Using VST and VSTi Plug-ins in
SONAR 2.0 with DirectiXer

DirectiXer (pronounced direct-eye-zer) allows you to use vst and vsti plug-ins in SONAR, and other Cakewalk software products that support DirectX plug-ins.* Using DirectiXer gives you access to VST plug-ins, including many that are available for free.

Once a vst plug-in is "wrapped," it acts like a DirectX/DXi plug-in. You benefit by having access to all the advantages of DirectX plug-ins like: 

• Fully automated plug-in parameters.
• Instruments that use multiple outputs, such as IK Multimedia's SampleTank Free.

Setup

After installing the DirectXer, we'll need some plug-ins to wrap. At the end of the article I will include a list of resources, but for now lets use this excellent freeware plug-in from BigTick called Ticky Clav.

We need to create a folder where we'll unzip our downloaded plug-in. Use a folder on the desktop or wherever you will be easily able to browse. Next, extract the downloaded plug-in. 

Then run the DirectiXer program and click the 'Create Plug-in' button.

To create a version of the TickyClav vst that'll work in SONAR 2.0, browse over to your VST folder and select TickyClav.dll.

You'll see this icon showing that the VSTi plug-in is now 'wrapped' as a DirectX instrument.

A VST effect will have an icon showing it is now 'wrapped' as a DirectX effect.


You will now be able to use these instruments and effects in SONAR 2.0. They can be accessed from the Synth Rack. 

Or from the FX bin. 

Automation:

To automate VST parameters, you need to insert your plug-in in the 'FX bin' and not the 'Synth Rack.' Now 'right click' on the effect, choose 'Arm Parameter'

Check the parameters you would like to automate:

Click the record automation button on the 'transport toolbar'

Finally, click and drag on the parameter you have selected to automate.

When you hit stop you will now see an envelope in the track view that represents your automation.

Multiple Outputs

For this example we will use the SampleTank Free

You can download this from www.sampletank.com.

When you wrap SampleTank in DirectiXer be sure to go to the properties tab
And set the outputs to 4 stereo and hide master out.

To be able to access the multiple outputs, you will need to insert SampleTank in the Synth rack. Be sure to check All Synth Outputs (Audio) in the 'Insert DXi Synth Options', so you will have individual outputs.

Next, in SampleTank, use the output select buttons to route your selected instrument to the output you prefer. 

DirectiXer makes a great addition to your Cakewalk software and is highly recommend. 

*Please note: Although the focus of this tip was on SONAR 2.0 you can use DirectiXer with Cakewalk Music Creator 2002, Home Studio 2002, Plasma, and SONAR 1.x . However, some features might not be available in these applications, such as parameter automation and multiple outputs.

Useful Links:

http://www.tonewise.com/DirectiXer

http://www.kvr-vst.com

http://www.vstcentral.com

http://userpage.fu-berlin.de/~thman/start.html

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