Mulab Plugin as a multithreaded plugin container

[edding7]

Hello, can somebody help me to know if mulab plugin could work for me?
- I play guitar using hungry CPU vst plugins running in a small Handheld computer.
- I will want to have only one place to design signal chain flow and use it in multiple places (different DAWs, Live plugin host software, etc)
- I use GigPerfomer for live gig playing. Sadly this host is single thread and is using only 1 core for vst processing and wasting the rest of the cores.
- I need a plugin container that could allow multithread processing when using parallel signal flow. At this moment I only know running as a plugin and using multicore BlueCat Patchwork, Unify and Bidule.
- In live environment just 1% of CPU could be the difference between a normal gig or a disaster with clicks and pops.

In the main page of Mulabs I can see Multicore engine, but I'm not totally sure if this also apply to plugin version.
Thank you!

[MuTools]

Currently MuLab Plugin does not yet support multi-threaded audio processing.
That's because it is assumed multi-threading is best done by the host, because if each and every plugin does its own multi-threading, that leads to inefficiency.

Thinking loud: What about using MuLab App as your live gig plugin host?
Is there a reason why not?

That said, i think it should be possible technically to add multi-threading to MuLab Plugin as an option.

[sl23]

I have a suggestion, likely not one that would be favoured by Jo...

There are many plugins, and I expect many people that want a plugin host without the DAW overhead. That's where things like TobyBear's MiniHost, SaviHost and Tone2's NanoHost come in. But they are outdated and likely all abandoned now. Not to mention that each has it's limitations, plugin-wise.

So, Jo, how about creating a new app that is like a cut down MuLab and does nothing but host a single VST just as these apps do? Although it might sound limiting, people could simply use MuLab Plugin to expand it almost infinitely.

Is there a downside? Well, you could say that dev time is wasted on such a program, but I don't think it is. You already have all the code within MuLab, so it would literally mean removing all non essential code to create a single plugin app. Obviously, there will be some coding required, but I see it being fairly minimal.

For best results, it needs to be able to be associated with the plugin formats so double-clicking a plugin opens it within the new MuLab MiniHost app. This allows for really fast opening of a plugin to try it out, jam with it, or more.

As this is a different product, you could charge a minimal fee for it. I would be willing to buy it, that's for sure! And I bet there are others too...
I won't hold my breath though!

[MuTools]

So, Jo, how about creating a new app that is like a cut down MuLab and does nothing but host a single VST just as these apps do? Although it might sound limiting, people could simply use MuLab Plugin to expand it almost infinitely.

It already exists: MuLab App!!

MuLab App can be perfectly used as a pure plugin host without anything of the DAW / composer overhead!

You can quickly try it yourself:
Launch MuLab
Project menu -> Open Template -> New Synth
Now you have MuLab working as a pure synth, without timeline, etc.

Now if you load the Multi Synth Rack preset in that Basic Synth, you're very close to what you requested: A simple plugin host. Yet fully customizable, modular, front panels, ... if you want.

Technically: The trick of all this is in the project modular area, ie. using the Main Module option.
See https://www.mutools.com/info/M10/docs/m ... oject.html

[sl23]

That's really not the same as double clicking a file to open the app though, I was talking about a dedicated for that purpose app, MuLab App isn't. Imagine even MuLab Plugin available as a standalone app that would auto assign a VST to a rack when double-clicking a plugin from Windows Explorer. That is the sort of fast opening I am talking about, not having to open and set up a DAW, regardless how easy it is, it will never ever compete with the utter speed and simplicity of a small dedicated app like those mentioned above.

It's like having to open Notepad, locate the file and set it up how you want just to view/edit a file, that's the difference! But we just double-click a text file and it opens, why doesn't someone make something like that for plugins? It's a market barely touched!

But hey I understand your reasons I just thought maybe you might feel it worth pursuing to earn a bit more out of MuLab's abilities. I guessed not, but I do understand why.

[MuTools]

That's really not the same as double clicking a file to open the app though, I was talking about a dedicated for that purpose app, MuLab App isn't.

I have a feeling you did not yet try it.
If you want to use MuLab App as a live gig / plugin host, you can set it up as i described and save that as a project template and then it's as simple as launching MuLab, open the template from the startup menu and you're ready to play.

Imagine even MuLab Plugin available as a standalone app that would auto assign a VST to a rack when double-clicking a plugin from Windows Explorer.

Ohw, ok if that's what you need, double-clicking a plugin in your file system to instantly play it, then indeed MuLab does not yet do that. However it's only a couple of simple clicks away.

not having to open and set up a DAW, regardless how easy it is, it will never ever compete with the utter speed and simplicity of a small dedicated app like those mentioned above.

I disagree. Try it as i described. And simply save it as your template project. It's super simple and super fast!

Concrete: You can setup MuLab to open with a big rack, nothing more, nothing less.
Then you can drag-drop plugins from your file system to that rack tp play that/those plugin(s). Super simple and super fast.

