Download VSTplayer - VST host utility designed for live performance that uses eight supported VST plugins simultaneously with up to three active effects per plugin.

InTone 2 Solo Audifex- Free VST/AU FX and Instruments Host for Live Performance Posted in Effects by free vst Audiffex has released inTone 2 Solo, a live FX Processor and virtual instrument host. It is a light and free version of the inTone 2 application. What is the minimum setup to use VST on a live gig, hardware- and software-wise (please supply a complete list, including MIDI and audio stuff etc.)? Hardware: Any system capable of running a plug-in host (PC, laptop, tablet, mobile). Audio and MIDI interface that is compatible with that system. Apple’s Mainstage is one of the most well-known VST hosts for live performance. It includes many of the respected plugins, presets and effects from Apple’s flagship DAW app Logic Pro X. Built specifically with live shows in mind, Mainstage has many impressive features for performers. Audiffex has released inTone 2 Solo, a live FX Processor and virtual instrument host. It is a light and free version of the inTone 2application. Its limit is track count. InTone 2 Solo features almost 40 FX plugins, one track player, one audio track one instrument track, one AUX and one master chain.

VSTs revolutionized mixing music.

Instruments and effects that used to cost thousands became accessible to every musician with a computer.

If you produce music in a DAW, VSTs are probably a key part of your workflow.

But sometimes you want to use your plugins without launching a full fledged DAW. Maybe you just want your jam with your virtual synths, or play live with a VST rig on stage.

To run VSTs without the extra functionality of a DAW you’ll need a VST host.

In this article I’ll go through the 8 best VST host apps available today.

What is a VST host?

A VST host is a software program that can load VST instruments or effects plugins. A VST host can be a DAW or a dedicated software program just for running VSTs.

While a traditional DAW can be used for live performance, many musicians prefer the stability and ease of use that comes with dedicated VST hosts.

While a traditional DAW can be used for live performance, many musicians prefer the stability and ease of use that comes with dedicated VST hosts.

These purpose-built software programs don’t need the extra features and functionality of full recording apps.

That makes them simpler and more efficient for your computer to run.

Even if you’re just playing through a handful of instruments or effects, a VST host can help when a standalone version of the plugin doesn’t exist.

The 10 best VST hosts

With the basics out of the way, here are the 10 best VST hosts available today.

1. Apple Mainstage

Apple’s Mainstage is one of the most well-known VST hosts for live performance.

It includes many of the respected plugins, presets and effects from Apple’s flagship DAW app Logic Pro X.

Built specifically with live shows in mind, Mainstage has many impressive features for performers.

Guitarists will love the virtual pedalboards and amp rigs that come complete with tuner, tap tempo and spillover features.

And keyboardists can take advantage of the excellent built-in emulations of classics the Hammond B3, Fender Rhodes, Hohner Pianet and more.

Unfortunately, like all Apple software, Mainstage is only available on Mac OS X. But if you’re a Mac user looking to play VSTs live, Mainstage is probably your first option to try.

2. Topten Cantabile

Topten Cantabile is a high performance VST host that’s tailor-made for live playing.

With robust MIDI routing and impressive real-time features, Cantabile is an excellent choice for using VSTs on stage.

Cantabile was purpose-built for the stage, so it’s among the most stable and efficient hosts you can find.

If you’re a keyboard player looking to ditch a heavy hardware rig for simple laptop setup, Cantabile could be your best choice.

It comes in three editions, including a free tier with Cantabile Lite.

Unfortunately, Cantabile is Windows-only, so you’ll have to choose another option if you want to turn your MacBook into the ultimate plug-in based synthesizer.

3. Your DAW

Any application that can run VSTs is a VST host.

That means your DAW is a perfectly good option for playing VSTs live.

Any application that can run VSTs is a VST host. That means your DAW is a perfectly good option for playing VSTs live.

DAWs are more complex than basic VST hosts, so your system will naturally have to do a bit more to keep the gig running.

But there are some upsides to using a DAW as a live VST host. You won’t have to learn a new program to be able to build your stage setup.

And you can easily translate your projects from tracking and mixing to live performance.

Some DAWs are lightweight enough that they’re well suited for live performance. For example, Ableton…Live is often used as a performance DAW.

4. Audiostrom LiveProfessor 2

Audiostrom LiveProfessor 2 is another feature-rich option for live VST use.

