I need a MIDI FX host for accessing Kontakt's MIDI scripts within Logic and understand that both these comparably priced devices will do that. I'd love to hear any comments/opinions on which would be the better choice from any other perspective, as well as on this particular task. TIA!
dpc
BlueCat Patchwork vs Plogue Bidule?
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- KVRAF
- 6077 posts since 27 Jul, 2001 from Tarpon Springs, Florida, USA
BlueCat Patchwork vs Plogue Bidule?
I asked myself the same question today.
I asked myself the same question today.
My Studio: viewtopic.php?f=4&t=7760&p=7777146#p7777146
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- KVRian
- 501 posts since 14 Aug, 2012
I own both and use both extensively for MidiFx routing (although I haven't used to host Kontakt midi scripts specifically).
I think both are very good products, although personally I find Bidule more flexible and more programmable, and so more useful when coming up with routings to use in my DAW when getting serious about recording. However, that added flexibility comes, as is usually the case, at the cost of somewhat higher complexity.
I wouldn't call Bidule hard to use at all, especially after spending some time with it, but it's not quite so straightforward and there's a bit more of a learning curve.
By contrast, I tend to use Patchwork more as a standalone (rather than as a plugin in Logic) just for hosting straightforward chains of plugins & effects when noodling around.
Accordingly, if I could only have one, I'd stick with Bidule, but, again, have nothing against Patchwork (and am glad to have both).
Also, for whatever it's worth, I've never had Bidule have a problem hosting any plugin, whereas I previously experienced some very occasional problems certain plugins crashing Patchwork (although I haven't checked the problem plugins in a while, so it may have been fixed).
I think both are very good products, although personally I find Bidule more flexible and more programmable, and so more useful when coming up with routings to use in my DAW when getting serious about recording. However, that added flexibility comes, as is usually the case, at the cost of somewhat higher complexity.
I wouldn't call Bidule hard to use at all, especially after spending some time with it, but it's not quite so straightforward and there's a bit more of a learning curve.
By contrast, I tend to use Patchwork more as a standalone (rather than as a plugin in Logic) just for hosting straightforward chains of plugins & effects when noodling around.
Accordingly, if I could only have one, I'd stick with Bidule, but, again, have nothing against Patchwork (and am glad to have both).
Also, for whatever it's worth, I've never had Bidule have a problem hosting any plugin, whereas I previously experienced some very occasional problems certain plugins crashing Patchwork (although I haven't checked the problem plugins in a while, so it may have been fixed).
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- KVRAF
- Topic Starter
- 2000 posts since 5 Jan, 2003 from Brookings, OR
I chose Blue Cat, works great with Kontakt VST as a Logic MIDI-FX. Simple, straight-forward, as powerful as hoped.
Will probably pick up Bidule also, when I can, for its other super powers. But the Kontakt-MIDI thing is solved:)
Will probably pick up Bidule also, when I can, for its other super powers. But the Kontakt-MIDI thing is solved:)
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- KVRAF
- 6279 posts since 8 Jul, 2009
Keep in mind that Plogue offer a limited license trasfer with a $20 fee and Blue Cat does not offer any license transfer at all. Not usually a concern when you are initially buying but can be a concern if you decide you'd like to sell it. 
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- KVRist
- 419 posts since 11 Jan, 2014
Bidule has much more flexible routing options available including feedback loops, also it allows you to modulate plugin parameters.