Hi, I want to add VST instruments into a song im doing. (ex: voilin,etc..) but i dont have an MIDI keyboard, or the right VST sounds. i was wondering if there was an easyier way, than buying all that other stuff, to get and use VST instruments. thanks in advance. TYler

Not having a MIDI keyboard doesn't matter. You can import a VST into your program and then simply click all of the notes in. It will take a while though! Some programs have hot keys set up on the typing keyboard that can act as a mini-piano. I'd check into that if I were you. I don't really use Cubase that much so I can't speak with total authority.

"I was wondering if there was an easier way, than buying all that other stuff, to get and use VST instruments"

This statement confuses me a bit. What it is that you're asking? Are you wondering if you could re-program the VST synth to sound like another instrument? Perhaps, depends on how closely related original VST sound is to the new one you're wanting to capture. What library are you using?

String sounds are very difficult to synthesize... impossible, I'd say. Atleast if you want them to sound realistic. Most string VST's are based on samples of a real string instrument, and they often need to be recorded in several different variations because of the complexity of the instrument. So these VST "synths" usually come on several CD's and take up quite a few gigabytes for the sample library. So, unless you can get your hands on one of those, I see two alternatives...

1) You can use a "synth"-string instead, which isn't gonna sound as realistic, but atleast you can get it for free if you just want to get down to composing music. You could use, for example, the ever so popular (and free) Synth1 which doesn't sound too shabby.

2) Get a software sampler, either a commercial one or a free one. I don't know the names of any free ones, but surely there must be a few out there. You can then load it with SAMPLES of real string instruments, which you'll have to locate somehow. But a few clicks on Google should be enough for finding some samples. You can edit the sample, make it loop, crossfade, use filters and do all sorts of tricks (with the sampler software) for making it come alive a bit more.

Well, that's all I can think of, unless you can get your hands on one of the commercial VST string-libraries.

Quote: Original post by nsmadsen
"I was wondering if there was an easier way, than buying all that other stuff, to get and use VST instruments"

This statement confuses me a bit. What it is that you're asking? Are you wondering if you could re-program the VST synth to sound like another instrument? Perhaps, depends on how closely related original VST sound is to the new one you're wanting to capture. What library are you using?

What i meant by that was how i could get a fair sounding library of the sounds for free.. or for cheap.

But im goin to look around a bit on the internet for some. ill get back to this thread after ive looked.. thanks everyone.

This website has FREE VSTs, of surprisingly good quality: http://rekkerd.org/dsk-vsti

I have personally tried the Strings and Brass libraries, and they're possibly the best FREE VSTs that I've come across. Obviously they don't really compare to commercial and expensive libraries, but these are excellent if you don't want to spend anything :)

Regards,

JvK

Hey thanks for the VST site! it looks very promising for me.. but im not sure how to use it in Cubase SE3. does anyone know how i can open it.

Hi again Tyler,

First you have to put the VST DLLs into Cubase's VstPlugins folder.

Then, in Cubase, open the "VST" window (by default press F11 I think). Click on an empty slot and a context menu will pop up, the VST should be listed there, select it.

After it is loaded, create a new MIDI track, set it's "Output" to the VST you want.

Then you can draw in some notes and play it back, it should come out with the sound of the VST you selected.

I know this probably makes little sense, so check out the documentation that comes with Cubase, and it will have a PDF document to help you get started.

Good luck,

JvK

Thanks everyone. i got it to work and im very happy with it. I love this forum.. so many helpfull ppl.. ttyl