The two sides of the (VST) coin

[Stiff]

Hey,

Seems almost everyone is thrilled about a possible VST compability. Before I got my Mbox I worked mainly with Cubase VST (and later Cubase SX) and got to try out lots of VSTi:s. There are some really great, Steinberg released some very good ones and if you're lucky (or a good webdigger ) you can even find some pretty good free ones. However, as I see it, there is a negative aspect to this.

To me it seems that almost every single plug-in for Pro Tools is good in one way or another, maybe because not everyone can make one. That means I won't really make a bad purchase, only a great or "just" a good one.

Don't get me wrong though, I'm not saying the VST-RTAS adapter is a bad idea, it's a "fresh wind" and fresh winds are always apreciated. What I DO say is that I would definetly not pay big money for it (like the kind of money we pay for Pro Tools plugs today), because the real instruments I got can do the same thing, and if they can't, than Sampletank can, and if (God forbidd) Sampletank can't, then Reason can. See my point?

I read an article a few weeks ago, which basically said that too much technology, or too much gear can end up messing up your creations instead of help your creation. While that's true, I too also embrace that there many choices avaliable. BUT limits are not always that wrong either.

Maybe I just have a too positive view on the plug-ins avaliable for Pro Tools, but as far as I can see, the VST support has to sides to it.

Btf'nw: Excuse my bad english, I'm swedish

[Cliffy_Boy]

agreed

[Rail Jon Rogut]

Just because the plug-ins exist.. doesn't mean you need to use them Allowing us to at least have the VST option would be nice.

I'm on the record as saying one should record your tracks sounding the way you want them in the mix without plug-ins.. and only to use plug-ins for correction or effects.

My only concern would be that a badly written plug-in could possibly make Pro Tools less stable.. at least with the way Digi have controlled the development kit they've maintained a high level of quality and product stability.

Rail

[Stiff]

Just because the plug-ins exist.. doesn't mean you need to use them Allowing us to at least have the VST option would be nice.

Sure, you're without a doubt right. But in a way I feel "safer" with the Pro Tools plug-ins. When I used Cubase and other programs that can run VSTi or DXi (man, I still have the freeware program Buzz installed! ) I was a regular visitor of kvr-vst and other such sites. They are however, many times, misleading... I would think the average review is around 8/10! Most VSTi or DXi are NOT that good! So there ARE alot of misleading information out there (as with anything else). What sounds cool when you read about it the first time may not work like you think. And you don't always have the possibility to try them out before you buy them as much as you want.

From time to time buying a plug-in is as safe as playing in a casino for ten straight hours.

[Rail Jon Rogut]

I have some $500 TDM plug-ins I never use... so I know what you mean

Rail

[Stiff]

Man, then you have too much money for your own best

[da BaSsTaRd!]

just remember - just because a particular VSTi or VST plugin is not good for you doesn't mean its not good for me or anyone else. all this does is totally strengthen PT as a platform.

also, if any vst plugs actually do make your system unstable (and i'm sure there will be a few), just don't use them. there's not a single plugin that i couldn't live without except maybe the digi 1 band eq...

[Stiff]

True, but I do believe that there are just a whole bunch of more "crap" plugins that most people wouldn't like or use in the VST format.

But don't get me wrong, as I said, it's a fresh wind. It's a good thing, but one should know that he oughta watch out when before buys the plugs. This is also true when it comes to RTAS plugs, but - in my opinion - not to the sam grade... if you know what I mean...

[JC925602]

Let's say someone want to upgrade from Cubase to ProTools, and he/she already paid for many plug-ins, then it make sense to not upgrade to a new different set of plug-ins. It make ProTools more attractive and will allow people to go for it faster.

The transition would be faster since he/she doesn't have to learn and get used to new plug-ins. The price of the upgrade is not the same. This ProTools owner will eventually upgrade or change it's collection of plug-ins.

Also I saw some weird prototype free vst plugs in the past. I would have tried them for exploration purpose.

One last thing, if a developer make a great VST plug-in, but no ProTools version. He then realize that half of it's client use it on ProTools and ask for a TDM/RTAS version with full automation.... It will bring more (good) developer to ProTools without us having to wait for them.

So now we also need Audio Unit support. And for those who use more than one app. it make sense to be able to use our plugs in all the apps.

JC

[Chris Cavell]

I have some $500 TDM plug-ins I never use... so I know what you mean

Rail

Me too!