Since not every piano VST is available as a standalone version, you need host software. If you don’t want to buy an expensive digital audio workstation, you can use a free DAW instead. And you can do a lot more with these programs than just play the piano!
We should mention right away that these DAWs are no different from many free piano VSTs: Nothing is actually free. You have to create an account to download and install the software, so you are paying with your personal information.
Still, it’s a good place to start, especially since you can use the free software for as long as you like. Some of the programs are light versions with limited functionality, while others are fully functional but older versions. However, not every free DAW allows you to install your own VSTs.
If you are looking for an easy-to-use DAW program, you should take a look at Waveform. It is the successor of Tracktion software – the manufacturer (Tracktion Software Corporation) has only changed the name of the software. Everything else remains the same: As soon as a new major update is released, the previous version becomes free to download. So even if you’re not 100% up to date, you’ll still get everything you need from this completely free DAW: Recording, mixing, and arranging music, as well as playing software instruments – all is included. Best of all, you can install any software instrument as a VST plug-in.
There is even a video player for adding soundtracks to movies. All in all, you have a more than adequate platform for making music with plug-ins and piano VSTs. The new paid version of Waveform is called Waveform Pro. The free version of Waveform is available for Mac OS, Windows, and Linux.
The world is full of sounds – to turn them into a track, you need a DAW. This is certainly the idea behind the new DAW from the manufacturer Output, which is known as a supplier of high-quality and stylish sound and sample sets.
Sample-based arranging now seems to be the focus of the free DAW Output Creator, which Output is making freely available. And the starter templates make it really easy to access the material.
The DAW is actually completely free and comes with a wide range of stock material, which is not pre-installed but loaded directly online. You can (and should?) also buy additional content from the Output pool. Output Creator is quick to install and works without complications, but does not allow the integration of any VST instruments.
This means that this DAW is of course not an option if you only want to play a piano VST. However, Output Creator is practical for creating your own beats using drag & drop – select and edit drums, basslines, stabs and chords. It couldn’t be easier to make your own cool beats and loops that you can then improvise over with your digital piano.
→ Website: Output
→ Download Output Creator
To just play a piano VST, Reaper would be feature overkill par excellence. But it is actually available free of charge with no strings attached – with a full range of functions. It includes everything you would expect from a DAW and exceeds everything that is otherwise offered by free DAWs. With Reaper, limits on the number of tracks and the like are not an issue. VSTs can also be used without limits.
What’s the catch? There is none. Even after the trial period, you can continue to use the software in the evaluation version. It’s only fair to buy the software at some point. The price is also reasonable.
The Berlin-based software company offers the “Free” version Bitwig Studio 8-Track free of charge in conjunction with selected audio interfaces – a classic bundle DAW. Like many free DAWs, Bitwig Studio 8-Track is limited. As the product name suggests, up to eight tracks can be used, and the full range of instruments and effects is not implemented.
But otherwise – and here comes the big advantage of Bitwig Studio 8-Track – you get access to 40 instruments, effects, Note FX and a basic library with samples and presets including piano sounds. A powerful music package that lets you get started and get creative right away.
The highlight of Bitwig Studio: Up to two VST plug-ins can be used, making this free DAW an absolute tip as a host program for piano VST. Like all DAWs, Bitwig Studio is designed to produce complete music. When it comes to handling software instruments, however, Bitwig Studio has a big head start: the integration of controllers to operate synthesizers and effects via knobs, faders and buttons is super easy to use and very well done.
Website: Bitwig
Download: Bitwig Studio 8-Track
Cubase is a classic among DAW programs – one of the most powerful sequencers ever. As the software is extremely comprehensive, beginners are often overwhelmed by the learning curve. To make getting started as easy as possible, Steinberg offers the free Cubase LE version, which includes everything you need to record music and play software instruments: Audio and MIDI tracks, mixer, effects, and more.
With the Halion Sonic SE software sampler, the Groove Agent SE drum VST, and a total of 5 GB of loops and sounds, you get a really great recording package. The included piano sounds are great for arranging and composing, but can’t compete with a piano VST. You can install any plug-ins you like, so you’re all set to play and record with the piano VST of your choice.
Now comes the but, as there is one tiny shortcoming: Cubase LE is only available as bundled software, e.g. with the purchase of recording hardware from Steinberg and possibly other products. Since you need a MIDI audio interface to make music with your audio computer anyway, Cubase LE is still a more than reasonable offer.
Although Apple’s GarageBand music studio is limited to MacOS and iOS devices, it is pre-installed and free for Apple users. Apple GarageBand offers multitrack recording for audio and MIDI, lots of really good software instruments and effects, as well as an extensive sound library including acoustic and electric pianos, synths, drums, orchestral sounds, drums & grooves, etc.
GarageBand is Logic Pro’s little sister, so it has the same limitations: Piano VSTs will not work here because Apple does not support this format. You can run software instruments in Apple’s own AudioUnit (AU) format, but GarageBand is even more limited because it generally does not allow you to play external software instruments. That said, the possibilities of GarageBand on iPad and iPhone are pretty cool.
Several websites report this and claim that the program offers more features than it actually does. There’s no doubt that Audacity is an extensive audio program with professional editing capabilities – and it’s completely free. However, while the ability to edit multiple tracks at once matches the basic capabilities of a DAW, and you can even install VST plug-ins, it is more of an audio editor than a DAW. There is also no way to play VST instruments. At the very least, this confirms that Audacity is not a suitable free DAW for playing a piano VST.
More Information: www.audacityteam.org
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