Using Max to control VST parameters?

StateAardvark's icon

I want to use Max to automate VST parameters. How do I get the two pieces of software to interact with each other? Would I have to use vst~ to host the vst in the patch and then be able to automate the parameters? I'd like to do this in FL Studio if possible, but if not Ableton would be fine.

wendycarlos's icon

Vst~ parameters goodluck!!! (in my setup don't refresh well)

broc's icon

You could host the VST in Ableton Live and automate the parameters via Max For Live.

StateAardvark's icon

How can I do that in Ableton?

broc's icon

If the VST is loaded on a Live track all parameters are made visible as horizontal sliders (see Live manual for details). The parameters can then be automated directly from Live or from M4L devices contained in the Live set.

StateAardvark's icon

I looked through the manual, but I couldn't find any info on using Max MSP to modulate a VSTs parameters. I get how you use the configuration button and how to automate it with a midi controller, but getting Max to modulate the sliders is still up in the air for me. Help?

EDIT: Just to be clear in what I want, I'll give an example. I want to create a Max patch with a slider that will change in value over time. This slider would control the parameters of a VST in Ableton (or FL Studio, if possible). Any ideas on how to do this? Is it even possible?

Roman Thilenius's icon

live.remote~ doesnt do it?

Jay Walker's icon

@brock ok I found that options.txt has an option to expose parameters as horizontal sliders-- -_PluginAutoPopulateThreshold=128 (maximum value apparently..). https://help.ableton.com/hc/en-us/articles/209772865-Options-txt-file

Is that the necessary step to have the behavior you are talking about? And what about parameter ordering? It also seems that FM8, the device I want to control, has hundreds of parameters.. is there a complete answer you can provide or does anyone have a good solution?