Using MUX in S1 for midi effect chains - recommended?

[paterpeter]

Hi there,

Using MIDI effects - such as arps or chord generators - in Studio One is quite cumbersome and has massive timing issues. So I'm looking for an effect-chaining/container plugin (VST, 64 bit) in which I can build graphs of midi/audio VST effects and instruments.

Potential candidates that are often recommended:

- Plogue Bidule, ~89€, apparently I can't demo the plugin version
- DDMF MetaPlugin, ~29€, cumbersome to expose parameters to the host, but seems to have automatic PDC
- energyXT, 39€ atm, 32bit only and conceptually overkill I suppose
- VSTForx, still in its infancy (if not even dead)

and of course:
- MuTools MUX, €49

I demoed MUX and really liked it. It's pretty easy to create the effect chain as I like it and it's also easy to expose parameters. The fact that it's an actual modular synthesizer is a nice bonus - the modulation generators could come in handy.

The only major omission (for me) is the lack of any form of PDC. Automatic PDC would be great of course, but at least means to somehow set up manual PDC (sample accurate delay modules and a being able to set the delay reported by MUX) would be essential.

But OK, the PDC thing aside - how stable is MUX in day to day use? I understand that MUX is an essential part of MuLab, so I suppose it's quite thoroughly put to test by the MuLab users. The demo so far has been promising and I like it conceptually.

What do MUX users say? Does it work for you (especially in S1)? Any stability issues/prominent bugs?

Best,
Andre

edit: I mixed up MuLab and MuTools - fixed that.

[Crackbaby]

I have never found anything unstable about mux Can't think of anything, honestly!

When i was using Maschine as my main host, i used Mux A LOT. For effect chains and midi plugins. So similar use to what yours will be. Maschine doesn't support midi plugins at all so Mux is the only way.
Now i use Mulab instead.. I love to create crazy routings where things go from one effect into another rack, splits to two separate effects and then mix it back with the first one, sidechain and other fun things!

When you're going for midi plugins, make sure to get insertpizhere's plugins! He's got a great chord maker and every kind of tool you'll need. Once you learn how to use the meta parameters in mux you can set up some great patches. You may even prefer to "mux" effects to reduce controls and get a uniform and smaller UI.

[Satch1]

Also note that Jo is a very responsive developer, so if you do find any problems with MUX, just let him know and he'll get on the case.

[paterpeter]

Thanks for the answers so far!

Can I use a modulator (like an LFO) inside MUX to modulate a VST parameter? If so, I haven't found out yet.

Edit - ah wait, using the parameter event generator, right?

[Crackbaby]

That's right

[MuTools]

Yes that's the way.

Oh and by the way: You can do manual PDC witrh the MUX: You can use the "Pure Delay" module to delay an audio signal with an exact number of frames. And to know the process delay of a VST, right-click the VST -> "Show Initial Delay".

[paterpeter]

Hey cool, very helpful. I suppose "frames" in Pure Delay is samples then?

Is there a way to have MUX report a specific latency to the host? For example, in Studio One, I can't manually set a plugin's delay AFAIK.

[MuTools]

Hey cool, very helpful. I suppose "frames" in Pure Delay is samples then?

Yes indeed.

Is there a way to have MUX report a specific latency to the host?

Not yet. You mean an option to enter the delay that MUX should report to the host so to complete the manual PDC scheme, right?

[paterpeter]

Hey cool, very helpful. I suppose "frames" in Pure Delay is samples then?

Yes indeed.

Is there a way to have MUX report a specific latency to the host?

Not yet. You mean an option to enter the delay that MUX should report to the host so to complete the manual PDC scheme, right?

Exactly, so that the host can do automatic PDC wrt to other plugins.

Or do you happen to know of a plugin that reports a specific delay but doesn't actually delay the signal? That would do the trick as well.

[MuTools]

Exactly, so that the host can do automatic PDC wrt to other plugins.

Ok, will add that soon.

Or do you happen to know of a plugin that reports a specific delay but doesn't actually delay the signal? That would do the trick as well.

Once the above is added, MUX can do that too
(though you might not need it anymore in this specific case, but maybe other cases)

[paterpeter]

Exactly, so that the host can do automatic PDC wrt to other plugins.

Ok, will add that soon.

Very nice, thanks!


Well, let's see:
- Great plugin that does what I need plus a whole lot more? Check
- Fair price? Check
- Developer who seems to care about his work and his customers? Check

Consider it bought!

[dakkra]

Well, let's see:
- Great plugin that does what I need plus a whole lot more? Check
- Fair price? Check
- Developer who seems to care about his work and his customers? Check
Consider it bought!

Welcome to the best music making experience you'll ever have!

[Satch1]

paterpeter wrote:
Exactly, so that the host can do automatic PDC wrt to other plugins.


Ok, will add that soon.

So happy about this. I would love to see full APDC throughout MUX, but having MUX report latency to the host definitely makes life easier. Cheers!

Well, let's see:
- Great plugin that does what I need plus a whole lot more? Check
- Fair price? Check
- Developer who seems to care about his work and his customers? Check

Consider it bought!

You know it makes sense... good move.

[> DiGiT <]

Exactly, so that the host can do automatic PDC wrt to other plugins.

Ok, will add that soon.

[MuTools]

Exactly, so that the host can do automatic PDC wrt to other plugins.

Ok, will add that soon.

I encountered a tech issue with the consequence that it will take more time than expected to get the next MUX release ready. The good news is that i do expect to have this FR included in the next release.