A highly effective way to minimize CPU load while using multi-timbral plugins, is to route a plugin's single Multi Rack to individual instrument tracks in Studio Pro. By loading only one instance of a plugin to handle multiple sounds, you streamline your song's performance without sacrificing creative flexibility.
While Kontakt 8 is used in this example, this applies to any multi-timbral plugin. The routing logic remains similar.
Step 1: Add Plugin
Load your multi-timbral plugin: Drag one instance of the plugin into your Studio Pro song.
Step 2: Add Instrument Tracks
Create blank Instrument Tracks in your Studio Pro arrangement window (you can do this by right-clicking in the track list area). Add a track for every MIDI channel you intend to use.
Step 3: Load Your Samples in the Plugins Rack
Open the Plugin interface and add your desired samples/instruments into the plugins Rack.
Assign MIDI Channel: As you add them, assign a specific MIDI channel.
Example: The first instrument (Arp) is set to MIDI Channel 1, the second (On the Road) to Channel 2, and so on.
Step 4: Assign the Instrument Tracks MIDI Output to the Plugins Rack
Assign the Tracks MIDI Output: On each of your 4 Instrument Tracks, set the MIDI output to the plugin.
Step 3 area - Assign MIDI Channels: Use the dropdown menu on each track to select the corresponding MIDI channel:
Track 1: Set to CH 1
Track 2: Set to CH 2
Track 3: Set to CH 3
Track 4: Set to CH 4
Depending on the plugin and its format (VST3, AU, or CLAP), the MIDI destination may be labelled as MIDI Ch. 1–16 or Event 1–16. While the terminology varies, both represent the same routing path to the specific instrument in your rack.