DAW Guide
MIDISketch in Pro Tools
Pro Tools uses the AAX format exclusively, it can't load VST3 plugins directly. Until MIDISketch ships an AAX build, you can use Blue Cat's PatchWork to bridge the gap. This method is confirmed working by Pro Tools users.
AAX Version Coming Soon
A native AAX build of MIDISketch is in development. Once released, you'll be able to load MIDISketch directly in Pro Tools without any wrapper. Until then, Blue Cat's PatchWork is the recommended method and has been confirmed working by our users.
What You Need
- Pro Tools 2023+, Any recent version of Pro Tools
- Blue Cat's PatchWork, VST3 host that runs inside Pro Tools as AAX ($99)
- MIDISketch VST3, Download from the MIDISketch page
Setup via PatchWork
Blue Cat's PatchWork is an AAX plugin that hosts VST3 plugins inside it. Pro Tools sees PatchWork as a regular AAX instrument, MIDISketch runs inside PatchWork.
- Install Blue Cat's PatchWork (make sure the AAX version is installed). Close Pro Tools before installing.
- Install MIDISketch, the installer places the VST3 in the standard system folder.
- Open Pro Tools. Create an Instrument Track and insert Blue Cat's PatchWork as an AAX plugin.
- Inside PatchWork, click an empty slot and load MIDISketch (VST3). It will appear in PatchWork's plugin browser.
- Inside MIDISketch, click the Synth button to host an MPE-compatible synth (Serum, Vital, Phase Plant, etc.).
- Enable MPE in the hosted synth and set pitch bend range to
48semitones.Most synths default to a pitch bend range of
2. Bends will sound barely audible until you change this to48. Alternatively, match MIDISketch's pitch bend range to your synth inFile → MIDI Settings. - Draw notes and pitch curves in MIDISketch's piano roll. Press play in Pro Tools, everything routes through PatchWork automatically.
Good to Know
- Per-note pitch bending works when hosting synths inside MIDISketch, the MPE magic happens inside the plugin, independent of Pro Tools.
- MIDISketch's Standalone app works without any wrapper, use it to sketch ideas then export MIDI files to import into Pro Tools.
Pro Tools does not support MPE natively. Standard pitch wheel from MIDISketch will affect all notes on the channel simultaneously.
Parameter automation from Pro Tools to plugins inside PatchWork requires mapping through PatchWork's parameter system.
A native AAX build is planned, this will eliminate the need for PatchWork entirely.
Confirmed Working With
- Pro Tools 2025 + PatchWork
- Windows 10/11
- MIDISketch v0.9.7.5+
Guides for Other DAWs
VST3 + AU + CLAP · macOS & Windows · $45 Lifetime License