In fact it was to also support those use cases that in MuLab 9 there was the evolution from a fixed DAW concept to a more flexible musical swiss knife concept, ie. MuLab working as a DAW, or MuLab working as a stand-alone synth/effect, or MuLab working as a live gig plugin chainer, etc...

[MuTools]

PS: By setting the "Startup Project" preference to "Last Project" you can make it even faster to play various new plugins from your file system, cfr your request. It only takes max 2 steps then:

1) Launch MuLab
2) Drop plugin

And drop another, and another, ...

[sl23]

Not really something I would use, but OK, I will try it. Thanks for pointing it out.

My point was download and install a plugin, double click in windows explorer, it opens. To do that in MuLab means adding to database and them removing if unwanted. This is not an actual use case, as in composing, I understand, but is extremely useful nonetheless.

I would also argue that drag and drop is more clumsy an operation than double clicking to open directly, as true as that is, that's just splitting hairs! But also it can be awkward if MuLab is maximised, which is always in my case, and dragging from explorer. Not quite as simple then.

I think MuLab could be made to do this. For example, associate plugins with MuLab so they open directly, but perhaps just in a small window with a pack and some simple controls. With the option to sort of import into a full-blown composition? Something like that would be most helpful I believe.

I will see if your method is any use for testing out plugins though. Thank you.

[sl23]

Ok, I tried it, it's quite cool! But still a bit too much for an instant start with a single plugin.
For example, my experience:
1. I Open MuLab,
2. select the Synth Template,
3. Open the MultiRack,
4. Enlarge window so I can see the browser correctly, Or drag n drop from windows explorer,
5. View plugins, drag n drop, done.
6. Done!

My ideal:
1. double click a plugin in file explorer,
2. Done!

I know I can create templates, but this doesn't work for on the fly random choices.
Is really good idea though, never knew about this!

Maybe you don't like the idea or feel it doesn't warrant too much attention, but here's what I suggest:

As I said above, allow plugin formats to be associated directly to open in MuLab and when they are opened, MuLab opens this MultiRack, just as I did above. Maybe a better way? But as far as I know that is the only way. But the window size/browser viewability, needs adjustment! See the screenshot to understand what I mean about the limited view on opening.

2025-10-22_11.16.23.jpg

Suppose you got something going, how would that be expanded into a full standard project?

[nenneb]

My ideal:
1. double click a plugin in file explorer,
2. Done!

Assign .MuProject to MuLab and simply double-click the saved project ...

[sl23]

That's not what I mean, I mean for new plugins. If you read the posts above, you'll see what I am talking about.
Associating VST3 files with MuLab does not open the VST3 plugin.
Thanks anyway.

[nenneb]

Associating VST3 files with MuLab does not open the VST3 plugin.

Of course this won't work.
But you'd only have to set it up once: Put one or more VSTs into MuLab and save the file. Maybe you want to make "New Synth" in MuLab, insert any VST and save that as MuProject with the synth's name. Once that is done, re-open it with on simple double-click on the MuProject.

Using any wrapper or vst-host available wouln't be easier, I think.

[sl23]

There is no possible way to set up a bunch of randomly downloaded plugin file onlyonce. You literally have to do that setup once per file, not once and done. That's my point, my suggestion allows you to download a plugin and test it by double clicking it. MuLab CANNOT COMPETE. No matter how many setups you perform, it takes way too much time and hassle and is majorly different than what you are thinking I am suggesting.

Everyone seems to be getting the impression I am talking about setting up a plugin for gigging or quick jams, that is only a small part of it!

If you don't understand my explanations, try this:
1. Download SaviHostVST3, unzip it wherever you wish.
2. Now associate your VST3 files with this app.
3. Double click any VST3 from within Windows File Explorer.
4. Close that and do it again for any other randomly downloaded VST3.
5. And another, and another, etc...

This soon gets tedious doing it in MuLab, as it isn't designed for this behaviour. I wouldn't expect it to be, though it would be nice if it could be.

Can MuLab do that? No. Can it replicate that behaviour? No. Not even close.

Which is why I suggested a stripped down app dedicated for this purpose, I bet there are plenty of people that would use it.

Anyway, as I said, it's not something Jo is interested in pursuing, which is understandable, so I will leave it there.

[MuTools]

Can MuLab do that? No.

Correct.

Can it replicate that behaviour? No. Not even close.

I disagree.

Instead of a double-click, it only takes a drag-drop.

If you need to resize the project window that only needs to be done on launch.
Then you can easily check out as many VST2 / VST3 / CLAP plugins as you want.
Just a single drag-drop.
That's all.

[sl23]

Sorry, I really don't mean to come across argumentative, MuLab isn't designed for this and I am not criticising it, but drag n drop only works when MuLab is open. Which in itself is an extra step.

I agree that the way it works and what it does is close but also not what I am asking for. Honestly, it's fine as it is. I would've liked to have the direct file association thing, but can't have everything, right!