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**sepulchre** · Apr 19, 2008, 09:56pm

Some music synthesizer applications exist as "plugins". They are basically dlls that require a Host program from which they can be used. One of the main forms or formats is the VST format, or VSTi (for instruments). There are other formats - DXi, RTAS, etc. but VST is the most used that I've found.
Anyway, here's a freeware host program called Cantabile. Once installed you can load plugins and play them on the keyboard at the bottom. If you have a midi keyboard you can use it to control Cantabile as well. You can record what you play if you like, and save it for later play back.
There are lots of Fabulous music (midi) sequencers that act as plugin hosts such as Sonar, Cubase, Logic Pro, Acid Pro, Ableton Live, Nuendo . . . it's a long list. But Cantabile is free and has the features you need to check out plugin synths. Find it here:

Topten Software

There are others, if you're interested. Just search for 'free vst hosts' and you'll find a bunch of them.

I'm telling you this because some of the synths I'll direct you to are plugins that need such a host. There are some really fine instruments among them that I've used in my studio. The best part about them: They're Free!

Ken ~

Apr 19, 2008, 09:56pm	Re: Free Sound Apps
sepulchre Elite Member Posts: 453 Name: Ken Karma:	Some music synthesizer applications exist as "plugins". They are basically dlls that require a Host program from which they can be used. One of the main forms or formats is the VST format, or VSTi (for instruments). There are other formats - DXi, RTAS, etc. but VST is the most used that I've found. Anyway, here's a freeware host program called Cantabile. Once installed you can load plugins and play them on the keyboard at the bottom. If you have a midi keyboard you can use it to control Cantabile as well. You can record what you play if you like, and save it for later play back. There are lots of Fabulous music (midi) sequencers that act as plugin hosts such as Sonar, Cubase, Logic Pro, Acid Pro, Ableton Live, Nuendo . . . it's a long list. But Cantabile is free and has the features you need to check out plugin synths. Find it here: Topten Software There are others, if you're interested. Just search for 'free vst hosts' and you'll find a bunch of them. I'm telling you this because some of the synths I'll direct you to are plugins that need such a host. There are some really fine instruments among them that I've used in my studio. The best part about them: They're Free! Ken ~ __________________ (\__/) (='.'=) (")_(")