Different number of preset choices

[dave_dore]

Continuing the discussion from Can we share Cantabile fxb Banks at Community Site?:

@brad

@dave_dore

What is the difference between an fxb file and a cantabileFxb file?

The deciding factor is the number of VST preset slots the plugin supports.

If the plugin supports multiple preset slots (eg: Ivory) then Cantabile works directly with those and exports as FXB files.

If the plugin only supports one preset slot (eg: Omnisphere) then Cantabile switches to “pseudo preset mode” where it maintains a copy of the entire plugin state for each preset slot. Under the covers Cantabile maintains an FXB for each preset and on selecting the preset loads that internally managed FXB.

When you export a bank from a pseudo preset managed plugin, there needs to be a way to export all these internally managed FXB’s as one file - and that’s what a .cantabileFxb file is - a special format only supported by Cantabile that contains multiple FXB files.

Regarding load times, switching presets on a non-pseudo plugin Cantabile tells the plugin “load preset N”. When switching pseudo presets, Cantabile says “here load this FXB”. How long the plugin takes to do that can vary wildly.

@brad

As I have been working with my different vsts and vstis the number of empty pseudo preset slots available changes depending on the plugin. Sometimes 10 , somtimes 128 , somtimes 50 etc… Could you explain how this is decided and how Cantabile interacts in this case? Thanks

[brad]

Hi Dave,

There should always be 128 pseudo presets. If the drop down to choose is showing a different number, it’s probably not using pseudo presets at all and that’s the number of presets supported natively by the plugin.

(Unless there’s a bug, in which case let me know the details)

Brad

[dave_dore]

@brad

that’s the number of presets supported natively by the plugin.

Ok, I understand now. No bug, but while I was studying this I came across .sfx extension. It’s used by S-Gear for storing their presets. Do you know any thing about it and is it a common format? Thanks…

[brad]

Hi Dave,

Not sure off hand … sounds like a custom file extension for s-gear but I could be wrong.

Brad