Anyone using VE Pro on 2 machines, via GB Ethernet?

[Killahurts]

Just can't get my mind around it. VE Pro is cryptic for me (after the manuals, twice). Why use it stand alone mode on the main computer, who would want to do it and for what? DP does all that.

Trying to work it with Kontact on the slave, why can I only get one MIDI channel? The routing doesn't seem to operate the way I think it should, but then again the plug-in doesn't do what I thought it should either. Saving is complicated...

Is it only really cool if you have VSL?

Did I waste time and money? Maybe. Jury's still out.

[Killahurts]

OK, I decided not to create a whole other thread about this, but I hope you guys can help me with a couple burning questions I still have.

Since I last posted on this thread, I decided not to use my (remote from the studio) video production computer as a slave. I jumped and purchased a new 2.8 GHz. 8-core Mac and 16 GB of RAM to put in the studio as the slave, will be here tomorrow. I have also figured out more of VE Pro's rather cryptic operation and I think it's going to work great for my setup. But I'm still stumped on these issues:

1. To get multiple pairs of audio outputs from the slave machine into DP, do I have to create as many aux channels in DP as I will want, and then run the VE Pro server plug-in on each aux? If so, can those route to one VEP instance on the slave, or do I have to have a different instance for each server plug (one for each aux) on DP?

2. I have the VEP server on both the slave machine and the master. Since both machines are booted in 32 bit, that means I have the dreaded 4 GB limit, but that limit is per app, right? i.e. on the slave, would multiple instances of VE Pro server each have the 4 GB limit, so for example I could have 3 instances and load up the RAM with 12 GB of instruments, samples, etc? Alternatively, on the host machine, would I be able to run DP and a VEP server, and have VEP access more RAM than DP could do alone?

Sorry guys, I know these are fundamental questions that I should know the answers to, but I've never set up a composing rig this large before, and I don't want to run into unexpected limitations that will have me wasting the budget!

Oh one other thing: I just purchased the EW symphonic choir today, with the Word Builder, etc. I've read on this forum that Play may not get along with VE Pro, even when running separately (running Play as a plug in DP). THEN, I read today that Play is not getting along with Omnisphere either... man, is Play going to ruin my day, or what?

Thanks for the help in advance!

[Frodo]

1. To get multiple pairs of audio outputs from the slave machine into DP, do I have to create as many aux channels in DP as I will want, and then run the VE Pro server plug-in on each aux? If so, can those route to one VEP instance on the slave, or do I have to have a different instance for each server plug (one for each aux) on DP?

In VE Pro on the slave machine, you can assign independent outs for each track. Yes, you will have to set up independent input tracks on the master machine to receive those independent outputs from the slave machine. These are labeled NET1/NET 2, NET3/NET4, NET5/NET6, etc, to reflect stereo pairs. If you have a successful net connection between machines, these busses will be reflected on your master machine. If you want to sum your output from the slave machine you have the option of using "Master Bus" output on your slave machine. All tracks from your slave machine will be sent to your master machine in stereo (or mono, if you have it set up that way.)

2. I have the VEP server on both the slave machine and the master. Since both machines are booted in 32 bit, that means I have the dreaded 4 GB limit, but that limit is per app, right? i.e. on the slave, would multiple instances of VE Pro server each have the 4 GB limit, so for example I could have 3 instances and load up the RAM with 12 GB of instruments, samples, etc?

Not right. VE Pro has a way of accessing RAM outside of the 4GB limit.

Alternatively, on the host machine, would I be able to run DP and a VEP server, and have VEP access more RAM than DP could do alone?

Yes, you can run DP and the VE Pro server. Yes, you would have access to more RAM than using DP alone. This is because multiple instances of your VIs would run in DP without VE Pro while VE Pro will host the instruments and spare DP the memory baggage.

Oh one other thing: I just purchased the EW symphonic choir today, with the Word Builder, etc. I've read on this forum that Play may not get along with VE Pro, even when running separately (running Play as a plug in DP). THEN, I read today that Play is not getting along with Omnisphere either... man, is Play going to ruin my day, or what?

Thanks for the help in advance!

