Post by @futzle@old.mermaid.town

@futzle@old.mermaid.town

2026-08-09 06:59 UTC

Esteemed live performers: I run Mac OS, and I wonder if you can recommend me software that can turn my Mac into an effects box, using the VST plugins that are already on it. Switching effects in and out, live, is essential. Routing audio inputs, live, would be great. I don’t think my DAW (Cubase Pro) would do this easily. Edit: this is what a”VST host” is, isn’t it? What’s a VST Host that you like on the Mac?

Replies (6)

@antoinevg@layer8.space 2026-08-09 10:25

@futzle@old.mermaid.town AU Lab is free if you don’t mind being limited to AU plugins: https://www.apple.com/apple-music/apple-digital-masters/ Otherwise JUCE comes with a nice free plugin host if you don’t mind compiling from source, though homebrew might have it.

Open ##4467862
@Nerdfest@mastodon.online 2026-08-09 08:34

@futzle@old.mermaid.town Pretty sure Audacity is available for MAc. Should work for you

Open ##5153277
@mike@social.chinwag.org 2026-08-09 11:53

@futzle@old.mermaid.town I've barely got started with the thing myself, but this is in Ableton Live's wheelhouse isn't it? I just the other week realised the Live Lite license I got bundled with something ages ago is perpetual and always good for the newest one so I've begun dabbling.

Open ##5153281
@jeffzugale@mastodon.art 2026-08-09 21:26

@futzle@old.mermaid.town this is what Ableton Live just… does. I’ve seen people do entire and very complex live shows using it and a midi footswitch set, with automation on everything.

Open ##5153283
@keefmarshall@mastodon.online 2026-08-11 06:13

@futzle@old.mermaid.town I haven't tried it but OBS may support inline VST plugins directly if you're already using that for streaming...

Open ##5153285
@ahihi@anticapitalist.party 2026-08-11 07:55

@futzle@old.mermaid.town sickos option: Pure Data or SuperCollider with https://git.iem.at/pd/vstplugin

Open ##5153292