If you read my previous article – Audio Processing – Hog That CPU – UAD then you’ll get a kick out of this.
===o=–>>> Using another PC as an FX processor.
Using a network connection it’s possible to use a 2nd PC or laptop for VSTeffects or VSTinstruments.
Clearing up CPU usage – well almost – a network will still use some processing power and there are pitfalls.
First let’s take a look at 3 different ways to do this,
1. FXTeleport – Link
FX Teleport is a unique and revolutionary DAW networking solution. From now on it’s not only possible, but also very easy, to use as many computers as you want for your DAW. Just launch your favorite VST host on one machine and VST instruments and FX on the others, and enjoy working on your ‘audio processing farm’. You can even dedicate a whole computer to your favorite VST synth.
2. Steinberg VST System Link – link
Used as a music production network, VST System Link allows the number of computer/users to expand and contract depending on workload and work methods. Autonomy between computers is always maintained even while linked up. Every user can access as many audio tracks as desired and as many VST instruments as necessary. Each additional computer in a VST System Link network adds hard drives and increased processing power. Audio or MIDI data recorded outside of the studio on a laptop is easily integrated into the session, simply by docking onto the local system. Routing is controlled by a master software patchbay running on the first computer in the chain. A typical configuration might include a keyboardist with many virtual synths operating on one computer that does not affect the mixing engineer’s computer running with many VST effects and plug-ins. Nonetheless, all of the different computer’s audio sources remain in perfect sync with VST System Link’s sync protocol using just a single digital audio cable to connect them.
3. Reamote – Link
ReaMote is REAPER’s network FX functionality. It allows you to have any FX chain in your project processed on a remote machine on your local network.
This is very useful if you have a lot of CPU consuming effects and want to add more CPU power to your project without upgrading your main host’s CPU.
-=-o-=> So how do they work?
Well to be honest I’ve only ever used FXTeleport –
It works, it works well but be advised there is very little support from the software site and it seems the software is dead.
But yes it works although some VST’s don’t like it – and DX fx are just a no-go.
It’s advisable to get a dedicated network lan card for both machines and if you can, get cards with a gigabit transfer speed.
If you connect from one PC to another(straight connection no hub) you’ll also need a crossover cable.
My setup is a Laptop w/express gigabit lan card + a PC tower w/PCI gigabit pci lan card.
A crossover cable – PC to PC connection.
You’ll also need to read up on setting up a network connection.
It’s a bit of work – costs money as well – the software was $99 when I first got it.
I also had to buy both cards – for some reason onboard lan is not good juju for this to work well.
+++more to come+++