How to Insert Native Instruments Plug-ins in Digital Performer

This article explains how to insert Native Instruments plug-ins in Digital Performer, including:

  • Inserting instrument plug-ins (e.g. Kontakt, Massive, etc.) in a software instrument track.
  • Routing MIDI tracks in Digital Performer to software instrument tracks.
  • Inserting effect plug-ins (e.g. Guitar Rig, Mod Pack, Replika, etc.) into an audio FX insert slot.

    Note: Some NI products can be inserted as both Instrument or Effect plug-ins (e.g. Absynth, FM8, and Reaktor).

Inserting Instruments in Digital Performer

Creating the Instrument Track

  1. Create an Instrument Track in Digital Performer and choose an NI plug-in (e.g. Massive) by selecting from the following menu:
    Project > Add Track > Instrument Track  > Native Instruments > Massive (Stereo)
    01_-_Add_Track.png
  2. Once created, the Instrument track will also appear in the Digital Performer Mixing Board.
    02_-_Massive_In_Mixing_Board.png

Routing MIDI to the Software Instrument Track

In Digital Performer, it is also required to create a MIDI track and route it to the instrument track (e.g. track containing Massive). Otherwise, the instrument plug-in cannot be triggered by MIDI Keyboard or Pad controller input.

  1. Create a MIDI track in Digital Performer:
    Project > Add Track > MIDI Track
    01_-_Add_Track.png
  2. Route the MIDI Track to the instrument track containing Massive.
    03_-_Tracks_w_Info.png

Events from the MIDI track will now trigger the instrument track containing Massive.

Inserting Effects

Effects plug-ins can be used in a DAW as an Insert effect or a Send effect. This guide demonstrates how to set up Insert effects. For further information about effects routing in Digital Performer, please consult the Digital Performer manual.

Loading the Effect Plug-in

  1. In the Digital Performer Mixing Board, click an empty insert slot to open the Insert Effects list.
    04_-_Empty_Insert_Slot.png
  2. Choose an NI effect from this list. Use the search bar near the top of the Insert Effects list to quickly find a plug-in. In this example, the distortion effect Dirt is chosen.
    05_-_Insert_Effects_Menu_Search_Bar.png

The Dirt effect plug-in will now process the output signal of the software instrument track containing Massive. After loading the Dirt effect plug-in, its interface will open automatically for editing.

If you wish to open it again after closing its window, click the effect plug-in's name in the channel strip.

06_-_Tab_to_Reopen_Effect_Plug-In.png