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4. Bridging 32-bit and 64-bit plugins
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If you really need to use an old 32-bit plugin you could run an old version of your DAW. On Mac OS X Cubase, up to v8.5 can be run in 32-bit or 64-bit mode. However, if you need to use the latest 64-bit DAWs, you’ll need another workaround. We’ll look at OS X shortly but first, Windows and some general advice to run 32-bit plugins on a 64-bit DAW. 2
On Windows some DAWs include their own 32-bit bridge. This may work fine for their own plugins but third party plugins are more unpredictable. Here, we are going to show you how to use an application called jBridge, which you can find at jstuff.wordpress.com/jbridge/. It costs €15. 3
To get started, download and run the installer. If you want to give it a try before you buy, there is a demo version as well. This limits saving and loading and goes silent after 20 minutes, but at least you can see if it works on your system or provides the functionality you’re after. 4
Once installed, you’ll need to run the jBridger tool from the Start menu. This asks you which sort of host you’ll be using. We’ve chosen 64-bit. The next window then has some options. Unless you know what you’re doing, it’s best to simply select all the recommended options. Finally, click the recommended ‘create files’ option. 5
Next up, you have to specify the VST folders or files you want to scan. For testing purposes we have simply selected the 32-bit versions of FilterBank3. Then you need to create a destination folder. Note that this can’t be the same as the original folder selected above. 6
The final stage is to make sure your DAW can find the bridged files. Either direct your DAW VSTplugin directory to the new folder created above, or simply copy the bridged files to your regular directory. Now launch your DAW and you should have your jBridge 32-bit plugin working inside your 64-bit application. 7
On Mac OS X, the introduction of 10.15 Catalina had a negative impact on 32-bit compatibility. For OS X 10.15 or later there’s no reliable solution we can recommend to use 32-bit plugins in 64-bit software. However, if you’re on OS X 10.14 Mojave or earlier then you’re in luck. Here are two options. 8
32 Lives from Sound Radix ($99) is a Mac-only VST and Audio Units adapter that lets you run 32-bit versions of these plugins in 64-bit applications. It has a slick interface and is easy to use. That said, it’s not cheap and will probably never be updated for 10.15 or later. 9
jBridgeM is €10 and runs on Intel Mac 10.6 to 10.14 versions. It is a VST 2.4 only application that allows you to bridge in both directions, so 64-bit plugins can be run in 32-bit applications and vice versa.