OK maybe I'm jsut stupid & need ot play with it more (I have never used PT before today), But I dont see anythign in PT free that would allow me to connect to an external software synth. I'm looking into buying one, like reBirth or sometign of that type, and have found a little documentation about using some "direct connect" stuff but aparently that's a plug-in & I can't find it in PT free. Is it included or is it a third party deal? If anyone can give me some gineral pointers on the whole concept behind software synths I'd apreciate it. i dont want to drop that cash if I can't get it to work with PT free. 1000 thanks!

DirectConnect is installed in your plug-ins folder when you install PT Free. Go to the Downloads section here and download the Tokyo plug-in from the DirectConnect page. That will allow you to use the Koblo soft-synths. If you download the Koblo demos, the manual will explain in detail how to use it with DirectConnect. DirectConnect won't show up in your plug-ins list, but Tokyo will after you have set it up according to the Koblo instructions. Works fine with Pro Tools Free. There is a list on the download page of all of the DirectConnect compatible applications, with links to their websites where you can download demo versions of most of them. ------------------ Bruce Paine Digidesign

My mistake: The best detailed instructions on setting up DirectConnect are in the DigiRack Plug-Ins Guide, in the chapter named DirectConnect. Page 53 of the printed manual, page 57 of the pdf. (which you already have if you ran the Pro Tools FREE Documentation installer, or available from our Support/Manuals and Documentation section) ------------------ Bruce Paine Digidesign

OK, this is not a reply, more an extension to the question. I downloaded Direct Connect, and the Tokyo plug, installed them in the correct plug-in and extensions folders, yet when I try and configure my sound driver in Tokyo, the only choice I get is Sound Manager. According to the manual, I should be able to choose Direct Connect. Any advice? thanx in advance ------------------ flYboY [Note: This message has been edited by Digidesign]

That happened to me. You have to put the PT streaming manager icon into the Extensions folder inside the System folder. As long as you have the Tokyo plug inside the plug-ins folder you'll see the Direct Connect option come up. Just read ALL the instructions carefully. It really does work. Great fat sounds in the Vibra. Koblo also has the Tonemill coming out soon. haze