Tech specs:
Windows 10 (21H1)
Sample Tank CS 4.1.4 (21E19)
Apollo Twin USB running UAD software v9145
I often use software like SampleTank in stand alone mode, just for quick relaxing jams before bed. No need to fire up the DAW for that. Something I do with Kontakt, for example, is route my main outputs to the Apollo's "virtual" outputs so that I can use my UAD AKG reverb plug-in before it hits the main outs. I tried this in SampleTank after redeeming my free Art Deco Piano and... strange things happen.
Where the strange things happen
Before I get into the weirdness, the following DOES work:
- Running SampleTank within ProTools, I can set the output of the track I have SampleTank on to "Virtual 3/4" and it works great.
- Using the stand alone versions of similar sofware, like Kontakt, Waves standalone instruments and GigPerformer, works fine so it doesn't seem to be a problem with the Apollo.
- Running SampleTank in stand alone mode and using the Apollo's standard MON L and MON R works just fine.
The strangeness when running SampleTank in stand alone mode:
- Choosing Virtual 3 and Virtual 4 as my Left and Right channel outputs results in complete silence (I already use Virtual 1 and Virtual 2 for my ProTools output).
- By accident, while taking the screenshot above, I discovered that choosing Virtual 3 as Left channel and MON R as Right channel results in a wet reverb on the Left, with a dry Right side. So, that kinda works.
- However, choosing MON L for Left channel and Virtual 4 for the Right, only results in a dry Left side, with no output to Virtual 4. It does NOT do the expected "flip" that you think it would.
- Just for kicks I tried Virtual 1 and Virtual 2 and they behave in a similar manner. There is a pattern here - no output with both Virtual 1 and 2 together, a "wet/dry" output with Virtual 1 and MON R selected, and only a dry Left side when running MON L and and Virtual 2 together.
In summary, I can't get Sample Tank to output to any stereo pair of "virtual" channels. Only odd virtual channels (1 and 3) seem to work, and only on the Left side! Yes, I know I could simply insert reverb with SampleTank itself, however, I really like using the AKG one. It's quite lush.
Additional notes:
The Apollo Console software lets you "link" your Virtual outputs into stereo pairs for ease of use, if so desired. I tried them both linked and unlinked, restarting SampleTank after each change. It made no difference.
I also tried other instruments beside Art Deco Piano. No difference.
I appreciate any help!