quote:

Originally posted by gk_nz Just one question..... I see dirext x and vst plugins mentioned alot on various sites. Exactly what are they used for and how do you use them? Very helpful part in producing?

The plugins are add-on audio effects you can use in most popular PC and Macintosh music applications (such as Cubase, Cakewalk, Logic Audio, Cool Edit Pro, ACID, Sound Forge, Wavelab)

If a musical effect is possible using an external multi-effects processor or a floor pedal, you can probably find a plugin to do the same job.

They are two different audio plugin architectures. Some PC audio applications support DirectX plugins (e.g. Cakewalk), some only support VST plugins, and some support both. Check your application manual to see which plugin type you should be looking for.

Many Macintosh applications now support VST plugins (but note that you can't run a VST/PC plugin on a Mac - always look for the Mac specific version of the plugin). Mac owners can ignore DirectX - it's a PC only thing.

There is no difference in audio quality between DirectX and VST plugins. Both are capable of processing your audio at 32 bit resolution.

However, VST plugins usually consume less CPU power than DirectX plugins. Also, you can automate the parameter settings of VST plugins in some applications (e.g. Cubase).

(This was taken from Cubase site)
Virtual Instruments, Plug-ins and Native Audio Processing
With the release of Cubase VST in Spring 1996 Steinberg created the basis for an entirely new technology for music production, software sound modules and audio processing called Native or Host-based Processing.

The bottom line of all this is leaving the concept of proprietary, DSP-based Hard Disk Recording systems behind and moving forward to pure Host-Processor based applications. A standard computer without dedicated audio hardware, apart from a simple in- and output device without any processing intelligence, is used to record audio data, play back multiple channels of digital audio, offer synths modules and apply effects or equalization in real time, just as we know it from traditional analog recording studio technology and hardware synthesis devices.
The enormous power of standard personal computers makes this possible. What previously required an investment of hundreds of thousands of dollars now can be realized with a couple of thousand dollars. This means in detail: The open plug-in architecture offers infinite expansion possibilities in such a music production system. Effects do not have to be purchased as hardware devices, the effect itself is simply living as a software algorithm in a folder on the computer¹s hard disk and is launched whenever there is need for it.

With the addition of the MIDI port (since VST 2.0 Interface), that can also receive time-stamped MIDI from the host application like Cubase VST* or Nuendo 1.5, a VST 2.0 plug-in could contain even a complete software synthesizer, controlled from the incoming MIDI data like any other hardware sound device. Synthesizers, Samplers or Drum machines within the computer are no longer phantastic dreams. These VST Instrument plug-ins generate their synth signal and then send the result direct to the host applications mixing environment for further processing.

The sound quality is dependent solely on the in- and output possibilities of the computer. The market offers a huge variety of sound cards from simple stereo I/O up to multi I/O devices like the MOTU Audio system, Midiman Delta 1010, or Event Electronics, RME products and many more... A list of ASIO compatible audio cards (Audio Stream Input Output - an efficient audio interface protocol for native OS platforms developed by Steinberg) can be found here.

The musician now has total control over the entire process of recording, arranging, processing and mastering of his music. Since the material remains within the computer until a CD-Master is being burned, you can get rid of the many conversion processes which normally lead to quality loss. What's more: Native Processing is good to your budget. Every investment in your computer system increases the quality and speed of your music production environment and on top of that it provides more performance and quality for all the other applications you use as well. More RAM means more audio tracks and more realtime effects. At the same time all your video-editing or photo-editing software and any other memory-hungry applications benefit from this enhancement. Increasing the hard disk space allows bigger projects and more flexibility, a faster processor increases the overall processing speed allowing more real-time effects and giving you more free time for more creative ideas.

*since PC version 3.7 or Mac version 4.1

The Platforms for Native Audio Processing

Steinberg's Cubase VST, WaveLab and NUENDO

The VST (Virtual Studio Technology) engine turns a standard computer (currently available for Power Mac, Windows 95/98/2000 and NT 4.0) into a complete music recording, editing and mastering studio with Hard Disk Recording, effects processing, sound modules and mastering embedded into the MIDI sequencing environment of Cubase, post production enviroment of NUENDO or sound production powerhouse of WaveLab.

