2nd computer as a VST-Host

[norplay]

I'm a owner of QLEWSO plat. XP, QLEWSC and a lot of other VST-softsynth, and I'm struggeling with the Win Xp memory limit of 4 gb. I'm thinking of having a 2nd computer to host the brass and woodwind-sections when working with orchestral music. Does anyone have any experience with using multiple computers?
Do you need any external hardware sync-system?
What is the best way to connect it?

I'm using Win XP pro and Cubase 4, and a REM FireFace 800 soundcard.

Thanks for any advice.

norplay

[Dannthr]

If you're using a lot of VSTs,

Then your best bet is FXTeleport.

On your slave machines it creates a VST wrapper in which you load your VST instruments. Then, on your master machine you load FXTeleport in your sequencer, like a VST, and it will "teleport" the VSTness of the slave VSTs to your master, as if your master was running everything except that all the processing and RAM fun is done on the slave.

All you need is a good machine and a gigabit LAN network.

Cheers,



PS: I don't use FXTeleport, but I wish I had when I set up my slave. But others here do.

[nickysnd]

Or you can try this. I am a happy user, so I can recommend it. However, you will probably want to route back the audio digitally into your DAW, so you will need soundcards on your master and (all) your slave(s).

[Dannthr]

Currently, I'm also using MIDIOverLAN with Kontakt 2 as the sample host.

The problem that I've run into is that Kontakt 2 seizes my audio card output for a single instance. So I have no way of utilizing a secondary instance of Kontakt 2. Additionally, I'm limited to 4 MIDI ports, which seems like a lot to start out, but get eaten up when you think about word builder choirs.

But if I had FXTeleport, as I understand the program, I could load any VST, not just NI powered samples, into the slave wrapper (as many as I want), and just load FXTeleport in SONAR on my master and just work with as much as my RAM will allow. And I wouldn't need soundcards because all the output is teleported over the LAN with latency as minimal as under 10 ms.

[Scott Cairns]

Go with FXT, you wont need audio cards in your slave machines.

[nickysnd]

Originally Posted by Dannthr

Currently, I'm also using MIDIOverLAN with Kontakt 2 as the sample host.

The problem that I've run into is that Kontakt 2 seizes my audio card output for a single instance. So I have no way of utilizing a secondary instance of Kontakt 2. Additionally, I'm limited to 4 MIDI ports, which seems like a lot to start out, but get eaten up when you think about word builder choirs.

But if I had FXTeleport, as I understand the program, I could load any VST, not just NI powered samples, into the slave wrapper (as many as I want), and just load FXTeleport in SONAR on my master and just work with as much as my RAM will allow. And I wouldn't need soundcards because all the output is teleported over the LAN with latency as minimal as under 10 ms.

You can use a VST host on your slave, so you can open as many instances of Kontakt2 as your CPU supports. I am using this as a host for VIs, it is unexpensive, user friendly, and reliable. I once opened in it 15 instances of Kontakt2 as VST plug-in. As for latency, I haven't noticed any.

I can't use FXTeleport, it doesn't work with Mac OS, and I am on a Mac to PC setup.

[Dannthr]

Hey, thanks for the link, Nickysnd

[Dean Krommydas]

Hey norplay...when I catch a post like this I state my opinion on Muse Receptors.

Depending on your budget of course...the Muse Receptor is essentially having a 2nd computer specifically designed/created to run VST. Hook up is simple..all you need is a crossover cable to connect the RECEPTOR to the back of your host computer. Then... you register with iLock and proceed to drag the library files over to RECEPTOR's hardrive ...you can also have whatever libraries you want pre-installed onto the RECEPTOR prior to its arrival (for a price of course).

For me it was a great alternative. Very quick setup & gives me an extra 2GB of RAM dedicated solely to VST (have 4 GB on my host). Everything runs quite smoothly. I had the former Receptor (known as Rev C) and now the New Pro Receptor. They have improved on the processing speed...meaning it loads the libraries significantly faster. In the future you can easily add more receptors just by using crossover cables.

Here's a link just in case & a pic:

http://www.museresearch.com/

*You can find better deals from a host of places...but you are typcially looking at around $2,000 for it!



Anyways...just FYI

[norplay]

Thanks for all the replies!

I think I'll probably go for the FX Teleport-system. Is it correct that I don't need an ASIO soundcard on the slave machine?

I've also read about some problem with beeing connected to internet while using FX teleport. Is that a common problem, or just som guys with bad luck?

norplay

[joenovice]

I'm very interested in this but have some questions. How does one cope with 2 machines in a small setting. Do you have to have 2 keyboards, 2 mice, and an extra monitor? Can you use both machines with one set of input/output devices?

Also, will the release of PLAY and 64bit environments make this less necessary? I'm thinking of moving to a full 64bit setup this fall (Core Duo, 8GB ram, Vista Ultimate).