incase this helps anyone.
I can not stand modern DAWS. ProTools 5.1.3 has spoiled me for 2 decades.
But I really dig some of the modern VST/FX and VST/Interments
So I have a modern windows PC 100% slaved to chase Vintage OS9 ProTools 5.1.3
This is the combo to do that;
Host - MDD G4 / OS9 / Digidesign Mix Plus system / Mark of the Unicorn Midi Time Piece AV USB
Slave - Win10 PC / running Cantabile / Focusrite USBC I/O / MTC & Midi clock via 5 pin midi from MTPAV
https://www.cantabilesoftware.com/free-vst-hostthis is the only VST sandbox I like, Ableton makes me want to poke my eyes out. Avid wants a subscription Booooo
Cantible is just a playground to drag and drop VSTs and interconnect them. and save that combo for easy recall.
I have made some SUPER wild presets mixing Kilohearts, Arturia, and IKmultimedia VSTs
https://kilohearts.com/?AFFILIATE=3117&__c=1Cantible lets you route
anything anywhere like a modular synth.
I added 2x patch cables to route (focusrite 18I20) channels 7/8out into 5/6in. OMG now you can drop a pitch shifter and
all manner of inappropriate FX onto a feedback return.
OMG!! Can you say fully manipulatable hidef earthquaker devices rainbow machine or digitech space station
To be very honest I have to really really want something PT5 and the gear it interfaces CAN NOT DO
to fire up the PC open up an Aux channel(s) or stereo channel(s) in record to pull things over.
the myriad of TDM plugs like TC MegaReverb and Line 6 Echo Farm cover so much ground
TDM Access Virus (Red / classic) could replace most of my real synth collection (pro3 and 2600clone excluded)
side note the Eventide MixingLink and 40 year pedal collection goes really far at broadening a pallet
https://www.eventideaudio.com/pedals/mixinglink/