New to VSTs, how do I get started installing them in Music Maker 2019?

Neil-Kendall wrote on 2/24/2019, 5:12 PM

I've just bought Magix Music Maker 2019 premium edition and I want to experiment with VSTs, but I'm new to them I have no idea where to start or how to go about installing them. All the tutorials I've found online seem to be directed at older versions of Music Maker, so I can't figure it out.

Can anyone point me to a current tutorial or explain in simple terms how to do it? It probably is really simple if I know how. Specifically, I'm looking to install VSTs for 80s rock drum sounds (older drum machines) and some 80s synths such as the Yamaha DX7 etc (I downloaded and installed Dexed on my laptop but can't figure out how to get it to open in Magix Music Maker. so I can play the sounds). Also where can I find VST drum and synth sounds, and are they free/open source or likely to cost money?

Thanks.

Comments

browj2 wrote on 2/24/2019, 5:39 PM

Hi Neil,

Look at this tutorial to make sure that you get everything downloaded and installed.

Secondly, make sure to go to Help, Update program online and update to the latest patch, 27.0.2.28, if not already done.

There are VSTi's, which are instruments, and VST's, which are effects. When you discuss them, be clear which ones you are talking about.

Any new third party instruments that you install should go under subfolders of:

C:\Program Files (x86)\VSTPlugins

MM is 32bit so don't get any 64bit instruments or effects. The next version might be 64bit.

I have subfolders there for Chordz, DSK and others. Check out the DSK and you'll find that most of them are free.

Then in MM, go to Program settings, Folders tab, click on "Add VST plug-in path," and navigate to the location of any new VST or VSTi folders. By default, MM should scan the above path, but sometimes it doesn't pick up eveything. If you install any in another location, go and do it again. MM will remember multiple paths.

The instruments should now show up under Instruments or in the list by clicking on the + in the track header.

John CB