Keep in mind that different developers have devised their own methods of thwarting the 4GB RAM limit. PLAY is one. VSL/VE is another. Not all of these methods are compatible with one another. If you have PLAY, you've already conquered half the RAM problem. I have PLAY and VE Pro, but I use PLAY on my master machine only and not on my slave (because it doesn't work--yet-- with VE). Play works fine in DP as a VI along side VE Pro where VE Pro is running other compatible instruments. Now, VSL has listed Kontakt (for example) as being compatible, but some have reported problems which makes me wonder if Kontakt 3.5 or later is imposing it's own extended memory addressing ju-ju into the equation.

I cannot speak to the issue of Omnisphere, partially because I don't have it and partially because reports of Spectrasonics' compatibility have been mixed, depending upon how it's being used. Some are not having problems at all, but things like VE Pro and multiple machines can certainly complicate things.

Honesty, I would run the most demanding (and most compatible) VIs in VE Pro from the slave machine and then run all else on the master machine as a "normal" VI plugin.

Further reading:

http://www.motunation.com/forum/viewtop ... 9&p=325660

Hope some of this helps...

[scooter]

Frodo,

I read (in a past topic) that you said the LAN thing is easy to hook up.
After buying VE Pro and a couple of license keys I tried to set it up here at home and I'm totally miffed at how to set up this ethernet connection!
I feel like a friggin' idiot because not one person here on Motunation has even asked this question. There are no instructions on this from VSL. The guy at the VSL booth at the NAMM show basically said it would be a good idea to get someone to do it for me.
Do I really need that?? Once again I feel like the Lone Ranger.
Where is Tonto when I really need him!!

scooter

[Killahurts]

Frodo, you are my hero!!

This is all good, and now I have the new machine. I will be setting this up over the next week.. this helps me more than you know!

[Killahurts]

The guy at the VSL booth at the NAMM show basically said it would be a good idea to get someone to do it for me.
Do I really need that??

I think that's a cop-out, no doubt! Tell us about your network, we can figure it out!

By network, I mean your internet connection, how many computers you have on it, what hubs or switches, etc.

[Frodo]

I agree that someone here would be happy to answer your questions.

There are two things which stump a lot of people at first:

1. Don't use a standard ethernet cable. You must use a CROSSOVER cable.

2. Start the VE Server on both machines first. Only after the servers are running, start DP on the master and VE Pro on the slave.

Just in case, there is a PDF that explains a lot even if it doesn't explain absolutely everything. On the VSL site, log in and go to User Area > Software. From the left column, choose Vienna Ensemble PRO. In the middle of the page which appears, there is a Quick Guide and a Manual available for download.

Whatever you do-- don't feel like an idiot!! That's my job.

[scooter]

Hey Frodo and Killahurts,

Thanks for helping out the mentally disabled.
I'm always amazed by how much I don't know, and hopefully someone else can benefit from your help with this.

Here's my set up:
I have an 8 core mac running D.P.7.0.2 (OS snow leopard) as my main computer.
I have 2 G5s and an (old Open Labs) PC (Windows XP) I wanted to slave to my main computer.

I have DSL service to my studio running through a Netgear Gigabit Switch model GS108.
The main computer has an airport card in it so I just go wireless with that.

So my questions are; what kind of switcher or router do I need to buy?
How exactly are they hooked up between the router and the computers?
Are there any ip address issues that I need to be aware of?

thanks so much,

scooter

[Frodo]

Scooter:

Here's a little info of types of ethernet hubs and routers which may be of interest:

http://www.duxcw.com/faq/network/hubsw.htm

Also, check out the VE Pro PDF under the "Setup" chapter. There is a graphic that shows a three-computer configuration. For four machines, the setup would be similar. You will need a separate iLok for each of the slaves, but your VE Pro comes with licenses already to accommodate immediate usage.

As to which brands or models of hubs would work best will take a bit of research, but there are plenty of options out there. Lynksys and D-Link are two brands which come to mind. Prices vary greatly-- from the low/mid $20 to over $300 and higher, but you don't want more features than you need. For example, 24 ports would probably be overkill, yes? 4, 5, or 8 ports might be more sensible. This would keep the prices closer to $100 or lower.

I'll see if I can scare up more info on various Mac-OSX-VE/VSL configurations to post specifics.

