NanoHost is described as 'Is not a synthesizer. It is a free, minimalist host application for Windows that can load VST-synths. Furthermore, it can act as a wrapper which converts VST-synthesizers into standalone applications' and is an app. There are more than 10 alternatives to NanoHost for Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS and BSD. The best NanoHost alternative is Carla, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like NanoHost are Light Host, Kushview Element, VSTHost and Pedalboard 2.
Carla is an audio plugin host, with support for many audio drivers and plugin formats. It has some nice features like automation of parameters via MIDI CC (and send output back as MIDI too) and full OSC control.
A minimalistic VST host. Holds up to 4 VSTs. Allows for multiple instances (see how on GitHub). If you try to load an unregistered plugin, it may fail. Register somewhere else, then load it. If the sound clicks a lot, increase the buffer size or switch to Direct Sound in Audio...
United States
Element is a cross-platform, modular AU/VST audio plugin host. Create powerful effects racks and instruments by connecting plugins to one another. Load graphs on the fly for quick access to your sounds.
United States
Austria
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A VST (plus AudioUnit on OSX) plugin host designed for live use. Based on the JUCE 'audio plugin host' code, heavily modified to better suit my purposes.
Cantabile is a music workstation for live performing musicians. Build your ideal rig - one that leaves you free to focus on giving your best performance.
SAVIHost lets you basically turn a VST instrument plugin into a standalone app. It's a very simple VST host that loads up a similarly named VSTi dll file and lets you interact with the plugin as if it's been loaded into a DAW complete with keyboard and extensive options...
AustriaEU
Plogue Bidule is a modular audio software with full VST, Audio Unit and Rewire support.
Canada
Live, modular sound design environment that enables a user to combine, split, layer and chain their VST instruments and FX.
United Kingdom
Rack Performer is a high-level modular environment hosting VST plugins and internal modules (over 100 and counting), with MIDI support, multi-channel audio I/O and internal processing, complete automatic patch-delay compensation, sample accurate sequencing, low jitter and...
FranceEU
Blue Cat's PatchWork is a universal plug-ins patchbay that can host up to 64 VST, VST3, Audio Unit or built-in plug-ins into any Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) in one instance.
inTone 2 works as a simple jamming tool as well as a sophisticated playback machine. It is a live production mixer that processes multiple audio inputs with studio plug-ins.
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