SOLVED: Using MOTU Ethno with Windows VST hosts

Author
Post
Essentials Only Full Version
Anderton
Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
  • Total Posts : 14070
  • Joined: 2003/11/06 14:02:03
  • Status: offline
2009/07/12 02:43:46 (permalink)

SOLVED: Using MOTU Ethno with Windows VST hosts

I have not had much success using Ethno with Windows VST hosts. With Sonar, I always used it as a DXi, which worked fine. Ethno also works in Pro Tools and AU-friendly Mac programs.

But I needed to install Ethno in Ableton Live (Windows XP version) as a VST instrument and when I couldn't get it work despite installs, re-installs, etc. etc., I searched the web for answers. It appears that although many users have no problem installing Ethno, those who have had problems have not been able to find a one-size-fits-all solution. However, here's one that works (at least for me!) not only with Sonar but Live, Cubase, and other VST hosts.

The problem with Ethno seems to be in the installer. Here's what I did:

1. If applicable uninstall MOTU Ethno, and delete any folders it created.
2. The documentation is correct that you need to have the sound bank files installed first, so copy them over if they are not already installed somewhere in your computer. It really doesn't matter where they are, Ethno will find them during the installation process.
3. Begin the Ethno installation. When you are offered a choice of what to install, DO NOT check "Complete Install." Check ONLY the VST option, and no other options.
4. You will be asked to specify the VSTplug-ins folder where you want Ethno installed. This apparently has nothing to do where Ethno will actually be installed, but humor it anyway and specify a folder so that you can continue.
5. Finish the installation process. When you do, you will find nothing in the VST folder. Instead, there is a file called "MOTU Ethno Instrument.dll" placed in C:/Program Files/MOTU/Ethno Instrument. You may also see a file called "Ethno.dll" (it would be in the C:/Program Files/MOTU/Ethno Instrument/Plug-in folder), which is not what you want.
6. Copy "MOTU Ethno Instrument.dll" into your desired Vstplugins folder.
7. When you open up your host and it scans for VSTs, monitor the scan results. If you see "MOTU Ethno Instrument" (not just "Ethno"), you should be able to call it up as a VST instrument under your host.

Note that the file "Ethno.dll" will not work. I'm assuming (well, guessing actually, I really don't have a clue!) that it's the DXi plug-in, and ends up being registered under Windows. This is something of concern only to Sonar users, and given that Sonar hasn't "wrapped" VST plug-ins since something like version 4 (it's now on version 8), just install the VST plug-in and don't bother with the DXi version.

If you also need the stand-alone version, repeat the same general procedure but in step 3, specify ONLY the stand-alone version.

I sincerely hope this helps all the frustrated Ethno owners who were not able to get it working with a VST host. Ethno is a great little instrument, but it's much better when you can actually USE it!

--Craig

#1

7 Replies Related Threads
    bramwell
    Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 46
    • Joined: 2003/11/07 17:13:01
    • Status: offline
    RE: SOLVED: Using MOTU Ethno with Windows VST hosts 2009/07/12 17:59:09 (permalink)
    I have had quite a problem with Ethno Instrument. It used to work fine with Sonar 7. However, now that I have upgraded to Sonar 8.3, when Sonar scans for vst plugins it gets to the Motu and just hangs. It will not move from the scan screen. I can then ctl-alt-del and stop the scanner, Sonar will then continue to load. However, I cannot use the vst plugin. Also, when I attempt to install both the vst and dxi, the installer hangs at the last step (after the ilok installation) and doesn't install. I have talked with MOTU tech support, but it seems like there is only one guy there doing support - and that is really lousy. Takes forever with no answers so far. Any ideas. I really like the instrument, but it is really sad not being able to use it. I use a dual core Winxp system.

    Thanks,
    Dave H.
    #2
    Anderton
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 14070
    • Joined: 2003/11/06 14:02:03
    • Status: offline
    RE: SOLVED: Using MOTU Ethno with Windows VST hosts 2009/07/12 18:12:06 (permalink)
    Try this...

    1. Set a system restore point (just in case!!)
    2. Download the latest iLok drivers (important).
    3. Uninstall Ethno instrument, and manually delete any remaining Ethno folders.
    4. Install only the VST version, as described above. There's no real advantage to having the DXi version available.

    If that doesn't work...

    1. Go back to the System Restore point.
    2 Download the latest iLok drivers.
    3. Install only the DXi version.
    4. Cross your fingers, burn some incense, and spin around three times.

