Here we take a look at Hardware VST players/hosts. These are reliable equipment that you can use for playing live without needing any hardware synths.
Why VST Plugin Host?
Today, more and more musicians depend on virtual instruments for their music. But there are several challenges with using plug-in software.
- Stability concerns and high latencies discourage musicians from using them on stage
- There many live musicians / stage performers who fear perform live with software plugins because of fears that the computer might crash, etc.
- High CPU demands limit their flexibility in the studio.
However, technology is changing fast and you now don’t have to depend on your computer to play your software VST’s.
You now get hardware VST “HOST” that allow you to bring software synthesizers to the stage, without having to rely on a computer.
This piece of hardware allows you to load your VSTs (some can even be mounted on a rack), plug your midi controller keyboard into the hardware, and that’s about it. You’re good to play.
These combine everything that is good about plug-ins with everything that’s good about hardware.
SM Pro V-machine
This one is a tiny, desktop module and has got limited power (compared to the receptor) but it costs much less than the Receptor.
But its extremely reliable for stage use, and once you use it its unlikely that you will use computer VST ever again.
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Receptor VST host
The Muse Receptor Hardware VST Plug-In Player is a 2U rackmount multi-timbral sound and effects module. It has got a mixer-like architecture that combines up to 16 different audio sources (can be either internal VSTi instruments or external analog/digital inputs).
Seelake AudioStation
AudioStation is a versatile player for VST instruments and effects. Features powerful CPU, multiple audio and MIDI inputs and outputs, microphone preamplifiers.
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ComputerMusic says
Just make sure your computer is set up properly for audio and you won’t have any problems. Computers are a lot faster now (and cheaper too). A fast and stable computer will run all your plugins. You can play live with plugins, use whatever DAW you normally use.