Fsynthz has released ProgAte, a free VSTi MIDI processing utility for Windows.

ProgAte allows user to control up to 8 subsequent synths with one MIDI source (e.g. keyboard) making use of:

• Program changes remapping;
• Layers/splits (velocity range, key range);
• Volume adjustments;
• Synths switching on/off;
• Pitch bend and controllers filtering off.

ProgAte additionally features switching programs using one MIDI button, assignable to any controller (default is #64 Hold/Sustain): short hit - one program forward, long hit (>1 sec) - one backward.

This way, a pile of different synths makes up one bank of MIDI programs, with transitions between entire complex setups being performed using one single button/pedal.