    Hope one of these options works for you...
    #3
    chill od
    Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 11
    • Joined: 2006/06/11 21:39:45
    • Status: offline
    RE: SOLVED: Using MOTU Ethno with Windows VST hosts 2010/10/15 15:54:38 (permalink)
    bramwell


    I have had quite a problem with Ethno Instrument. It used to work fine with Sonar 7. However, now that I have upgraded to Sonar 8.3, when Sonar scans for vst plugins it gets to the Motu and just hangs. It will not move from the scan screen. I can then ctl-alt-del and stop the scanner, Sonar will then continue to load. However, I cannot use the vst plugin. Also, when I attempt to install both the vst and dxi, the installer hangs at the last step (after the ilok installation) and doesn't install. I have talked with MOTU tech support, but it seems like there is only one guy there doing support - and that is really lousy. Takes forever with no answers so far. Any ideas. I really like the instrument, but it is really sad not being able to use it. I use a dual core Winxp system.

    Thanks,
    Dave H.
     
    Hey Dave, I had the exact same problem. Here is what fixed it for me.
    The issue was Windows IE 8. I completely uninstalled it using Windows XP Control Panel.
    Then I installed IE 7.
    Then I reinstalled Ethno Instrument. If you follow the setup correctly it will put the Ethno dll in C/Program Files/Cakewalk/Vst Plugins.
    Make sure your Plugin Manager is directed to look there.
    Start Sonar.
    Let the scanner do it's thing.
    To my amazement Ethno completed the scan process and loaded fine as a vst.
    It took me a week to figure this out.
    If it works for you, pass it on.
    Good luck.
    ChillOD

    #4
    Dele
    Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 8
    • Joined: 2010/10/14 20:12:17
    • Location: Twin Cities
    • Status: offline
    RE: SOLVED: Using MOTU Ethno with Windows VST hosts 2010/10/30 23:46:11 (permalink)
    Thanks for the info guys!   I've been unable to use Ethno for nearly a year.  It's very frustrating and Motu tech support just stopped responding to me after a few replies.

    chill od: I reverted back to IE7 and Sonar did stop hanging, however the Ethno interface opens all messed up and unusable when launched from the synth rack.  Did you experience anything like this?  Any ideas how to fix it?

    Thanks

    -Délé
    #5
    yorolpal
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 13829
    • Joined: 2003/11/20 11:50:37
    • Status: offline
    RE: SOLVED: Using MOTU Ethno with Windows VST hosts 2010/10/31 19:15:13 (permalink)
    I finally just took Ethno off my old dual core machine and when I got my new i7 rig did not put it back on.  I might give this a whirl.  +1 to MOTU's tech support for PCs as an absolute, dismal, epic fail.

    https://soundcloud.com/doghouse-riley/tracks 
    https://doghouseriley1.bandcamp.com 
    Where you come from is gone...where you thought you were goin to weren't never there...and where you are ain't no good unless you can get away from it.
     
    SPLAT 64 bit running on a Studio Cat Pro System Win 10 64bit 2.8ghz Core i7 with 24 gigs ram. MOTU Audio Express.
    #6
    crs7string
    Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 35
    • Joined: 2007/02/18 19:53:59
    • Status: offline
    RE: SOLVED: Using MOTU Ethno with Windows VST hosts 2010/10/31 21:19:27 (permalink)
    The UVI Workstation (free download and 64 bit) will "host" the sounds and loops in Ethno Instrument.

    I'm not crazy about the interface, but it works. I gave up using Ethno Instrument in Sonar before this solution came around.
     
    It can be found here:
     
    http://www.uvisoundsource.com/uvi-workstation-1-1-7-is-posted-/article_info.php/articles_id/91
     
     
    Chuck
    post edited by crs7string - 2010/10/31 21:22:48
    #7
    Dele
    Max Output Level: -90 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 8
    • Joined: 2010/10/14 20:12:17
    • Location: Twin Cities
    • Status: offline
    RE: SOLVED: Using MOTU Ethno with Windows VST hosts 2010/11/01 23:26:31 (permalink)
    I tell ya, I will NEVER give another dime to MOTU!  They have some high quality sounds, but what good are they if you can't access them and tech support is of no help!

    On the upside, it's nice that the Cakewalk community has a bunch of smart folks willing to share their knowledge!  Thanks for the link Chuck!  That works great.  It's so nice to hear those high quality Ethno sounds I paid so much money for in Sonar!  I can finally use Ethno again after a year of it collecting dust!

    Thanks again for everyone's tips!  What a great community!

    -Délé
    #8
    Jump to:
    © 2025 APG vNext Commercial Version 5.1