This page contains frequently asked questions.
| General Questions on MIDI plug-ins |
| Q: What is a MIDI plug-in? A: A MIDI plug-in (or MIDI plugin) is a software tool that can generate or process MIDI data. There are various formats of MIDI plug-in available including MFX, VST, VST Module Architecture and OPT. |
| Q: What differences are there between the various plug-in formats? A: There are some functional differences. The VST and VST Module Architecture formats are cross-platform (can be compiled for Windows and Macintosh machines), MFX and OPT are designed for Windows platforms only. |
| Q: Why are there so many plug-in formats? A: I don't know. (Some plug-in formats are not detailed on this site, for example Finale plug-ins.) |
| Q: Is the correct term "plug-in" or "plugin"? A: I don't know, it depends on which dictionary is being used. I use both on the site so that search engines will cache both. |
| Questions about MFX plug-ins |
| Q: What is an MFX plug-in? A: An MFX plug-in (or MFX plugin) is a type of MIDI plug-in or MIDI effect that is designed to run on Windows platforms only. It can be used to generate or process MIDI in a compatible host application. The plug-in is a COM object and part of the DXi2 (DirectX instrument) architecture developed by Cakewalk. |
| Q: How do I install MFX plug-ins? A: Refer to the installation instructions provided with the MFX plug-in. Advanced users may copy single dll files to the shared MFX plug-ins directory, and register the dll using regsvr32.exe. |
| Q: Which hosts can I use MFX plug-ins with? A: Cubase SX/SX2/SX3/SL/SL2/C4/CS4 and Nuendo can all utilise MFX plug-ins by using the MFX wrapper available from the Steinberg Knowledgbase entry on MFX. SONAR, Cakewalk Pro Audio 8 or higher, Project5 and Guitar Studio can also host MFX. |
| Q: How do I use MFX plug-ins? A: Refer to the instructions provided with your host. |
| Questions about VST plug-ins |
| Q: What is a VST plug-in? A: A VST plug-in is designed to either generate or process audio or MIDI data. As the method for implementing plug-ins with MIDI out using the VST development kit was not seen as ideal by some, Steinberg released the VST Module Architecture. |
| Q: Which host applications can run VST plug-ins with MIDI out? A: Some host applications that receive MIDI from VST plug-ins are Steinberg Cubase VST 5.x, SX/SX2/SX3/SL/SL2, Nuendo. EnergyXT, Tracktion, FL Studio and Plogue Bidule. |
| Q: Which host applications can run VST Module Architechture plug-ins? A: I don't know, probably Steinberg Cubase SX2/SX3/SL2. |
| Questions about OPT plug-ins |
| Q: What are OPT plug-ins? A: OPT (Open Plug-In Technology) is the format of MIDI and application plug-in created by Yamaha. |
| Q: Which hosts can OPT plug-ins be used in? A: OPT plug-ins can be used in Sony ACID PRO 4, Yamaha SOL 2 and SONAR. |
| Site related questions |
| Q: How do I add a plug-in to the database? A: Visit the about page and send details of the plug-in including the web page. |
| Q: How was this site created? A: It was created in Microsoft Visual Studio .NET. The graphics were created in Adobe Photoshop. |
| Q: What software does this website run on? A: It operates on Windows Server, using ASP.NET MVC pages. |