The Ultimate Guide to VST to RTAS Adapter v2: Features, Benefits, and Tips
What is Vst To Rtas Adaptor V2.1 Serial?
If you are a Pro Tools user who wants to expand your sonic palette with more plugins, you might have heard of Vst To Rtas Adaptor V2.1 Serial. This is a product by FXpansion that allows you to use VST plugins in Pro Tools.
Vst To Rtas Adaptor V2.1 Serial
VST stands for Virtual Studio Technology, which is a standard format for audio plugins developed by Steinberg. VST plugins can emulate various types of audio equipment, such as synthesizers, samplers, effects, processors, etc. There are thousands of VST plugins available on the market, both free and paid, covering a wide range of sounds and functions.
RTAS stands for Real-Time AudioSuite, which is a proprietary format for audio plugins developed by Avid for Pro Tools. RTAS plugins can also emulate various types of audio equipment, but they are exclusive to Pro Tools and cannot be used in other DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations).
Vst To Rtas Adaptor V2.1 Serial is a software that bridges the gap between these two formats. It enables you to use your VST plugins in Pro Tools as if they were RTAS plugins. It uses negligible CPU power and provides a simple configuration tool that scans for VST plugins on your system and creates RTAS plugins from them.
Vst To Rtas Adaptor V2.1 Serial is fully compatible with VST 2.3 effect and instrument plugins. It also works with many VST 2.4 plugins, but not all of them are officially supported. It supports all Pro Tools versions from 7.x to 10.x, both on Windows and Mac OS X.
Why use Vst To Rtas Adaptor V2.1 Serial?
There are many reasons why you might want to use Vst To Rtas Adaptor V2.1 Serial in your Pro Tools projects. Here are some of them:
You can access a much larger collection of plugins than what Pro Tools offers by default.
You can save money by using free or cheaper VST plugins instead of buying expensive RTAS ones.
You can use your favorite VST plugins that you are already familiar with from other DAWs.
You can experiment with new sounds and effects that are not available in RTAS format.
You can enhance your workflow by using the same plugins across different DAWs.
Of course, using Vst To Rtas Adaptor V2.1 Serial also comes with some challenges and limitations, which we will discuss later in this article. But overall, it is a very useful tool that can open up new possibilities for your music production.
How to install and use Vst To Rtas Adaptor V2.1 Serial?
Installing and using Vst To Rtas Adaptor V2.1 Serial is very easy and straightforward. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Download the installer from FXpansion's website (https://www.fxpansion.com/products/vst-rtas-adapter/). You will need a serial number to activate it.
Run the installer and follow the instructions on screen.
Launch Pro Tools and go to Preferences > Plugins > Plugin Streaming Buffer Size > Set it to Level 4 or higher (this will improve performance).
Go to Preferences > Plugins > Plugin Compatibility > Check "Use Plug-In Header Files" (this will improve compatibility).
Quit Pro Tools.
Launch the configuration tool (VstToRtasConfig.exe on Windows or /Applications/FXpansion/VST-RTAS Adapter/VST-RTAS Adapter Config.app on Mac OS X).
Select your preferred scan options (such as scan location, scan mode, etc.)
Click "Scan" to scan your system for available VST plugins.
Select which plugins you want to wrap as RTAS plugins (you can select all or some).
Click "Wrap" to create RTAS versions of your selected plugins.
Launch Pro Tools again.
Your wrapped plugins will appear in your plugin list under FXpansion category.
Tips and tricks for using Vst To Rtas Adaptor V2.1 Serial
To get the most out of your wrapped plugins, here are some tips and tricks you should keep in mind:
If you have any problems with a plugin, try rescanning it or rewrapping it with different options.
If you have any updates or changes to your original VST plugin files, you need to rescan them or rewrap them again.
If you want to delete any wrapped plugin files, you need to do it manually from your plugin folder (C:\Program Files\Common Files\Digidesign\DAE\Plug-Ins\FXpansion on Windows or /Library/Application Support/Digidesign/Plug-Ins/FXpansion on Mac OS X).
If you want to rename any wrapped plugin files, you need to do it manually from your plugin folder as well.
If you want to move any wrapped plugin files, you need to update their paths in the configuration tool.
If you want to use multiple instances of a wrapped plugin, make sure it supports multiple outputs (such as Kontakt or Battery).
If you want to automate any parameters of a wrapped plugin, make sure they are exposed in the plugin interface (such as knobs or sliders).
