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  • Mac Host with PC Slave

    M
    M

    ... So, my current slave, a Mac Pro, is about to give up the ghost - so I thought about getting a (cheaper) PC which I would only ever use as a VE Pro host for extra memory.

    But - I've never used a PC before (!) and I'm worried about compatibility issues with my extensive virtual library.

    What's the procedure? Do I have to download the PC versions of all the plugs - and will all developers make this easy?

    I don't mind doing the work - but I don't want to go to all that trouble to end up with a system that's a bit ... cranky - or is there a better cheap solution?

    Thoughts?
  • F
    F

    Hi,

    I'm also Mac user I just finished building my first PC Slave it working really good...

    You do need to download the PC version of all the plugin you want to use in the VEP slave. This should be easy, almost every plugin on the market are cross plateform. And you don't have to pay for the PC version. Generaly you just have to log into you user account (NI, VSL...) and download the installer.

    But you don't need to re-download all the sample data. You will have to transfert the data from the Mac to the PC and relink it and/or re-activated. VSL, Kontakt, play, Omnisphere libraries will work that way.

     

    Even an easier way, I just installed my SSD soundbanks that was on my mac into my new PC. I just bought a small application that translate HFS+ formated drives for Windows system. And I did'nt notice any performance issues. So my PC is running All Mac formatted drives (except the system drive) . https://www.paragon-software.com/home/hfs-windows/

     

    BUT...

    If your actual VEP template or presets are using AU plugins, you will need to rebuilt those VEP instances with the VST version. Since VEP V6 you can load VST plugins in both mac and PC so this is great for making cross plateform templates. But VEP V5 was using AU plugins on Mac only so you can't just open those presets.

     

    I think buying or building a Slave PC to work with a master Mac is the best solution for us Mac guys. 

     

    Good luck!
  • F
    F

    And If the budget is your main concern, you may want to build your own computer. Or ask someone to do it.

    I know this is scary for people with no PC experience but for me it was easier than I though.

    If you have a bit of time to whatch some video tutorials or to read a bit on the subject. It took me just a day to assemble everything whitout any experience.

    I've started with that great site:  https://pcpartpicker.com

    What's great about this site is that it doesn't let you assamble incompatible parts togheter.

    And it tells you where to get the best deals ($) for each parts.
  • M
    M

    Thanks FredB, that's really encouraging.

    I was about to start building a large orchestral (au) template - but it seems I should treat myself (it being Christmas!) to a PC and then get busy!

    I figure I can install stuff bit by bit, rather than doing it all at once - on a 'need to use' basis.

    Cheers!