Vienna Ensemble Pro 6 Tutorial 1: Basic Overview

Run instruments and effects outside your DAW

In response to many requests, we will explore Vienna Ensemble Pro 6.

This mixing and hosting application lets you load and manage software instruments and effects outside your DAW.

Instruments and effects can make a DAW slow or unstable.
Most of us have encountered this at some point.

By separating the loading of instruments and effects from the DAW, Vienna Ensemble Pro 6 can help reduce or resolve these problems.

In this first installment, we will focus on the product’s features and overview, through to preparing it for connection to a DAW.

Vienna Ensemble Pro 6 video tutorials

1. 1Basic overview (introduction)
2. 2Connecting to a DAW
3. 3Workflow efficiency techniques

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Vienna Ensemble Pro 6 requires eLicenser authorization.
If you have trouble with installation, refer to the article below.

Benefits of Vienna Ensemble Pro 6

First, let’s look at the benefits of using Vienna Ensemble Pro 6.

Use plug-ins across formats

Vienna Ensemble Pro 6 supports AAX, AU and VST, so it can be opened in a range of DAWs.
It can then host VST and AU plug-ins (AU on Mac only) on behalf of the DAW.

With Vienna Ensemble Pro 6 as an intermediary, you can use VST plug-ins in Logic or AU/VST plug-ins in Pro Tools, working across plug-in format boundaries.

It can also load 32-bit plug-ins, allowing you to use 32-bit plug-ins in a 64-bit DAW.

CPU efficiency

Running instruments and plug-ins in Vienna Ensemble Pro 6 can offer more favorable CPU usage than loading instruments directly in the DAW.

The software also includes a freeze function to reduce instrument load.

Distribute CPU load over a network

Connecting multiple computers to the same network lets you distribute the CPU load of instrument and effect processing.

For example, you can dedicate a powerful desktop computer to instruments and effects while using a portable laptop as the main computer running your DAW.

Switch DAWs or songs without reloading instruments

Vienna Ensemble Pro 6 can run independently of the DAW song.

This can greatly reduce instrument loading times when opening or switching songs and improve workflow.

Launching Vienna Ensemble Pro 6

After installation, look in:

• Mac: Applications folder
• Windows: Program Files

The folder is named “Vienna Ensemble Pro”.

The application used to connect with the DAW is Vienna Ensemble Pro Server.

Items labeled “(64bit)” handle 64-bit plug-ins; those without the label handle 32-bit plug-ins.

Here we will use the 64-bit version. Double-click it to launch.
The first launch scans VST plug-ins and may take some time.

As a rule, always launch it before starting your DAW.

The DAW and Vienna Ensemble Pro Server therefore run as separate applications.
Next time we will explain how to connect them.

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Frequently asked questions

Q1. How does Vienna Ensemble Pro 6 affect my DAW?

By handling instruments and effects in Vienna Ensemble Pro, it can reduce the DAW’s load and improve stability, leaving room for more plug-ins.

Q2. Can I use VST plug-ins in Logic?

Yes. Vienna Ensemble Pro 6 can host VST plug-ins for use in a DAW such as Logic that supports AU, providing a way to work across formats.

Q3. Can I use older 32-bit plug-ins in a 64-bit DAW?

Vienna Ensemble Pro 6 supports 32-bit plug-ins, allowing them to be used with a 64-bit DAW and enabling continued use of legacy plug-ins.

Q4. What should I do first after installation?

Authorization with eLicenser is required. After installation, launch Vienna Ensemble Pro Server before starting your DAW. The first VST plug-in scan may take some time.

Q5. What is the benefit of using multiple computers?

CPU load can be distributed over a network. You can use a powerful desktop for instrument processing while operating the DAW on a laptop, combining processing capacity with portability.