What are some of the best VST plugins to use with Vst To Rtas Adaptor V2.1 Serial?
There are countless VST plugins that you can use with Vst To Rtas Adaptor V2.1 Serial, depending on your needs and preferences. However, here are some examples of some popular and high-quality ones that work well with the adapter:
Synths and instruments
NameDescriptionGenre/Style
Sylenth1A powerful virtual analog synth that offers rich sounds, flexible modulation options, low CPU usage, and easy-to-use interface.EDM, pop, hip-hop, trance, etc.
an intuitive interface.Ambient, cinematic, orchestral, rock, etc.
KontaktA powerful sampler that can load and play various types of sound libraries, offering realistic sounds, advanced scripting options, extensive effects, and a user-friendly interface.Acoustic, ethnic, classical, jazz, etc.
NexusA rompler that can load and play various types of sound expansions, offering high-quality sounds, simple editing options, built-in effects, and a sleek interface.Dance, pop, house, electro, etc.
MassiveA versatile wavetable synth that can create a wide range of sounds, offering complex modulation options, powerful filters, rich effects, and a flexible interface.Dubstep, trap, techno, bass music, etc.
Effects and processors
NameDescriptionType/Function
FabFilter Pro-Q 3A professional equalizer that offers high-quality sound, precise control, dynamic processing, linear phase mode, spectrum analyzer, and a beautiful interface.EQ
Waves CLA-2AA classic compressor/limiter that emulates the legendary LA-2A hardware unit, offering smooth and warm sound, simple operation, and vintage vibe.Compressor/Limiter
Valhalla VintageVerbA versatile reverb that emulates various types of vintage reverbs, offering lush and realistic sound, flexible parameters, modulation options, and a retro interface.Reverb
iZotope Ozone 9A complete mastering suite that offers various tools for enhancing and optimizing your mixes, such as EQ, compression, imaging, exciter, limiter, etc.Mastering
Soundtoys DecapitatorA powerful distortion/saturation plugin that can add warmth and character to your sounds, offering five different models, tone shaping options, mix control, and a fun interface.Distortion/Saturation
Creative and experimental
NameDescriptionType/Function
Xfer SerumA cutting-edge wavetable synth that can create complex and dynamic sounds, offering advanced wavetable editing options, modulation options, effects, and a visual interface.Synth/Sound Design
Glitch 2A creative effect plugin that can chop, twist, and glitch your sounds, offering various modules such as tape stop, retrigger, stutter, reverse, etc.Effect/Glitch
Output PortalA granular effect plugin that can transform your sounds into ambient textures, offering various presets, parameters, modulation options, effects, and a futuristic interface.
Effect/Granular
Native Instruments Guitar Rig 6 Pro
A comprehensive guitar amp and effect simulator that can emulate various types of amps, cabs, mics, pedals, etc., offering realistic sound, flexible routing options, effects, and a realistic interface.
Effect/Guitar Sim
Sugar Bytes Effectrix
A creative effect sequencer that can apply various effects to your sounds in a rhythmic pattern, offering various effects such as filter, delay, loop, scratch, etc., and a colorful interface.
Effect/Sequencer
What are some of the limitations and drawbacks of Vst To Rtas Adaptor V2.1 Serial?
Vst To Rtas Adaptor V2.1 Serial is a great tool that can enhance your Pro Tools experience with more plugins. However, it is not perfect and it has some limitations and drawbacks that you should be aware of. Here are some of them:
Compatibility issues
Vst To Rtas Adaptor V2.1 Serial does not support all VST plugins. Some plugins may not work at all or may cause crashes or errors. Some plugins may have missing or incorrect features or parameters. Some plugins may have graphical or audio glitches. Some plugins may have latency or synchronization problems. Some plugins may have licensing or authorization problems.
To avoid compatibility issues you should always check the compatibility list on FXpansion's website (https://www.fxpansion.com/support/faq/vstrtasadapter/) before wrapping a plugin. You should also test the wrapped plugin thoroughly before using it in a project. You should also contact the plugin developer if you encounter any problems with their plugin.
Performance issues
Vst To Rtas Adaptor V2.1 Serial does not affect the CPU usage of the wrapped plugins. However some VST plugins may be more CPU-intensive than RTAS ones especially if they are poorly coded or optimized. This may affect the overall performance of your Pro Tools system especially if you use multiple instances of the same plugin or multiple different plugins.
