Issues Opening a file in MULAB 32-bit

[CobaltHeart]

I'm not sure where I should post this issue, so I'll post it here first.

I am using MULAB 7.7.4 32-bit on Windows 10 post-July update and I have noticed that whenever I try to open a file utilizing some VST's I have, it crashes. I checked the log and it doesn't give an error at all. The last thing it states is that I am clicking in the GUI to open the file, and then nothing. This has been happening for quite a while, but usually rebooting my system would fix that issue. Unfortunately, the app seems to be crashing even after the reboot now.

The 64-bit version has no problem opening the file at all.

I am on a 64-bit system, but I'm using 32-bit MULAB because I'm using 32-bit VST's (and I can't really find 64-bit versions at the moment)

The VST's are the problem. I opened it up in the 64-bit version, poked around at the song, saved it and now the 32-bit version works *without* the VST's. I would like a sanity check though, have other people had this problem? Is there anything I can do to get a more stable experience without getting other VST's? If not, what are some metal guitar amp VST's you would recommend? (Free preferred but can take others)

[Michael L]

You are in luck! There is a kvr forum dedicated to MuLab:viewforum.php?f=79

[BlackWinny]

Mulab 32-bit will never be able to open a 64-bit plugin. And probably any other DAW won't (but the opposite, yes).

And I understand your constraint because of other 32-bit plugins in the same project, indeed.

Then you'll have to use a 32-bit metal guitar amp VST. I have several freeware guitar amps in mind which could fit if you're interested.

[BlackWinny]

Here are all those that I consider as the best of the best among the amps and preamps for guitars being available in VST 32-bit as well as 64-bit (and also available for OSX) and being totally freeware ! :

From Blue Cat Audio :

• Blue Cat's Free Amp

From Ignite Amps :

• Emissary
• NRR-1
• ProF.E.T.
• SHB-1
• The Anvil
• TPA-1

From Kuassa :

• Amplifikation Lite

From Shattered Glass Audio :

• Ace
• SGA1566

From Studio Devil :

• British Valve Custom (BVC)

From Voxengo :

• Boogex
• Tube Amp

A very big advice : take ALL the freeware plugins (amps, preamps, stompboxes, effects, etc.) from ALL these developers above ! Because they ALL are absolutely AWESOME !

[dakkra]

With Mulab, the best thing to do is find plugins that don't crash and are stable. Mulab doesn't have a good form of crash protection and so buggy/unstable VSTs will plague it. I'd take BlackWinny's advice and find a suitable replacement VST.

On the technical standpoint, I'd also try to build the modules I'd need in MUX. Admittedly I'm a modular junkie (I think I have one "normal" synth and it was originally marketed as semi-modular) so I'm used to designing/building my devices. But in doing so I've learned some basics of DSP, sound design, and audio engineering. I can also save my presets so in essence, I'm building my own "plugins" instead of purchasing/searching for them.

MUX is a great start for building your own modules. It's not as low level as Max or Reaktor so you don't need to know bit-level DSP, but it's low enough that you can build pretty sophisticated emulations of other commercial products. Plus, since you're using Mulab, it's build straight into your DAW so you get native access to all of MUX's tools without the overhead of a VST shell.

My condolences on the buggy VST. I had a favorite reverb a few years back that was 32-bit only. JBridge did okay with letting me use it in but it didn't prevent crashes from that reverb. Eventually I found a decent replacement down the line (and now I have more options for reverb than I really should care for).