VST (Virtual studio) technology has been around in some form since the late 90’s and has received countless updates to support effects, midi, audio and 64-bit bandwidth.  Most musicians will have hands-on experience with VST instruments and plugin software for recording purposes through their DAW (Digital Audio Workstation).

VST plugins however, can also be used for live performances with stand-alone host software. The host software is optimised for fast song configuration, switching between patches for individual songs (scenes) and built for simplicity and reliability.

The beloved DAW’s such as Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Ableton, Cubase, Sonar and Audacity (free for Mac and PC) are all optimised for recording, play back and using VST plugins or midi controllers for recording.  The plug-in has to be loaded onto a empty track then configured to either use the piano roll function or midi controller, which is quick and easy (once you know how to use your specific software host) but not suitable for gigging musicians.

Host software dedicated for live performance eliminates the unnecessary options and leaves the stand-alone VST for a user operated midi controller. A few popular options are available on the market such as Forte (Brainspawn – PC interface), Cantabile, Chainer, Mainstage (Mac only), VST host, etc…  All of the previously mentioned host software functions in a similar fashion. For the purpose of this article I will focus on Brainspawn’s Forte and reference Apple’s Mainstage, at times. 

Getting to the point of actually being able to play music on a MIDI keyboard through a VST plugin is a many-step process.  What we wanted when we started Forte was a single purpose tool: something to just play VSTs.

(Brainspawn, 2013)

Forte Interface

Mainstage Interface

As you might of guessed by now, the interface for Forte and Mainstage are both simplistic in appearance (this helps with the usability of the software).  Load your VST plugin; use the plug-in interface (exactly the same as recording interfaces) to alter your tone and parameters and then add effects using the drop box menu (Forte) or the channel strip (Mainstage).

Aside from using bus channels, it is that simple to load your plug-in and produce sound from your midi controller (making sure wiring, audio, midi I/O and headphones/speakers are connected and correct).

The main advantage of using Forte or Mainstage is they both allow you to take a snap shot of everything (plug-in, tone, effects, parameters) and save them into a scene (Forte) and song patch (Mainstage). 

This is perfect for creating set lists for live performances as you split points, plug-ins and tones can be recalled by scrolling to the appropriate track (using the arrows for Forte and the song list in Mainstage).  When using Forte myself (through a Venom and Key Rig 25), the speed at which you can recall and switch between songs was very impressive. It took me less than 4 seconds (this was my first time using the software and midi controllers) to cycle through to any song I wished.

For those who know the M-audio Key Rig 25 or Venom, they are relatively small midi controllers (keyboards) but using the octave switch controls alongside the host software created no problem or deteriation in the sound.   With both keyboards (controllers), since they are coupled with the VST host, the controls and knobs can be assigned to different tasks or controls on the host software. Due to the creation of different scenes you can change what they are assigned to for each track allowing for maximum flexibility and usability.

All of the patches (a few songs had already been programmed into the system as my friend uses this set-up) were amazingly detailed and realistic. One slight problem would be the sound of the low end brass but underneath a band no one would be able to hear the difference, especially when using a high quality brass VST like Garritan Jazz and Big band 3.  Since this software allows any VST plug-in, the only question that you need to ask yourself before using this system live is whether you are happy with your VST sounds. The user (operator - in my opinion) of the system is the only varying factor as the system is reliable and stable.

Take your PC, Mac, Ipad or any compatiable tablet, midi controllers and interface to your next gig, plug in to the monitors, PA speakers or your own amplifier and expereince the benefits of low warm-up times, fast patch/instrument switching, low audio latency, detailed sound quality and low CPU use (make sure you have a high enough spec before rushing to the gig).

I hope you enjoyed reading my article and if you have any feedback please don’t hesitate to get in touch!! 

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Steven Swift,