SoundManager supports only the VST3 interface. No new licenses are being issued for the VST2 interface. Most current plugins are available as VST3.

SoundManager does not load VST2 plugins directly. However, you can try loading your VST2 plugins into a VST3 container plugin and then integrating that container plugin into SoundManager. For example, you can use Native Instruments’ VST3 Komplete Kontrol plugin as a container, since it can still host VST2 plugins.

SoundManager VST Host does not include a built‑in audio player. However, you can load a sample player plugin and play your audio files from there. For example, the TX16Wx Software Sampler allows you to play audio files. Make sure that in TX16Wx, under the Groups section, the mode is set to Toggle, and assign the audio file to any key on your MIDI controller. This way, you can easily start and stop the sample. Of course, this also works with any other sample players from other manufacturers.

With some MIDI controller devices, the device name may change depending on the USB port being used. If your MIDI controller is not recognized correctly because of this, it’s best to always connect it to the same USB port, or update the assignment using the selection field in the MIDI device pool.

SoundManager VST Host runs on 64‑bit Windows operating systems and supports 64‑bit plugins only. It may be possible to load 32‑bit plugins in SoundManager VST Host using jBridge, but this has not been tested yet.

Please use the free 30‑day trial version to check whether all the features you need are available, and only purchase the product if you are certain that it works to your satisfaction. SoundManager VST Host is continuously evolving, so you can check from time to time whether certain features have been added in the meantime.

SoundManager VST Host is designed for stability and has been successfully tested in numerous live performances. However, there is always a possibility of a crash, either caused by SoundManager itself or by loaded plugins. Therefore, it is advisable to have an additional backup option on stage, such as a hardware sound module or a second laptop. The licensing model of SoundManager VST Host allows you to install the application on up to three devices.

Please protect your hearing and use SoundManager VST Host only at a comfortable and hearing‑friendly volume. Especially during live performances, it is not always possible to control the volume precisely, so using appropriate hearing protection or a good in‑ear system is recommended.

If SoundManager VST Host does not start due to problems with the ASIO driver or an active set list or category, the application can be run in Safe Mode. In Safe Mode, neither the ASIO driver nor plugins are loaded, which may help with startup. To activate Safe Mode, hold down the key combination Ctrl left + Alt left + S while the application is starting up.

Every time you start the SoundManager VST Host, an automatic background backup of the database is created. In the event of data loss or startup issues, you can use these backups to restore a previous state. The automatic backups are stored in the following folder:

C:\ProgramData\SoundManagerVSTHost\AutoBackup

SoundManager VST Host uses a different approach than reusable embedded racks. Instead, existing settings and setups can be duplicated within the hierarchical structure using copy & paste functionality. Please use the 30‑day trial version to check whether this workflow suits your needs.

In most cases, the manufacturer of an audio interface provides a suitable ASIO driver. However, if this is not the case, or if you want to use your laptop with the built‑in audio hardware, you can install a generic ASIO driver, such as ASIO4All or the Generic Low Latency ASIO Driver.