[scooter]

Frodo,

Thanks for the link. From what it says, a switch is better that a hub. I'm not sure then where a router fits in here? And here is the info I got from VSL on this:
first you should get a clear picture about your planned network (maybe make a little drawing)

to have computers networked you need to connect them all to a gigabit switch (don't get a too cheap one, ~8 ports for ~100 EUR would be a good category)
all network interfaces need an IP address now which i recommend to be class C (= network mask 255.255.255.0) and should reside in the private range (say 192.168.10.x where 1 <= x <= 254, different IP for each machine) ... basically you're done now.

i'd also recommend to have all computers in the same workgroup and identical logon user / password - makes sharing simpler.
if you have computers with more than 1 network interface give a self-explaining name to the network (eg. audio)

some computers might also be connected to the internet via a second network card - just make sure the IP address range does not collide with your audio network (say your router is 192.168.1.1 and the local IP for internet is 192.168.1.2)

there are also various other options, but without knowing details describing these could easily become a book ...

I think as soon as I can figure out the right router or switcher to get, then at that point it shouldn't be rocket science to get everything plugged in correctly.

scooter

[Frodo]

No, it shouldn't be difficult at all. In fact, VE Pro has a provision so that you don't have to worry about users and passwords. The nice thing is that each machine will identify itself with an IP address.

Oops on the use of the term "router". That does mean something different in geek-speak. Still, we're "routing" LAN data from one point to several other points, and a hub (even it's a switcher) is the better term to use here.

[rikp]

My probleme is:

If I want to use VE pro I need Leopard on the two computers.
Macpro and G5.

Some body use DP7 with X.5.8 on a G5 dual????
Its stable???

And thanks again.

Maybe this question has already been answered. I am using VE Pro with two Mac G5s running leopard and no problems! I have Vienna strings on one machine and brass/woodwinds on the other. Both machines have 8 GB of RAM and a Mac Pro with 22 GB of RAM is my main DAW running DP 7.02. Love the setup!!! Just finished a big movie score without a hiccup!

Peace

Rik

[KEVORKIAN]

Maybe this question has already been answered. I am using VE Pro with two Mac G5s running leopard and no problems! I have Vienna strings on one machine and brass/woodwinds on the other. Both machines have 8 GB of RAM and a Mac Pro with 22 GB of RAM is my main DAW running DP 7.02. Love the setup!!! Just finished a big movie score without a hiccup!

Peace

Rik

Rik, Any issues with Omnisphere or EWQL Play in relation to VE Pro? If no, how are you integrating them? (I'm looking to see if you are doing anything different from Frodo here) Thx!

[Frodo]

PLAY is not currently listed as being compatible with VE Pro. Other known incompatible products are Garritan Aria and Virus TI.

Third-Party Compatibility List:

AAS Lounge Lizard
BFD 2
mda plug-ins
Fxpansion DCAM
Ohmforce Ohmboyz
Gmedia Music impOSCar
Oxford Bundle
Prosoniq Orange Vocoder
LennarDigital Sylenth
PSP Vintage Warmer
Native Instruments Absynth
Native Instruments Elektrik Piano
Native Instruments Kontakt
Native Instruments Massive
Native Instruments PRO-53
Novation V-Station
reFX Vanguard
Rob Papen Albino
Rob Papen Blue
Soundlib G-Player
Spectrasonics Atmosphere
Spectrasonics Omnisphere
Spectrasonics Stylus
Spectrasonics Trilogy
Steinberg Neon
Toontrack EZDrummer
Toontrack SD2
Vienna Imperial
Waldorf Attack


Antares plug-ins
Arturia plug-ins
izotope plug-ins
Korg Legacy Series plug-ins
Silverspike Ruby Tube
SoundToys Crystalizer
Sonnox plug-ins
TC Works Native Bundle
Ultrafunk plug-ins
Vienna Suite
VSL

Note: As with anything, mileage *could* vary.

[scooter]

Is there anyone using the Ethernet connection for VE PRO would can just let me know what gigabit router, switch or hub they are using that works?
I've purchased my second switch now which is a D-Link DGS-2208 and my Mac doesn't see it and their tech support told me that an ethernet switch will not allow me to communicate between computers, and that I needed a router.

I've asked VSL this twice question about specific ethernet connection devices and they gave me a few brand names but no models. I know a lot of people have had success in doing this.

I'd really like to get this up and going. If Fry's sees me in the return line anymore after this, they might start getting suspicious.

scooter