Unfortunately, it is no longer possible for new developers to obtain a VST2 license. Therefore, the product can only be offered with the VST3 interface. However, it makes sense to be up to date with the latest technology in order to get improved performance and features.

Since the SoundManager VST Host is only compatible with the VST3 interface for licensing reasons, there is no direct way to load VST2 plugins. However, you can try loading your VST2 plugins into a VST3 container plugin and then integrating the container plugin into SoundManager. For example, you can use Native Instruments' VST3 Komplete Kontrol plugin as a container (or other container plugins from other manufacturers), as it can still contain VST2 plugins.

Currently, there is no integrated audio player in SoundManager VST Host. However, you can load a sample player plugin, for example, and play your audio files from there. One option is the TX16Wx Software Sampler, which you can use to play audio files. Make sure that the Mode is set to Toggle under the Groups heading in TX16Wx and assign the audio file to any key on your MIDI controller. This allows you to easily start and stop the sample. Of course, this also works with any other sample players from other manufacturers.

Some MIDI controller devices may add a number to their physical name depending on the USB port used. Since physical MIDI controller devices can only be identified by their name, the device may not be found if it is connected to a different USB port. It is recommended that you connect the corresponding MIDI controller to the same USB port each time, or quickly update the mapping using the selection field in the MIDI Device Pool.

Unfortunately, SoundManager VST Host only runs on 64-bit Windows operating systems and can only be used with 64-bit plugins. It may be possible to load 32-bit plugins into Soundmanager VST Host via jBridge. However, this has not yet been tested.

Due to limited time and personnel resources, the functionality of SoundManager VST Host may be somewhat restricted. Therefore, please check carefully with the free 30-day trial version whether the functionality provided meets your requirements and only purchase the product if you are sure that you can use it accordingly. SoundManager VST Host is constantly evolving, so you can check back from time to time to see if certain features have been implemented in the meantime.

With SoundManager VST Host, particular emphasis was placed on stability, which is especially relevant during live performances and has been successfully tested in numerous shows. However, there is always the possibility of an unexpected shutdown, either due to SoundManager itself or to loaded plugins. It is therefore advisable to have an additional backup option on stage, e.g., in the form of a hardware sound module or a second laptop, which you can then activate quickly if necessary. The license model of SoundManager VST Host allows you to install the application on up to 3 devices.

Please protect your hearing and only use the SoundManager VST Host at a volume that is comfortable for you and will not damage your hearing. Especially during live performances, it is not always possible to control the volume precisely, so it is advisable to use appropriate hearing protection or a good in-ear system.

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.

In addition, a background backup of the database is performed automatically each time the SoundManager VST Host is started. In the event of data loss or problems during startup, you can use these backups to restore a previous state. The automatic backups are stored in the following folder:

C:\ProgramData\SoundManagerVSTHost\AutoBackup

The SoundManager VST Host uses a different approach compared to the use of reusable embedded racks. Instead, existing settings and setups can be duplicated through a copy/paste functionality of elements within the hierarchical structure. Please test with the free 30‑day trial version whether this workflow is convenient for you and whether you can use the product in the offered manner.

In most cases, the manufacturer of an audio interface will provide a corresponding ASIO driver. However, if this is not the case, or if you want to use your laptop with its integrated audio hardware, for example, you can install a generic ASIO driver, such as ASIO4All or Generic Low Latency ASIO Driver.