It features impressive preset capabilities, performance-oriented cue lists, flexible signal chains and impressive hardware control.

LiveProfessor 2 was developed in collaboration with industry professionals to create an app rugged enough for live use.

It’s popular among front-of-house engineers for mixing live sets with VST plugins.

5. Niall Moody Pedalboard 2

Niall Moody Pedalboard 2 is a simple and effective VST host that’s designed to work just like a guitarist’s pedalboard.

Set your I/O, load your VSTs and patch between them to create a pedalboard-style signal flow.

The best part? Pedalboard 2 is free, lightweight and easy to use.

If you’re looking to chain together a few virtual stompboxes and amp simulators in a digital guitar rig, Pedalboard 2 is a great choice.

6. Hermann Seib VSTHost

VSTHost is a simple but effective hosting app created by independent developer Hermann Seib.

The project started as a plugin testing platform but became popular among keyboardists for playing live in the early days of VSTs.

It’s still a great choice for a simple and effective VST host.

VSTHost lets you load plugins, edit them, send MIDI and save your setups to recall later.

7. Kushview Element

Kushview Element is a modular plugin host that can run VST and AU instruments in flexible configuration.

Its unique matrix style patchbay and graphical editor lets you draw in complex effects racks and signal chains with ease.

If you’ve ever tried to use your plugins in a live performance, you’ll know the challenges that can arise.

Element features easy integration with hardware controllers and easy external sync to MIDI clock sources.

It’s also free and open-source for you to experiment with and shape to your needs.

8. Tone2 NanoHost

Free Vst Host For Live Performance

Tone2 NanoHost is the most lightweight VST host on this list—in fact it’s barely a host at all.

NanoHost acts as a wrapper to turn a VST plugin into a standalone application.

Best Free Vst Host

If your favourite VST instrument doesn’t come bundled with a standalone app, NanoHost will do the job—for Windows users only.

It’s perfect for those who just want to boot up a single VST without the hassle of a complicated program.

Play VSTs live

VST hosts may seem like an extremely specific type of software, but they fulfill an important purpose.

If you’ve ever tried to use your plugins in a live performance, you’ll know the challenges that can arise.

VST hosts can help, and if you’ve made it through this article you’ll have a handle on some of the best options available today.

Modular host

High-level modular environment supporting VST/VSTi plug-ins, internal modules, multichannel audio and MIDI.

Use ready-made instruments and effects to create complex patches without needing a degree in electronics or computer science.

Create as many modules as you wish and define the audio signal flow by dragging cables between their outputs and inputs.

Patch size is limited only by your system resources and your imagination

Virtual Screens

Full-screen interface without scrolling or overlapping windows, based on virtual screens concept.

Dispatch all module interfaces exactly the way you want on up to 8 virtual screens, each holding its own rack of modules.

Switch between screens in a flash by using the screen selector, keyboard F1 to F8 keys or even your MIDI controller.

Always get a clear view of your entire live set and keep everything you need to play at hand.

All modules have their own presets bank where their state and configuration can be stored and recalled at will in the form of individual presets.

Scene snapshots work on top of the presets system and can be seen as 'meta-presets', that is, presets for the whole document state at the moment the snapshot was taken.

Free vst effect pack. Where to install vst plugins for obs. Storing and recalling scene snapshots is really easy and instantaneous, using the floating window or your MIDI controller.

Vst Host Pc

All events sequencing, automation and processing (control, notes/MIDI, clock/synchro) is completely sample-accurate from end to end. This means that all nuances of your performance are more faithfully conveyed, recorded and reproduced.

Full sample accuracy also permits to have a complete patch delay compensation (PDC) that is not merely limited to delaying audio signals. And when applied to clock signals, it allows a tight and reproducible external synchronization.

You are not limited to stereo as this is a real multi-channel dedicated monitor output, allowing to pre-listen 5:1 sources for instance.

The audio monitor has its own floating window with meters, source selection and volume controls.

For each module you create in the patch-bay you can select between many different ways to display its graphical interface, from very compact to very large, including of course the original module interface if there is one available.

GUI wrappers can be changed at anytime, making it possible for instance to configure a module using its own full GUI then switch afterwards to a more compact one having just a single presets control.

The idea is simple: focus on what is essential when you are playing live, and hide the complexity you don't need.