From deke@dekethegeek.com Wed Feb 26 15:35:25 2003
Subject:new VST host - mini review

I'm sure I saw it on one of my lists, but couldn't remember which one...
Spin Audio has a new standalone VST host (new to me at least). The one I am
trying is the ASIO FX Processor SE. It uses ASIO of course, and works well.
I am going to have to A/B with my gigging rig to know for sure, but it seems
to use less resources than AudioMulch (is that possible?). The layout of the
software is intuitive, using "slots" for loading VST instruments or effects
(like Chainer), instead of the patch panel on the left in AudioMulch. Price
is $40, which seems reasonable...

There are some other cool features you should know about:

1. Of course it handles audio input, but with a twist... if you are using a
VST effect that needs a stereo input, but only have a single mono line in,
the software will split the signal for you before it gets to the plugin.
This is on a per input basis.

2. Program Change map (a/k/a filtering!). If you are using B4 for organs and
EVP73 for ep's, you may want to change patches in B4 frequently, but not
change the patch on EVP73 at all. If this is the case there is a setup
screen which allows you to "filter" which modules receive the Program Change
command. For instance, you can say that any program changes that come in on
MIDI channel 1 are only to be sent to B4. Could become very handy if you
think about it, especially if you use an advanced keyboard as a controller
(sending out 3 or 4 pc's at one button touch).

3. MIDI channel map - this performs a function that I was using MIDI-OX
for... mapping one MIDI channel to another. My reason for doing so was my
bottom keyboard (a Roland), which is permanently stuck on channel 4. When B4
is used as a plugin, it (apparently?) will only accept MIDI input from
channel 2 for the lower manual. Of course this doesn't apply when using B4
in standalone mode, but you do want to run multiple plugins, right?

4. MIDI CC map - first uses that come to mind... you are using an A-37 for
B4 set to channel 1. You buy a drawbar unit or rotary knob unit that
operates on channel 6. You want to use the drawbar controller to change the
upper drawbars, but by default they receive on channel 1 for upper manual
(trying to cheat and send them on channel 2 will result in control if the
LOWER drawbars... LOL!). So (I think?) you can leave the controls at the
default, or customize them. Of course in my example you would map those
CC#'s within the program to receive on channel 6. The most important part of
this is the fact that EACH control interface in B4 can be remapped
separately. This could be the deal maker for you guys wanting to use a clone
to control B4. You could just use whichever CC# your clone sends for a
certain drawbar for that drawbar... and it's contained within the program,
not something separate to hassle with. Again, you not only get to choose
which CC# the control listens for, you set the MIDI channel as well... very
nice IMO.

I have only been playing with this for a few minutes, but these are the
important things that come to mind. The demo lets you play for 15 minutes
before it cuts off... plenty of time to make a decision (close the program
and restart it to reset the clock for another 15 minutes).

The SE version is the one you want for B4 or other VST instruments, as the
ME only will load FX modules, not VST instruments. Note that only slot 1 can
be occupied by a VST instrument, but multpile instances are allowed with the
registered version, and I can see that being a plus since many of the
preferred settings might change with different instruments. Also, you could
hard pan the organ and piano to opposite sides (outputs), to send only the
B4 mono out to your real Leslie (Chuck), and the pianos to a combo amp.
Again, the possibilities are plenty, only limited by your imagination and
the speed of your PC or laptop (do I sound like a sales rep or what?). I am
going to go play with this for a while on the gig rig and let you guys
know... I can already tell I'll be sitting back in this chair with credit
card in hand in a few hours... LOL!

Deke The Geek