

VST TO RTAS WRAPPER FOR MAC PRO
The nominal 0dB level can be varied from -24 to 0 dBFS (the loudest Pro Tools can get), making the meter a useful aid for controlling the average level of a mix in various formats from pop music to feature films. By default the settings are in strict accord with the standards set down for a professional VU meter. A number of parameters here allow detailed control of the meter's response, so anyone coming from an analogue console should be able to set themselves up with something they're familiar with. Clicking on the scale switches between two measurement ranges, and clicking on the plug-in's name flips the display to the 'back panel'. Vintage Meter (shown above) emulates a classic analogue VU meter, complete with moving needle graphics. PSP Vintage Meter (OS 9, OS X and Windows) And please let us know if you find any more, or have developed a Pro Tools add-on yourself. The plug-ins listed below will work on any type of Pro Tools system, LE or TDM, but some are limited to certain OS platforms. See the separate box for more info, and seriously think about treating yourself to this ingenious utility for Christmas (and spending the holidays downloading all those free VST goodies!).

VST TO RTAS WRAPPER FOR MAC FOR MAC OS X
However, things are about to get shaken up by the release of FXpansion's VST to RTAS Adapter for Mac OS X and Windows. Originally I expected to begin the column bemoaning the fact that users of other music software have all the fun, with so many more freebies available for the VST and Audio Unit formats. This month I've been trawling around to find free plug-ins that work directly with Pro Tools. On the news front, there's word of a VST-to-RTAS plug-in converter from FXpansion. We've rounded up some free effects and other goodies.
