Creating a VST...without Pluggo

chaostheory's icon

Is it possible? To create a VST without the use of Pluggo as a module/runtime environment so it can be used in Logic, Sonar etc...?

I only ask as I would like to create a 'professional' VST. I.e. one that comes with it's own installation package and such but would not require Pluggo as a runtime component.

I will be using the Windows XP version of MaxMSP with a later port to OSX near completion. Also, how versatile can you be with a user interface? Is it possible to make a nice shiny one in photoshop with custom animations this that and the other?

Failing this, should I be using another application?

Thanks in advance!

Andrew Pask's icon

Plugins made in MaxMSP will always require the pluggo runtime. We could build the whole runtime into every plugin, but this would be a huge waste of space. Think "Waveshell".

You may bundle the runtime installer into your own. This will make it appear transparent to your users.

As far as making a "professional" vst plug, you're on your own there.

:)

You may pretty much do anything you like graphically, as long as it does not break the "only one window in VST" rule.

Have fun!

-A

chaostheory's icon

Ah, ok. Well that's cool. So if I compile my own installer will it run a seperate installation for the Pluggo runtime or will it just install the runtime components when installing the VST "on the sly"?

I won't be using multiple windows so that aspect's ok, thanks for that.

Finally, if I come to select the VST in either Sonar [XP] or Logic [OS X] (the only two sequencers I have access to) will it be visible under a menu item called 'Pluggo' or will it just be 'MyVST' or something similar? I only ask as I don't intend to install MaxMSP (student version) until my term starts as it is a time limited version.

As far as professionaly goes, well I doubt I'll ever achieve it, but we'll wait and see :)...

Andrew Pask's icon

You will need to run our installer as part of your installer.

You can put your plugs into any folder you like, if they are Pluggo-based plugs they will still work and show up in hosts with your name in your named folder.

-A

chaostheory's icon

Ace.

I thanks for all your help!