Virtual Instrument Player (VIP) software version 1.1 released along with a VIP website

16 November 2015

A new Virtual Instrument Player (VIP) software version 1.1 has been announced for keyboards that support VIP.  Additionally there is a new website that is due to be launched devoted solely to VIP.  The website is set to include useful information about VIP, instructional videos, update information, reviews, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and artist profiles to enhance the VIP experience.

VIP is included as box standard within keyboard brands such as Akai Professional Advance 25, 49 and 61 and the new Alesis VX49.  Alternatively, VIP works on its own as an application or as any digital audio workstation as a VST, AU or AAX plug-in.

The VIP software allows users to access their VST instruments stored on their computer directly from the keyboard effortlessly.  There are a few new functions included in the software release worthy of mentioning in addition to the uploading and managing plug-ins.

Firstly there is the ‘tagging’ function which enables users to search and filter through single patches in their plug-in library effortlessly via the integrated patch browser.  The user has the option to search by genre, instrument type, timbre or articulation.  Once the chosen plug-in has been selected the VIP software auto-maps the keyboards hardware controls to that plug-in and in turn the parameters are then displayed.

Secondly, there is the ‘multi’ function which allows the user to merge up to 8 patches from 1 or more plug-ins.  In addition, the user is then able to modify the patches through layering, panning or mixing.  Also under this function there is the ability to set keyboard splits and switch patches along with saving and recalling any new sound created.  When a ‘multi’ is played the pads and controller on the unit adapt to become performance controls.  These in turn provides the user control to mix, solo, pan and mute the ‘multi’.

Finally, the last feature worth mentioning is the means for the VIP software to produce ‘setlists’ which enables virtual instruments to be instantaneously accessed for live performances.  The keyboard allows the user to switch to the next patch, irrelevant of its plug-in, at the touch of the button. 

Features of the new VIP version 1.1

  • New Plug-in Maps and even more plug-ins
  • Auto Patch Loading
  • Resizable GUI
  • Output Routing
  • Chords on Pads
  • Multi-Keyboard Support
  • Multi-core Rendering
  • New Plug-in Manager
  • Auto-tagging on Import

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