My Solution for Windows Apps with Linux

[Audiojunkie]

I got tired of the back and forth with WINE for plugins (I use it for other tools, just not plugins). I want to tell you what I did. It's so simple and obvious, people will think it is cheating. As you know, there are a limited number of solutions for running Windows plugins with Linux:

• yabridge & WINE
• LinVST3 & WINE
• WINEASIO & WINE with a vst host (such as Blue Cat Audio's Patchwork) through pipewire or with Connector
• Using a Windows machine & a Linux machine with Audiogridder through a network
• Using a Windows machine and a Linux machine, and 2 audio interfaces connected together
• Possibly a Win VM with a low latency solution to Linux Pipewire

I decided to treat a tiny NUC-sized windows 11 computer with an interface as a hardware synth. I have Blue Cat Audio's Patchwork application set to run upon startup. I have the power off button configured to shut down the computer with two quick button presses. The Windows computer is headless, unless I need to troubleshoot something in the startup. I run the computer without a monitor (just like a piece of hardware). I use the RDP protocol (with audio set to not transfer), and I can access the box from my Linux machine if needed. Otherwise, I can run everything else through MIDI. A small NUC-like headless device, along with an audio interface, and it essentially IS a hardware synth. It's so simple, and avoids any problems with yabridge, LinVST, WINE, WINEASIO, etc., etc., and as an added bonus, it off loads CPU and RAM usage.

[tavasti]

I have been considering it, but this far haven't done. Main reason for not going for it is money: I would need to get one bigger audio interface, because my current interface has all inputs occupied. And to make that windows really usable, able to run more than one plugin at the time, I would need to get really bigger interface, more than 10 inputs. Meaning at least 350€ money spent on that. Will see if there will be the day I think that investment is worth it

[Audiojunkie]

Money is my biggest problem as well. And I have some hardware synths I’d like to use too, and I don’t have enough input channels on my audio interface. But I found a way to do it much cheaper. I wanted a multichannel audio card as well, but ended up not being able to afford it. Here’s the trick: use a line mixer to sub-mix your synths, using something like one of the following:

• Samson SM10 Rackmount Line Mixer $280
• ART MX822 Stereo Rackmount Mixer $230
• Behringer RX1602 V2 Rackmount Line Mixer $140
• Moukey Audio Mixer, DC 5V, 8 Stereo Ultra, Low Noise 8 Channel Line Mixer $42

Think of it as a studio expander.

I’m currently using a 2in 2out Arturia Minifuse 2 for my Linux system, as well as one for my Win11 machine.

I’m also using my pedalboard as a super powered studio effects unit, including:

• HX Stomp
• Boss MS-3
• Boss VF-1
• ElectroHarmonix B9
• DigiTech Mosaic

In addition, I’m using two:

• Cubilux 5-Way Quarter Inch Signal Splitters $22 each—one for each output. This allows me the ability to run anything I want through my outboard effects, and also feed anything to the Win11 device for any Windows 11 effects.

While I do have to record each track alone (instead of recording directly into its own channel like one would with an audio interface with more channels), until I am ready for that, I can run everything into a single stereo output. It’s not that much different from using an audio interface with more inputs.

My original plan called for a Focusrite Scarlett gen4 18i20 and a Behringer AD8200—and with cables and other things that I planned on getting, it was going to cost well over $1000. I couldn’t afford it. However, using this alternative method, I’ve found that I can accomplish nearly the same for around $200.

[Linuxmusician01]

[...]windows 11 computer with an interface as a hardware synth. [...]

Maybe a stupid question but can you operate it via Midi in your Linux DAW? Or can you only record live playing?

[Audiojunkie]

[...]windows 11 computer with an interface as a hardware synth. [...]

Maybe a stupid question but can you operate it via Midi in your Linux DAW? Or can you only record live playing?

I’m using two Arturia Minifuse 2 interfaces. They both have midi ports. I treat this headless Win11 like a hardware synth—with midi.

[Linuxmusician01]

[...]windows 11 computer with an interface as a hardware synth. [...]

Maybe a stupid question but can you operate it via Midi in your Linux DAW? Or can you only record live playing?

I’m using two Arturia Minifuse 2 interfaces. They both have midi ports. I treat this headless Win11 like a hardware synth—with midi.

Thanks. It's an alternative if software bridging won't work. Mini-PC's are affordable these days and if they're headless it's not that much of extra stuff in one's house.

[miuzik]

If you don't have a screen in you Windows PC, How do you edit vst parameters? Sorry if I lost something