Layer multiple VST instruments in one track (like Instrument Rack Ableton)

Cubase
1

I can’t believe this still is not possible in 2025. Ableton and Bitwig can do this already.
Layering sounds to make a new one is a basic need for a musician or sound designer.

Now I have to load 5 different vst instruments, put them in a group, put them in a folder and put 5 tracks in record mode. Record 5 of the same midi events. Editing multiple midi events is easier nowadays, but still a pain.

So please create a container for multiple vst instruments that can be adressed with one midi input. Add a simple mixer with volume faders and audo inserts. Done.

I am sure there are more work arounds, but it usually kills the creative process. So until this has been taken care of, I will be switching between DAWs.

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2

I wouldn’t call using the VSTi Rack a “workaround,” but rather, “using it for what it is for.” It’s designed to be quite flexible and can do exactly what you want. Personally, I like having the choice of how/when/why to route whatever I want wherever I want.

As far as “killing the creative process,” that’s subjective. I would presume you would just take the time to learn how to use it to fit your needs if you have such strong feelings about the feature, but that’s just me. It’s a bit counter-intuitive (again, to me) that you’re going to go through the trouble of learning an entirely new DAW and migrate existing projects to it, but you won’t take a few minutes to learn how to structure your VSTi Rack in such a way that it works for you. Creating a template with a standardized configuration would make it trivial.

It seems like your mind is made up though, so I hope you make great music with your new DAW of choice once you’ve learned to use it in the manner you wish.

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3

Wait what? VSTi racks in cubase are absolutely not doing that.
If I want to have a Sine Instrument and a Kontakt Instrument layered to play the same thing, i can’t load both of them on a VSTi rack at the same time.

The only thing that it can do is support Software can already act as host for multiple instruments like Kontakt.

OPs criticism is valid and VSTi Racks are absolutely not comparable to containers from other DAWs

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4

Thanks for your reply. I totally missed this feature. So can you tell me how to send one midi track to all of the instruments in the rack?

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5

He said “VST instruments,” not sampler engines or instrument hosts. I can’t verify that you can’t have multiple sampler hosts in a VST rack, but I can see that would make things more difficult. Maybe I’ll give that a try when I have time, but I wouldn’t use them like that anyway.

6

I would start with using Midi sends, which will give you up to 6 destinations per midi track and then, depending on what instruments you’re loading, add more MIDI tracks.

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7

That’s a great tip thank you!

8

Are you referring to Rack Instruments (as opposed to Track Instruments)? If so, I think perhaps you are missing the point of the FR. Rack Instruments doesn’t really aid in creating layers of VSTi’s.
What you can do, is use a MIDI Track and utilize the MIDI Sends. This works fine with Rack or Track Instruments alike.

@Arthur_Antoine In the meantime, there are a few 3rd party options that might work for you. I personally like StudioRack by Waves and it is free.

2 Likes
9

I’m not sure I understand the distinction? Not to sound too basic, but doesn’t “creating layers” mean “playing them at the same time from the same source?”

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I meant any kind of vst instrument plugin or sampler etc, like Joshua mentioned. No rules just creativity :slight_smile:

11

Yes. I would also add basic mixer functionality as well for the outputs of the individual instruments as well as the capability to host insert effects.

1 Like
12

Well, realistically you’ll always have “rules.” As I understood your post within the context of the Ableton Instrument Rack and playing multiple VSTi’s at the same time, I suggested the VST Rack. If that doesn’t work for you, or if I don’t understand what "layering” means here, then feel free to ignore my suggestion :slight_smile:

13

Ah, I see. And in fact, @Arthur_Antoine even said that. Now I understand the distinction, thank you!

14

This is great. I found a solution with your help, without the rack.
I just load multiple vst instruments
Create one midi track
Send this to the instruments with the midi sends.
Then put them in a group and in a folder.
Full mixer, sends and insert functions for everything.
Done. :hugs: Thanks!!!

3 Likes
15

Rock on! Glad that works for you!

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16

Hi, a limitation of midi sends (although they work) is that you are stuck with limited number of sends! Another solution is to use ‘Kushview Element’. In Element VST isntrument, set up a ‘midi in’ node that corresponds to your midi device, connect this node to a midi output node and then connect Element as midi input for all your VST layers.

Record enable on the Kushview track and enable monitor for each VST instrument layer track. You can now have many layers!

1 Like