Topic: Using Mixcraft and Pianoteq

I am using Mixcraft (some number) to record my music, and have been using an acoustic grand piano for the piano parts.  How do I use the pianoteq instead?  I'm not seeing how to use the two programs together I guess.

Re: Using Mixcraft and Pianoteq

Hi Steve,

1) Right click in track pannel > Insert new track > Virtual instrument track
2) Left click on the little keyboard icon > Change instrument
3) Left column : Category > VST instruments
4) Right column : there you should find your Pianoteq.

Hope this helps...

Last edited by Gaston (02-12-2012 11:27)

Re: Using Mixcraft and Pianoteq

Wow, that is great!  I'll try that as soon as I get back home today.  Thank you!

Re: Using Mixcraft and Pianoteq

Everything works except Pianoteq does not show up on the list.  And, no piano sound.

Last edited by Steve Kohl (06-12-2012 01:13)

Re: Using Mixcraft and Pianoteq

Steve Kohl wrote:

Everything works except Pianoteq does not show up on the list.  And, no piano sound.


I don't know Mixcraft, but the only time I've had this problem was when I had a 32 bit sequencing program and a 64 bit instrument or the reverse.

On the other hand, you may have to tell Mixcraft where to find the Pianoteq vsti. On the dialog box that lists the vsti's, there should be a Browse or similar button that lets you hunt down the dll.

Last edited by Jake Johnson (06-12-2012 01:54)

Re: Using Mixcraft and Pianoteq

Thanks, yes, I browsed and found the DLL under a folder called "Steinburg" in the Program Files as a VST plugin, but still not showing up in the list.  Not sure about the 32 bit and 64 bit issue.

Re: Using Mixcraft and Pianoteq

Steve Kohl wrote:

Thanks, yes, I browsed and found the DLL under a folder called "Steinburg" in the Program Files as a VST plugin, but still not showing up in the list.  Not sure about the 32 bit and 64 bit issue.

That may well be the problem. Remember that Pianoteq is available in both 32 bit and 64 bit versions. So you have to get three things aligned: the right cpu with the right sequencer with the right dll.

Confusing and cumbersome at times because many vsti's and some hosts are not yet in 64 bit versions, but most computers now sold are 64 bit. And then Windows, if you are using Windows, puts 32 bit dll's in the C:\Program file(86)\Steinberg\vsti or vst folder and 64 bit files in the regular C:\Program files\Steinberg folder\vsti or vst folder. Once you sort it out, however, things get much more straightforward.

Re: Using Mixcraft and Pianoteq

I may have to stick with my original setup.  I bought the Mixcraft 6 which is 64 bit, and downloaded the Pianoteq 64 bit version - still not working.  I was really looking forward to using the Pianoteq program, but will probably stick to recording a real piano.  Thanks for the help anyway.

Re: Using Mixcraft and Pianoteq

Steve Kohl wrote:

I may have to stick with my original setup.  I bought the Mixcraft 6 which is 64 bit, and downloaded the Pianoteq 64 bit version - still not working.  I was really looking forward to using the Pianoteq program, but will probably stick to recording a real piano.  Thanks for the help anyway.

Something's wrong there. Are you sure you are trying to load the 64 bit version of Pianoteq? If it doesn't load, I would post on the Mixcraft forum, too. The entire idea of using vsti's is that you can load them up into sequencer\audio program. A vsti should be a vsti.

Re: Using Mixcraft and Pianoteq

The directory path to Pianoteq (64) is C:/Program Files/Steinberg/VSTPlugins/Pianoteq 4 (64-bit).dll -
and it may be Mixcraft needs to be browsed to the VSTPlugins directory.

Don't know why that should be since that's the standard place to put plugins; but it's not a bolted-in place (though a well-known one), so perhaps Mixcraft is catering to ANY possibility as its default path (that is, it doesn't declare any standard path, and you MUST browse for your target).

Last edited by custral (07-12-2012 05:02)

Re: Using Mixcraft and Pianoteq

Well, I just opened up Mixcraft--I have the demo version, which has not yet expired--added a vsti track and then set the track to Pianoteq, and it seems to work fine. I press keys on my midi keyboard, and Pianoteq plays.

Are you able to see Pianoteq in the list yet? If not, be sure that you click on:

1. File\Preferences\Plugins (at the bottom of the list)
2. Edit vst/vsti folders\Add and then find and select the Pianoteq folder and click on OK and then OK again
3. Click on Rescan all VST Plugins and then on OK again


If you have done all of this, and there is no sound, there are some things to check:

1. That you add a vsti track.
2. You have set the channel with the correct midi out device. As a test, just assign the midi device to all of the tracks. See the next step.
3. You have clicked on the keyboard icon at the right of the track. If you have just bought the program, but have not registered it, a message may open saying that it must be registered. If what instead opens is the vsti Intruments dialog box, be sure the checkbox at the far left beside Pianoteq is checked. If it is, click on the Config button on the far right of that dialog box, under Outputs. In the Outputs dialog box that opens, click on All and then on Ok. You should hear sound when  you play your midi keyboard at this point.
4. You have not accidentally muted the track or soloed another track. Don't open any of the preset songs, which might have tracks muted for a few bars or other tracks soloed for a time. Start with nothing and then add the vsti track.
5. That you can, come to think of it, get sound from any vsti. Is it Pianoteq, or any vsti that does not produce a sound?

Keep posting and don't get discouraged. Everyone runs into a cul de sac at times, and rumor has it that Alice's Mad Hatter was fine until he started working with a sequencer.

Last edited by Jake Johnson (07-12-2012 05:22)

Re: Using Mixcraft and Pianoteq

Okay, I need to go to bed.  Still no Pianoteq in the VST list, but I've put the plugin into the folder.

Re: Using Mixcraft and Pianoteq

Did you shut the computer completely off...even unplug for a min and then start up again...just thinking out loud here

Re: Using Mixcraft and Pianoteq

I have now, as of this morning.  1) I'm using the demo version of Pianoteq, is that okay?  2) Am I supposed to start up the Pianoteq program before I start up Mixcraft, or does that not matter?

Re: Using Mixcraft and Pianoteq

Steve Kohl wrote:

I have now, as of this morning.  1) I'm using the demo version of Pianoteq, is that okay?  2) Am I supposed to start up the Pianoteq program before I start up Mixcraft, or does that not matter?

1. I think the demo version of Pianoteq will, with the usual limitations for the demo, work.

2. No, no. The standalone version of Pianoteq is a completely different program. A vsti will only play in a host such as Mixcraft.

Re: Using Mixcraft and Pianoteq

Well, it turns out I was using the Stand Alone version of Pianoteq.  I just now uninstalled that and put in the Stage version and,...PRESTO!  there it was!!  Thanks for all the help, indeed!!

Re: Using Mixcraft and Pianoteq

You can keep both the vst and the stand-alone version installed. Did you see that the stand-along version has its own midi recorder and playback system? I you only want to record piano pieces, that's all you need. Or you can record the piano pieces in the stand-alone, save the midi file, and then open it in Mixcraft to add other instruments. (The stand-alone is just easy to start and work with. No worrying about tracks, etc.)