Does anybody have experience running Native Instruments VSTs on Linux? Specifically the stuff from NI Komplete that uses their Native Access app for installation and management?

I’m currently using Ableton on Windows 10, dual booting with Ubuntu. I only keep Windows for Ableton and games at the moment but want to shift as much as possible to full time Linux once I’m forced to upgrade to Windows 11.

I’m currently learning Bitwig Studio for this purpose but a big chunk of my plugins come from NI’s Komplete and it would be painful to have to replace them.

I’ve seen people saying they successfully run Windows VSTs on Linux with Wine, but I feel like the Native Access app that NI forces on you might complicate that.

  • ProdigalFrog@slrpnk.netEnglish
    5·
    27 days ago

    For running Windows VSTs on Linux, you’ll want to use Yabridge, which from what I’ve read has pretty superb compatibility.

    I think where that can go sideways is with DRM. If Native Access acts as a DRM, that indeed may be a problem. You could try installing it with Wine and Yabridge and seeing how far you get.

    One way of potentially getting around that is by sailing the high seas so that aspect doesn’t interfere.

  • onebonestone@lemmy.worldEnglish
    4·
    27 days ago

    It’s a hassle. Last time I set this up I had to use the legacy installer (Native Access 1) and yabridge. With each wine update there might be a chance of something breaking. I’m able to run most plugins fine but not Guitar Rig. I’m on Fedora so your experience may differ.

    • AstralPath@lemmy.caEnglish
      3·
      26 days ago

      I have Wine version locked to 9.21 as later versions introduce unacceptable bugs. 9.21 has been stable for me.

      The legacy installer via yabridge is the way to go. I have Kontakt running just fine.

    • SamuraiBeandog@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      1·
      26 days ago

      That’s great info, thanks. I’m open to changing the distro I use to get the best results so I’ll do some experimenting.

  • BerenstainsMonster@kbin.earth
    1·
    14 days ago

    I got Kontakt working halfway okay on Linux Mint. I’ll try to scrounge up what I did to get it running. Please remind me if you don’t hear back from me.

    But tbh, I don’t use it much, because even on macOS, I found it sluggish. YMMV though, so I’ll try to be helpful soon.

    If need be, you may find some free/cheap alternatives to NI instruments in DecentSampler.