Fsynthz has released ProgAte, a free VSTi MIDI processing utility for Windows.
ProgAte allows user to control up to 8 subsequent synths with one MIDI source (e.g. keyboard) making use of:
- Program changes remapping;
- Layers/splits (velocity range, key range);
- Volume adjustments;
- Synths switching on/off;
- Pitch bend and controllers filtering off.
ProgAte additionally features switching programs using one MIDI button, assignable to any controller (default is #64 Hold/Sustain): short hit - one program forward, long hit (>1 sec) - one backward.
This way, a pile of different synths makes up one bank of MIDI programs, with transitions between entire complex setups being performed using one single button/pedal.