8.0

Synchronization
Working with VST System Link
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• The audio hardware must have digital inputs and outputs.
To be able to connect the computers, the digital connections must be
compatible (i.
e. the same digital formats and connection types must be
available).
• At least one digital audio cable must be available for each computer in the
network.
• A VST System Link host application must be installed on each computer.
Any VST System Link application can connect to another.
Additionally, use of a KVM switchbox is recommended.
Using a KVM switchbox
Whether you want to set up a multi-computer network or a small network in a limited
space, it is a good idea to invest in a KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switchbox.
With one of these you can use the same keyboard, monitor, and mouse to control
each computer in the system, and you can switch between computers very rapidly.
If you decide not to go this route, the network will function just the same, but you
may end up doing a lot of jumping from one machine to the other while setting up!
Making connections
Below, we assume that you are connecting two computers. Should you have more
than two computers, it is still best to start with two and add the others one by one
once the system is working – this makes troubleshooting easier if you run into
problems. For two computers, you will need two digital audio cables, one in each
direction:
PROCEDURE
1. Use the first digital audio cable to connect the digital output of computer 1 to
the digital input of computer 2.
2. Use the other cable to connect the digital output of computer 2 to the digital
input of computer 1.
If a card has more than one set of inputs and outputs, choose whichever one that suits
you – for simplicity usually the first set is best.
Synchronization
Before you proceed, you need to make sure that the clock signals on your ASIO
cards are synchronized correctly. This is essential when cabling any kind of digital
audio system, not just VST System Link.