To avoid performance issues you should always monitor your CPU usage in Pro Tools and adjust your buffer size accordingly. You should also use only the plugins that you need and disable or remove any unused ones. You should also use the freeze or bounce functions to render any tracks that use heavy plugins to audio files.
Licensing issues
Vst To Rtas Adaptor V2.1 Serial does not affect the licensing or authorization of the wrapped plugins. However some VST plugins may have different licensing or authorization methods than RTAS ones especially if they use dongles challenge-response or online activation systems. This may affect the usability or portability of your Pro Tools projects especially if you use different computers or systems.
To avoid licensing issues you should always follow the licensing or authorization instructions of the plugin developer and keep your licenses or authorizations up to date. You should also backup your licenses or authorizations regularly and store them in a safe place. You should also contact the plugin developer if you encounter any problems with their licensing or authorization system.
Conclusion
Vst To Rtas Adaptor V2.1 Serial is a useful product that can enable you to use VST plugins in Pro Tools. It can expand your sonic palette with more sounds and effects save you money by using free or cheaper plugins and enhance your workflow by using the same plugins across different DAWs. However it also has some limitations and drawbacks that you should be aware of such as compatibility issues performance issues and licensing issues. Therefore you should always check the compatibility list test the wrapped plugins monitor your CPU usage follow the licensing instructions and contact the plugin developers if you encounter any problems.
Key takeaways
Vst To Rtas Adaptor V2.1 Serial is a product by FXpansion that allows you to use VST plugins in Pro Tools as if they were RTAS plugins.
Vst To Rtas Adaptor V2.1 Serial is fully compatible with VST 2.3 effect and instrument plugins and works with many VST 2.4 plugins as well.
Vst To Rtas Adaptor V2.1 Serial supports all Pro Tools versions from 7.x to 10.x both on Windows and Mac OS X.
Vst To Rtas Adaptor V2.1 Serial has many benefits such as accessing more plugins saving money using favorite plugins experimenting with new sounds and enhancing workflow.
Vst To Rtas Adaptor V2.1 Serial also has some limitations and drawbacks such as compatibility issues performance issues and licensing issues.
You should always check the compatibility list test the wrapped plugins monitor your CPU usage follow the licensing instructions and contact the plugin developers if you encounter any problems.
Next steps
If you are interested in using Vst To Rtas Adaptor V2.1 Serial in your Pro Tools projects here are some next steps you can take:
Download the installer from FXpansion's website (https://www.fxpansion.com/products/vst-rtas-adapter/) and activate it with your serial number.
Install and configure the adapter and wrap your desired VST plugins following the steps in this article.
Launch Pro Tools and start using your wrapped plugins in your projects following the tips and tricks in this article.
li>Learn more about the adapter and its features by reading the manual (https://www.fxpansion.com/media/attachments/product/download/VST-RTAS_Adapter_v2.1_Manual.pdf) or visiting the FAQ page (https://www.fxpansion.com/support/faq/vstrtasadapter/).
Share your feedback and experiences with the adapter and the plugins by joining the FXpansion forum (https://forum.fxpansion.com/) or contacting the support team (https://www.fxpansion.com/support/).
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Vst To Rtas Adaptor V2.1 Serial:
What is the difference between VST and RTAS?VST and RTAS are two different formats for audio plugins. VST is a standard format developed by Steinberg that can be used in various DAWs. RTAS is a proprietary format developed by Avid that can only be used in Pro Tools.
What is the difference between Vst To Rtas Adaptor V2.1 Serial and Vst To Rtas Adaptor V1?Vst To Rtas Adaptor V2.1 Serial is an updated version of Vst To Rtas Adaptor V1 that offers improved compatibility, performance, and features. It supports more VST plugins, works with more Pro Tools versions, has a better configuration tool, and has a lower price.
How much does Vst To Rtas Adaptor V2.1 Serial cost?Vst To Rtas Adaptor V2.1 Serial costs $99 USD. You can buy it from FXpansion's website (https://www.fxpansion.com/products/vst-rtas-adapter/) or from authorized dealers.
How many VST plugins can I wrap with Vst To Rtas Adaptor V2.1 Serial?You can wrap as many VST plugins as you want with Vst To Rtas Adaptor V2.1 Serial, as long as they are compatible with the adapter and your system can handle them.
Can I use Vst To Rtas Adaptor V2.1 Serial on multiple computers?You can use Vst To Rtas Adaptor V2.1 Serial on up to three computers that you own or control, as long as you only use one at a time.