DirectX

This is the overall Microsoft plug-in architecture in Windows 95, 98, 2000 and NT. Any Windows application supporting Direct X is able to host Direct X plug-ins. This means that you can use a Direct X compatible plug-in in Cubase VST, WaveLab, NUENDO and many other applications.

some VST Instuments









VST Plugins










and many 1000s more, and some off them are even free

VST Instuments and Plugins are a must in PRO software Production

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hmm very interesting stuff That kinda stuff would take alot of experimenting and time to find some good ones I would guess ahh well I seen many sites mentioning such plugins etc so I will definatly look into them.

While I'm on a role any of you guys have any advice for creating some nice epic snare build ups in any production software (prefibly fruit loops 3) or even a program u can do it with just want to learn what is involved it getting some nice big epic build ups

Thanks, other quick questions:
1. Can you add echo/reverb to a piano-roll bar?
I couldn't find it. When you click on it it just gives you "duration" and "start time" but no effects. Also "velocity" is not echo, is it?
2. What instrument in FL do you use for "very fast drum build-up" (i.e. when each drum no longer fits in one measure, you have to go faster)?
THANKS!

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www.kompulsor.com

Last edited by Eugene on Oct-17-2001 at 02:00

When you click on an instrument in fruityloops you see at the top right of the dialog box, i think, a check box like thing that allows you to choose between fx1, fx2, fx3 and so on. If you for example check the fx2 box for an instrument, leave the dialog and press F9 (i think) you get the effects screen. Click the fx2 sheet, and start adding plugin effects. That's it.

Oh and for the buildup thing, the standard drumroll displays 16th steps. See if you can set it to 32th steps for double the resolution. I don't know if this is possible in fruityloops, but if it isn't it'd be lame.

ahhhhh the 32 etc beats thing is interesting I'll have a wee play around and let everyone know how she goes.....

I am definatly still in my newbie stage right now catching onto producing, I remember looking @ fruit loops a few months back I couldnt make it out makes alot more sense now days good we program with my experience thus far.

Dammit I keep running into more questions

Whats with the tinny kinda cheesy sound of software producing? Is there anyway to improve this?

Also wondering if you guys have tried createing hoovers kinda sounds and such in software programs (such as reason and fruitloops 3) and if so how so? I would assume u used some types VST or direct x plugins and if so which ones? Thank you in advance

quote:

Originally posted by gk_nz Dammit I keep running into more questions Whats with the tinny kinda cheesy sound of software producing? Is there anyway to improve this? Also wondering if you guys have tried createing hoovers kinda sounds and such in software programs (such as reason and fruitloops 3) and if so how so? I would assume u used some types VST or direct x plugins and if so which ones? Thank you in advance

What the hell is a hoover?

And about the thin sofware sound...i know...that's why i switched to hardware (don't hope i get too many ruffneck softsynthwarriors on my case)

quote:

Originally posted by Eugene Thanks, other quick questions: 2. What instrument in FL do you use for "very fast drum build-up" (i.e. when each drum no longer fits in one measure, you have to go faster)? THANKS!

for the fast drum, you gotta have two channels with the same drum sample, and then shift the time on one of them by clicking the 'time' button and tweaking the 'shift' knob. Hope this helps

hehe, dont ya just hate the tinny cheap sound!!!

god, to hell with software.. it's only good for practising!

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Yeah, I agree with that.

If you want to get a professional sound then, at the very least, you have to learn how to twist all those knobs and switches and buttons in Fruity -- and, more importantly, WHEN to do that.

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Download all my EuroHardTrance traxx & learn more about me ("Kompulsor"):
www.kompulsor.com

It's all just tools. a $9000 synth will sound tinny and cheap if you don't know how to use it too.

the samples that come with fruity loops aren't the best, but once processed through the effects modules, they can be made to sound pretty damn good.

add in processing later, like a little reverb and echo and stuff to make it that big boomy sound.