: when writing a large score with many instruments, can multiple instances of VI be run and sequenced simultaneously? I realize you have to input the MIDI into each instance separately.The question is, do you also have to record them separately and synch the recordings to make one piece.

If you are using a notation program to play the MIDI input, with each instrument on a separate MIDI track, can you assign each track/staff line to a separate instance of VI and play them in all at once or do you have to play them in separately?

Finally, am I correct that the only limit on the number of instances which can be run simultaneously is the limit of your computers processing and/or RAM capability? You can theoretically run 20 or 50 instances at the same time if your computer could handle it?

Again, I am just trying to get clear, in practical terms, about how to actually work with this new and, obviously forward looking, product. Thank you.

Be Well,

Poppa

[cm]

poppa, basically everything depends on the capacities of your machine(s).

beforehand: the multiple instances in standalone mode (not running stable currently) is primary an ASIO issue (some ASIO drivers _should_ allow multi-client access, but in fact almost all do not ...) - it looks like on this problem some serious R&D has still to be done, not only from our side.

regarding the plugin-question: it will not only depend how powerfull your machine is, but also how many ressources (and there are more types of ressources than CPU and RAM) are already used in your configuration, but basically you are right - the number of instances will depend on the power of the machine, although 50 seems to be too optimistic.

in fact you have to assign each midi track to a seperate instance (assuming each track represents another instrument) - where and how to record depends on your audio routing.

christian

[Rob Elliott]

I still see Ram as the bottleneck (which is why I wanted 16 bit compressed files). With massive 'universal' instruments - one computer may only have 3-5 instances.

Rob (could be wrong - hope I am)

[PoppaJOL]

Christian:

Thank you for your prompt reply. I understand what you are saying about the stand-alone issues as well as the pc resources and, of course, routing will determine how things are recorded.

I'm still not sure I understand if it's possible to simultaneously sequence/record multiple instances using the plug in version. Sorry if I'm being difficult. I just want to be sure I'm getting things straight.

Thank You.

Be Well,

Poppa

[herb]

Rob, the compression works only from 24 Bit down to 16 "Bit size", it's not possible to minimize 16bit wavs.
(Of course it's possible - like mp3 - but this kind of compression ist not working in real time)

best
Herb

[Rob Elliott]

@herb said:

Rob, the compression works only from 24 Bit down to 16 "Bit size", it's not possible to minimize 16bit wavs.
(Of course it's possible - like mp3 - but this kind of compression ist not working in real time)

best
Herb

Thanks Herb for the explanation. I totally see the limits now. Knowing this ( and the compression giving me '16 bit size' using 24 bit samples I am happy enough. Just always looking for ways to keep my PC farm from being more square kilometers [:D] )


Thanks again - looking forward to the full update.


Rob

[Paul]

Hello Poppa,

if you want to simultaneously record, do you mean you record different MIDI keyboards/players or with a split keyboard?

That´s possible, you just need to assign the InPorts to your MIDI Channels.

Best, Paul

[PoppaJOL]

@Another User said:

If you open a Midi file with a sequencer which can run VST/AU instruments, you can assign a VI instance to every track, set up your instruments, and play back the whole piece. Saving that sequencer piece will also keep all your VI settings.

If that is correct, I think it might answer my question. It implies that, if I write a multi instrument piece in Sibelius then save it as a MIDI file, I could import that file into Sonar, assign each staff line/track to a separate instance of VI and play them all at once. If there are 10 staff lines (MIDI Tracks) to the score, I would use 10 Instances of VI. When I play them, I would hear them all together. I could then record and edit that audio in whatever format I choose. Is that correct? Thank you.

Be Well,

Poppa

[Paul]

I just thought about your question, and my answer might have been confusing, sorry (misunderstood your question obviously).

You are right, that´s of course possible, you will probably make some adjustments MIDI wise to fit your preset of each Vienna Instrument, if you haven´t assigned anything in Sibelius.

There´s two ways to mix now: Stay on the MIDI level and apply all effects and EQ´s there or bounce your instruments and do the mixing this way.

Best, Paul.

[michael.matthews]

Hi Paul:

I am still not completely clear on this. Here is the setup.

Macintosh
Finale
Logic/EXS

Currently I use Finale to write my music. I play it back in real time, routing the Finale MIDI outputs through the Interapplication Ports of the Mac to the MIDI inputs of Logic. I currenlty am able to run 64 simultaneously instances of VSL in real time, using Finale as the controlling sequencer and Logic/EXS as the routing device to VSL instruments. Allowing for RAM limitations, and what seems to be the fact that several current instances of, say, strings, can be combined into one VI plug-in, will be be able to run essentially the same playback set up with VI?

Thanks,

Michael

[michael.matthews]

Hi again, Paul.

I know how busy you must be with all the excitement about VI. When you have a moment I would appreciate a reply to my question in the immediately preceding email.

Thanks!

Michael Matthews

[michael.matthews]

Hi again, Paul.

I know how busy you must be with all the excitement about VI. When you have a moment I would appreciate a reply to my question in the immediately preceding (plus 1) email.

Thanks!

Michael Matthews

[Paul]

Hi Michael,

sorry, I must have overlooked your post...

You will be better off with the Vienna Instruments, exact figures will be provided when we have finished testing the final version. You won´t need as many instances, that´s for sure, and your workflow will definitely change a little bit.

Thanks for your patience, it will be rewarded.

Best, Paul

[michael.matthews]

Thanks very much for the information, Paul. I am looking forward to VI.

Michael