Michael Caterisano

I'm trying to create a MIDI Effect with RNBO. To test, I made a patch that increments the incoming MIDI note by one and outputs the incremented version.

I exported this to AU and loaded it in Logic Pro as a MIDI Effect, which works. The plugin is available in Logic's MIDI Effects dropdown.

I then exported it to VST3 and tried to load the plugin in Live, but I get an error saying "This VST3 plugin could not be loaded." It seems that Live is loading the plugin as an Audio Effect instead of a MIDI Effect.

Is there a way to specify that a RNBO patch is a MIDI Effect when exporting?

I'm trying to create a MIDI Effect with RNBO. To test, I made a patch that increments the incoming MIDI note by one and outputs the incremented version. 

I'm trying to create a MIDI Effect with RNBO. 

rnbo-export-to-midi-effect

I am now investigating RNBO, and you have answered part of a question that I have had. Great that you can make MIDI effects for Logic!! MIDI effects are not accepted in Live; you must load the plugin as an Instrument and then receive that MIDI in another track from your "MIDI effect" track (both dropdowns in that track must be set to your MIDI effect track to receive and process the MIDI). Perhaps you will get the processed MIDI in a receiving track?

I am now investigating RNBO, and you have answered part of a question that I have had.  Great that you can make MIDI effects for Logic!!  MIDI effects are not accepted in Live; you must load the plugin as an Instrument and then receive that MIDI in another track from your "MIDI effect" track (both dropdowns in that track must be set to your MIDI effect track to receive and process the MIDI).  Perhaps you will get the processed MIDI in a receiving track? 

I believe Live does allow Max for Live devices to be used as MIDI effects, so you could create a max external export from your RNBO patcher and use it in a m4l device, or you could try hosting your MIDI effect in [vst~] (which also accepts AU) in a Max for Live device.

SSIGNH is correct here, if you add some dummy audio, you can create a MIDI effect (not instrument) that processes incoming MIDI that can be received on another track.

Attached is an example octave increasing patcher. If export that from RNBO as an VST3 effect, I can put that in a MIDI track and then receive MIDI on another track. Unfortunately, AU effects don't seem to work this way in Live. Also, I need to select the receiving track's MIDI input (the output from the effect track) AFTER I add the VST3 effect to the effect track or else I don't get the octave modified MIDI.

Attached is an example octave increasing patcher. If export that from RNBO as an VST3 effect, I can put that in a MIDI track and then receive MIDI on another track. Unfortunately, AU effects don't seem to work this way in Live.  Also, I need to select the receiving track's MIDI input (the output from the effect track) AFTER I add the VST3 effect to the effect track or else I don't get the octave modified MIDI.

Thanks SSINGH and Alex. I am loading the VST3 I exported from RNBO on a MIDI track, but still getting the error. I think you might be right about needing to add some dummy audio output in the max patch for this to work. I found 

 issue that describes that process. I'll give it a try.

about the issue. It mentions the setup that you both described:

"Ableton Live, like most DAWs except for Logic, doesn’t have the concept of an external MIDI VST plugin in the same track as the synth. That concept is only supported with their internal plugins or MAX-made plugins.

Instead, the flow to use an external MIDI plugin is to load it as an extra synth track, then in your “real” (target) synth track choose the track with the MIDIFX as an input and then in the box below, choose the plugin. Then enable input (“IN” button) to get MIDI flowing."

Thanks SSINGH and Alex. I am loading the VST3 I exported from RNBO on a MIDI track, but still getting the error. I think you might be right about needing to add some dummy audio output in the max patch for this to work. I found this github issue that describes that process. I'll give it a try.

I also found this JUCE forum thread about the issue. It mentions the setup that you both described:

Update: Got it working! I was just missing the 

 like in the image below. Previously my rnbo patch only had a midiout object, but apparently some DAWs aren't able to load the VST3 without the audio input/output being hooked up, even if no audio passes through.

Screen Shot 2023-01-04 at 10.11.01 PM.png

Update: Got it working! I was just missing the signal inlets and signal outlets like in the image below. Previously my rnbo patch only had a midiout object, but apparently some DAWs aren't able to load the VST3 without the audio input/output being hooked up, even if no audio passes through.

Thanks for your help!

I just posted a related question regarding pitch bend in the RNBO vst3 plugins. Please chime in if you have any thoughts!

https://cycling74.com/forums/vst3-rnbo-plugin-dropping-pitch-bend-messages

I just posted a related question regarding pitch bend in the RNBO vst3 plugins.  Please chime in if you have any thoughts! 

https://cycling74.com/forums/vst3-rnbo-plugin-dropping-pitch-bend-messages


RNBO MIDI Effect export works with AU but not VST3