July 3, 2009

A review of VST module usage: - Virtual Studio Technology. The demo included:
- Chainer - A simple standalone VST loader and player that allows you to load and string together as many as 99 VST modules (if your CPU can take it).
- Acid - The Sony Audio workstation which provides tracks to create arrangements and loads VST modules.
- Wavosaur - An audio editor that provides for the use of VST effects modules to alter an audio file as well as standard audio editing.
- Synthfont  - primarily a Midi editor and arranger that now provides for VST instruments as well as the use of SoundFont instrument files.
- FL Studio - not free, but one of the most bulletproof and CPU friendly DAW on the market. Fully functional free trial available.
- Kristal - Strictly an Audio arranger, but provides VST effects on 16 channels of very friendly track editing.
- Orion - Oriented around VST module assignment to tracks with midi pattern clips and a pattern arranger. Not free and (IMHO) sort of missed the boat.
- Band-In-A-Box - Generates accompaniment to your chord changes. Can use a single VST module that must contain GM support for 16 channels.
   (NEW Version now available for the MAC).
- MuLab - One of the simplest DAW. Provides excellent support for VST instruments and effects. Free version limited to 6 tracks.  (see our tutorial).
- Samplitude - Included with Computer Music magazine. One of the most complete DAW for Midi and Audio editing and recording.

All the demos were performed on a 2.4Ghz Windows XP laptop with a 22 inch display monitor and piped through the Sonic Arts Gallery studio system.

-- What does it mean when Republicans and Democrats alike warn us
about all the "pain" involved in cutting government spending --
in their spending less of our money? Painful for whom? Maybe
it's painful for the politicians. But for the average citizen,
what pain is there involved in his keeping more of his money? No
government has ever borne the cost of anything. Taxes cost
people. Tax cuts do not cost government.
--Theodore J. Forstmann