Best way to split a VSTi synth output to two tracks?

Cubase
#1

Let’s say I have a simple scenario where I have “Bass Synth” as a VSTi.

In the verse, I want to run the output of “Bass Synth” through one particular signal processing chain.
Then in the chorus, I want to run the same output through another signal processing chain.

I don’t want to load two copies of Bass Synth as this doubles my synth CPU processing cost. I just want to maybe split the output of Bass Synth into two tracks, give each different processing, then automate a verse>chorus crossfade between the two tracks.

Is this the logical way to tackle this? Does that make sense? How do I actually do it?

I would like to add a second “instrument track” that is also receiving the output of the “Bass Synth” but I don’t see that I can do this.

Thanks.

#2

There are several possibilities. Just depends on the software you are using…

#3

Use direct routing.

Press the setup cog in the inspector - make sure direct routing is on - you can create multiple outs for your synth.

#4

I would use 2 tracks, if only one track is playing at any given time, the extra CPU processing would hardly be noticeable. Making use of freeze would eliminate that concern.

#5

It sounds like this is ideally what i would want but it’s only in Pro. I’m using Elements.

https://ask.audio/articles/5-pro-tips-for-audio-and-midi-routing-in-cubase

Another example of a similar situation would be if I wanted to run a synth through two processing chains simultaneously. Eg. Two different guitar amp sims and mix them. It makes less sense to duplicate the synth and midi tracks.

I just want to be able to send the synth to two tracks.

Looks like that’s Cubase Pro only?

#6

send instrument to two fx channels, with send set to pre-fader. Then set the volume of your instrument to -inf dB.
You can now add your fx chains to the fx tracks and either use mute on them or combine them using the volume fader knobs.