Ableton Forum

I have a VST plugin that accepts MIDI, sends it to an external synth via USB, but does not get audio back. Rather, audio comes back through analog cables plugged into inputs in my usual audio interface.

If the external synth accepted MIDI directly, I could use an External Instrument, but it wants input via the VST plugin.

I can make this work by having two separate tracks, one MIDI and one audio. I have theaudio track take input from the audio interface and send my MIDI to the MIDi track. What's the easiest way to get it to work with a single track?

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I figured it out! I'm leaving the question and answer here in case it helps someone else...

The answer is to follow the VST instrument by an "External effect" with its output going to nowhere and its input coming from the relevant ports on my audio interface. Unlike an External Instrument, an External Effect will listen to input even if it is not configured to send output.

You could enclose both tracks with whatever plugins and routing you need in a Group Track, then save that Group Track to your user library.

This is maybe just one way, without knowing the specifics of the VST and outboard equipment you're using. Letting us know if you're on Mac or PC might be relevant too.