program change and VST effects

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am i missing something very basic here? i'd like to use tracktion in a live performance setting, and i need to change programs for my vocal track's VST effects on a pretty regular basis. i realize that i could simply automate the wet/dry levels and get to the same result, but that would mean i would have to have ALL of my plugins up and running at the same time, which, unfortunately, my computer can't handle.

i tried setting up a midi input on a different track and then routing it to the audio input track (vocal), and then trying to execute a program change from there, but that didn't work at all. the fx changes are pre-determined, i dont necessarily need to be able to actually perform them, though real-time control is definitely something i want.

did i not get a memo on something? dont VST effects typically respond to MIDI messages, and bank/program changes in particular?
please help, i have a gig on the 4th and i'm pretty much waylaid at this point, any assistance is much appreciated.
"So I don't worry about inspiration, or anything like that. It's a matter of just sitting down and working." - Frank Herbert
http://xalsia.googlepages.com

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Sorry, I don't know anything about program changes. I'm sure that VST "presets" and MIDI "programs" are different things, though.

I just wanted to throw out an alternative idea: Create a track for each of your different vocal "presets", with each routed to another track called simply "vocals" or whatever.

Then, solo only the "preset" track that you want to use, at any given point in time. It wouldn't be a 'program change', meaning that any realtime fiddling will stay 'fiddled-with', but I thought at least the idea could be a launch pad for other related ideas.

Or, maybe someone knows how to automate the preset change, and my post will be for naught. ;)

Greg
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yeah, that works! i still wish i could just automate a preset or program change though... it seems like this should be easily possible, as it can be done with VSTi, and i dont think the spec is that different, i mean, i know vst effects accept CC messages, so why not bank/program change?

anyways, thanks for your response, i definitely appreciate it!
"So I don't worry about inspiration, or anything like that. It's a matter of just sitting down and working." - Frank Herbert
http://xalsia.googlepages.com

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I agree that it should be possible-- in fact, maybe it IS possible! I just don't know how to do it myself.

Greg
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Whenever I press stop on my rm1x it sends a program change message that resets whatever VSTs I'm controlling to the first preset, so it must be possible. I spent quite a while discovering how to turn *off* program change to VST.

Wait until I get home and I'll figure it out.

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OK, I've tried this, and I can send program changes to most VSTs.

Two ways to do this:

1) Like you were doing before; set MIDI input to a channel and then route that channel's output to the channel with the effect.

or

2) Use an empty rack filter to route the MIDI to as many channels as you want. With something like ndc MIDI Channel filter (http://www.niallmoody.com/ndcplugs/) you could send program changes to 16 different channels.

If you still can't get it to work, there are a couple of possibilities. First, not all VSTs respond to program changes. Five minutes of investigation suggest that four out of five will accept PC messages. Thems the breaks.

Second, if the filter is not first in the filter change it might not be getting any MIDI. To make sure, you can wrap the filters ahead of it in a rack and route the MIDI manually.

Hope that helps.

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