Free Vst Host For Pro Tools

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Pro Tools uses a proprietary plug-in format called RTAS (Real Time AudioSuite) which is equivalent to the open source VST plugin format used in other sequencers such as Logic and Cubase. As anyone can create their own VSTs and release them to the public, there are literally thousands of VST plugins out there, ranging in price from free to remarkably expensive. As there is no quality control system on these plugins, their usefulness also varies a lot – but at least for the free plugins, you don’t have much to lose by giving them a go. For Pro Tools users, however, there are still a few ways to expand your RTAS plugin arsenal on the cheap…
(from DAW)

Midi VST Tools Step Machine v.0.901 size 1.20 MB Step Machine is midi loop sequencer, in the style of a classic analog step sequencer.To use it your host must support midi output from vst plugins.As the.

Free RTAS Plugins – Yes, They Do Exist

Although thin on the ground, there are a few free RTAS plugins to be had if you know where to look.

Pro Tools does come with some nifty plugins out of the box, but if you want to grab a few more then try these:

  • The Bad Habit RTAS Plugin List
  • Blue Cat Audio Freeware Plugin Pack Nice bundle, including a useful analyser.
  • Brainworx – bx_cleansweep Free filtering goodness.
    Brainworx – bx_solo Mid/side processing tool.
  • Digidesign – Structure Free – Free sampler.

    Digidesign – SignalTools – Metering and analysis.
    Digidesign – Xpand! – Sampler-performance instrument..
    Digidesign – D-Fi – Lo-fi sound designer.

    Digidesign/Bomb Factory – Free Bomb Factory Plug-ins – Bomb Factory plug-ins now free for Pro Tools users.
    Digidesign/TL Labs – TL Utilities – Metering and monitoring utilities.
    Digidesign/TL Labs – TL AutoPan – Panning effects.

  • Elysia – Niveau Filter – Another filtering option for your arsenal.
  • Flux – BitterSweet II – Transient designer with a sweet sound.
    Flux – Stereo Tool – Get your panning in order.
  • FXpansion – Orca – Free synth with some good options.
    FXpansion – ClapOMatic – Not exactly essential, but an interesting addition.
  • Izotope – Vinyl – Make your recordings sound like olde vinly.
  • JK Plugs – JK-Pipe – Utility for Macs.
  • Massey – Massey Tools – Massey RTAS plugins.
  • Native Instruments – Kontakt Player – plays Kontakt sound packs.

    Native Instruments – Kore Player – Sadly discontinued, but still useful.
    Native Instruments – Reaktor Player – Plays Reaktor soundpacks.
    Native Instruments – Guitar Rig 4 Player – Guitar effects processor.

  • Ohm Force – Frohmage – Cheesy filter sounds.
    Ohm Force – Cohmpost – For some sound decomposition.

    Ohm Force – Symptohm: Melohman PE – More synth fun.

  • Prosoniq – NorthPole – 4 pole filter.
  • PSP Audioware – PSP Vintage Meter – Metering.
  • Sonoma Wire Works – DrumCore Free – Free drum kit action.
  • SPL – Attacker – Transient designer.
  • Studio Devil – Studio Devil BVC – Amp modeling.
  • UVI Sound Source – UVI Workstation – Sample playback.
  • ValhallaDSP – ValhallaFreqEcho – Frequency shifter and echo.

Some of these are actually demo or trial versions, but it’s a start.

Free RTAS Plugins From VST – Time To Wrap Up

If you really want to use VST plugins with your Pro Tools rig, there is a way – you can get yourself a wrapper program that acts as an interface between the VST and Pro Tools itself.

You can buy this program from FXpansion for about €75, and once it’s installed then you can call up your VSTs in Pro Tools just like you would your usual RTAS Plugins.

You can read about my experience with the Fxpansion wrapper program in this post about my VST to RTAS wrapping adventures.


There are a few different way to use VST and AU plugins in Pro Tools 12. It’s even possible to use VST/AU plugins in Pro Tools First, the free version of Pro Tools 12.

One of the things that separates Pro Tools from other DAWs is the proprietary AAX format that it uses for plugins.

Not all plugins are available in AAX, especially some really good free ones, so Pro Tools users have to find workarounds to get their favorite VST and AU plugins to work.

Luckily there are a few methods that can get the job done.

Unfortunately none are free, but they all have demos to try for free, and each offers a number of other features as well.

Free vst host for pro tools reviews

Not all of these options will work with Pro Tools First since one of the main limitations with the free version is you have to get all the plugins through Avid’s marketplace.

Pro Tools First does supports ReWire, though, and that’s a big plus because that means it can run other DAWs that support ReWire. It can use Ableton Live’s built-in instruments, for example, and if you ReWire with Reaper it can run VST plugins within Pro Tools. Bidule is another option that works with Pro Tools First.

Free Vst Host For Pro Tools Download

Using Reaper in Pro Tools to Host VST Instruments and Plugins

Install Vst In Pro Tools

Reaper is a good option to use VST plugins in Pro Tools because it has a 60-day free fully-functioning demo and it only costs $60 to purchase. Plus it’s a full DAW and not just a plugin like the other options.

How To Use Any Virtual Instrument Plugin in Pro Tools First

The folks at Pro Tools Expert uploaded the helpful video above showing how to use Bidule with ReWire to load VST instruments into Pro Tools First. Bidule sells for $95 and can be used for a number of other things as well.

Free Vst Host For Pro Tools Mac

How To Use VST/AU in Pro Tools 12 with Blue Cat Audio Patchwork

Another option to run VST and AU plugins in the full version of Pro Tools 12 is with the Blue Cat Audio Patchwork plugin. It’s capable of hosting up to 64 VST, VST3 or Audio Unit plugins in one instance. It sells for $99 (79 euros).

Free Vst Host For Pro Tools

Pro Tools 12 and Metaplugin – Wes Renaud

Free Vst Host For Pro Tools Reviews

The Metaplugin is an AAX plugin that can host VST and AU plugins in the full version of Pro Tools. It supports up to eight individual channels and sells for $49.