User manual

660
Synchronization
Working with VST System Link
Working with VST System Link
VST System Link is a network system for digital audio that allows you to have several
computers working together in one large system. Unlike conventional networks it does
not require Ethernet cards, hubs, or CAT-5 cables; instead it uses the kind of digital
audio hardware and cables you probably already possess in your studio.
VST System Link has been designed to be simple to set up and operate, yet give
enormous flexibility and performance gains in use. It is capable of linking computers in
a “ring” network (the System Link signal is passed from one machine to the next, and
eventually returns to the first machine). VST System Link can send its networking
signal over any type of digital audio cable, including S/PDIF, ADAT, TDIF, or AES, as
long as each computer in the system is equipped with a suitable ASIO compatible
audio interface.
Linking up two or more computers gives you vast possibilities:
- Dedicate one computer to running VST instruments while recording audio tracks
on another.
- If you need lots of audio tracks, you may simply add tracks on another computer.
- You could have one computer serve as a “virtual effect rack”, running CPU-
intensive send effect plug-ins only.
- Since you can use VST System Link to connect different VST System Link
applications on different platforms, you can take advantage of effect plug-ins and
VST instruments that are specific to certain programs or platforms.
Requirements
The following equipment is required for VST System Link operation:
• Two or more computers.
These can be of the same type or use different operating systems – it does not
matter. For example, you can link an Intel-based PC to an Apple Macintosh without
problems.
• Each computer must have audio hardware with specific ASIO drivers.
• The audio hardware must have digital inputs and outputs.
To be able to connect the computers, the digital connections must be compatible
(i.
e. the same digital formats and connection types must be available).
• At least one digital audio cable must be available for each computer in the
network.
• A VST System Link host application must be installed on each computer.
Any VST System Link application can connect to another.
Additionally, use of a KVM switchbox is recommended.
Using a KVM switchbox
Whether you want to set up a multi-computer network or a small network in a limited
space, it is a good idea to invest in a KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switchbox. With
one of these you can use the same keyboard, monitor, and mouse to control each
computer in the system, and you can switch between computers very rapidly. KVM
switchboxes are not too expensive, and they are very easy to set up and operate. If you
decide not to go this route, the network will function just the same, but you may end
up doing a lot of jumping from one machine to the other while setting up!