For example, you may prepare a template that loads as a quirky ensemble of organ, saxophone, and string sounds which you can play around with as an ensemble. Experimenting and building a new sound palette to your compositions. Access to thousands of samples to change your keyboard’s sound into a completely different instrument, such as: a high-quality trombone, cello, flute, or percussion recording, etc. Access to a large variety of different piano samples which you may prefer over your keyboard’s original default sound(s). To connect the two computers, you’ll need Vienna Ensemble Pro, which acts as a sampler to host your samples from the ‘slave’ computer to your main computer. The more samples you have, the less efficient and longer it will take to work with your DAW, so many industry composers use a slave PC to save on CPU usage. For advanced users: you may also wish to utilize a ‘slave’ computer, which is usually a higher-end desktop PC or Mac Pro from which you can run sample libraries without using your primary PC’s CPU.

If you can only afford one (since SSDs can be pricey), look to purchase an external SSD for storing your samples on the drive and for saving CPU usage. Optional: an internal SSD to replace your computer’s hard drive (resulting in more CPU power and less PC crashes) and an external SSD for storing your samples. A set of monitor speakers or headphones This space enables you to download samples that may require sizable storage space, and the RAM empowers you to work quickly and efficiently without lag time in your DAW A computer or laptop (recommended with at least more than 10% storage space remaining and at least 16GB RAM). A DAW, such as Logic Pro X or Pro Tools 12 (in many cases you’ll be able to use your VST as a stand-alone but for more functionality a DAW is recomended) Please refer to our Connectivity Guide for connecting your keyboard into a computer.

A digital piano or MIDI keyboard with access to either a USB Type B port or a traditional MIDI connection common to older keyboards. To use VSTs, you will need access to the following:

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