List of apps that can run from a flash drive

Configure and optimize you computer for Audio.
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Well, I had a recent thread where I was asking how to run EXT on a Flash drive. My problem with it was that it needed ASIO, and I don't have it. So that started me on a search for something to run it as a VST.

So I figured we could share apps that we have success with running them on a flash drive. No other factors, just that it can run on a flash drive. If they only need ASIO, put that down also, as not every computer will let you install ASIO.

Here is what I have working so far:

1. EXT- needs ASIO, but runs perfect in another host
2. Phrazor
3. Reaper
4. VST Host
5. Tunafish- just select "Run as portable application" in options.(Brambos)
6. tinyhost(Big Tick)
7. LUNA
8. Simple Virtual Host(plugin host from FXpansion)
9. CMuzy's(probably regular Muzy's also)
10. Wavosaur Audio Editor
11. Audacity Audio Editor
12. Airrack
13. SAW Studio
14. Lunchbox Battles


I know there are more, and I have tried a couple others, but I forgot all of them. So what other hosts or music apps of any kind do you have that will run from a flash drive? It can be commercial or free.

If it requires special steps, also post them, like an ini file needing moved. I thought this was the case with Reaper, but I didn't do that and it runs fine here at work.

Cheers!

Brent
Last edited by koolkeys on Sat Feb 10, 2007 7:54 am, edited 8 times in total.
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This would be useful actaully.. but I just use firefox and other open source stuff for usb portability as I don't think I could get away with it in work..

Interesting idea though, and do the files save?.. For example, if you edit the prefrence in an application (e.g. ext) does it save?

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Well, it has so far in all my apps I've tested. I have also found that some of them will actually install directly to the flash drive. Actually, all of the ones I listed will do so. Just select the drive as the install directory.

No problems so far from here.

Brent
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You can add Tunafish to that list, and it works nicely with MME which means it will work on virtually every PC 8)

Simply click the "Run as portable application" checkbox in the settings menu and it will create the .ini file for you and won't look at the registry any more.

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No problems so far from here.
Same here using EXT and Chainer (will try tuna in a bit) :) .

I'm using a 2gig Kingston stick loaded with VSTs and Energy.
Now if i'm not mistaken, Jorgen mentioned having it so EXT2 will install the .ini file within the jumpdrive correct? Cause if so....... :hyper:

Very cool. A studio on a stick.

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EnergyXT and VST Host has the added advantage that they don't need to scan your VST folder to run plugin. XT even allows drag and dropping dlls (VST Host might too, haven't check).
This saves us hassle if your drive letter keeps changing - like when using it on several different computers
In Reaper it is just best to add <DRIVE>:/VSTplugins* for every possible/ likely drive letter.

I wish some of this appssupported relative paths.



*Or whereever you plugins are
CubaseStudio4 µTonic/Rapture Nitro/GS-201/Ohmicide/TBK 1&3

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spacefox wrote:EnergyXT and VST Host has the added advantage that they don't need to scan your VST folder to run plugin. XT even allows drag and dropping dlls (VST Host might too, haven't check).
You can add Tunafish to that list too.. :wink:

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My own tinyhost (standalone ASIO vsti host) will run anywhere too - it only the registry to recall preference.
'Tick

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LUNA also runs fine from a flash drive :)

And regarding VST's: You only scan what you want to scan, thanks to the Plugin Manager ;)

More info -> http://www.mutools.com

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I have added all the mentioned to the list.

I think this is important. People don't even realize that they can run an entire studio from their flash drive.

I have found that some apps will even install DIRECTLY to the flash drive. And yes, EXT2 is supposed to use the INI file in the same directory as the app.

Anyone else want to try their apps? It can be a plugin host or sequencer or wave editor or whatever! Commercial or free.

Somebody else said it, but this is what a dongle SHOULD be used for.

I hope this thread is useful for somebody.

Brent
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Well, I have preliminary news. I have gotten Tracktion2 to work on my flash drive! I just installed it there. The only catch is that the installation let me know that I didn't have permission to write to the registry, as I'm at work. I just hit "ignore" on the few items it needed to write.

But the program seems to work perfectly so far. I wonder what registry entries it needs? Could it just be some file associations? Anyone have any idea?

Right now, I may be as happy as possible, as I can use Final Mix and the other fantastic Mackie plugs here at work.

Any input from anyone here on what the registry things may have been? I forgot to actually see what the entry names were!

Brent
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This site specialises in adapting apps to run from USB without needing to write to your HD or registry:

http://portableapps.com/

maybe if you contact them they could help in adapting music apps too?

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had a quick trawl through the registry and couldnt find anything referring to tracktion that looked hugely important (im no registry expert though so take that with a pinch of salt) ...

... only thing that springs to mind is how tracktion will deal with registration (machine IDs and all that) if running from a removable drive ??? ... maybe thats something it writes to the registry ???

slainte :?: rob

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I haven't tried that yet. Just using the demo without registering. If I can conclude that this will work without too much hastle, I may use my one upgrade option left. I already have the boxed version, but my.mackie.com says I have an online upgrade available. If that is the case, I will get that and use a machine ID to check it out. Or if it works well enough, since I'm here at work alot, I may try changing this to my second machine ID so I can do work here. But then I wouldn't be able to have it at home on one of my computers. So it looks like the $20 upgrade may be the one I use.

That's the one thing I'm worried about is registration is something it writes.

I would be on cloud nine if this did indeed work. I'll keep testing.

I also plan on testing every app I can that is free, just to update the list. And if anyone can test any other apps and confirm them work, I'll add them to the list. If it gets long enough, I will organize the list.

Again, this should be interesting.

Brent
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(moved from everything else to hardware etc ... and stickied)

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