VSTHost
VSTHost is a free, open source VST audio plugin host for Windows. It allows you to load and use VST instruments and effects within a standalone application.
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VSTHost: Free, Open Source VST Audio Plugin Host
Load and use VST instruments and effects within a standalone application with VSTHost, a free and open source audio plugin host for Windows.
What is VSTHost?
VSTHost is a free, open source host application for Virtual Studio Technology (VST) audio plugins on the Windows platform. It provides a lightweight and easy-to-use solution for using VST instruments and effects without needing a digital audio workstation.
Some key features of VSTHost include:
- Supports loading unlimited VST effects and instruments
- Low CPU and memory usage
- Minimalist interface to focus on loaded plugins
- ASIO support for low-latency audio
- MIDI input for controlling VST instruments
- Audio/MIDI routing between loaded plugins
- Plugin delay compensation
- Compatible with 32-bit and 64-bit VSTs on Windows
VSTHost is useful for musicians, producers, and audio engineers who want to utilize their existing VST plugins in a live performance setup without a DAW. Its standalone operation and low resource usage makes it well-suited for use on stage with virtual instruments, effects, and amp modelers.
VSTHost Features
Features
- Hosts VST 2.x plugins
- Supports audio inputs and outputs
- MIDI input support
- Plugin preset management
- Audio recording and playback
- Audio routing between plugins
- Plugin automation
- MIDI routing between plugins
- Customizable user interface
- Supports VSTi (instruments) and VST effects
Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
Pros
Free and open source
Lightweight and low resource usage
Stable and reliable
Good for testing VST plugins
Easy to use interface
Good feature set for a free host
Cons
Windows only
Limited to VST 2.x (no VST3 support)
Basic editing features compared to full DAWs
No native support for AU/AAX plugins
Limited MIDI capabilities
No plugin sandboxing for stability
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