In all of our instrument plug-ins, there are options to send multiple outputs to a host application or DAW. In this FAQ, we dive deep into how this is done for each plug-in in all of the hosts we regularly test our plug-ins in.
Depending on the Toontrack software you are using, you will have more or less options to send multiple outputs to a DAW. We have opted to enable as many outputs as we deem to be necessary for each product.
For example, the EZbass output can be split into three: a raw DI signal, effects chain and sub-bass. EZdrummer 3 can output up to 16 stereo signals, which allows you to individually process the instruments in your DAW much like you would in the Superior Drummer 3 mixer.
You can enable Multi-Out Audio in the Settings > General tab. After enabling this option, EZbass will send its Effects chain on Output 1/2, Bass DI on Output 3/4, and Sub-bass on Output 5/6.
Click the image below for more details.
Open the Mixer tab, then you can either configure the outputs manually by setting the outputs for each channel in the mixer, or use the Mixer menu in the top left > Multichannel to use the pre-configured setting for the sound library and preset you have loaded.
We would recommend using the “Basic”, “Default” or “Original Mix” preset depending on if you want to route all available mics in the EZX you are using or not. The sound designers may have grouped the mics into bus channels in other presets. Something to keep in mind, at least.
Click the image below for more details.
EZkeys 2 normally does not have any multichannel outputs active, but some EKXs and/or libraries may include presets that have multi-outs configured. In the core library, you will find such presets in the preset menu under Raw Sounds.
Click the image below for more details.
Open the Mixer tab, then you can either configure the outputs manually by setting the outputs for each channel in the mixer, or use the Mixer menu in the top left > Apply Multichannel Outputs to use the pre-configured setting for the sound library and preset you have loaded.
We would recommend using the “Basic”, “Default” or “Original Mix” preset depending on if you want to route all available mics in the SDX/EZX you are using or not. The sound designers may have grouped the mics into bus channels in other presets. Something to keep in mind, at least.
Click the image below for more details.
After you have enabled multi-outs in the plug-in, you are going to have to route those signals from the plug-in to the mixer in your DAW.
Please select your host below for more information on how to proceed. Note that the procedure may be slightly different depending on the version of host you are using.
In Ableton, you need to create audio tracks for each output you want to use and then set the input for those tracks correctly.
Cakewalk lets you add the output tracks when you add the instrument plug-in to your project.
Load the plug-in and then enable the outputs in the VST instrument window.
The channels you activate will then show up in the Cubase mixer.
In Digital Performer, you need to create audio tracks for each output you want to use and then set the input for those tracks correctly.
Garageband does not allow you to send audio from an Audio Unit plug-in to multiple tracks.
Load the plug-in and then enable the outputs in the mixer console of Logic.
In Pro Tools, you need to create audio tracks or aux inputs for each output you want to use and then set the input for those tracks correctly.
Don’t forget to enable input monitoring/record arm before you record anything into Pro Tools if you chose to use audio tracks over aux inputs.
In REAPER you only need to load your Toontrack plug-in and choose the auto-routing that REAPER suggests.
Load the plug-in and then enable the outputs in the Instrument list next to the Mixer console in Studio One.
The channels you activate will then show up in the Studio One mixer.
Load the plug-in, then use a wrapper to send each stereo output to separate stereo tracks.
If there are any effects in the preset you are using on the first output channel before you enable multi-outs, those effects will either be inactivated or they will only be on output channel 1/2 which normally is the kick channel. A common reaction is “Why did EZdrummer 3 get so quiet now when I’m using multi-outs?”.
Master bus compression and saturation and such effects need to be added in the host to compensate if you want to get roughly the same sound in your host.
