Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

NanoHost VS Gig Performer

Compare NanoHost VS Gig Performer and see what are their differences

NanoHost logo NanoHost

Free, minimalist host application for Windows that can load VST-synths.

Gig Performer logo Gig Performer

Gig Performer is a cross-platform audio plugin host for live music performances
  • NanoHost Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-12-22
  • Gig Performer Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-14

NanoHost features and specs

  • Lightweight
    NanoHost is a very lightweight application, requiring minimal system resources, which makes it ideal for older systems or those with limited processing power.
  • Ease of Use
    The application has a simple and straightforward interface, making it approachable for beginners or those who want to quickly load and host VST plugins without a steep learning curve.
  • Portability
    NanoHost can be run from a USB stick or any other portable medium, allowing users to carry their plugin setups and use them on different computers without installation.
  • Freeware
    NanoHost is available for free, providing a cost-effective solution for users looking to host VST plugins without purchasing expensive DAWs.
  • Low-Latency
    It provides low-latency audio performance, which is essential for real-time audio processing and playback.

Possible disadvantages of NanoHost

  • Limited Features
    Compared to full-fledged DAWs or other advanced host applications, NanoHost has limited functionalities and is primarily focused on hosting VST plugins.
  • Windows Only
    NanoHost is only available for Windows, which limits its accessibility for users on macOS or Linux platforms.
  • No MIDI Recording
    It lacks built-in MIDI recording capabilities, which could be a drawback for users who want to capture and edit MIDI performances directly within the host.
  • Dependency on VSTs
    Since NanoHost is designed to host VST plugins, it is entirely dependent on the quality and variety of third-party VSTs available to the user.

Gig Performer features and specs

  • Versatility
    Gig Performer supports various plugins and virtual instruments, allowing musicians and performers to integrate their preferred digital tools seamlessly into live performances.
  • Stability
    The platform is designed for live performances, with a strong focus on stability and minimal latency, ensuring reliable behavior during shows.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    Gig Performer features an intuitive user interface that makes it easy for users to set up and control their live setups without needing extensive technical knowledge.
  • Customization
    It offers extensive customization options for creating and mapping virtual rackspaces, allowing performers to tailor their setups to specific needs or preferences.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    Gig Performer is available for both Windows and macOS, making it accessible to a wide range of users regardless of their operating system preference.

Possible disadvantages of Gig Performer

  • Learning Curve
    While the interface is user-friendly, getting the most out of its comprehensive features might require some time and effort to learn effectively.
  • Price
    As a professional-level software, Gig Performer comes at a relatively high price point, which might be a barrier for some hobbyist musicians or performers on a tight budget.
  • Limited Built-in Effects
    The software relies heavily on third-party plugins, and although this offers flexibility, it means users might need to invest in additional plugins to enhance their setups fully.
  • Resource Intensive
    Running multiple, complex setups with numerous plugins can be resource-intensive, potentially requiring a powerful computer to prevent performance issues.
  • No Mobile Version
    Gig Performer does not currently offer a mobile version, which limits its use to laptops or desktop systems during live performances.

NanoHost videos

Test VST soft synths the easiest way for absolute beginners using nanohost

Gig Performer videos

Plugin Alliance GIG PERFORMER 3 - USE YOUR PLUGINS LIVE w/o A DAW! (near ZERO latency)

More videos:

  • Review - 5 Reasons for using Gig Performer rather than a DAW
  • Review - Gig Performer: Live Effects, No Daw!

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to NanoHost and Gig Performer)
Audio & Music
30 30%
70% 70
Email Marketing
30 30%
70% 70
Audio
34 34%
66% 66
Tool
26 26%
74% 74

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare NanoHost and Gig Performer

NanoHost Reviews

We have no reviews of NanoHost yet.
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Gig Performer Reviews

  1. Greg Connors
    · Keyboardist at Freelance musician ·
    Best tool for live performers

    Gig Performer 4 reinvented my experience on stage. Widgets, setlists, remote control via OSC, ChordPro, custom scripts help me to perform with confidence!

    🏁 Competitors: Cantabile, Mainstage 2
    👍 Pros:    Glitch free|Cpu friendly|Chordpro support|Osc support|Widgets|Easy to use
    👎 Cons:    No smartphone versions|Needs optimization for windows 10 tablet mode

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Gig Performer seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 2 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

NanoHost mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of NanoHost yet. Tracking of NanoHost recommendations started around Mar 2021.

Gig Performer mentions (2)

  • Sticky: RESOURCES & INFO
    Read the sidebar just to make sure you're in the right place. As of right now, I am the first and only member/mod of the subreddit. I created the sub because I love this DAW and noticed it didn't have much of an active following outside of the community forums on gigperformer.com itself. If you use Gig Performer and have a reddit account, feel free to join and share! Source: over 2 years ago
  • Is there a PC program where I just load plugins themselves and interface with that plugin's control panel? Instead of having to load through MPC Beats or another DAW/production type of program.
    Gig Performer does this easily (https://gigperformer.com) but disclaimer: I'm one of its developers. Source: almost 3 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing NanoHost and Gig Performer, you can also consider the following products

Cantabile - Plugin host for live performance.

VSTHost - Hostprogram for VST-Plugins with ASIO-Support

Blue Cat's PatchWork - Blue Cat's PatchWork is a universal plug-ins patchbay and multi FX that can host up to 64 VST, VST3, Audio Unit or built-in plug-ins into any Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) in a single instance, with both serial and parallel routing options.

SAVIHost - Make VST instrument plugins into standalone apps.

DDMF Metaplugin - Metaplugin is a plugin that loads other plugins. As simple as that. Build your own effect networks with this plugin wrapper using any VST/VST3 (and AU, if you’re on Mac) effect you already have on your harddisk.

Blue Cat MB-7 Mixer - Blue Cat's MB-7 Mixer is a unique plug-in that splits the signal into several frequency bands and lets you re-mix and process them as if they were separate tracks: change levels, apply panning, add built-in effects, or even third party plug-ins.