This article explains how to insert Native Instruments plug-ins in Digital Performer, including:

  • Inserting instrument plug-ins (e.g. Kontakt, Massive, etc.) in a software instrument track.
  • Routing MIDI tracks in Digital Performer to software instrument tracks.
  • Inserting effect plug-ins (e.g. Guitar Rig, Mod Pack, Replika, etc.) into an audio FX insert slot.
    • Some NI products can be inserted as both Instrument or Effect plug-ins (e.g. Absynth, FM8, and Reaktor).


TABLE OF CONTENTS


Inserting Instruments in Digital Performer

Creating the Instrument Track

  1. Create an Instrument Track in Digital Performer and choose an NI plug-in (e.g. Massive) by selecting from the following menu:

    Project > Add Track > Instrument Track > Native Instruments > Massive (Stereo)

  2. Once created, the Instrument track will also appear in the Digital Performer Mixing Board.


Routing MIDI to the Software Instrument Track

In Digital Performer, it is also required to create a MIDI track and route it to the instrument track (e.g. track containing Massive). Otherwise, the instrument plug-in cannot be triggered by MIDI Keyboard or Pad controller input.

  1. Create a MIDI track in Digital Performer:

    Project > Add Track > MIDI Track

  2. Route the MIDI Track to the instrument track containing Massive.

Events from the MIDI track will now trigger the instrument track containing Massive.


Inserting Effects

Effects plug-ins can be used in a DAW as an Insert effect or a Send effect. This guide demonstrates how to set up Insert effects. For further information about effects routing in Digital Performer, please consult the Digital Performer manual.

Loading the Effect Plug-in

  1. In the Digital Performer Mixing Board, click an empty insert slot to open the Insert Effects list.


  2. Choose an NI effect from this list. Use the search bar near the top of the Insert Effects list to quickly find a plug-in. In this example, the distortion effect Dirt is chosen.

The Dirt effect plug-in will now process the output signal of the software instrument track containing Massive. After loading the Dirt effect plug-in, its interface will open automatically for editing.

If you wish to open it again after closing its window, click the effect plug-in's name in the channel strip.