VST download/then load into Tracktion T6

[arando]

I'm new to Tracktion T6. Last week, I Couldn't get an imported midi loop to play audio without installing a VST instrument and then assigning it to the output of the track.

Question 1: information tells me to download a VST instrument to a plugin folder that Tracktion needs to later find. What and where is this so called "folder?"

Here's what I did. I downloaded the VST instrument. I then found it in the Downloads box on my computer. I double clicked the unzipped folder. It brought up another folder which I dragged to my desktop. Then I dragged that folder to the big open plugin box in Tracktion, via Settings/Plugins. I was then able to bring the plugin up ahead of the Level/Pan control. It worked. Now hearing audio. But when I tried to drag another downloaded VST instrument folder to this plugin box this way, it wouldn't drop into the box. Why not?
Please advise me step by step as to how to download a VST instrument (to a "folder) and the following steps. Would like to do this the right fool-proof way.
Question 2. Do I need an orchestral VST to play midi string loops, a drum VST to play midi drum kit loops, a piano VST to play midi piano loops, etc? Thanks!

[Peter Widdicombe]

You can put plugins pretty much where you like; but you might consider backups or other things. I like to have a separate folder for recording in general, and under it have a folder for .\vst and another for .\vst64, to keep the 32-bit and 64-bit ones separate.

The folder should then be added to the settings - plugins - scanning and sorting - scan for new plugins. You then have to scan the folder to include all the vst .dll files you have there. You CAN also drag the .dll into tracktion, as you found out - which will automatically add only that ONE that you dragged.

As to specific VST's - there are "library" style vst's that have a lot of patches included; if you're not really picky you can probably get by with a few. An old copy of SFZ and a corresponding .SF2 library will include drum sets, strings, brass, pianos - pretty much everything you might need; but dedicated piano .vst's usually sound better. There are some drum .vst's - free MT Power Drumkit - that include some pretty realistic drum patterns, once you get the hang of it; although it doesn't include 3/4 or 7/8 patterns.

So you CAN get by with just a few .vsti's initially, but you will eventually be itching for better ones; which you can do later. Like string sections that have long/short/pizzicato/plucked selected on the keyboard dynamically; a minimoog that has all the controls of a real minimoog; organs with drawbar controls and speed-controllable leslie...

Be aware, though, that the old tracktion came in 32- and 64-bit versions. You need 64 bit vst for 64 bit version of Tracktion and 32 bit for the 32 bit version. Many of the old small .vst's are not available in 64 bit; and the newer DAW's (including Waveform 9) only support 64 bit. The older versions of Tracktion comes in both.

[terrynoakes]

Hi,
As a starting point for midi, I set up a 16 track template with a GM module vst, inserted on each track.
so when you import a M/file it should play.
then I usually swap them out for better quality sounding vst's, if I have them.

Here is a link to a Free GM module, available in 32&64 bit, you may have to search a bit on the site for 64bit vst. http://www.synthfont.com/VSTSF_news.html

Just found this from post over at fb Tracktion waveform users:
https://www.uvi.net/www.uvi.net/uvi-wor ... l#overview

[arando]

Thanks so much for your help!
I tried to drag and drop a couple more different orchestral VST folders into the large Tracktion plug in window, but they won't drop in. Why is that?
Also... how do you delete a project in Tracktion? There's so much data with some practice projects of mine that I'd like to get rid of.
Thanks!