Recommendations for a stable VST only host

http://www.cantabilesoftware.com/

http://www.brainspawn.com/

Used both of these live for some time.

If you're staying 32bit and not using hardware synths Forte is recommended.

If you're 64bit and/or using hardware synths (like I am) Cantabile is a better bet.

I did somewhere in excess of 80 gigs with Forte and have done around 40 with Cantabile and haven't had a single crash or hang in all that time.

Windows 7 has been a complete revelation in terms of stability and I'd recommend it to anyone wanting to use a computer on stage.

Mark Kelly (the keyboard player with Marillion) uses Forte on stage so if it's good enough for him.......

You can buy an addon for Forte called Ehco which gives you the ability to use hardware synths but Cantabile comes with that functionality as standard.

I would heartily recommend either without hesitation.

Hi Beagle,
 
Both Forte' and Cantibile 2 Performer organize your soft-synths as a virtual rack of gear.
You can setup complex splits/layers... remap MIDI controllers... etc.
You can save a Scene/Sub-Session for each tune...
If you're running a fast machine, you can setup dense/complex splits/layers... and play them glitch-free at ultra low latency settings.  I've been using Forte' and Cantible 2 Performer for the last couple of years... (running about a dozen of the better soft-synths) and I'd never go back to using my workstation keyboards for sounds.  The best soft-synths have superseded the best keyboard workstations.  It's so much easier to program... and rearrange set lists!!!  What used to take 45 minutes with a Korg M3 (copy/paste between banks as the M3 editor doesn't have librarian features) now takes 5-10 minutes.
 
If you're strickly running Kontakt, you can run that standalone.
 

great info, guys.  I've been considering moving to using kontakt on a streamlined computer at least for live shows because the sounds on my keyboard are no where near as good as kontakt.  I might look into Forte' and/or Cantible if I go with more than just Kontakt.

Hi.
I have an HP dual core laptop (Win 7) that I use in various ways a) as my personal mobile recording rig (with a Saffire 6) and b) for live recording our band (10 inputs through a Phonic Helix board 12 driven from the inserts on our main FOH desk). 

Encouragingly it has been 100% stable in those roles but I've been considering using it in a third way, as both a simple live VST sound source and recording rig for another duo that I'm part of.  Basically the set up I've got is:


- Laptop running Sonar 8.53 connected to MIDI keyboard (USB) and Phonic mixer (Firewire)
- All live instruments routed through the Phonic mixer onto specific firewire inputs
- Sonar's Master output routed back to the Phonic mixer main outs which are routed to the P.A. as a stereo feed
- Sonar project has the following tracks, all armed to record, with input monitoring on and mapped to the appropriate input:
  - two vocal tracks, with EQ & reverb sends and compressors
  - Piano (TruePianos) with reverb send, input routed from the MIDI keyboard
  - acoustic guitar, with reverb send and compressor
  - electric guitar, with Guitar rig plugin

The intention is to simply set this up and hit (R)record at the start of the gig. I will not be changing patches or VSTs during the performance.

Well, it all seems to work at home(!) and I've performed & recorded a few rehearsals (60-70 mins each time) without a glitch. CPU usage never goes above 30%

*BUT* I've never used a computer in a live gig before and my natural inclination is to be strangely nervous about it...
So I would really welcome any other advice/warnings from those of you that have actually used PCS in your live rigs

Cheers

Jim,
Thanks. Wise words, as ever.

I've seen numerous laptops including Macs on stages these days.

With a lappy, the need for a UPS is not as critical since it will run on battery for over an hour if the power goes out.... and it would likely be the only thing in the club still running in a power fail anyway.

I'd buy a custom laptop from Jim Roseberry so it didn't have any crapware on it. Lean and mean is the key. Or reformat the HD and install only what you want.