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Automation of DX Plugins under Cubase SX2
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| X-Multiply |
Here is my dilemma...
I'm using Cubase SX 2.02 and I'm trying to automate a Waves plugin, the Waves Q2 Parabolic EQ to be exact. So far the only plugins I can automate are the Steinberg included ones.
So I asked on the Cubase.net forums and they told me to ask the Waves people which I did. This is their reply but I don't quite understand it as I'm new to Cubase. Maybe some of you guru's can explain this to me:
We only support VST Automation under SX 2.0.1.
You can't automate DirectX plug-ins.
Please open up the Qn as VST - it should work fine.
So what does he mean in the last line there? Qn as VST? Thanks in advance guys for any help! |
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| hey cheggy |
You can't automate most DX plugins. Does your plugin come with a VST wrapper? Did you install the VST version of it or only the DirectX version?
I don't have that particular plugin, but my Waves plugins are all DX, none of them are VST, although they're not really the kind of things I ever need to automate. |
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| X-Multiply |
Thanks for the responce hey cheggy! Yeah all my Waves plugins are DX only. There are no VST versions of them unfortunately that I have to install. So I guess then that there is no way for me automate them. :(
Can you recommend to me then an automatable plugin that produces a good filtering affect? The included ones with SX, the Q and the Stepfilter I don't really like at all. That is why I liked the Waves plugin I was using. I could just move the parametric EQ from right to left and get a really nice filter effect. |
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| Dj Thy |
Waves can be automated in Cubase SX and SX2, the latter being verified by yours truly. Waves use some kind of wrapper called Waveshell dll to make the Directx plugins behave like VST's, including automation.
Now, since the coming of Nuendo 2 and SX 2, there were some problems with the old Waveshell, and they released an update (v4.01 I believe). It's available for download on Waves' site (they ask email though, but I'm confident you bought your plugin pack ;) ).
In SX some people needed to activate a special option in the preferences (preload Waves plugins) for the Waveshell to work properly, but in SX2 everything is taken care off.
I just tested it, automation is fully functional (each parameter even gets it's own selectable automation track).
If you want decent filters, try looking at Ohmforce Frohmage (it's free, and only lowpass), or if you want more power (and it's really worth it : multimode filters of excellent quality, 4 of them), Quad Frohmage. Antares Filter and PSP Nitro aren't bad either. |
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| ABSYNTH |
I am having the same problem with the same plugin!
I have the latest VST waveshell dll and it is in the same folder but it still wont let me automate anything:( :(
I am using SX 1.5, what was that button you were talkin about DJ THY, maybe you can shed some light on this!
Dunk;) |
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| X-Multiply |
| quote: | Originally posted by Dj Thy
Waves can be automated in Cubase SX and SX2, the latter being verified by yours truly. Waves use some kind of wrapper called Waveshell dll to make the Directx plugins behave like VST's, including automation.
Now, since the coming of Nuendo 2 and SX 2, there were some problems with the old Waveshell, and they released an update (v4.01 I believe). It's available for download on Waves' site (they ask email though, but I'm confident you bought your plugin pack ;) ).
In SX some people needed to activate a special option in the preferences (preload Waves plugins) for the Waveshell to work properly, but in SX2 everything is taken care off.
I just tested it, automation is fully functional (each parameter even gets it's own selectable automation track).
If you want decent filters, try looking at Ohmforce Frohmage (it's free, and only lowpass), or if you want more power (and it's really worth it : multimode filters of excellent quality, 4 of them), Quad Frohmage. Antares Filter and PSP Nitro aren't bad either. |
Wow Dj Thy for that amazing and informative reply!! I am using the 4.01 version of the Waves plugin. One question I have is you mention the Waveshell.dll file. When I click on the Devices menu and choose Plugin Information, I see the Waveshell.dll at the very bottom of the list. It is the only one in the list that is orange and does not have a checkmark next to it. Is this of any importance? Why is it orange like that and at the bottom with no checkmark? I've placed a checkmark next to the Waveshell.dll but it doesn't seem to have any affect. Also if you browse to your Program Files\Waves folder, you will see an EnableVSTAutomation.REG file. I double clicked on that to enter it into the registry but still no luck. Someone suggested that on the Waves message boards. I think I'm suffering from user error. Could you explain in more detail how you automate these? I know myself and Absynth would be in your debt! Thanks again Dj Thy! |
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| ABSYNTH |
| quote: | Originally posted by X-Multiply
Could you explain in more detail how you automate these? I know myself and Absynth would be in your debt! Thanks again Dj Thy! |
:D Please!!!!!;) |
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| Dj Thy |
Ok I checked again. I didn't have to activate any registry tweak (so I didn't use the EnableVSTAutomation.REG file).
When I check the plugins, Waveshell appears on top (hehe), in gray (again, different) with no checkmark next to it, which is not necessary. The check only "activates" that particular plugin in the effect menu's (it becomes a selectable choice in the effect menu's). Waveshell is not an effect, so it shouldn't be in the effect menu (it only allows the effects to behave like VST's).
I have to say, on a standard install, all the Waves plugins are visible (and enabled in the plugin info window) in both VST and Directx categories.
Indeed, when I want to add an effect, when the window pops up, I can choose Waves plugins in the Directx plugins menu, but there is also a dedicated Waves plugin "folder". It's those you have to choose to be able to automate. Not the ones in Directx (I usually disengage those, as I see no point in being able to select the same plugin in two versions, VST is fine enough). So, in the plugin info window, do you see each separate Waves plugin in the VST category? Are you able to select a Waves effect, not going through DirectX? If not there's your problem (indeed, but I wouldn't know why it happens, so I can't help you there, maybe reinstall).
As for SX1, that option is somewhere in the preferences. It's called Preload Waves plugins at startup or sth like that.
Automation works like normal, either you draw it manually in one of the automation tracks (you can make them visible by clicking on the little + next to your track in the inspector. Each parameter gets it own automation lane. Be sure to set the plugin in read mode (R button).
Or if you want to record automation, it's like usual. Set the plugin in Write mode (W button), play, do your stuff. After that is done, set it in read mode. |
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| X-Multiply |
Dj Thy you are THE MAN!! Uninstalled, reinstalled, now I have a dedicated Waves folder under Effects where as before, I could only get the Waves plugins by going through the DirectX submenu, just like you pointed out. The WavesShell.dll is now gray and at the top of the list in the Plugin Information menu, again just like you said.
Now all the Waves plugins automate beautifully!!!
Thanks again Dj Thy and to thirteen for helping me out with this one!! What would I do without this board??? ;) |
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| Dj Thy |
| Glad to be of assistance :) |
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| ABSYNTH |
cheers mate, i clicked the 'pre-load waves' button and it sorted it,
Thanks for yr help.
Duncan;) |
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