Carla is an audio plugin host, with support for many audio drivers and plugin formats. It has some nice features like automation of parameters via MIDI CC (and send output back as MIDI too) and full OSC control.


VSTHost is described as 'Hostprogram for VST-Plugins with ASIO-Support' and is a music production app in the audio & music category. There are more than 25 alternatives to VSTHost for Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS and BSD. The best VSTHost alternative is Carla, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like VSTHost are DDMF Metaplugin, VSTForx, Light Host and Pedalboard 2.
Carla is an audio plugin host, with support for many audio drivers and plugin formats. It has some nice features like automation of parameters via MIDI CC (and send output back as MIDI too) and full OSC control.


Metaplugin is a plugin that loads other plugins. As simple as that. Build your own effect networks with this plugin wrapper using any VST/VST3 (and AU, if you’re on Mac) effect you already have on your harddisk.

VSTForx is a full-modular effect network creation tool which comes as a VST-plugin. With VSTForx you are able to load any number of VST-plugins and connect them anyway you want.


A minimalistic VST host. Holds up to 4 VSTs. Allows for multiple instances (see how on GitHub). If you try to load an unregistered plugin, it may fail. Register somewhere else, then load it. If the sound clicks a lot, increase the buffer size or switch to Direct Sound in Audio...

A VST (plus AudioUnit on OSX) plugin host designed for live use. Based on the JUCE 'audio plugin host' code, heavily modified to better suit my purposes.

Element is a cross-platform, modular AU/VST audio plugin host. Create powerful effects racks and instruments by connecting plugins to one another. Load graphs on the fly for quick access to your sounds.



Cantabile is a music workstation for live performing musicians. Build your ideal rig - one that leaves you free to focus on giving your best performance.

SAVIHost lets you basically turn a VST instrument plugin into a standalone app. It's a very simple VST host that loads up a similarly named VSTi dll file and lets you interact with the plugin as if it's been loaded into a DAW complete with keyboard and extensive options...


Plogue Bidule is a modular audio software with full VST, Audio Unit and Rewire support.




Live, modular sound design environment that enables a user to combine, split, layer and chain their VST instruments and FX.




NanoHost is not a synthesizer. It is a free, minimalist host application for Windows that can load VST-synths. Furthermore, it can act as a wrapper which converts VST-synthesizers into standalone applications.




Build and control your live music rig with Gig Performer to transform and elevate your live performing experience by gaining complete control over the sound of your instrument or voice.



More modern interface. Directsound works. Less crashes / Bugs. Not as